KE Spotlight - Community Engagement - HKU Knowledge Exchange

"Dissecting the Meaning of Life – An Anthology of Essays on Body Donation" shortlisted in the 27th Secondary School Students' Best Ten Books Election

The book "Dissecting the Meaning of Life–An Anthology of Essays on Body Donation" has been selected as one of the shortlisted titles of the 27th Secondary School Students' Best Ten Books Election in Hong Kong. The book was initiated by the HKU Body Donation Programme, which was co-ordinated by Dr Lap Ki Chan, Associate Professor of the Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education (IMHSE) and School of Biomedical Sciences. It was supported by the HKU Knowledge Exchange Fund and IMHSE.

HKU botanists discover a new plant growth technology that may alleviate climate change and food shortage

A research team led by Dr Wallace Lim Boon-leong with his former student Dr Law Yee-song at the HKU School of Biological Sciences has developed a new strategy to promote plant growth and seed yield by 38% to 57% in a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, hence increasing CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. The researchers have identified a plant-growth promoting gene, designated as "Purple acid phosphatase 2"(AtPAP2) from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. AtPAP2 can modulate the import of a number of specific proteins into chloroplasts and mitochondria, and subsequently boost their capability to harvest solar energy and generate adenosine triphosphate. The technology may also have potential in boosting food production to address the problem of food shortage due to overpopulation. Several patent applications have been filed with the assistance of the University's Technology Transfer Office.

Faculty of Architecture’s Knowledge Exchange Report 2013-14/2014-15

HKU Faculty of Architecture presents examples of their activities that illustrate a range of engagements in its Knowledge Exchange Report 2013-14/2014-15. These community engagement projects bring architecture, landscape, conservation and urbanism to the public. There are also examples of projects in which the Faculty works with the community and professionals to help solve community problems.

HKU scientists found Hong Kong coral reef thriving despite pollution

A research team led by Dr David Baker of HKU's School of Biological Sciences found that marine life is thriving despite serious pollution caused by major developments at Hong Kong's busy harbour. The stronger types of coral species are holding on despite the unrelenting conditions, and the scientists are studying how they survive, which may offer hope to habitats under threat globally in the future.

HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy hosts Drug Information Day

HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine hosted a Drug Information Day at Un Chau Estate, Cheung Sha Wan on August 30, 2015. About 600 people attended. A talk was given on the myth about antibiotics. Students also explained the use of antibiotics to members of the public. Registered pharmacists answered questions the public had about their medication.

HKU Social Sciences Research Centre announces "Language use, proficiency and attitudes in Hong Kong" survey findings

The Social Sciences Research Centre of the University carried out a research project that involved (i) the conduct of a community-wide language survey from August 2014 - January 2015; and (ii) the detailed analysis of language data from the 2011 Census of the HKSAR. The project was funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme of the Central Policy Unit , HKSARG. The results of the project have the potential to contribute to a much greater understanding of patterns of language acquisition, language use and multilingualism within the Hong Kong community; and will contribute to a much fuller understanding of language acquisition, language use and multilingualism within the Hong Kong community.

HKU Faculty of Medicine offers first-aid training to domestic helpers

Bringing emergency medicine to the community, HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and medical students organised talks and workshops on first aid for 300 domestic helpers. The purpose is to empower them with basic life support skills, namely bystander CPR and choking management, for the elderly. According to a local study, the mean age of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in Hong Kong was 71.5 years and 66% of cases happened at home. Dr Fan Kit-ling, Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Unit, said that each one minute of delayed rescue would lower the survival rate by 7%-10% in case of a cardiac arrest. If CPR is performed immediately, the chance of survival will increase by two to three times.