Author: uniquekey

About the Hong Kong Laureate Forum

Welcome to the March 2024 issue of the newsletter of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum!

The “Scientists and Their Contributions Voxel Art Design Contest”, jointly organised by the Council of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum (“the HKLF”), Index Game and The Sandbox, was staged and the award presentation ceremony concluded successfully on 2 March. We were honoured to have Ms Becky Wong, Chief Operation Officer and Co-founder of Index Game, Mr Erich Wong, Head of Growth (Hong Kong) of The Sandbox, Dr Jimmy Wong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Academy of Gifted Education (HKAGE), and Prof Timothy Tong, BBS, JP, Chairman of the HKLF, to commend the participating teams. The Champion, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up teams were from Cotton Spinners Association Secondary School, Hong Kong University Graduate Association College and Fukien Secondary School respectively. These teams shared with the audience their experience and insights gained in the contest, including how they collaborated with their team members, the challenges they encountered during the production process, and how to enhance the likeness of their work. Members of the Champion team also talked about their experience in the two-day internship at Index Game, offering a glimpse of the daily work of a voxel art designer. The contest attracted 21 teams of students from 11 secondary schools. It was impressive that the participating teams went from attending the design software workshops to creating their own work in just two months. The award presenters recognised and appreciated the efforts and dedication of all participating teams. The masterpieces of the Champion, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up teams are now available on our website for everyone to visit. In addition, photos and highlights of the award presentation ceremony have been uploaded onto our photo gallery, video gallery and YouTube channel. Make sure you don’t miss the remarkable moments of the ceremony!

Time flies. Our signature event, “Exploring New Horizons”, has entered its third year. From January to March this year, we successfully organised “Exploring New Horizons 2024” – a series of 13 laboratory / enterprise visits along with sharing sessions specifically designed for senior secondary students in Hong Kong. The event garnered participation from over 300 individuals across 20 schools. The participating students had opportunities to interact with local scientists / research teams and delve into their work environment, laboratory operation, challenges faced by the research teams, and the latest scientific research projects in Hong Kong. We are delighted that a number of local scientists / research teams have supported this event for the second, or even the third consecutive year. Moreover, we are proud to announce that “Exploring New Horizons 2024” received support from a state key laboratory for the first time. This significant endorsement created opportunities for students to gain exposure to national key research projects. Also, we embarked on a collaboration with a local start-up, introducing students to medical metal 3D printing technology and application. The event photos and captivating highlights have been uploaded to our photo gallery, video gallery and YouTube channel and please enjoy! The HKLF extends its heartfelt gratitude to the enthusiastic participation of all students and teachers and the support of the local scientists / research teams / start-ups. They include:

Prof Chan Chi Hou and his research team from State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimeter Waves (City University of Hong Kong)
Prof Kannie Chan and her research team from Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering
Prof Tom Cheung and his research team from the Division of Life Science of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Prof Chu Ming-chung and his research team from the Department of Physics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr Calvin Or and his research team from the Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering of the University of Hong Kong
Prof Patrick Tang and his research team from the Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Prof Carmen Wong and her research team from the Department of Pathology of the University of Hong Kong
Research team from Centre for Immunology & Infection
Research team from Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited
Research team from the University of Hong Kong – Pasteur Research Pole

Furthermore, the HKLF forged ‘G3 Alliance’, with HKAGE and Centum Charitas Foundation at the end of last year. Under the principles of ‘Gifted, Groom and Giving’, the alliance aims to identify and nurture the next generation of innovation and technology leaders. Its key event, the “Young STEAM Talent Award”, is now open for registration. This Award is an initiative to create a dynamic platform for Secondary 3 to 6 students in Hong Kong who are keen on STEAM to showcase their creativity, unleash their imaginative ideas and cultivate critical thinking abilities, so as to emerge as leaders in the realms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This Award consists of numerous awards and prizes, including “Top Ten Young STEAM Talents Award”, “Young STEAM Talent of the Year Award” and “Nominator of the Award winners”. Young STEAM Talent Award winners will be entitled the HKAGE membership as well as receive a commendation certificate and scholarship. They will also be joining a well-structured nurturing programme. After the completion of the programme, they will have opportunities to share with the public their learning and research outcomes, paving their ways to scientific research and innovation. The registration deadline for the Award is 15 April 5:00pm. Please visit here for more information.

The HKLF looks forward to future collaborations with more organisations to promote education and exchanges in various disciplines in science and technology in Hong Kong, incubating more scientific research and innovation talents. For the latest news and our upcoming events, stay tuned to our website, social media and the next newsletter!

The Newly Developed High-Efficiency Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction System Targets to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Progress Carbon Neutrality Goals

Background: Global warming continues to pose a threat to human society and the ecological systems, and carbon dioxide accounts for the largest proportion of the greenhouse gases that dominate climate warming. To combat climate change and move towards the goal of carbon neutrality, researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a durable, highly selective and energy-efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) electroreduction system that can convert CO₂ into ethylene for industrial purposes to provide an effective solution for reducing CO₂ emissions. This research was recently published in Nature Energy and won a Gold Medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland.

Ethylene (C₂H₄) is one of the most in-demand chemicals globally and is mainly used in the manufacture of polymers such as polyethylene, which, in turn, can be used to make plastics and chemical fibres commonly used in daily life. However, it is still mostly obtained from petrochemical sources and the production process involves the creation of a very significant carbon footprint.

Durable Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to Ethylene System via Eliminating Carbonate Formation

Introduction: In the fight against climate change, finding efficient ways to reduce CO₂ emissions is crucial. Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction (ECO₂R) using renewable energy sources has emerged as a promising solution. However, the presence of alkaline conditions and alkali cations during ECO₂R poses challenges, hindering the development of this technology. We explore a groundbreaking pure-water-fed membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) system that overcomes these obstacles, paving the way for a more stable and efficient ECO₂R process.

Efficient CO₂ reduction is crucial in fighting climate change. ECO₂R with renewable energy is promising, but alkaline conditions and alkali cations pose challenges. Our pure-water-fed MEA system overcomes these, paving the way for a stable and efficient ECO₂R process.

Author:
Prof Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Gut Microbiota Modulation for Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Current Evidence

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (“long COVID”) refers to long-term symptoms that persist after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting multiple organs and systems. Long COVID affects over 65 million people worldwide, yet effective treatment is limited. Our research team at the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Medicine) has completed a large-scale double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which confirmed that patients who were given an oral synbiotic preparation (SIM01) developed by CUHK experienced significant alleviation in various long COVID symptoms. The landmark findings have been published in the world-leading journal in infectious diseases, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and presented at the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum in November 2023.

