Media

McGill, University of Hong Kong forge partnership in cutting-edge medical research

18 Jan 2011

 

 

  Better understanding of genomics will create new opportunities for personalized medicine

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and McGill University, Canada, have forged a new partnership in biomedical science research, aimed at providing improved support for students and professors in both institutions, as well as joint grant applications and other activities that will build on their respective strengths as leaders in this important emerging field.

HKU's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, said: "I am extremely pleased to see collaborative opportunities like this one established between our two universities, especially in a field as dynamic and exciting as biomedical science. Together with the possibility of making more novel discoveries, this partnership further strengthens HKU's commitment to establishing ever greater co-operation with respected universities around the world."

"This exciting new partnership is a significant addition to the genomic revolution," said Professor Heather Munroe-Blum, McGill's Principal and Vice-Chancellor. "This welcome collaboration brings an important new partner to McGill's commitment and collective efforts to deliver meaningful advancements from outstanding biomedical research."

As a first step, the two universities have agreed to develop their collaborative work by providing seed funding for a number of joint research initiatives. These funds will be spent thorough joint calls for proposals to be held twice a year to support pilot grant projects.

It is expected that this partnership will offer scientists at both institutions the opportunity to strengthen their research programs and expand the scope of their studies, leading to major advances in biomedical research.

"The University of Hong Kong, as a comprehensive world-class research-led university, has a strong foundation of internationally renowned researchers and high-level facilities. We aim to nurture our researchers through offering clear direction and providing an environment conducive to fruitful collaboration and internationalization," said Professor Paul Tam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), adding: "Biomedical research probes the mechanisms underpinning many diseases, offering insights into potential treatments and preventive measures, and as such, represents research that will have significant impact on the advancement of Hong Kong, Canada and the rest of the world."

"McGill is proud to be at the forefront in developing health care for the 21st Century that is more predictive, personalized and preventive, based on a deeper understanding of genomics," said Richard I. Levin, Vice-Principal of Health Affairs and Dean of McGill's Faculty of Medicine. "International collaborations like these not only enrich our collective knowledge about disease and treatment, they help us bring ground-breaking research to patients in Montreal, in Hong Kong and around the world more quickly."

Contact:

McGill University
Douglas Sweet, Director, Media Relations Office
514-398-6752 (office) / 514-294-7268 (cell)
douglas.sweet@mcgill.ca

The University of Hong Kong
Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606, email: pychoy@hku.hk  or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk

About McGill:
Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, is Canada's leading post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 10 professional schools, 300 programs of study and more than 35,000 students. McGill attracts students from more than 135 countries around the world. Almost half of McGill students claim a first language other than English - including 6,200 francophones - with more than 6,800 international students making up almost 20 per cent of the student body.

About the University of Hong Kong:
Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the territory's oldest university, with a long heritage of academic excellence and service to the community. Today, HKU is a world-class comprehensive research-led university, and internationally respected league tables, such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings, have named HKU 1st in Asia, and 21st and 23rd in the world respectively.

With a strong international outlook and a tradition of English language instruction, HKU attracts the brightest students and the best academic staff from around the world, with 110 of its faculty listed by the Institute for Scientific Information as being among the world's top 1 per cent of scientists. The University is committed to nurturing talent and leaders for both the local and global community and to cultivating internationalism on campus. It strongly supports international academic collaboration, and staff and student exchanges at all levels, with over 400 higher education institutions.