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Revolutionising Drug Discovery through AI

Dr Serena YANG Co-founder and CEO AILSI (AI and Life Sciences Institute (HK)) PhD alumna (Chemistry)   Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming drug discovery, revolutionising how we identify disease-causing genes and proteins, and accelerating drug design at an unprecedented pace. Dr Serena YANG, an alumna of HKU Chemistry, stands at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery as the co-founder of AILSI (AI and Life Sciences Institute (HK)). Harnessing the power of AI, her company identifies novel drug targets and accelerates the design of new treatments, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods. A recent milestone project involved using AI-driven multi-omics analysis to identify a previously undiscovered protein implicated in liver cancer and designing a drug targeting this protein. ‘This project showcases how AI can uncover new biological insights and accelerate drug discovery,’ Dr Yang shares.   Believe in the power of belief. While technical skills (the machine) are essential, what truly drives progress is belief (the oil)—belief in your vision, work, and ability to make a difference.   From Academia to Industry Talking about the birth of AILSI, Dr Yang recalls ‘My goal has always been to help patients who have no effective therapeutic options and to make drugs more affordable for everyone.’ Driven by her vision to revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Yang embarked on a journey from academia to entrepreneurship. This journey culminated in the founding of AILSI, which made drug discovery more efficient and cost-effective. Transitioning from academia—where she built a deep learning model for predicting small molecule properties—to founding AILSI was not without its challenges.  ‘Overcoming skepticism from industry stakeholders required continuous communication and demonstrating real-world results,’ she notes. Her persistence and innovative approach paid off, bridging the gap between AI and the pharmaceutical industry. A Vision for AI in Precision Medicine ‘AI-driven drug discovery is set to revolutionise global healthcare by making drug development faster, more cost-effective, and personalised,’ Dr Yang asserts. ‘Our work is about more than just creating new drugs; it's about creating a new paradigm in healthcare.’ Looking ahead, Dr Yang envisions a future where AI is integral to every stage of drug development, unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation. At AILSI, the commitment to democratising healthcare extends beyond drug discovery to developing AI-powered diagnostic tools. ‘My goal is to bring an AI-designed drug to market and have an AI-powered diagnostic tool approved for clinical use,’ she reveals. Her ambition is to build a strong AI-driven ecosystem that transforms how we develop medicines and diagnose diseases. Advice for Aspiring Innovators  The relentless pace of innovation at AILSI is matched by a commitment to ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches. ‘As we push the boundaries of AI in healthcare, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that our advancements benefit all patients equitably,’ Dr Yang notes. Her leadership is a beacon for aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs who seek to navigate the complex landscape of modern healthcare. For those on the cusp of their journeys in science and technology, Dr Yang’s advice resonates deeply: ‘Stay curious, remain persistent, and always be open to learning. The challenges you face today will be the stepping stones to your breakthroughs tomorrow. If you are passionate and persistent, no matter how challenging the journey, you will eventually achieve your goal,’ Dr Yang remarks.  ‘In AI-driven drug discovery, this belief is crucial. The field is full of uncertainties. Only with relentless innovation and the courage to challenge the status quo, can we transform how medicine is discovered and bring hope to patients who need it most.’ As we stand on the brink of a new era in medicine, Dr Serena Yang’s story is a powerful reminder that through unwavering dedication and innovative thinking, we can indeed change the world. With the right blend of passion, persistence, and cutting-edge innovation, the future of healthcare is boundless, brimming with limitless possibilities. Academic Foundations as Catalyst for Innovation Dr Yang's academic journey began with a focus on biology and chemistry, driven by a deep-seated curiosity about complex systems. During her lab internship, she encountered the potential of AI when analysing experimental data. ‘I realised how even a simple machine learning algorithm could help make sense of the results. That experience sparked my interest in AI’s potential in life sciences,’ she recalls.  This curiosity led her to pursue a PhD in Quantum Chemistry and AI at HKU, where she could work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and machine learning. ‘The training I received at HKU provided me with a strong foundation in computational modelling, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research.’ HKU provided Dr Yang with a fertile ground for her burgeoning interests. Its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary environment allowed her to delve into physics, chemistry, and machine learning. The access to advanced computational resources, world-class faculties, and a dynamic research community enriched her learning experience. ‘The training I received at HKU shaped my approach to tackling real-world scientific challenges,’ she explains.  