Earlier studies by CUHK Medicine showed close associations between gut microbiota dysbiosis and long COVID. However, no research has yet to confirm that gut microbiota modulation could alleviate long COVID symptoms. SIM01 is a patented oral synbiotic formula developed by CUHK Medicine, who has been keen to utilise big data and machine learning to develop synbiotic formulae of beneficial probiotics and prebiotics for different diseases. In this large-scale double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study (RECOVERY), our team have evaluated whether SIM01 could alleviate long COVID symptoms. In 2021 to 2022, we have recruited a total of 463 recovered COVID-19 patients to participate in the RECOVERY trial. Participants’ mean age was 49 years, and 65% were female. Nearly 70% of participants were Omicron cases, whilst others were earlier cases. They were enrolled into the study at a median of 4 months after COVID-19 diagnosis and were randomly assigned either into the SIM01 group or the control group at 1:1 ratio. The SIM01 group received SIM01 orally for 6 months, whilst the control group received placebo containing vitamin C orally for 6 months.

Author:
Ms Raphaela Iris Lau, Hong Kong PhD Fellow, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Alpacas and Nanobodies

When we think of alpacas, the first things that pop up in our minds may be holiday farms or alpaca fleece. However, if you ask a biomedical scientist, they may have thought of nanobody, fragment of a special type of antibody.

To appreciate why nanobodies are so special, we must first understand what an antibody looks like (Fig 1). A conventional antibody is composed of two heavy chains and two light chains. These chains are joined by disulfide bonds to form a Y-shaped molecule. The two tips of the Y-shaped antibody are called variable regions, which are responsible for binding to a target antigen. Variable regions of antibodies literally vary greatly and they determine what antigen an antibody will bind to. In addition to conventional antibodies, members of the camelid family, such as alpacas, camels and llamas, also produce a special type of antibody that only consists of two heavy chains. Nanobodies are the variable regions of these special antibodies.

Fig 1: Structures of (a) a conventional antibody, (b) a camelid heavy chain-only antibody, and (c) a nanobody. (L: light chain, H: heavy chain; gray: variable region, purple: constant region)

Author:
Helen Wong, Student Editor, Science Focus, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

關於香港桂冠論壇

歡迎大家來到香港桂冠論壇2024年3月份通訊。

由香港桂冠論壇委員會、Index Game和The Sandbox合辦的「Scientists and Their Contributions立體像素藝術設計比賽」早前已順利舉行，而頒獎禮於3月2日圓滿結束。活動當日，我們很榮幸邀得Index Game營運總監及聯合創辦人王碧琪小姐、The Sandbox香港業務增長主管黃宏誠先生、香港資優教育學苑院長黃金耀博士以及香港桂冠論壇委員會主席唐偉章教授, BBS, JP擔任頒獎嘉賓，一同嘉許參賽隊伍。冠、亞及季軍隊伍分別來自棉紡會中學、港大同學會書院和福建中學，他們於頒獎禮期間向大家分享獲獎感受及參賽得著，包括如何與隊員分工合作、製作時遇到的挑戰、如何能提高作品的像真度等等，而冠軍隊伍亦談及於Index Game實習兩天的體會，並分享了立體像素藝術設計員的日常工作。是次比賽吸引來自11間中學一共21隊的學生參加比賽，他們於短短兩個月內由參加設計軟件工作坊以至製成自己的作品，實在不容易，頒獎嘉賓均對各隊的努力和付出，予以肯定及讚賞。冠、亞及季軍隊伍的作品已上載至我們的網站，歡迎大家按此欣賞！而頒獎禮的精華相片及片段亦已上載至我們的圖片庫、影片庫及YouTube頻道，大家請勿錯過！

不經不覺，我們的重點活動「探索新視野」已踏入第三年。今年1月至3月，我們順利舉辦了「探索新視野2024」，為香港高年級中學生安排一連13場的實驗室/企業參觀及分享會，活動吸引來自一共20間學校超過300人參與。學生透過參與活動，與本地科學家/研究團隊交流，從而了解科研團隊的工作環境、實驗室的運作、團隊於研究過程中遇到的困難，以及香港最新的科研項目等。我們很高興不少本地科學家/研究團隊已連續第二年，甚至第三年，支持這項活動，而「探索新視野2024」更首度獲國家重點實驗室支持，學生得以認識國家重點研究項目。同時，我們首次與本地初創企業合作，讓學生了解醫療金屬三維打印的技術及應用。活動的相片及精華片段已上載至我們的圖片庫、影片庫及YouTube頻道，供大家觀看。桂冠論壇衷心感謝各位學生及老師的踴躍參與，亦感謝一眾本地科學家/研究團隊/初創企業的支持，包括：

香港城市大學太赫茲及毫米波國家重點實驗室陳志豪教授及其研究團隊
香港心腦血管健康工程研究中心陳葦恩教授及其研究團隊
香港科技大學生命科學部張曉東教授及其研究團隊
香港中文大學物理系朱明中教授及其研究團隊
香港大學工業及製造系統工程系柯嘉倫教授及其研究團隊
香港中文大學病理解剖及細胞學系鄧銘權教授及其研究團隊
香港大學病理學系黃澤蕾教授及其研究團隊
免疫與感染研究中心研究團隊
科能三維技術(醫療)有限公司研究團隊
香港大學–巴斯德研究中心研究團隊

另外，桂冠論壇於去年年底與香港資優教育學苑、百仁基金組成「G3聯盟」，本著「Gifted、Groom及Giving」的理念，致力發掘及培育新一代創科領袖。而聯盟合辦的重點活動—「少年創科達人大獎」現已接受報名，這項比賽旨在為全港對STEAM有興趣之中三至中六學生締造多元互動的平台，讓年輕人展現創意丶發揮想像丶培養批判性思考能力，成為環境、社會和管治（ESG）的青年領袖。「少年創科達人大獎」設有多個獎項，包括「十大創科少年獎」丶「年度最佳創科達人獎」及「提名人獎項」，創科獎得獎者可獲得香港資優教育學苑學員資格丶嘉許證書丶及豐富的獎學金。除此之外，亦會接受一系列培訓。完成培育計劃後，他們更有機會與公眾分享學習和研究成果，邁向科研和創科之路。比賽報名截止時間為4月15日下午5時正，請按此瀏覽詳情。

桂冠論壇期望未來能與更多機構合作，推動香港科學和科技各個領域的教育和交流，孕育更多科研及創科人才。有關更多論壇最新的消息和活動資訊，記得留意我們的網站、社交媒體和下一期通訊！

新研發的高效能電催化二氧化碳還原系統 旨在減碳排放 促進邁向碳中和

背景：全球暖化給人類社會和生態系統持續帶來威脅，而主導氣候變暖的溫室氣體中，佔最主要比重的正是二氧化碳。為應對氣候變化的問題和邁向促進碳中和的目標，香港理工大學（理大）的研究團隊成功研發一套耐久、高選擇性、高效的二氧化碳電還原系統，可以將二氧化碳轉化成具有重要戰略意義的基礎化工原料乙烯，作其他工業用途，以為減低二氧化碳排放提供有效的解決方案。此研究成果已於國際科學期刊《Nature Energy》發表，並於第 48 屆瑞士日內瓦「國際發明展」獲得金獎。

乙烯（C₂H₄）是石油化工行業最重要的基礎原料，主要應用於製造聚合物等高分子材料，這些高分子材料可以製造日常使用的塑膠、化纖等。生產乙烯目前仍然主要依賴石化資源，製造過程碳排放高。

通過阻斷碳酸鹽的形成來實現電催化二氧化碳還原製備乙烯之耐久系統

簡介：在應對氣候變化的工作上，尋找減低二氧化碳排放的有效方法十分重要。使用可再生能源進行電催化二氧化碳還原(ECO₂R)已成為一項極具前景的解決方案。但是，在這個 ECO₂R 過程中，鹼性條件和鹼性陽離子的存在引起了一些難度，以致阻礙這種技術的發展。我們正探索採用一種突破性的純水膜電極組 (MEA) 系統，來克服上述障礙，為得出更為穩定、效率更高的 ECO₂R 過程而創造條件。

對於應對氣候變化，有效地減少二氧化碳排放極為重要。雖然採用可再生能源來實現 ECO₂R 過程大有可為，但當中涉及的鹼性條件和鹼性陽離子帶來了一些難題。我們的純水膜電極組系統能夠克服這些困難，為得出穩定、高效的 ECO₂R 過程創造條件。

作者︰
香港理工大學納米材料講座教授兼應用物理學系系主任劉樹平教授

透過改善腸道微生態紓緩新冠肺炎長期綜合後遺症：目前的研究進展

新冠肺炎長期綜合後遺症是指新冠病毒感染後長期持續而影響多個器官的症狀，又稱「長新冠」。長新冠影響全球超過6,500萬人，但仍缺乏有效的治療方法。香港中文大學醫學院的研究團隊完成了一項大型的雙盲、隨機、安慰劑對照臨床研究，證實患者透過服用香港中文大學研發的口服合生製劑（SIM01）有效紓緩多種長新冠症狀。研究結果已於全球權威醫學期刊《刺針傳染病學》（The Lancet Infectious Diseases）及去年十一月之首屆香港桂冠論壇上發表。

中大醫學院早期研究指出腸道微生態失衡與長新冠密切相關，但全球未有研究證實改善腸道微生態能紓緩長新冠症狀。SIM01是香港中文大學的專利配方，研究團隊借助大數據和機器學習，為不同的疾病研發益菌及益生元組合。在這項名為RECOVERY的大型雙盲、隨機、安慰劑對照的臨床研究中，研究團隊評估了SIM01配方能否紓緩長新冠症狀。團隊在2021至2022年共招募463名新冠康復者參與RECOVERY研究。參加者平均年齡49歲，當中女性佔65%，約70%是Omicron個案，其他為較早的個案。參加者平均於新冠確診四個月後參與研究，他們被隨機分成SIM01組及安慰劑組，兩組人數各佔約一半。其中，SIM01組服用了SIM01六個月，而對照組則服用含有維他命C的安慰劑六個月。

作者︰
香港中文大學醫學院內科及藥物治療學系博士研究生劉曉霖

羊駝與奈米抗體

談及羊駝，我們通常會想到假日農場或羊駝絨，但如果你問生物醫學範疇的科學家的話，他們卻可能會想起一種特殊抗體的片段 — 奈米抗體。

要明白奈米抗體的特殊之處，我們須先了解抗體的結構（圖一）。傳統抗體是由兩條重鏈和兩條輕鏈通過二硫鍵連接形成的 Y 形分子。Y形抗體的兩個尖端稱為可變區，負責與目標抗原結合。一如其名，可變區可以有不同的變化，它們決定抗體與甚麼抗原結合。除傳統抗體外，羊駝、駱駝和駱馬等駱駝科動物也會製造一種僅由兩條重鏈組成的特殊抗體，而奈米抗體就是這些特殊抗體的可變區。

圖一： (a) 傳統抗體、(b) 駱駝科動物只有重鏈的抗體及(c) 奈米抗體（L：輕鏈、H：重鏈、灰色：可變區、紫色：恆定區）

作者︰
香港科技大學《科言》學生編輯王思齊

关于香港桂冠论坛

欢迎大家来到香港桂冠论坛2024年3月份通讯。

由香港桂冠论坛委员会、Index Game和The Sandbox合办的「Scientists and Their Contributions立体像素艺术设计比赛」早前已顺利举行，而颁奖礼于3月2日圆满结束。活动当日，我们很荣幸邀得Index Game营运总监及联合创办人王碧琪小姐、The Sandbox香港业务增长主管黄宏诚先生、香港资优教育学苑院长黄金耀博士以及香港桂冠论坛委员会主席唐伟章教授, BBS, JP担任颁奖嘉宾，一同嘉许参赛队伍。冠、亚及季军队伍分别来自棉纺会中学、港大同学会书院和福建中学，他们于颁奖礼期间向大家分享获奖感受及参赛得著，包括如何与队员分工合作、制作时遇到的挑战、如何能提高作品的像真度等等，而冠军队伍亦谈及于Index Game实习两天的体会，并分享了立体像素艺术设计员的日常工作。是次比赛吸引来自11间中学一共21队的学生参加比赛，他们于短短两个月内由参加设计软件工作坊以至制成自己的作品，实在不容易，颁奖嘉宾均对各队的努力和付出，予以肯定及赞赏。冠、亚及季军队伍的作品已上载至我们的网站，欢迎大家按此欣赏！而颁奖礼的精华相片及片段亦已上载至我们的图片库、影片库及YouTube频道，大家请勿错过！

