The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
 
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) will present a public lecture under the theme "Public Health and Community" on October 9 (Sunday) at the Hong Kong Central Library. All are welcome.
 
     The RGC has invited the Department Chairperson and Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Microbiology of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Dr Kelvin To, and the Director of the Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology of the Education University of Hong Kong, Dr Hou Wai-kai, to share their research findings and knowledge in relation to COVID-19 and public health. Details are as follows:
 
Time: 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library
Language: Cantonese
Admission: Free (seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis)
 
     Members of the public can also watch the live broadcast of the lecture through the Multimedia Information System of the Hong Kong Public Libraries (mmis.hkpl.gov.hk).

First session: Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic
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     The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to have caused over 15 million deaths worldwide, and has led to socioeconomic disruptions. As vaccines and antiviral drugs became available, morbidity and mortality were substantially reduced. However, there is still a threat from novel variants. Research on the characteristics of novel variants and development of innovative therapeutics and vaccination are pivotal in minimising the impact of COVID-19. The Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong has conducted research in this area and will discuss the way forward.
 
Second session: Useful Knowledge on Resilience and Psychological Health under the Pandemic
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     COVID-19 has brought radical changes to the daily lives of many people, including school closures for students and work from home arrangement for employees. A research team from the Department of Psychology of the Education University of Hong Kong has conducted a series of studies, which show that such disruption to daily routines not only causes psychological distress but also relates to the development of anxiety and depression. Based on the results, the team has made some recommendations for different walks of life to help enhance their mental health and well-being.
 
     The public lectures of the RGC aim at arousing public interest in local research developments. Since 2009, the RGC has invited numerous leading scholars to speak at these lectures. For enquiries, please call 2524 3987 or visit the University Grants Committee webpage (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/lectures/lectures.html). In addition, the RGC has launched an email subscription service. Members of the public can subscribe to the service at www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/subscribe to receive regular updates on the RGC. 

Ends/Friday, September 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:00

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