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Science Outreach: Igniting Passion in Science Month

  March marked the debut of our inaugural 'Science Month,' an initiative by the Faculty of Science to engage and inspire secondary school students with a keen interest in science. This initiative was packed with exclusive opportunities for students to immerse themselves in scientific exploration and gain a glimpse into university life. Multidimensional Mathematical Minds (M³) Programme   A key highlight of Science Month was the Multidimensional Mathematical Minds (M³) Programme, hosted by the Department of Mathematics. This programme, crafted for exceptionally talented junior secondary school students with a deep enthusiasm for mathematics, aims to provide them with advanced problem-solving skills and stimulate interest in mathematics research. The overwhelming positive feedback has been heartening, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of our participants through the programme's diverse modules.   About M3 Science Communication YouTuber Challenge: Everyday Science Hackathon   Another initiative, the ‘Everyday Science Hackathon’ is a unique science communication contest that encourages science lovers to spot an everyday problem, whip up an app solution using scientific know-how, and bring their creative ideas to life in a captivating video. This is the stage for aspired students to harness the power of science to create solutions and produce engaging and impactful content for diverse audiences. Applications are still open, and we encourage secondary school students to join us in advancing science literacy.   About the Hackathon Junior Science Institute (JSI) Beyond these new programmes, the Junior Science Institute (JSI) remains a cornerstone of our outreach programmes. JSI offers an array of activities aimed at enhancing students' comprehension and appreciation of various scientific fields.   About JSI Campus Visits To complement the Science Month activities, the Science Faculty also organised campus visits., providing secondary school students with a firsthand experience of university life and allowing them to explore our facilities and resources.   About Campus Visits We are excited by the enthusiasm and participation we've seen so far and are committed to nurturing the scientific curiosity of future generations. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and innovation!

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Mechanism for photocatalytic conversion of methane to ethanol.  Image adapted from Xie, J. et al., Nature (2025), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08630-x

HKU Chemist and Collaborators Unveil Eco-Friendly Method to Efficiently Convert Methane to Ethanol

In advancing sustainable energy solutions, an international collaborative team of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in low-carbon chemical conversion. In their recent publication in Nature, the team, led by Professors Zhengxiao GUO of Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Weixin HUANG of University of Science and Technology of China, Richard CATLOW of University College London and Junwang TANG of Tsinghua University, have discovered a photocatalytic approach to converting methane to ethanol with high selectivity of around 80% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3% in a single run using a packed-bed flow reactor. The system achieves an impressive apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.4%, which measures how effectively it converts incident photons into electrons that participate in the reaction under specific wavelength conditions. Background Ethanol is well known to spirit up many celebratory occasions, but more significantly, it serves as an ideal liquid hydrogen carrier and a chemical feedstock for a wide range of applications towards carbon neutrality. The global market for ethanol exceeds USD 100 billion, with a current compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7%. Methane, the primary constituent of natural and shale gas, is often flared for heating. Despite its potential as a carbon source for chemical synthesis, its inherent chemical inertness poses substantial hurdles to its efficient conversion. Traditional industrial methane conversion is typically conducted via syngas under high temperatures and pressures, a process that is energy-intensive and exhibits poor product selectivity. Efforts to directly convert methane into ethanol often encounter challenges in controlling highly selective carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling to produce a specific C2+ chemical, such as ethanol. Innovative Catalytic Conversion The efficient conversion is achieved through a unique intra-molecular junction formed between alternate benzene and triazine units within a covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) polymer. The intra-molecular junction enhances the life-time and the efficient separation of photo-generated charges while enabling preferential adsorption of O2 and H2O to the benzene and triazine units, respectively, to facilitate C-C coupling. Moreover, this intrinsically asymmetric dual-site feature effectively delineates the C-C coupling sites from the hydroxyl radical formation sites, thereby mitigating the risk of overoxidation of the intermediate into CO2 and water. When further enhanced by the addition of Pt, the intramolecular junction photocatalyst demonstrates a very promising ethanol production rate, as stated above. ‘This is a step-change advancement in the photocatalytic conversion of methane into value-added green chemicals – not only in terms of a newly identified metal-free “intramolecular junction” for effective C-C coupling; but also by turning methane into a much more desirable liquid chemical, relatively efficiently at ambient conditions,’ Professor Guo, one of the corresponding authors of the paper, remarked. Comparison to Traditional Methods Conventionally, as in the Fischer−Tropsch synthesis, methane conversion to liquid chemicals requires high temperature (> 700 °C) and pressure (∼ 20 bar) to activate its C−H bond, involving high energy input and multiple steps. Previous attempts in the photocatalytic conversion of methane to a C2+ product often encounter either low selectivity and/or low efficiency, due to the limited capabilities of the specific catalysts. The newly developed CTF-1 catalyst demonstrates over 20 times higher quantum efficiency along with a very high selectivity. Potential Applications and Broader Impacts Methane is an abundant yet climate-potent gas. Its one-step photocatalytic conversion represents a highly desirable approach to decarbonising the chemical and fuel industries. Particularly in liquid form, ethanol is much easier to store, transport and distribute, compared to gaseous hydrogen. It can be directly reformed onboard low-carbon vehicles - on land, at sea or in the air, offering great potential for applications in urban transport, shipping and the upcoming low-altitude economy, thereby paving the way towards carbon neutrality. Future Research and Development Led by Professor Guo, the HKU research team will continue to explore innovative options in tailoring the catalyst and intensifying the conversion process, as part of a consortium effort under the UGC Theme-Based Research Scheme and the RGC-EU Collaborative Innovation Scheme. Click here to view the full paper.

