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HKU Hydrogeologists Identify Fermentation as Key Pathway for Ammonium Production Beneath the Pearl River Delta

A study led by Professor Jimmy Jiujiu JIAO from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Professor Meng LI from Shenzhen University has identified microbial fermentation as the likely main pathway for ammonium production in sediments beneath the Pearl River Delta, helping to explain the region’s exceptionally high natural groundwater ammonium levels. The Pearl River Delta hosts the highest naturally occurring groundwater ammonium concentrations reported globally, making affected groundwater unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Previous studies linked this accumulation to nitrogen-rich organic matter in fine-grained sediments and restricted groundwater circulation, but the responsible microbial pathways and organisms remained unclear. By analysing sediment samples across the delta, the team identified the major microbial processes involved and showed how sediment depth, age and salinity shape microbial communities and ammonium-producing pathways. The findings were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. Figure 1: Artist’s impression of ammonium accumulation beneath the Pearl River Delta. The illustration shows terrestrial, transitional, and marine depositional zones, where microbial fermentation is the likely dominant pathway for ammonium production. The illustration was created based on the study’s findings and is not drawn to scale. Fermentation Identified as the Main Pathway for Ammonium Production The researchers combined geochemical and metagenomic analyses of 36 sediment samples collected from three boreholes spanning different depths. The samples covered approximately 13,000 years of geological history and represented terrestrial-dominated, transitional and marine-dominated depositional environments. By analysing microbial genetic material preserved in the sediments, the team reconstructed 770 representative metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), providing detailed insights into the microorganisms present and their potential metabolic functions. Microbial communities and ammonium-related metabolic potential varied significantly along the land–sea gradient. Bacteria showed greater metabolic flexibility across different sediment conditions, which may help explain these shifts, while archaea tended to retain more conserved functional traits. The team found that fermentation-related genes were the most abundant across all three depositional zones, suggesting that fermentation is likely the primary microbial pathway for ammonium production. The abundance of these genes declined with sediment depth and age as readily degradable organic matter became depleted, leaving fewer substrates for microbial fermentation and ammonium production. This accumulation was particularly pronounced in the marine-dominated zone, where fine-grained, organic-rich sediments promote microbial production while restricting groundwater flow, trapping ammonium over thousands of years. Beyond fermentation, other microbial nitrogen-processing pathways also varied across the land–sea gradient. Nitrogen occurs in several chemical forms, and in some microbial pathways, nitrate is first reduced to nitrite, which can be converted into ammonium. In the terrestrial-dominated zone, genes associated with the first step—nitrate reduction—were the second most abundant. In the more saline transitional and marine-dominated zones, genes associated with the second step—the direct conversion of nitrite into ammonium—became more prominent. These differences suggest that salinity and the availability of nitrate and nitrite influence how ammonium is produced in different depositional environments. Among the bacteria identified, the marine-associated genus Brevirhabdus emerged as a potentially important contributor to ammonium cycling. Likely a legacy of past marine depositional conditions, it carries genes involved in fermentation and the conversion of nitrite into ammonium, suggesting that ancient depositional environments may continue to shape present-day groundwater chemistry. Professor Jimmy Jiao said, “Our findings move beyond the general understanding that buried organic matter is the source of ammonium. We have identified the microbial pathways and organisms that are likely responsible for producing it and shown how these processes vary across sediments formed under different environmental conditions.” Implications for Groundwater Management By linking depositional history, hydrogeochemistry and microbial function, the study provides a framework for understanding ammonium accumulation in delta regions worldwide. The findings may help identify vulnerable areas and improve groundwater assessment, monitoring and treatment planning in densely populated delta regions. Dr Meiqing LU, first author of the paper, completed her doctoral training under Professor Jimmy Jiao at HKU before joining Professor Meng Li’s group at Shenzhen University as a postdoctoral researcher. Professor Jiao and Professor Li are the co-corresponding authors of the study. The research also involved scientists from the Southern University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and East China Normal University. This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Guangdong–Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, the Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research, and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, among other funding sources. Figure 2: Conceptual model of historical depositional processes, biogeochemical zonation, and microbial ammonium metabolism. Image credit: Adapted from Lu et al., Nature Communications (2026). For details of the research, please refer to the paper “Microbial Drivers of Ammonium Accumulation in Holocene Sediments of the Pearl River Delta”, published in Nature Communications: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-72058-8

