The Review 2004

18 T H E R E V I E W 2 0 0 4 T H E R E V I E W 2 0 0 4 19 Innovation and Di scovery research. Genetic studies have been launched into such diseases as Hirschsprung’s, Alzheimer ’s and Parkinson’s. An investigation into the development and growth of the skeleton and genetic links to degenerative skeletal disorders is underway, supported by a $50 million grant from the UGC’s Area of Excellence Scheme. These projects often involve working with and supporting researchers in other institutions. Our most prominent collaborative effort in 2003-04 was the Haplotype Mapping Project, a component of the Human Genome Project to create a comprehensive resource for human genetic research, which involved scientists from the United States, Britain, Japan, Canada and elsewhere in China. Researchers also need support in testing their ground-breaking findings. The University’s Clinical Trials Centre is a prime example of how we support the research process through all its phases. The Centre was set up in 1997 and is the only academic research organisation in Asia to provide a full range of services for clinical trials. These services meet the highest international standards and the Centre has been accredited by the Col lege of American Pathologists. In 2004 it was appointed to co-ordinate major trials of new therapies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries, among more than 40 new trials undertaken during the year. Given the qual ity of our researchers and facilities, one of the most important investments we can now make to improve our performance is in collaboration. Research that brings together scholars from different disciplines, institutions and countries encourages researchers to think outside their disciplines or cultures, and find new approaches in the discovery process. Many of our researchers are already engaged in such projects and the University is seeking to formalise these links where possible. In 2004 we agreed to work on deeper collaboration with The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, through the formation of a Joint Centre for Advanced Study. The Centre enables us to pool resources by offering courses jointly to research postgraduate students of the three institutions. We also with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology established a joint working group of our business schools to study the feasibility of establishing a world-class Hong Kong Business School. Internationally, the University was named the headquarters for a 16-member consortium on Chinese Medicine that includes Yale University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the American botanical drug firm, PhytoCeutica. We also hosted a meeting of the heads of research of Universitas 21 members from around the world, who identified health care and sustainable cities as the strategic research priorities for this century. Universities have a central role in addressing and solving future challenges in these and other areas. New treatments and solutions will emerge from environments in which researchers have the encouragement, support and freedom to explore and create. By fostering young talent and attracting distinguished researchers, and by securing resources and promoting col laboration, The University of Hong Kong has provided the rich soil for creative solutions and innovations to blossom. DR CLIVE LO, Department of Botany is using genomic technologies to enhance the nutritional and agricultural value of rice and other foods. The RAP experience has allowed me to better prepare for my long-term academic career. I have had the opportunity to submit grant proposals as principal investigator and supervise students in research projects. I have also been most fortunate to team-teach undergraduate courses with staff from the Faculty of Science.