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Revolutionising Drug Discovery through AI

Dr Serena YANG Co-founder and CEO AILSI (AI and Life Sciences Institute (HK)) PhD alumna (Chemistry)   Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming drug discovery, revolutionising how we identify disease-causing genes and proteins, and accelerating drug design at an unprecedented pace. Dr Serena YANG, an alumna of HKU Chemistry, stands at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery as the co-founder of AILSI (AI and Life Sciences Institute (HK)). Harnessing the power of AI, her company identifies novel drug targets and accelerates the design of new treatments, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods. A recent milestone project involved using AI-driven multi-omics analysis to identify a previously undiscovered protein implicated in liver cancer and designing a drug targeting this protein. ‘This project showcases how AI can uncover new biological insights and accelerate drug discovery,’ Dr Yang shares.   Believe in the power of belief. While technical skills (the machine) are essential, what truly drives progress is belief (the oil)—belief in your vision, work, and ability to make a difference.   From Academia to Industry Talking about the birth of AILSI, Dr Yang recalls ‘My goal has always been to help patients who have no effective therapeutic options and to make drugs more affordable for everyone.’ Driven by her vision to revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Yang embarked on a journey from academia to entrepreneurship. This journey culminated in the founding of AILSI, which made drug discovery more efficient and cost-effective. Transitioning from academia—where she built a deep learning model for predicting small molecule properties—to founding AILSI was not without its challenges.  ‘Overcoming skepticism from industry stakeholders required continuous communication and demonstrating real-world results,’ she notes. Her persistence and innovative approach paid off, bridging the gap between AI and the pharmaceutical industry. A Vision for AI in Precision Medicine ‘AI-driven drug discovery is set to revolutionise global healthcare by making drug development faster, more cost-effective, and personalised,’ Dr Yang asserts. ‘Our work is about more than just creating new drugs; it's about creating a new paradigm in healthcare.’ Looking ahead, Dr Yang envisions a future where AI is integral to every stage of drug development, unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation. At AILSI, the commitment to democratising healthcare extends beyond drug discovery to developing AI-powered diagnostic tools. ‘My goal is to bring an AI-designed drug to market and have an AI-powered diagnostic tool approved for clinical use,’ she reveals. Her ambition is to build a strong AI-driven ecosystem that transforms how we develop medicines and diagnose diseases. Advice for Aspiring Innovators  The relentless pace of innovation at AILSI is matched by a commitment to ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches. ‘As we push the boundaries of AI in healthcare, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that our advancements benefit all patients equitably,’ Dr Yang notes. Her leadership is a beacon for aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs who seek to navigate the complex landscape of modern healthcare. For those on the cusp of their journeys in science and technology, Dr Yang’s advice resonates deeply: ‘Stay curious, remain persistent, and always be open to learning. The challenges you face today will be the stepping stones to your breakthroughs tomorrow. If you are passionate and persistent, no matter how challenging the journey, you will eventually achieve your goal,’ Dr Yang remarks.  ‘In AI-driven drug discovery, this belief is crucial. The field is full of uncertainties. Only with relentless innovation and the courage to challenge the status quo, can we transform how medicine is discovered and bring hope to patients who need it most.’ As we stand on the brink of a new era in medicine, Dr Serena Yang’s story is a powerful reminder that through unwavering dedication and innovative thinking, we can indeed change the world. With the right blend of passion, persistence, and cutting-edge innovation, the future of healthcare is boundless, brimming with limitless possibilities. Academic Foundations as Catalyst for Innovation Dr Yang's academic journey began with a focus on biology and chemistry, driven by a deep-seated curiosity about complex systems. During her lab internship, she encountered the potential of AI when analysing experimental data. ‘I realised how even a simple machine learning algorithm could help make sense of the results. That experience sparked my interest in AI’s potential in life sciences,’ she recalls.  This curiosity led her to pursue a PhD in Quantum Chemistry and AI at HKU, where she could work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and machine learning. ‘The training I received at HKU provided me with a strong foundation in computational modelling, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research.’ HKU provided Dr Yang with a fertile ground for her burgeoning interests. Its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary environment allowed her to delve into physics, chemistry, and machine learning. The access to advanced computational resources, world-class faculties, and a dynamic research community enriched her learning experience. ‘The training I received at HKU shaped my approach to tackling real-world scientific challenges,’ she explains.  

