Centre for Novostics, with the meaning of novel diagnostics, aims to push forward the frontier for molecular diagnostics, particularly around prenatal diagnosis and cancer diagnostics.
These research areas will accelerate the application of liquid biopsy and promote Hong Kong as a leading molecular diagnostic centre in the world. Leveraging Hong Kong’s well-developed public healthcare system and its strategic location for easy access to major cities worldwide, the centre targets to create a conducive environment for collaborations with other renowned research institutes and universities. The compact size of the city also allows large-scale programmes to be set up and tested.
As the founding Scientific Director of Centre for Novostics, I am excited about being part of the InnoHK initiative. I am pleased to see the rapid evolution of the biotechnology ecosystem in the city and the support from the Government of Hong Kong SAR. There has never been a better time to be science and technology innovators in Hong Kong. I can see the challenges and yet the opportunities. It is with strong will to position the Centre to provide leadership in nurturing local talents for the biotechnology industry and to reinforce the importance of transdisciplinary collaborations in translating scientific knowledge into clinical applications. I hope that the Centre’s research would attain the next level of global excellence, resulting in the generation of valuable intellectual properties, enhancement of the health and quality of life, as well as creating economic benefits to the region.
Professors Lo, Chan and Chiu are experts in translating research findings into practical applications. They have created a large patent portfolio. This influential body of patents contributed to Prof. Lo’s naming by the authoritative journal, Nature Biotechnology, as one of the Top 20 Translational Researchers in the world in 2016 to 2020 for five consecutive years.
Prof. Mai Har Sham has been Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Biomedical Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) since 2020. Prof. Sham obtained her BSc and MPhil in Biology at CUHK. She was awarded a Croucher Foundation Scholarship and pursued her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, U.K. She received her postdoctoral training in Developmental Genetics at the National Institute for Medical Research in London before joining The University of Hong Kong (HKU), where she later became Assistant Dean (Research), Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Director of the Centre for Reproduction Development and Growth in the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and the Associate Vice-President (Research) of HKU. Professor Sham promoted not only excellent research, but also dedicated to medical and science curriculum development. She led the design and establishment of the first Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences curriculum in Hong Kong.
As PVC (Research) in CUHK, Prof. Sham oversees the strategic development of research and innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and research impact in the University. She provides leadership to research institutes and centres, fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration with academic and industrial partners in strategic research areas. She is in charge of research support services for technology transfer, intellectual property management, start-ups and commercialization platforms to translate research and knowledge into societal impact. Prof. Sham is responsible for the administration of research fundings, including university-wide funding schemes to support research equipment and facilities, interdisciplinary group research projects, research talents and partnership with international institutions. She also oversees matters relating to research policies, research data management, ensuring best practices in compliance, research ethics and integrity in the University.