Events

ong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) participated in the highly anticipated InnoHK Summit 2023, held at Hong Kong Science Park on 6 December 2023. Prof. Nancy Ip, Center Director of HKCeND, took the stage to share the groundbreaking research and development (R&D) breakthroughs in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. The inspiring presentation of Prof. Ip shed light on the key advancements of the Center in developing innovative diagnostic tests and therapeutic strategies, aimed at addressing the global health threat of Alzheimer’s disease, which is associated with an aging population. The interactive booths at the summit created a vibrant atmosphere, allowing the HKCeND team to engage in insightful exchanges and showcase their R&D achievements to visitors. ’This summit not only provided an exceptional platform for us to share our impactful R&D breakthroughs, but also facilitated us to exchange with world-class experts, innovators, and industry leaders. It further fuels our drive to revolutionize diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for Alzheimer’s disease,’ said Prof. Ip. As a research center under the InnoHK initiative, the Center remains committed to fostering global research collaboration, driving scientific and technological advancements, and translating R&D outcomes into tangible solutions. ’With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a top-notch team, we strive to bring impactful healthcare solutions that benefit society,’ added Prof. Ip. The InnoHK Summit 2023, organized by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, attracted more than 800 prominent academics, scientists, representatives of renowned institutes and industry leaders from Hong Kong and around the world. The summit showcased the latest innovations and developments of 28 InnoHK centers and unpacked innovation and technology (I&T) trends and opportunities through panel discussions with top experts from the industry and academia.

Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) participated in the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) on 17 May 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The team showcased their latest research breakthroughs and cutting-edge innovations in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. At the event, the team exhibited the first multi-biomarker-based simple blood test for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which can detect, diagnose and monitor the disease with an accuracy of more than 96%. This novel solution would revolutionize the large-scale screening and detection of the disease, enabling timely and personalized interventions. In parallel, the team also shared insights on gene therapy, in particular, the promising genome-editing strategy for familial Alzheimer’s disease. This breakthrough provides immense potential to be translated into a new treatment strategy for familial Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for patients and their families worldwide. Themed “Reimagining the Future of Healthcare”, the ASGH 2023 is a premier platform for health innovation and investment, bringing together all the stakeholders from around the world to exchange insights, explore opportunities and collaborate on the diverse and dynamic healthcare sector. At HKCeND, the team is committed to advancing research in neurodegenerative diseases and delivering healthcare solutions that benefit society.

Our Assistant Center Director Prof. Tom Cheung was invited by Education Bureau to deliver a lecture titled ’SS Enriching Knowledge Series for Biology: Biotechnology’ in Hong Kong Science Park on 10 Mar 2023. Prof. Cheung introduced some techniques of biotechnology and their applications to the secondary school biology teachers. Followed by the lecture, Prof. Cheung and Dr. Ashley Suen led the teachers for a tour of our research facilities. We are delighted for the opportunity to share our vision and research achievements, particularly in genome-editing technology and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

The team of Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) participated in the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on 10-11 November 2022, showcasing major R&D breakthroughs in the healthcare sector. The team, led by Dr. Fanny Ip, Chief Scientific Officer of HKCeND, demonstrated their world-class and impactful research achievements in developing early diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the ASGH has provided an important platform for the team to exchange insights and explore collaboration opportunities with key industry players and investors. Spearheaded by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), HKCeND was established in 2020 under the government-funded InnoHK initiative. The team is dedicated to translating cutting-edge research into innovative healthcare solutions that bring hope to millions of patients worldwide.

The HKUST Industry Engagement Day was successfully held today (7 November), with the participation of hundreds of industry players, potential investors, academics, government officials, entrepreneurs, and HKUST researchers. By demonstrating HKUST’s passion and capability in research and development, the event aims to engage industry partners with HKUST researchers to explore collaboration and technology transfer opportunities, thereby driving Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development. As one of the research laboratories established by HKUST, Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) is honored to participate in this event. The HKCeND representatives showcased promising research breakthroughs in the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from the demonstration of research inventions, Dr. Fanny Ip, Chief Scientific Officer of HKCeND, was invited to speak at a thematic session on medical and biotechnology. She shared her insights into molecular diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease.

The InnoHK Launch Ceremony, organized by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, was held on 25 May 2022 at the Hong Kong Science Park. Professor Nancy Ip, Center Director of Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) and core members were honoured to attend the ceremony. The ceremony marks a new milestone in the government’s commitment to promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T). Being one of the R&D centres under the Health@InnoHK cluster, HKCeND aims to become the world’s leading research center focused on neurodegenerative diseases.