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Science Outreach: Igniting Passion in Science Month

  March marked the debut of our inaugural 'Science Month,' an initiative by the Faculty of Science to engage and inspire secondary school students with a keen interest in science. This initiative was packed with exclusive opportunities for students to immerse themselves in scientific exploration and gain a glimpse into university life. Multidimensional Mathematical Minds (M³) Programme   A key highlight of Science Month was the Multidimensional Mathematical Minds (M³) Programme, hosted by the Department of Mathematics. This programme, crafted for exceptionally talented junior secondary school students with a deep enthusiasm for mathematics, aims to provide them with advanced problem-solving skills and stimulate interest in mathematics research. The overwhelming positive feedback has been heartening, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of our participants through the programme's diverse modules.   About M3 Science Communication YouTuber Challenge: Everyday Science Hackathon   Another initiative, the ‘Everyday Science Hackathon’ is a unique science communication contest that encourages science lovers to spot an everyday problem, whip up an app solution using scientific know-how, and bring their creative ideas to life in a captivating video. This is the stage for aspired students to harness the power of science to create solutions and produce engaging and impactful content for diverse audiences. Applications are still open, and we encourage secondary school students to join us in advancing science literacy.   About the Hackathon Junior Science Institute (JSI) Beyond these new programmes, the Junior Science Institute (JSI) remains a cornerstone of our outreach programmes. JSI offers an array of activities aimed at enhancing students' comprehension and appreciation of various scientific fields.   About JSI Campus Visits To complement the Science Month activities, the Science Faculty also organised campus visits., providing secondary school students with a firsthand experience of university life and allowing them to explore our facilities and resources.   About Campus Visits We are excited by the enthusiasm and participation we've seen so far and are committed to nurturing the scientific curiosity of future generations. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and innovation!

NEWS DETAIL

Mechanism for photocatalytic conversion of methane to ethanol.  Image adapted from Xie, J. et al., Nature (2025), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08630-x

HKU Chemist and Collaborators Unveil Eco-Friendly Method to Efficiently Convert Methane to Ethanol

