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The Health Research Symposium 2014 organised by the Research Office of the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) was held today (November 15) to commend the outstanding scientific studies of local medical researchers.
Awards were presented to six researchers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to studies that had set a benchmark for good research and made a significant impact on health policies and clinical practice.
Entitled "Translating Health Research into Policy and Practice for the Health of the Population", the symposium brought together more than 600 medical and healthcare practitioners, academics, researchers and government representatives, and showcased the outcome of the research supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund.
Officiating at the symposium's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said that over the years, the FHB has been providing funding support for a wide spectrum of health and medical research subjects, including prevention and control of infectious diseases, which are an important line of defence in public health.
"With such research efforts, we strive to enhance our responsiveness to potential health threats like the rapid spread of Dengue fever in neighbouring areas and the Ebola virus in West African countries," said Dr Ko.
Dr Ko pointed out that the number of research projects funded under the Health and Medical Research Fund had grown significantly, from about 100 in 2011-12 to almost 250 in 2014-15, with total funding commitments increasing from HK$90 million to HK$211 million over the same period.
The symposium also provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and ideas. Two internationally renowned experts, Professor Sir Richard Peto from the United Kingdom and Dr Nancy Edwards from Canada, delivered keynote speeches on population health improvement and promoting excellence in health research. Locally, Professor Gabriel Leung and Professor Yeoh Eng-kiong shared their insightful views on healthcare research and the delivery of health services respectively.
In addition, 17 leading local researchers from a variety of scientific and health-related disciplines also shared their research experience and outcomes in parallel sessions of the symposium.
Six special awards presented at the symposium today were as follows:
Excellent Research Award:
Professor Henry Chan Lik-yuen
Dr Chen Honglin
Professor Guan Yi
Professor Anthony Johnson Hedley
Most Promising Young Researcher Award:
Professor Alfred Cheng Sze-lok
Dr Suki Lee Man-yan
Ends/Saturday, November 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:13
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