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HKU-led Review Highlights Hidden Seed Dispersers in Forest Regeneration

A review led by the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has revealed that tiny ground-dwelling invertebrates are overlooked but important seed dispersers, challenging the traditional focus on birds and mammals and offering new insights into forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation. Led by Professor Si-Chong CHEN from the School of Biological Sciences, the review, published in Trends in Plant Science, synthesises global evidence showing that invertebrates such as slugs, earthworms, beetles, crickets and crabs can consume seeds and later excrete them while they remain viable. The findings highlight an important but underappreciated pathway of seed dispersal that may help sustain plant regeneration, especially in fragmented or degraded ecosystems where larger animal dispersers are declining. Monotropastrum humile, a representative forest-floor plant whose seeds are dispersed internally by invertebrates. Its pale flowers emerging from the shaded forest floor evoke the hidden and often overlooked nature of plant–invertebrate interactions. Photo credit: Kenji Suetsugu.  A ground-dwelling cricket feeds on the fruit of Monotropastrum humile, illustrating how small invertebrates may ingest seeds and contribute to their dispersal across the forest floor. Photo credit: Kenji Suetsugu.   An Overlooked Pathway for Plant Regeneration Seed dispersal is essential for plant regeneration, forest recovery and biodiversity conservation. Scientific attention has traditionally focused on birds and mammals, which can move seeds over long distances after feeding on fruit. The HKU-led synthesis highlights another pathway: internal seed dispersal by small invertebrates, known as invertebrate endozoochory, in which seeds pass through an animal’s digestive tract and remain viable after being deposited. Professor Chen conducted the study in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Durham University in the United Kingdom, and Kobe University in Japan. By consolidating evidence from 43 peer-reviewed publications, the team synthesised evidence of internal seed dispersal involving at least 51 invertebrate species across 186 plant taxa, with records spanning Oceania, Asia, Europe and North America. The review suggests that invertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is not simply a collection of isolated ecological anecdotes. Instead, it appears to be a widespread but overlooked interaction between plants and small animals. “If you walk through a forest, you might think only birds or monkeys are spreading seeds. But beneath our feet, a hidden group of gardeners is also at work,” said Professor Kenji SUETSUGU, a key collaborator and co-author.  “One of the most fascinating examples we synthesised is a freshwater crab in Japan. A single crab can ingest over a thousand tiny seeds in a single night and later deposit them inside underground burrows. These humid burrows can protect the seeds from being eaten by rodents or drying out, giving them a better chance to grow.” The review formalises the concept of an “invertebrate endozoochory syndrome” — a convergent suite of plant traits perfectly adapted to these small vectors. Such plants typically produce tiny, resilient seeds enclosed in dull-coloured, inconspicuous fruits at ground level. These fruits may be less attractive to birds and mammals but accessible to ground-dwelling invertebrates, whose digestive processes may scarify the seeds and enhance germination. After ingestion, seeds may be scarified by the digestive system, which can, in some cases, improve germination. The seeds are then deposited in microhabitats such as soil, leaf litter or burrows. Although such movement may occur over shorter distances than dispersal by birds or mammals, it can still reduce competition near the parent plant and place seeds in sites that favour survival. “These interactions have long been treated as ecological anecdotes rather than as part of a wider framework,” Professor Chen said. “Because of size bias, invertebrates were traditionally viewed as minor players compared with mammals or birds. But when we look at their abundance and the number of documented interactions, their cumulative contribution to ecosystems can be substantial. Changing our perspective helps us recognise that plant-animal partnerships are more diverse and interwoven than previously assumed.” The findings do not replace the recognised importance of vertebrate seed dispersers. Rather, they broaden the picture of how plants recruit animal partners. Birds and mammals remain crucial for long-distance dispersal, while invertebrates may contribute through high abundance, frequent contact with the forest floor and precise seed deposition over small spatial scales. The review also carries conservation implications. As many ecosystems lose large mammals and birds through habitat fragmentation, hunting, and other human pressures, plant species that rely on animal-mediated dispersal may face reduced opportunities for regeneration. In this context, invertebrates could provide an additional layer of resilience, particularly at microhabitat scales. “We are losing large mammals and birds at an alarming rate globally, which threatens the future of many plant species,” Professor Chen said. “Tiny invertebrates like beetles or slugs cannot carry seeds for kilometres, but their ability to place seeds precisely at fine spatial scales is incredibly important. They reduce competition near the parent tree and deliver seeds into favourable micro-niches. In an increasingly fragmented world, these small-bodied partners offer a vital safety net, helping forest regeneration persist even as larger animals decline.” By bringing together global evidence, the HKU-led review calls for greater attention to small-bodied animals in seed dispersal research, ecological restoration and biodiversity management. The authors suggest that future studies should examine how frequently invertebrate dispersal occurs across different habitats, how it affects seed survival and germination, and how conservation planning can better account for interactions near the ground. For details of the research, please refer to the journal paper “Invertebrate endozoochory: An overlooked pathway of seed dispersal”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.06.004   

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HKU School of Biological Sciences Secures RGC Areas of Excellence Funding for Wildlife Trade Research

HKU School of Biological Sciences has secured funding under the Research Grants Council’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme 2026/27 for the project “Centre for Safe, Sustainable and Legal Wildlife Trade,” led by Professor Juha MERILÄ, Chair Professor of the School of Biological Sciences. An evolutionary biologist, Professor Merilä’s research focuses on biodiversity, species adaptation and how organisms respond to environmental change. The research will bring together interdisciplinary expertise to tackle major challenges arising from illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade. The project will focus on three key areas: AI-powered tools to combat illegal wildlife trade The team will develop AI-powered smartphone applications that combine analysis of animal appearance, genetics, and behaviour to help frontline enforcement officers rapidly identify species and detect wild animals being illegally passed off as captive-bred. Early warning for emerging infectious disease risks The team will proactively screen wildlife from pet markets, wet markets, animal release sites and customs seizures for zoonotic pathogens, with the aim of identifying potential cross-species transmission risks before they spread to human populations. Reducing demand and strengthening legal enforcement The team will explore ways to reduce demand for endangered species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, while working with relevant government departments and the judiciary to strengthen the legal basis for combating illegal wildlife trade and improve the handling of related cases. This achievement highlights the School’s research strength in biodiversity, conservation and environmental change, and its commitment to applying scientific expertise to pressing environmental and societal challenges.  

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HKU Hydrogeologists Identify Fermentation as Key Pathway for Ammonium Production Beneath the Pearl River Delta

A study led by Professor Jimmy Jiujiu JIAO from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Professor Meng LI from Shenzhen University has identified microbial fermentation as the likely main pathway for ammonium production in sediments beneath the Pearl River Delta, helping to explain the region’s exceptionally high natural groundwater ammonium levels. The Pearl River Delta hosts the highest naturally occurring groundwater ammonium concentrations reported globally, making affected groundwater unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Previous studies linked this accumulation to nitrogen-rich organic matter in fine-grained sediments and restricted groundwater circulation, but the responsible microbial pathways and organisms remained unclear. By analysing sediment samples across the delta, the team identified the major microbial processes involved and showed how sediment depth, age and salinity shape microbial communities and ammonium-producing pathways. The findings were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. Figure 1: Artist’s impression of ammonium accumulation beneath the Pearl River Delta. The illustration shows terrestrial, transitional, and marine depositional zones, where microbial fermentation is the likely dominant pathway for ammonium production. The illustration was created based on the study’s findings and is not drawn to scale. Fermentation Identified as the Main Pathway for Ammonium Production The researchers combined geochemical and metagenomic analyses of 36 sediment samples collected from three boreholes spanning different depths. The samples covered approximately 13,000 years of geological history and represented terrestrial-dominated, transitional and marine-dominated depositional environments. By analysing microbial genetic material preserved in the sediments, the team reconstructed 770 representative metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), providing detailed insights into the microorganisms present and their potential metabolic functions. Microbial communities and ammonium-related metabolic potential varied significantly along the land–sea gradient. Bacteria showed greater metabolic flexibility across different sediment conditions, which may help explain these shifts, while archaea tended to retain more conserved functional traits. The team found that fermentation-related genes were the most abundant across all three depositional zones, suggesting that fermentation is likely the primary microbial pathway for ammonium production. The abundance of these genes declined with sediment depth and age as readily degradable organic matter became depleted, leaving fewer substrates for microbial fermentation and ammonium production. This accumulation was particularly pronounced in the marine-dominated zone, where fine-grained, organic-rich sediments promote microbial production while restricting groundwater flow, trapping ammonium over thousands of years. Beyond fermentation, other microbial nitrogen-processing pathways also varied across the land–sea gradient. Nitrogen occurs in several chemical forms, and in some microbial pathways, nitrate is first reduced to nitrite, which can be converted into ammonium. In the terrestrial-dominated zone, genes associated with the first step—nitrate reduction—were the second most abundant. In the more saline transitional and marine-dominated zones, genes associated with the second step—the direct conversion of nitrite into ammonium—became more prominent. These differences suggest that salinity and the availability of nitrate and nitrite influence how ammonium is produced in different depositional environments. Among the bacteria identified, the marine-associated genus Brevirhabdus emerged as a potentially important contributor to ammonium cycling. Likely a legacy of past marine depositional conditions, it carries genes involved in fermentation and the conversion of nitrite into ammonium, suggesting that ancient depositional environments may continue to shape present-day groundwater chemistry. Professor Jimmy Jiao said, “Our findings move beyond the general understanding that buried organic matter is the source of ammonium. We have identified the microbial pathways and organisms that are likely responsible for producing it and shown how these processes vary across sediments formed under different environmental conditions.” Implications for Groundwater Management By linking depositional history, hydrogeochemistry and microbial function, the study provides a framework for understanding ammonium accumulation in delta regions worldwide. The findings may help identify vulnerable areas and improve groundwater assessment, monitoring and treatment planning in densely populated delta regions. Dr Meiqing LU, first author of the paper, completed her doctoral training under Professor Jimmy Jiao at HKU before joining Professor Meng Li’s group at Shenzhen University as a postdoctoral researcher. Professor Jiao and Professor Li are the co-corresponding authors of the study. The research also involved scientists from the Southern University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and East China Normal University. This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Guangdong–Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, the Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research, and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, among other funding sources. Figure 2: Conceptual model of historical depositional processes, biogeochemical zonation, and microbial ammonium metabolism. Image credit: Adapted from Lu et al., Nature Communications (2026). For details of the research, please refer to the paper “Microbial Drivers of Ammonium Accumulation in Holocene Sediments of the Pearl River Delta”, published in Nature Communications: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-72058-8

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The opening ceremony of the Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2026 was held on 3 August (Monday).

HKU Science Inspires the Next Generation of Global Innovators at ASC 2026

Following the successful conclusion of the Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2026, hosted by HKU from August 2 to August 8, the Faculty of Science is delighted to have supported the University in hosting this prestigious annual forum. In supporting the University to welcome nearly 300 talented pre-collegiate and college students from more than 28 countries and regions, the Faculty actively contributed to a vibrant environment for scientific discussion, exploration, and collaboration. A major highlight of the event was the exceptional plenary programme, which provided an unparalleled opportunity for students to learn directly from world-class academics. Four of our distinguished faculty members participated as plenary speakers—including Nobel Laureates Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Ferenc Krausz, Fields Medalist Professor Ngô Bảo Châu, and L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Laureate Professor Vivian Yam Wing-wah—inspiring the young campers through their passion and extraordinary research journeys.                 To immerse the participants in the excellent teaching, learning, and research environment at HKU Science, the Faculty also curated four hands-on camp activities that allowed students to explore cutting-edge facilities first-hand: Oyster Hatchery Visit (Hosted by Professor Thiyagarajan Vengatesen and the hatchery operation team): An experiential learning session at the Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and Innovation Research Unit showcasing applied research in oyster aquaculture, climate resilience, and coastal ecosystems.        Chemistry Lab Session (Hosted by Professor Edmund Tse, Dr. Arnold Li and the experiment team): A practical workshop where students used professional instruments to conduct hands-on experiments in electrochemistry and cyclic voltammetry.        Chemistry Mock Lecture (Delivered by Professor Seungkyu Lee): An academic session tracing the synthetic strategies and evolution of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) from fundamental concept to industrial application.        Biodiversity Museum Tour (Hosted by the museum operation team): A guided tour showcasing specimen preservation and local wildlife stories at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum.        The profound impact of these immersive experiences was felt immediately during the Final Poster Presentation Contest, a major highlight of the camp. The Golden Prize-winning team revealed that their visit to the Oyster Hatchery had inspired their winning poster, prompting them to think deeply about climate change and emerging issues in environmental science. This creative translation of active research was highly commended by the judging panel, which included our faculty members Professor Thiyagarajan Vengatesen and Dr. Kenneth Ng. The spirit of scientific inquiry extended even beyond the campus. During the cultural excursion day at Ocean Park Hong Kong, Professor Celia Schunter from the School of Biological Sciences delivered an engaging outdoor lecture titled “Marine Biodiversity: Explore the marine environment,” allowing students to learn more about marine science in a real-world ecological setting.        We extend our sincere appreciation to the organisers and all participants for their dedicated time and effort in making ASC 2026 a resounding success. We hope that the lectures, experiments, and connections forged during this memorable week will continue to inspire these young minds to push the boundaries of future global innovation.

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HKU-led Review Highlights Hidden Seed Dispersers in Forest Regeneration

A review led by the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has revealed that tiny ground-dwelling invertebrates are overlooked but important seed dispersers, challenging the traditional focus on birds and mammals and offering new insights into forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation. Led by Professor Si-Chong CHEN from the School of Biological Sciences, the review, published in Trends in Plant Science, synthesises global evidence showing that invertebrates such as slugs, earthworms, beetles, crickets and crabs can consume seeds and later excrete them while they remain viable. The findings highlight an important but underappreciated pathway of seed dispersal that may help sustain plant regeneration, especially in fragmented or degraded ecosystems where larger animal dispersers are declining. Monotropastrum humile, a representative forest-floor plant whose seeds are dispersed internally by invertebrates. Its pale flowers emerging from the shaded forest floor evoke the hidden and often overlooked nature of plant–invertebrate interactions. Photo credit: Kenji Suetsugu.  A ground-dwelling cricket feeds on the fruit of Monotropastrum humile, illustrating how small invertebrates may ingest seeds and contribute to their dispersal across the forest floor. Photo credit: Kenji Suetsugu.   An Overlooked Pathway for Plant Regeneration Seed dispersal is essential for plant regeneration, forest recovery and biodiversity conservation. Scientific attention has traditionally focused on birds and mammals, which can move seeds over long distances after feeding on fruit. The HKU-led synthesis highlights another pathway: internal seed dispersal by small invertebrates, known as invertebrate endozoochory, in which seeds pass through an animal’s digestive tract and remain viable after being deposited. Professor Chen conducted the study in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Durham University in the United Kingdom, and Kobe University in Japan. By consolidating evidence from 43 peer-reviewed publications, the team synthesised evidence of internal seed dispersal involving at least 51 invertebrate species across 186 plant taxa, with records spanning Oceania, Asia, Europe and North America. The review suggests that invertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is not simply a collection of isolated ecological anecdotes. Instead, it appears to be a widespread but overlooked interaction between plants and small animals. “If you walk through a forest, you might think only birds or monkeys are spreading seeds. But beneath our feet, a hidden group of gardeners is also at work,” said Professor Kenji SUETSUGU, a key collaborator and co-author.  “One of the most fascinating examples we synthesised is a freshwater crab in Japan. A single crab can ingest over a thousand tiny seeds in a single night and later deposit them inside underground burrows. These humid burrows can protect the seeds from being eaten by rodents or drying out, giving them a better chance to grow.” The review formalises the concept of an “invertebrate endozoochory syndrome” — a convergent suite of plant traits perfectly adapted to these small vectors. Such plants typically produce tiny, resilient seeds enclosed in dull-coloured, inconspicuous fruits at ground level. These fruits may be less attractive to birds and mammals but accessible to ground-dwelling invertebrates, whose digestive processes may scarify the seeds and enhance germination. After ingestion, seeds may be scarified by the digestive system, which can, in some cases, improve germination. The seeds are then deposited in microhabitats such as soil, leaf litter or burrows. Although such movement may occur over shorter distances than dispersal by birds or mammals, it can still reduce competition near the parent plant and place seeds in sites that favour survival. “These interactions have long been treated as ecological anecdotes rather than as part of a wider framework,” Professor Chen said. “Because of size bias, invertebrates were traditionally viewed as minor players compared with mammals or birds. But when we look at their abundance and the number of documented interactions, their cumulative contribution to ecosystems can be substantial. Changing our perspective helps us recognise that plant-animal partnerships are more diverse and interwoven than previously assumed.” The findings do not replace the recognised importance of vertebrate seed dispersers. Rather, they broaden the picture of how plants recruit animal partners. Birds and mammals remain crucial for long-distance dispersal, while invertebrates may contribute through high abundance, frequent contact with the forest floor and precise seed deposition over small spatial scales. The review also carries conservation implications. As many ecosystems lose large mammals and birds through habitat fragmentation, hunting, and other human pressures, plant species that rely on animal-mediated dispersal may face reduced opportunities for regeneration. In this context, invertebrates could provide an additional layer of resilience, particularly at microhabitat scales. “We are losing large mammals and birds at an alarming rate globally, which threatens the future of many plant species,” Professor Chen said. “Tiny invertebrates like beetles or slugs cannot carry seeds for kilometres, but their ability to place seeds precisely at fine spatial scales is incredibly important. They reduce competition near the parent tree and deliver seeds into favourable micro-niches. In an increasingly fragmented world, these small-bodied partners offer a vital safety net, helping forest regeneration persist even as larger animals decline.” By bringing together global evidence, the HKU-led review calls for greater attention to small-bodied animals in seed dispersal research, ecological restoration and biodiversity management. The authors suggest that future studies should examine how frequently invertebrate dispersal occurs across different habitats, how it affects seed survival and germination, and how conservation planning can better account for interactions near the ground. For details of the research, please refer to the journal paper “Invertebrate endozoochory: An overlooked pathway of seed dispersal”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.06.004   

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HKU School of Biological Sciences Secures RGC Areas of Excellence Funding for Wildlife Trade Research

HKU School of Biological Sciences has secured funding under the Research Grants Council’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme 2026/27 for the project “Centre for Safe, Sustainable and Legal Wildlife Trade,” led by Professor Juha MERILÄ, Chair Professor of the School of Biological Sciences. An evolutionary biologist, Professor Merilä’s research focuses on biodiversity, species adaptation and how organisms respond to environmental change. The research will bring together interdisciplinary expertise to tackle major challenges arising from illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade. The project will focus on three key areas: AI-powered tools to combat illegal wildlife trade The team will develop AI-powered smartphone applications that combine analysis of animal appearance, genetics, and behaviour to help frontline enforcement officers rapidly identify species and detect wild animals being illegally passed off as captive-bred. Early warning for emerging infectious disease risks The team will proactively screen wildlife from pet markets, wet markets, animal release sites and customs seizures for zoonotic pathogens, with the aim of identifying potential cross-species transmission risks before they spread to human populations. Reducing demand and strengthening legal enforcement The team will explore ways to reduce demand for endangered species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, while working with relevant government departments and the judiciary to strengthen the legal basis for combating illegal wildlife trade and improve the handling of related cases. This achievement highlights the School’s research strength in biodiversity, conservation and environmental change, and its commitment to applying scientific expertise to pressing environmental and societal challenges.  

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From Common Core to Published Research: An Unexpected First-Year Discovery

At HKU Science, students spend their first year exploring different subjects before choosing a major in their second year. For Tatfeef HAQUE, that period of exploration took an unexpected turn: a Common Core course led him into the world of academic research before he had even begun his second year. Tatfeef first encountered biological anthropology through CCST9081 All You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Humans, taught by Dr Michael RIVERA. Drawing on genetics, anatomical science, forensic science, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology and history, the course explores human evolution and what it means to be human. “It influenced me profoundly,” Tatfeef recalled. He soon found himself reading papers on bioarchaeology, anatomy, osteology, human evolution and population genetics. From Curiosity to Publication Recognising his interest, Dr Rivera introduced Tatfeef to opportunities beyond the classroom. “Dr Rivera identified my interest and gave me opportunities in outreach and academic research, which deepened my interest in research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge,” Tatfeef said. He joined an interdisciplinary project examining cultural attitudes and ethical considerations surrounding scientific work with human remains. His role involved coding testimonies from researchers, analysing the cultural and professional contexts surrounding their work, and discussing the broader themes with Dr Rivera. “The existing literature has not contended with local attitudes enough,” Tatfeef explained, noting that local perspectives can sometimes be overlooked in scientific practice. The work led to Tatfeef co-authoring two peer-reviewed papers in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology—an unusual achievement for a student who had yet to begin his second year. Learning Beyond the Classroom Tatfeef’s research journey also took him to Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia, where he engaged with anthropologists, researchers and students and gained insight into how another academic community approaches research, teaching and mentorship. “The way their research community carried out research and teaching informed much of my ideas of what good research ethics and academic community ideals might look like,” he said. The experience deepened his understanding of research in practice, from analysing evidence and collaborating across disciplines to considering ethical questions and communicating scientific knowledge responsibly. He also had opportunities to present his work at international conferences, exchange ideas with other academics and gain new perspectives on his research. Exploring a New Scientific Direction These experiences also helped Tatfeef explore where his scientific interests might lead. He is considering majors in Biological Sciences and Molecular Biology and, before beginning his third year, has already joined Professor Chaogu ZHENG’s laboratory in the School of Biological Sciences. There, he is investigating the mechanisms of axonal regeneration, including how injured neurons recognise and reconnect with the correct targets, as well as the molecular mechanisms behind a novel neuroregeneration phenomenon Although his current laboratory work differs from his earlier research in biological anthropology, both experiences are driven by the same curiosity and willingness to explore science across disciplinary boundaries. What began as a Common Core course did more than help Tatfeef decide what to study. It brought him into the world of research much earlier than expected—and helped him begin discovering what kind of scientist he hopes to become. Learn more about the research projects: Emic–Etic Perspectives on Southeast Asian Cultural Attitudes Surrounding Human Remains Best Practices for Scientific Collaboration and Ethical Considerations When Working With Human Remains in Southeast Asia  

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HKU Chair Professor Xuhua HE Elected Vice President of the International Mathematical Union

Professor Xuhua HE, Chair Professor in the Department of Mathematics under the Faculty of Science at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has been elected Vice President of the International Mathematical Union (IMU). At 47, Professor He is the youngest Vice-President to join the Union’s leadership in nearly two decades, and only the second Chinese mathematician to hold this prestigious position since the IMU’s inception. The appointment was formally announced on 21 July at the IMU General Assembly in New York, USA. The IMU is the premier global authority in mathematics. A member of the International Science Council, its membership comprises mathematics organisations from more than 80 countries and regions. The IMU organises the quadrennial International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) and adjudicates the highest accolades in mathematics, including the Fields Medal. In his role on the IMU’s core Executive Committee, the Vice-President will be instrumental in shaping global strategies for mathematical development, while overseeing the organisation of the ICM and the selection of major international awards. Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, extended his warmest congratulations, “Pure mathematics is the very soul of technological innovation. With the recent arrival of several world-class scholars, including a Fields Medallist, our Department of Mathematics is rapidly cementing its position as a world-class mathematical centre. Professor He’s election underscores the leading academic strength of Hong Kong and the nation on the global stage, whilst igniting the aspirations of young scholars. We trust this historic milestone will inspire a new generation of scientists to venture fearlessly into the unknown and reach new heights in global academia.” Professor He is an internationally acclaimed leader in Lie theory, arithmetic geometry, and representation theory. In 2013, he was awarded the Morningside Gold Medal of Mathematics, widely regarded as the “Chinese Fields Medal”. He was an invited sectional speaker at the ICM in 2018, and in 2022 received the Chevalley Prize in Lie Theory—the field’s highest international honour—becoming the only mathematician based in China to date to achieve this distinction. Professor He also serves as the President of the Hong Kong Mathematical Society and is a Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. As a leading figure in modern mathematics, Professor He displayed extraordinary talent from an early age. Born in Chongqing in 1979, he first rose to prominence in 1996 by winning a gold medal for China at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). He went on to pursue his studies at Peking University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dedicated to tackling the most challenging, frontier conjectures in pure mathematics, Professor He has made systematic and highly original breakthroughs in the areas of Shimura varieties and Hecke algebras, and in the work on Serre’s conjecture II and Lusztig’s positivity conjecture on the of canonical bases. Expressing his gratitude, Professor He said, “I am deeply honoured to be elected Vice President of the International Mathematical Union. This is not only a personal milestone but, more importantly, a reflection of how the global mathematical community recognises the vibrant growth of research in China. Moving forward, I hope to actively champion open collaboration and academic exchange globally, bringing our mathematical achievements to the world stage while creating broader international opportunities for Chinese mathematicians.”

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