In advancing sustainable energy solutions, an international collaborative team of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in low-carbon chemical conversion. In their recent publication in Nature, the team, led by Professors Zhengxiao GUO of Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Weixin HUANG of University of Science and Technology of China, Richard CATLOW of University College London and Junwang TANG of Tsinghua University, have discovered a photocatalytic approach to converting methane to ethanol with high selectivity of around 80% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3% in a single run using a packed-bed flow reactor. The system achieves an impressive apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.4%, which measures how effectively it converts incident photons into electrons that participate in the reaction under specific wavelength conditions. Background Ethanol is well known to spirit up many celebratory occasions, but more significantly, it serves as an ideal liquid hydrogen carrier and a chemical feedstock for a wide range of applications towards carbon neutrality. The global market for ethanol exceeds USD 100 billion, with a current compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7%. Methane, the primary constituent of natural and shale gas, is often flared for heating. Despite its potential as a carbon source for chemical synthesis, its inherent chemical inertness poses substantial hurdles to its efficient conversion. Traditional industrial methane conversion is typically conducted via syngas under high temperatures and pressures, a process that is energy-intensive and exhibits poor product selectivity. Efforts to directly convert methane into ethanol often encounter challenges in controlling highly selective carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling to produce a specific C2+ chemical, such as ethanol. Innovative Catalytic Conversion The efficient conversion is achieved through a unique intra-molecular junction formed between alternate benzene and triazine units within a covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) polymer. The intra-molecular junction enhances the life-time and the efficient separation of photo-generated charges while enabling preferential adsorption of O2 and H2O to the benzene and triazine units, respectively, to facilitate C-C coupling. Moreover, this intrinsically asymmetric dual-site feature effectively delineates the C-C coupling sites from the hydroxyl radical formation sites, thereby mitigating the risk of overoxidation of the intermediate into CO2 and water. When further enhanced by the addition of Pt, the intramolecular junction photocatalyst demonstrates a very promising ethanol production rate, as stated above. ‘This is a step-change advancement in the photocatalytic conversion of methane into value-added green chemicals – not only in terms of a newly identified metal-free “intramolecular junction” for effective C-C coupling; but also by turning methane into a much more desirable liquid chemical, relatively efficiently at ambient conditions,’ Professor Guo, one of the corresponding authors of the paper, remarked. Comparison to Traditional Methods Conventionally, as in the Fischer−Tropsch synthesis, methane conversion to liquid chemicals requires high temperature (> 700 °C) and pressure (∼ 20 bar) to activate its C−H bond, involving high energy input and multiple steps. Previous attempts in the photocatalytic conversion of methane to a C2+ product often encounter either low selectivity and/or low efficiency, due to the limited capabilities of the specific catalysts. The newly developed CTF-1 catalyst demonstrates over 20 times higher quantum efficiency along with a very high selectivity. Potential Applications and Broader Impacts Methane is an abundant yet climate-potent gas. Its one-step photocatalytic conversion represents a highly desirable approach to decarbonising the chemical and fuel industries. Particularly in liquid form, ethanol is much easier to store, transport and distribute, compared to gaseous hydrogen. It can be directly reformed onboard low-carbon vehicles - on land, at sea or in the air, offering great potential for applications in urban transport, shipping and the upcoming low-altitude economy, thereby paving the way towards carbon neutrality. Future Research and Development Led by Professor Guo, the HKU research team will continue to explore innovative options in tailoring the catalyst and intensifying the conversion process, as part of a consortium effort under the UGC Theme-Based Research Scheme and the RGC-EU Collaborative Innovation Scheme. Click here to view the full paper.

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An Alchemist of Learning: Transformation from Chemistry Study to EdTech

