Media

HKU collaborates with National Academy of Medicine
to nurture future talents and tackle global health issues

17 Mar 2017

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) entered into a partnership agreement with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in February 2017 to nurture future talents and to jointly tackle global challenges in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

NAM is a world premier nonprofit, non-governmental organisation that provides advice on issues relating to biomedical science and health to policy-makers, professionals, leaders, and the public in the US and around the world. Working with the NAM President Dr. Victor Dzau, HKU Vice President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) Professor W. John Kao helped establish several collaboration projects between HKU and NAM. These opportunities include: (a) the first-ever HKU-NAM International Fellowship Program for mid-career HKU faculty staff to work in Washington DC; (b) the organisation of international roundtables and summits to tackle global health-related issues such as regenerative medicine, mental health, ageing, and gender equity; and (c) the contextualisation of NAM consensus studies that are of practical use for HK.

“The International Fellowship” brings together a community of HKU scholars to travel regularly to and work in Washington DC with the staff of the National Academies to learn the National Academies’ approaches to health policy. The Program is intended to strengthen faculty research programs and to enhance the development of new research, while creating opportunities for scholars to experience and participate in healthcare or public health studies that improve the care and access to care of patients in domestic and global health care systems. During the fellowship period, Fellows will participate actively in the work of an appropriate expert study committee or roundtable, including contributing to its consensus reports or other policy advices. Each Fellow will be assigned a faculty mentor who is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

“The collaboration exemplifies increasing synergies between institutions, academic, and policy research organisations, while engaging a wide spectrum of disciplines to nurture future talents and to bring real changes to Hong Kong and the world, “ said Professor Kao.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Melanie Wan, Senior Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU (tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk).