HKU and Shanghai Sci-Tech Innovation Center sign Memorandum of Understanding for Immunity Research

The Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Shanghai Sci-Tech Inno Center for Infection & Immunity have joined forces to tackle pressing issues in climate change, marine conservation, infectious disease control, public health, and public policy. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Pujiang Innovation Forum 2024 on April 27, 2024, solidifying their commitment to collaborative research and public health impact.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures such as Professor LI Cheng, Founding Director of the CCCW; Professor ZHANG Wenhong, Director of the Shanghai Sci-Tech Inno Center for Infection & Immunity; Mr GONG Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai; and Mr Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government. The project outlined in the MoU aims to bring together top experts in various fields to conduct original research, establish monitoring systems, and provide public policy discourse platforms.

As part of their collaborative efforts, a roundtable titled “Climate-Ocean-Health Study Interdisciplinary Observer Network (COHESION)” was held at HKU on April 26. The event brought together over a dozen experts, including Professor GONG Peng, Vice-President of HKU, and Professor CHAI Fei, Tang Shifeng Chair Professor in Marine Sciences at Xiamen University, to discuss the intersection of climate change, pandemics, environment, ocean, and public health.

Through academic seminars, policy analysis, and public discussions, the partnership between CCCW and the Shanghai Sci-Tech Inno Center for Infection & Immunity aims to generate high-quality research outcomes and make a significant impact on public health. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing complex global challenges through interdisciplinary cooperation and innovative research initiatives.