Ronald Tse Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 Founder of AfterSchool BSc alumnus (major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics)   Life’s journey is an ever-evolving tapestry where the pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of innovation intertwine to create a profound impact. The transformative journey of Ronald TSE from a dedicated student of chemistry at HKU to the celebrated founder of AfterSchool and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree is a story of monumental success. His achievements in the education sector stand as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and purpose can indeed lead to impacts.     Beyond the Classroom Ronald's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive culminated in the creation of AfterSchool, a popular EdTech platform. Recognising the evolving landscape of education and the demand for a comprehensive marketplace, Ronald envisioned AfterSchool as the 'HKTVmall for education' in Hong Kong. The platform allows students and parents to seamlessly search, compare, and select educational resources, bridging a critical gap in the market. ‘I’ve come to understand that personalisation is key, with one-size-fits-all approaches becoming obsolete,’ Ronald reflected. At its core, AfterSchool is committed to democratising education, offering a wide array of courses at accessible prices and breaking down barriers to quality education. This ethos extends to their social contribution, working with charitable organisations and educational institutions to offer free online tutoring services to underprivileged students. Ronald’s vision does not stop here. He has crafted a strategic roadmap to broaden the spectrum of course offerings, elevate user experience and harness the power of AI and data analytics. ‘As we grow, upholding stringent quality assurance of our offerings and nurturing a robust community of learners and educators remain our top priority,’ he remarked.   The rise of the gig economy in education, bringing diverse expertise to students, and the increasingly borderless nature of education, enabling access to global learning resources, are exciting trends. I believe we're at a juncture where we can truly reimagine education to be more effective, accessible, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century.   From Hurdles to Horizons The inception of AfterSchool was sparked by an entrepreneurship programme at HKU, resonating perfectly with Ronald's vision to revolutionise the education sector with an emphasis on addressing real-world problems innovatively. However, the journey from idea to reality was peppered with challenges. With a science background and limited initial capital, Ronald navigated the complex realms of business. Realising his limited knowledge of the education sector, he visited professors in the Faculty of Education for advice. This bold move led to an unexpected opportunity: a part-time research assistant position. In this role, Ronald conducted interviews with students and teachers about a gamified reading platform, gaining invaluable insights that shaped AfterSchool's development. His experience highlights the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from taking initiative. Ronald dreamed up AfterSchool and created a pitch deck. He leveraged the experience and the insights gained to enhance his understanding of the education sector and bridge traditional educational methods with technology. Despite the hurdles, Ronald's determination transformed challenges into opportunities, birthing AfterSchool, a pioneer in the EdTech landscape.   The Genesis Ronald's passion for science, ignited during his secondary school years, led him to major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics at HKU. ‘I found myself increasingly drawn to understanding the fundamental truths of our universe at the molecular level,’ he recalled. This curiosity allowed him to approach complex problems with analytical rigour and creative thinking. ‘The multidisciplinary nature of HKU's curriculum proved invaluable. The University's flexibility allowed me to take introductory courses from different Faculties, providing me with foundational knowledge in business, marketing, and finance,’ Ronald shared. ‘HKU also provided a fertile ground for entrepreneurial thinking beyond just academic pursuits. The University offers a wealth of entrepreneurial activities and programmes that expose students to the world of business and innovation,’ added Ronald.  More than just subject knowledge, HKU Science's supportive ecosystem equipped Ronald with a mindset of enquiry and resilience. The interdisciplinary approach of his studies helped him see connections between disparate ideas, nurturing an innovative spirit that became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavours. ‘The rigorous scientific training I received honed my analytical skills and instilled in me a data-driven approach to problem-solving. This scientific mindset has been crucial in developing AfterSchool's innovative educational model,’ Ronald noted.   From Molecular to Monumental Ronald's odyssey from an HKU student to a triumphant entrepreneur illustrates the transformative essence of education. His narrative inspires current students and exemplifies the vast spectrum of opportunities that an education from HKU's Faculty of Science can unlock. Ronald offers sage counsel to those aspiring to follow in his footsteps: ‘Maximise your university experience, identify and focus on solving real problems, and never be afraid of failure.’ Just as in the grand tapestry of innovation, his molecular seeds.   Click here to learn more about Afterschool. 

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Photo Credit: Angelica Crottini

Who Gets the Lion’s Share? HKU Ecologists Highlight Disparities in Global Biodiversity Conservation Funding