不经不觉，我们的重点活动「探索新视野」已踏入第三年。今年1月至3月，我们顺利举办了「探索新视野2024」，为香港高年级中学生安排一连13场的实验室/企业参观及分享会，活动吸引来自一共20间学校超过300人参与。学生透过参与活动，与本地科学家/研究团队交流，从而了解科研团队的工作环境、实验室的运作、团队于研究过程中遇到的困难，以及香港最新的科研项目等。我们很高兴不少本地科学家/研究团队已连续第二年，甚至第三年，支持这项活动，而「探索新视野2024」更首度获国家重点实验室支持，学生得以认识国家重点研究项目。同时，我们首次与本地初创企业合作，让学生了解医疗金属三维打印的技术及应用。活动的相片及精华片段已上载至我们的图片库、影片库及YouTube频道，供大家观看。桂冠论坛衷心感谢各位学生及老师的踊跃参与，亦感谢一众本地科学家/研究团队/初创企业的支持，包括：

香港城市大学太赫兹及毫米波国家重点实验室陈志豪教授及其研究团队
香港心脑血管健康工程研究中心陈苇恩教授及其研究团队
香港科技大学生命科学部张晓东教授及其研究团队
香港中文大学物理系朱明中教授及其研究团队
香港大学工业及制造系统工程系柯嘉伦教授及其研究团队
香港中文大学病理解剖及细胞学系邓铭权教授及其研究团队
香港大学病理学系黄泽蕾教授及其研究团队
免疫与感染研究中心研究团队
科能三维技术(医疗)有限公司研究团队
香港大学–巴斯德研究中心研究团队

另外，桂冠论坛于去年年底与香港资优教育学苑、百仁基金组成「G3联盟」，本著「Gifted、Groom及Giving」的理念，致力发掘及培育新一代创科领袖。而联盟合办的重点活动—「少年创科达人大奖」现已接受报名，这项比赛旨在为全港对STEAM有兴趣之中三至中六学生缔造多元互动的平台，让年轻人展现创意丶发挥想像丶培养批判性思考能力，成为环境、社会和管治（ESG）的青年领袖。「少年创科达人大奖」设有多个奖项，包括「十大创科少年奖」丶「年度最佳创科达人奖」及「提名人奖项」，创科奖得奖者可获得香港资优教育学苑学员资格丶嘉许证书丶及丰富的奖学金。除此之外，亦会接受一系列培训。完成培育计划后，他们更有机会与公众分享学习和研究成果，迈向科研和创科之路。比赛报名截止时间为4月15日下午5时正，请按此浏览详情。

桂冠论坛期望未来能与更多机构合作，推动香港科学和科技各个领域的教育和交流，孕育更多科研及创科人才。有关更多论坛最新的消息和活动资讯，记得留意我们的网站、社交媒体和下一期通讯！

新研发的高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 旨在减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和

背景：全球暖化给人类社会和生态系统持续带来威胁，而主导气候变暖的温室气体中，占最主要比重的正是二氧化碳。为应对气候变化的问题和迈向促进碳中和的目标，香港理工大学（理大）的研究团队成功研发一套耐久、高选择性、高效的二氧化碳电还原系统，可以将二氧化碳转化成具有重要战略意义的基础化工原料乙烯，作其他工业用途，以为减低二氧化碳排放提供有效的解决方案。此研究成果已于国际科学期刊《Nature Energy》发表，并于第 48 届瑞士日内瓦「国际发明展」获得金奖。

乙烯（C₂H₄）是石油化工行业最重要的基础原料，主要应用于制造聚合物等高分子材料，这些高分子材料可以制造日常使用的塑胶、化纤等。生产乙烯目前仍然主要依赖石化资源，制造过程碳排放高。

通过阻断碳酸盐的形成来实现电催化二氧化碳还原制备乙烯之耐久系统

简介：在应对气候变化的工作上，寻找减低二氧化碳排放的有效方法十分重要。使用可再生能源进行电催化二氧化碳还原(ECO₂R)已成为一项极具前景的解决方案。但是，在这个 ECO₂R 过程中，碱性条件和碱性阳离子的存在引起了一些难度，以致阻碍这种技术的发展。我们正探索采用一种突破性的纯水膜电极组 (MEA) 系统，来克服上述障碍，为得出更为稳定、效率更高的 ECO₂R 过程而创造条件。

对于应对气候变化，有效地减少二氧化碳排放极为重要。虽然采用可再生能源来实现 ECO₂R 过程大有可为，但当中涉及的碱性条件和碱性阳离子带来了一些难题。我们的纯水膜电极组系统能够克服这些困难，为得出稳定、高效的 ECO₂R 过程创造条件。

作者︰
香港理工大学纳米材料讲座教授兼应用物理学系系主任刘树平教授

透过改善肠道微生态纾缓新冠肺炎长期综合后遗症：目前的研究进展

新冠肺炎长期综合后遗症是指新冠病毒感染后长期持续而影响多个器官的症状，又称「长新冠」。长新冠影响全球超过6,500万人，但仍缺乏有效的治疗方法。香港中文大学医学院的研究团队完成了一项大型的双盲、随机、安慰剂对照临床研究，证实患者透过服用香港中文大学研发的口服合生制剂（SIM01）有效纾缓多种长新冠症状。研究结果已于全球权威医学期刊《刺针传染病学》（The Lancet Infectious Diseases）及去年十一月之首届香港桂冠论坛上发表。

中大医学院早期研究指出肠道微生态失衡与长新冠密切相关，但全球未有研究证实改善肠道微生态能纾缓长新冠症状。SIM01是香港中文大学的专利配方，研究团队借助大数据和机器学习，为不同的疾病研发益菌及益生元组合。在这项名为RECOVERY的大型双盲、随机、安慰剂对照的临床研究中，研究团队评估了SIM01配方能否纾缓长新冠症状。团队在2021至2022年共招募463名新冠康复者参与RECOVERY研究。参加者平均年龄49岁，当中女性占65%，约70%是Omicron个案，其他为较早的个案。参加者平均于新冠确诊四个月后参与研究，他们被随机分成SIM01组及安慰剂组，两组人数各占约一半。其中，SIM01组服用了SIM01六个月，而对照组则服用含有维他命C的安慰剂六个月。

作者︰
香港中文大学医学院内科及药物治疗学系博士研究生刘晓霖

羊驼与奈米抗体

谈及羊驼，我们通常会想到假日农场或羊驼绒，但如果你问生物医学范畴的科学家的话，他们却可能会想起一种特殊抗体的片段 — 奈米抗体。

要明白奈米抗体的特殊之处，我们须先了解抗体的结构（图一）。传统抗体是由两条重链和两条轻链通过二硫键连接形成的 Y 形分子。Y形抗体的两个尖端称为可变区，负责与目标抗原结合。一如其名，可变区可以有不同的变化，它们决定抗体与甚么抗原结合。除传统抗体外，羊驼、骆驼和骆马等骆驼科动物也会制造一种仅由两条重链组成的特殊抗体，而奈米抗体就是这些特殊抗体的可变区。

图一： (a) 传统抗体、(b) 骆驼科动物只有重链的抗体及(c) 奈米抗体（L：轻链、H：重链、灰色：可变区、紫色：恒定区）

作者︰
香港科技大学《科言》学生编辑王思齐

About the Hong
Kong Laureate
Forum

Welcome to the June 2024 issue of the newsletter of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum!

The HKLF is proud to announce that the Hong Kong Laureate Forum will be held every other year. The second Forum will be held in the fourth quarter of 2025. The exact date, venue and open application details will be released in due course. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest information. While we look forward to the next Forum, we also hope to sustain the connections forged between the young scientists who participated in the inaugural Forum. We have therefore established the “HKLF Alumni Community” and we will be organising events from time to time to bring these young minds together. The first gathering will be held on 30 August and we will extend invitations to the young scientists and Forum Ambassadors who have taken part in the inaugural Forum, creating opportunities for them to continue their valuable cross-disciplinary exchanges.

As we embark on the preparation work for the next Forum, we keep making every effort to promote science. The “HKLF Science Explorer Award Scheme 2023/24 for Secondary Students” that we specifically organised for the secondary school students in Hong Kong has concluded successfully. We are excited that over 30 secondary schools joined the award scheme and more than 70 students were awarded Gold and Silver certificates. These students were from CNEC Lau Wing Sang Secondary School, Diocesan Girls’ School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College, etc. The award scheme started since June 2023, aiming to encourage the students to participate in science-related activities to broaden their horizons and get inspired. Congratulations again to the awarded students!

Moreover, the G3 Alliance, established by the HKLF, the Hong Kong Academy of Gifted Education and Centum Charitas Foundation, has jointly organised the “Young STEAM Talent Award”. The top 10 finalists in the five categories were announced in mid-June and the Round 2 Adjudication will be conducted on 29 June. Subsequently, the Grand Final Adjudication, along with the Award Presentation Ceremony cum Luncheon, will be held on 6 July, where the prizes will be presented to the “Top Ten Young STEAM Talents Award”, “Nominator of the Award Winners” and “Young STEAM Talent of the Year Award”. The HKLF has invited Dr Lois Choy, Clinical Lecturer from the Department of Chemical Pathology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who was one of the young scientists who took part in the inaugural Forum, to participate in the chit-chat session during the luncheon. She will share insights and experiences from her scientific research journey with the attending students so as to motivate them to pursue the scientific research profession. In July and August, the award-winning students will undergo a nurturing programme, including celebrity talks, study visits and STEAM mentorship. We are eager to see these talented individuals equipped through the programme and fully unleash their innovative and scientific potential.

Apart from our effort to advance the scientific development in the community, the HKLF has maintained a consistent focus on the issue of climate change. This year, we have been a supporting organisation again for the Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference (ASECCC) which is to be organised by CarbonCare InnoLab Limited. Under the theme “The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia”, the conference will be held online between 26 and 28 June. ASECCC brings influential figures together from diverse sectors in the Asia Pacific region and focuses on topics such as renewable energy investment and carbon neutrality in Asian cities, with an aim to accelerate the energy transition and address climate change. For more information about ASECCC, please click here.

Last but not least, 14 May 2024 marked the 5th anniversary of the HKLF. Over the past five years, we have received full sponsorship from the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and great support from the Shaw Prize Foundation. We have also been supported by the individuals and organisations across a wide range of sectors, facilitating the seamless execution of our science-related events and enabling the successful staging of the inaugural Forum. Moving forward, we will actively prepare for the next Forum and maintain close collaboration with different sectors to collectively advance education and exchanges in the fields of science and technology in Hong Kong.

Science News

Rise and Succumb: Human Brain Neurons Undergo Rapid Aging upon Re-entering the Cell Cycle

The Shoelace Problem – What’s the Best Way to Lace Your Shoes?

關於香港桂冠論壇

歡迎大家來到香港桂冠論壇2024年6月份通訊。

香港桂冠論壇委員會很高興宣佈，香港桂冠論壇將會每兩年舉辦一次，而第二屆論壇將於2025年第四季舉行，確實日期、地點及公開申請等資訊將於稍後公佈，請大家密切留意我們的網站和社交媒體。我們期待下屆論壇誕生的同時，亦期望能延續參與上屆論壇的青年科學家之間的聯繫。因此，我們成立HKLF Alumni Community，並會不定期舉辦活動，讓青年科學家們聚首一堂。而首個聚會將於8月30日舉行，我們將會邀請曾參與首屆論壇的青年科學家及論壇大使出席，繼續跨領域的交流。

我們開展下屆論壇籌備工作的同時，亦繼續推廣科學。而我們特意為香港中學生舉辦的獎勵計劃—「香港桂冠論壇中學生科學探索者獎 2023/24」已圓滿結束。我們很高興超過30間中學參與此計劃，當中逾70名學生獲金獎和銀獎證書，他們分別來自中華傳道會劉永生中學、拔萃女書院、香港青年協會李兆基書院等。此計劃由去年6月開始，旨在鼓勵學生參加和科學相關的活動，以擴闊他們的視野和得到啟發。我們在此再次恭喜獲得證書的學生！

另外，我們與香港資優教育學苑、百仁基金組成的「G3聯盟」合辦的「少年創科達人大獎」，於6月中公佈了五大組別的頭十名入選名單，中段評審將於6月29日舉行。而7月6日則是總評日，並於當天舉行頒獎典禮暨午餐會，頒發「十大創科少年獎」、「提名人獎項」及「年度最佳創科達人獎」。桂冠論壇特意邀請了參與首屆論壇的青年科學家、香港中文大學化學病理學系臨床講師蔡樂怡醫生參與午餐會上的閒談環節，向出席學生分享她於科研旅途上的經歷，從而鼓勵他們投身科研行列。而獲獎學生將於7至8月接受培訓，包括名人講座、參觀學習、STEAM導師計劃等。我們期待看見獲獎學生透過計劃裝備自己，全面發揮創科潛能。

除了在社區推動科學發展，桂冠論壇一直關注氣候變化的議題。今年，我們再次成為低碳想創坊主辦的ASECCC (Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference)的支持機構，會議於6月26至28日在網上舉行，主題為The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia，屆時將匯聚亞太區不同界別具影響力人士，討論亞洲城市的可再生能源投資、碳中和等議題，以推動能源轉型和應對氣候變化。有關更多ASECCC的資訊，請按此參閱。

最後，2024年5月14日是論壇委員會成立五周年的日子。過去五年，我們獲得主要贊助機構 – 李兆基基金的全額贊助、邵逸夫獎基金會以及很多不同界別人士和機構的全力支持，令以往與科學相關的活動得以順利舉行，亦令首屆論壇於去年得以成功舉辦。我們會於未來積極籌備下屆論壇，並繼續與各界緊密合作，攜手推動香港科學和科技各個領域的教育和交流。

科學探究

盛放與凋零：人腦的神經元在重新進入細胞周期後迅速衰老

鞋帶問題 — 怎樣穿鞋帶才是最佳方法？

关于香港桂冠论坛

欢迎大家来到香港桂冠论坛2024年6月份通讯。

香港桂冠论坛委员会很高兴宣布，香港桂冠论坛将会每两年举办一次，而第二届论坛将于2025年第四季举行，确实日期、地点及公开申请等资讯将于稍后公布，请大家密切留意我们的网站和社交媒体。我们期待下届论坛诞生的同时，亦期望能延续参与上届论坛的青年科学家之间的联系。因此，我们成立HKLF Alumni Community，并会不定期举办活动，让青年科学家们聚首一堂。而首个聚会将于8月30日举行，我们将会邀请曾参与首届论坛的青年科学家及论坛大使出席，继续跨领域的交流。

我们开展下届论坛筹备工作的同时，亦继续推广科学。而我们特意为香港中学生举办的奖励计划—「香港桂冠论坛中学生科学探索者奖 2023/24」已圆满结束。我们很高兴超过30间中学参与此计划，当中逾70名学生获金奖和银奖证书，他们分别来自中华传道会刘永生中学、拔萃女书院、香港青年协会李兆基书院等。此计划由去年6月开始，旨在鼓励学生参加和科学相关的活动，以扩阔他们的视野和得到启发。我们在此再次恭喜获得证书的学生！

另外，我们与香港资优教育学苑、百仁基金组成的「G3联盟」合办的「少年创科达人大奖」，于6月中公布了五大组别的头十名入选名单，中段评审将于6月29日举行。而7月6日则是总评日，并于当天举行颁奖典礼暨午餐会，颁发「十大创科少年奖」、「提名人奖项」及「年度最佳创科达人奖」。桂冠论坛特意邀请了参与首届论坛的青年科学家、香港中文大学化学病理学系临床讲师蔡乐怡医生参与午餐会上的闲谈环节，向出席学生分享她于科研旅途上的经历，从而鼓励他们投身科研行列。而获奖学生将于7至8月接受培训，包括名人讲座、参观学习、STEAM导师计划等。我们期待看见获奖学生透过计划装备自己，全面发挥创科潜能。

除了在社区推动科学发展，桂冠论坛一直关注气候变化的议题。今年，我们再次成为低碳想创坊主办的ASECCC (Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference)的支持机构，会议于6月26至28日在网上举行，主题为The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia，届时将汇聚亚太区不同界别具影响力人士，讨论亚洲城市的可再生能源投资、碳中和等议题，以推动能源转型和应对气候变化。有关更多ASECCC的资讯，请按此参阅。

最后，2024年5月14日是论坛委员会成立五周年的日子。过去五年，我们获得主要赞助机构 – 李兆基基金的全额赞助、邵逸夫奖基金会以及很多不同界别人士和机构的全力支持，令以往与科学相关的活动得以顺利举行，亦令首届论坛于去年得以成功举办。我们会于未来积极筹备下届论坛，并继续与各界紧密合作，携手推动香港科学和科技各个领域的教育和交流。

科学探究

盛放与凋零：人脑的神经元在重新进入细胞周期后迅速衰老

鞋带问题 — 怎样穿鞋带才是最佳方法？

About the Hong
Kong Laureate
Forum

Welcome to the June 2024 issue of the newsletter of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum!

The HKLF is proud to announce that the Hong Kong Laureate Forum will be held every other year. The second Forum will be held in the fourth quarter of 2025. The exact date, venue and open application details will be released in due course. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest information. While we look forward to the next Forum, we also hope to sustain the connections forged between the young scientists who participated in the inaugural Forum. We have therefore established the “HKLF Alumni Community” and we will be organising events from time to time to bring these young minds together. The first gathering will be held on 30 August and we will extend invitations to the young scientists and Forum Ambassadors who have taken part in the inaugural Forum, creating opportunities for them to continue their valuable cross-disciplinary exchanges.

As we embark on the preparation work for the next Forum, we keep making every effort to promote science. The “HKLF Science Explorer Award Scheme 2023/24 for Secondary Students” that we specifically organised for the secondary school students in Hong Kong has concluded successfully. We are excited that over 30 secondary schools joined the award scheme and more than 70 students were awarded Gold and Silver certificates. These students were from CNEC Lau Wing Sang Secondary School, Diocesan Girls’ School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College, etc. The award scheme started since June 2023, aiming to encourage the students to participate in science-related activities to broaden their horizons and get inspired. Congratulations again to the awarded students!

Moreover, the G3 Alliance, established by the HKLF, the Hong Kong Academy of Gifted Education and Centum Charitas Foundation, has jointly organised the “Young STEAM Talent Award”. The top 10 finalists in the five categories were announced in mid-June and the Round 2 Adjudication will be conducted on 29 June. Subsequently, the Grand Final Adjudication, along with the Award Presentation Ceremony cum Luncheon, will be held on 6 July, where the prizes will be presented to the “Top Ten Young STEAM Talents Award”, “Nominator of the Award Winners” and “Young STEAM Talent of the Year Award”. The HKLF has invited Dr Lois Choy, Clinical Lecturer from the Department of Chemical Pathology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who was one of the young scientists who took part in the inaugural Forum, to participate in the chit-chat session during the luncheon. She will share insights and experiences from her scientific research journey with the attending students so as to motivate them to pursue the scientific research profession. In July and August, the award-winning students will undergo a nurturing programme, including celebrity talks, study visits and STEAM mentorship. We are eager to see these talented individuals equipped through the programme and fully unleash their innovative and scientific potential.

Apart from our effort to advance the scientific development in the community, the HKLF has maintained a consistent focus on the issue of climate change. This year, we have been a supporting organisation again for the Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference (ASECCC) which is to be organised by CarbonCare InnoLab Limited. Under the theme “The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia”, the conference will be held online between 26 and 28 June. ASECCC brings influential figures together from diverse sectors in the Asia Pacific region and focuses on topics such as renewable energy investment and carbon neutrality in Asian cities, with an aim to accelerate the energy transition and address climate change. For more information about ASECCC, please click here.

Last but not least, 14 May 2024 marked the 5th anniversary of the HKLF. Over the past five years, we have received full sponsorship from the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and great support from the Shaw Prize Foundation. We have also been supported by the individuals and organisations across a wide range of sectors, facilitating the seamless execution of our science-related events and enabling the successful staging of the inaugural Forum. Moving forward, we will actively prepare for the next Forum and maintain close collaboration with different sectors to collectively advance education and exchanges in the fields of science and technology in Hong Kong.

Science News

Rise and Succumb: Human Brain Neurons Undergo Rapid Aging upon Re-entering the Cell Cycle

The Shoelace Problem – What’s the Best Way to Lace Your Shoes?

關於香港桂冠論壇

歡迎大家來到香港桂冠論壇2024年6月份通訊。

香港桂冠論壇委員會很高興宣佈，香港桂冠論壇將會每兩年舉辦一次，而第二屆論壇將於2025年第四季舉行，確實日期、地點及公開申請等資訊將於稍後公佈，請大家密切留意我們的網站和社交媒體。我們期待下屆論壇誕生的同時，亦期望能延續參與上屆論壇的青年科學家之間的聯繫。因此，我們成立HKLF Alumni Community，並會不定期舉辦活動，讓青年科學家們聚首一堂。而首個聚會將於8月30日舉行，我們將會邀請曾參與首屆論壇的青年科學家及論壇大使出席，繼續跨領域的交流。

我們開展下屆論壇籌備工作的同時，亦繼續推廣科學。而我們特意為香港中學生舉辦的獎勵計劃—「香港桂冠論壇中學生科學探索者獎 2023/24」已圓滿結束。我們很高興超過30間中學參與此計劃，當中逾70名學生獲金獎和銀獎證書，他們分別來自中華傳道會劉永生中學、拔萃女書院、香港青年協會李兆基書院等。此計劃由去年6月開始，旨在鼓勵學生參加和科學相關的活動，以擴闊他們的視野和得到啟發。我們在此再次恭喜獲得證書的學生！

另外，我們與香港資優教育學苑、百仁基金組成的「G3聯盟」合辦的「少年創科達人大獎」，於6月中公佈了五大組別的頭十名入選名單，中段評審將於6月29日舉行。而7月6日則是總評日，並於當天舉行頒獎典禮暨午餐會，頒發「十大創科少年獎」、「提名人獎項」及「年度最佳創科達人獎」。桂冠論壇特意邀請了參與首屆論壇的青年科學家、香港中文大學化學病理學系臨床講師蔡樂怡醫生參與午餐會上的閒談環節，向出席學生分享她於科研旅途上的經歷，從而鼓勵他們投身科研行列。而獲獎學生將於7至8月接受培訓，包括名人講座、參觀學習、STEAM導師計劃等。我們期待看見獲獎學生透過計劃裝備自己，全面發揮創科潛能。

除了在社區推動科學發展，桂冠論壇一直關注氣候變化的議題。今年，我們再次成為低碳想創坊主辦的ASECCC (Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference)的支持機構，會議於6月26至28日在網上舉行，主題為The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia，屆時將匯聚亞太區不同界別具影響力人士，討論亞洲城市的可再生能源投資、碳中和等議題，以推動能源轉型和應對氣候變化。有關更多ASECCC的資訊，請按此參閱。

最後，2024年5月14日是論壇委員會成立五周年的日子。過去五年，我們獲得主要贊助機構 – 李兆基基金的全額贊助、邵逸夫獎基金會以及很多不同界別人士和機構的全力支持，令以往與科學相關的活動得以順利舉行，亦令首屆論壇於去年得以成功舉辦。我們會於未來積極籌備下屆論壇，並繼續與各界緊密合作，攜手推動香港科學和科技各個領域的教育和交流。

科學探究

盛放與凋零：人腦的神經元在重新進入細胞周期後迅速衰老

鞋帶問題 — 怎樣穿鞋帶才是最佳方法？

关于香港桂冠论坛

欢迎大家来到香港桂冠论坛2024年6月份通讯。

香港桂冠论坛委员会很高兴宣布，香港桂冠论坛将会每两年举办一次，而第二届论坛将于2025年第四季举行，确实日期、地点及公开申请等资讯将于稍后公布，请大家密切留意我们的网站和社交媒体。我们期待下届论坛诞生的同时，亦期望能延续参与上届论坛的青年科学家之间的联系。因此，我们成立HKLF Alumni Community，并会不定期举办活动，让青年科学家们聚首一堂。而首个聚会将于8月30日举行，我们将会邀请曾参与首届论坛的青年科学家及论坛大使出席，继续跨领域的交流。

我们开展下届论坛筹备工作的同时，亦继续推广科学。而我们特意为香港中学生举办的奖励计划—「香港桂冠论坛中学生科学探索者奖 2023/24」已圆满结束。我们很高兴超过30间中学参与此计划，当中逾70名学生获金奖和银奖证书，他们分别来自中华传道会刘永生中学、拔萃女书院、香港青年协会李兆基书院等。此计划由去年6月开始，旨在鼓励学生参加和科学相关的活动，以扩阔他们的视野和得到启发。我们在此再次恭喜获得证书的学生！