The extensive loss of biodiversity represents one of the major crises of our time, threatening not only entire ecosystems but also our current and future livelihoods. As scientists realise the magnitude and scale of ongoing extinctions, it is vital to ascertain the resources available for conservation and whether funds are being effectively distributed to protect species most in need. A team of researchers from the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), addressed these questions in a recent paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), USA, by compiling information on nearly 15,000 funded projects focused on species conservation. Professor Benoit GUÉNARD, the lead author of the study, noted that, ‘Our first conclusion is that funding for species conservation research remains extremely limited with only US$ 1.93 billion allocated over 25 years in the projects we assessed.’ The international conservation funding from 37 governments and NGOs represented a mere 0.3% and 0.01% of the annual budget of the NASA or US military, respectively. This stark comparison underscores the urgent need to dramatically increase such funding to slow global biodiversity loss. The authors also examined the allocation of this funding to specific species or groups of organisms based on their conservation needs as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, often called the ‘barometer of life’. Professor Guénard explains, ‘Based on previous literature-based studies, we expected biases towards vertebrates and, whilst this was true, we found the situation much worse than previously estimated. Even within vertebrates, many of the most threatened groups, like amphibians, were largely underfunded with declining funding trends over time.’ Another striking example can be found in reptiles, particularly lizards and snakes, where over a thousand species have been identified as threatened, yet 87% of the funding towards reptile conservation is directed towards the seven species of marine turtles. Professor Guénard states, ‘This highlights an important mismatch between scientific assessment of conservation and allocation of funding by conservation stakeholders, which appears to rely on the “charisma” of species. This leads to nearly a third of the funding directed to non-threatened species while almost 94% of threatened species have not received any support.’ Some groups, like plants or insects, received a mere 6% each of the funding despite their vast diversity and the number of threatened species they include, while other major groups, such as fungi or algae, received virtually no funding. Professor Alice HUGHES, a co-author of the study, echoed, ‘Our traditional view of what is threatened often does not align with species genuinely at threat, leaving many smaller, or “less charismatic” species neglected. We urgently need to reframe this perspective and better allocate funding across taxa if we want any hope of redressing widespread population declines and the continued loss of biodiversity.’ Based on these findings, the researchers are calling for a new approach to conservation funding. Whilst species conservation is in dire need of additional funding, a more rigorous approach to selecting projects and species to receive those limited funds is urgently needed. Professor Guénard emphasises, ‘Conservation agencies and NGOs need to modify their philosophy towards conservation to protect all species, and not just a subset based on subjective criteria of charisma or beauty.’ In the future, the research team hopes their database can be expanded so information on funding allocation is more transparent and easily accessible. This would help evaluate existing gaps, plan effective future conservation efforts at a global scale, and reduce redundancy in funding for species that already receive the lion's share of support. Variation over time of the percentage of funded single-species conservation projects (A) and funds received per taxonomic group (B) for the period 1992-2017. The total number of funded projects A) and the total amount of funds received in millions of U.S. $ B) for each taxonomic group is presented on the right y-axis. For each 5-year period, the number of projects and of funding agencies (in parentheses) A) and the total funding amount B) are presented on top of the chart. Image adapted from respective paper.  

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Exploring the Frontiers of Science: A Student’s Journey to an International Influenza Conference

Peter WONG BSc student (major in Biochemistry) With the generous support of the Faculty of Science under the Young Scientist Scheme (YSS), I recently had the privilege of attending the 12th Options for the Control of Influenza, an international conference dedicated to influenza and other respiratory viruses, held in Brisbane, Australia. This eye-opening experience provided an invaluable opportunity for me to engage with leading experts in the field and delve deeper into cutting-edge research on respiratory virology.   I am currently a final-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Biochemistry at HKU, conducting my capstone project under the guidance of Professors Michael Chan and Kenrie Hui from the School of Public Health. My project focuses on investigating the pathogenesis of infection and virus-host interactions. Specifically, we utilize primary respiratory organoid cultures as a physiologically relevant alternative to human respiratory tissue explant for studying viral infections. Our goal is to enhance the risk assessment workflow with Bulk RNAseq transcriptomics analysis to better understand and compare the pathogenesis of emerging respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Participating in this conference broadened my perspective on respiratory virus research. The event featured seminars and presentations on a range of topics, including zoonotic influenza virus spillover, vaccine development, and antiviral efficacy. Beyond the main conference, I also attended the Mini-School of Influenza, a lecture-based programme covering foundational concepts in respiratory virology, public health, epidemiology, surveillance, and research-driven vaccine development. These sessions complemented my studies at HKU and provided an advanced extension of the knowledge I have gained.   A highlight of the conference was the chance to exchange ideas with researchers from around the world. I had the pleasure of meeting Associate Professor Claire Smith from University College London’s Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, whose research interests and focuses on using primary human epithelial respiratory virus infection models, including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and coronavirus. In particular, her group has been exploring the incorporation of neutrophils into these models to study their responses during viral infection. This interesting expansion of the in vitro models provides a valuable approach to studying immune cell response and their contribution to disease progression.    The experience was not limited to academic pursuits. While in Brisbane, I explored the city’s vibrant culture and unique wildlife. A visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary allowed me to experience the unique Australian wildlife and biodiversity firsthand. Additionally, I enjoyed a memorable breakfast at the historic Pancake Manor, housed in St Luke’s Church of England, a building dating back to 1904. These moments added depth to my trip, offering a balance of scientific enrichment and cultural discovery.   Reflecting on this experience, I am deeply grateful to the Faculty of Science for supporting my participation at the 12th edition of Options for the Control of Influenza. Attending the conference not only expanded my understanding of current trends and challenges in respiratory virology but also confirmed my passion for this field. It has inspired me to pursue PhD studies focused on virus-host interactions, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. 

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