另外，我们与香港资优教育学苑、百仁基金组成的「G3联盟」合办的「少年创科达人大奖」，于6月中公布了五大组别的头十名入选名单，中段评审将于6月29日举行。而7月6日则是总评日，并于当天举行颁奖典礼暨午餐会，颁发「十大创科少年奖」、「提名人奖项」及「年度最佳创科达人奖」。桂冠论坛特意邀请了参与首届论坛的青年科学家、香港中文大学化学病理学系临床讲师蔡乐怡医生参与午餐会上的闲谈环节，向出席学生分享她于科研旅途上的经历，从而鼓励他们投身科研行列。而获奖学生将于7至8月接受培训，包括名人讲座、参观学习、STEAM导师计划等。我们期待看见获奖学生透过计划装备自己，全面发挥创科潜能。

除了在社区推动科学发展，桂冠论坛一直关注气候变化的议题。今年，我们再次成为低碳想创坊主办的ASECCC (Asia Solar Energy for Climate Change Conference)的支持机构，会议于6月26至28日在网上举行，主题为The Future of Renewables: Closing the Gap for Energy Just Transition in Asia，届时将汇聚亚太区不同界别具影响力人士，讨论亚洲城市的可再生能源投资、碳中和等议题，以推动能源转型和应对气候变化。有关更多ASECCC的资讯，请按此参阅。

最后，2024年5月14日是论坛委员会成立五周年的日子。过去五年，我们获得主要赞助机构 – 李兆基基金的全额赞助、邵逸夫奖基金会以及很多不同界别人士和机构的全力支持，令以往与科学相关的活动得以顺利举行，亦令首届论坛于去年得以成功举办。我们会于未来积极筹备下届论坛，并继续与各界紧密合作，携手推动香港科学和科技各个领域的教育和交流。

科学探究

盛放与凋零：人脑的神经元在重新进入细胞周期后迅速衰老

鞋带问题 — 怎样穿鞋带才是最佳方法？

About the Hong
Kong Laureate
Forum

Welcome to the October 2024 issue of the newsletter of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum!

The HKLF is pleased to announce that the 2nd Hong Kong Laureate Forum (the Forum) will take place from 5 to 8 November 2025 at the Hong Kong Science Park. We will invite Shaw Laureates and other distinguished scientists to Hong Kong for cross-generational, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchanges with young scientists from around the world, sharing their views and aspirations in various scientific fields. We are currently preparing for the Forum programmes and coordinating closely with different organisations to enrich the content. Enrollment for young scientists will be open from 13 January to 31 March 2025. Successful applicants will be selected by a Scientific Review Panel composed of both local and non-local academics. The details of the enrollment and selection process will be announced at a later stage. Young scientists who are interested in participating in the upcoming Forum are invited to stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest information.

The HKLF Alumni Reunion Party was successfully held on 30 August. The event gathered more than 80 participants and guests, including young scientists and science-based Forum ambassadors who took part in the inaugural Forum, their invited friends who are interested in the HKLF’s activities, as well as representatives from Henderson Land Development Co Ltd, The Shaw Prize, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE), Centum Charitas Foundation (CCF), etc. Prof Timothy Tong, SBS, BBS, JP, Chairman of the HKLF delivered his welcoming remarks. He expressed his hope that by holding the Forum, more young people would take an interest in science and pursue careers in research and technology development, thus helping Hong Kong to become an international hub for science and technology. In addition, three young scientists, including Dr Lois Choy, Clinical Lecturer from the Department of Chemical Pathology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Mr Leif Lui, Research Postgraduate from the Department of Physics of The University of Hong Kong, and Dr Hugo W L Mak, Lecturer from the Department of Mathematics of CUHK, and Visiting Faculty from the Department of Mathematics of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, shared with the participants their experience and gains upon joining the inaugural Forum. All the three young scientists expressed that they had gained a lot of inspirations from the inaugural Forum and would definitely recommend their peers and juniors to participate in the subsequent Forums. We welcome everyone to browse our photo gallery, video gallery and YouTube channel to share in the joy of the party.

Moreover, the final adjudication and award presentation ceremony cum luncheon of the “Young STEAM Talent Award”, which was organised by the G3 Alliance jointly established by the HKLF, HKAGE and CCF, concluded successfully. The “Top Ten Young STEAM Talents” and “Young STEAM Talent of the Year” were awarded at the event. In addition to the attendance of members and guests, Ms Michelle Li, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, also took time out of her busy schedule to be present at the event to witness this important moment. The top ten awardees presented their works to Ms Li and other guests on the spot. The “Young STEAM Talent of the Year” gained the opportunity to join a chit-chat session and exchange ideas with Dr Jimmy Wong, Executive Director of HKAGE, and Dr Lois Choy, Clinical Lecturer from the Department of Chemical Pathology of CUHK who took part in the inaugural Forum, on the topic of “My Journey in Innovation and Technology”. All the top ten awardees expressed their delight that they benefited a lot from the competition. Congratulations again to all awardees and the students who made it to the top 50! We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the field of innovation and technology! Everyone is welcome to click here to view the list of winners, publications and highlight clips of the competition. The G3 Alliance is going to organise the 2nd “Young STEAM Talent Award”. A briefing session will be held on 19 October. Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning) of the City University of Hong Kong, will kindly share his insights on talent development and the ways of empowering the young generation in embarking on the journey of innovation and technology. Additionally, our first awardee of the “Young STEAM Talent of the Year” will also share her experience. Click here to read the details of the competition and sign up for the briefing session.

We have consistently been supporting other organisations in hosting competitions related to science and technology, enabling students to gain valuable experience through their participation. This year, we have been one of the supporting organisations of the “Hong Kong Youth AI Master Applied Tech Innovation Awards”, which is hosted by Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and co-organised by the HKAGE. The competition fosters the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives. It aims to spark secondary school students’ interests through providing them with a learning and exchange platform, nurturing their critical thinking and innovative minds, and enhancing their problem-solving abilities. ASTRI is going to organise an introductory seminar on 4 October to outline the details and key information of the competition. Interactive AI technology demonstration such as cyber security technology demo will also be featured, sparking participants’ interest in AI. Please click here to learn more about the competition and to register for the introductory seminar.

To further enhance the understanding and interests of the Hong Kong young generation in various disciplines in science and technology, whilst preparing for the next international Forum, we will keep cooperating closely with different sectors of the community for programmes that promote education and exchanges in these fields.

Science News

Global Breakthrough in Personalised Stem Cell Treatment for Immunodeficiency Patients Researchers Urge Public Awareness and Advocacy

Masters of Transformation: Colour-Changing Animals