SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
HKUST is dedicated to creating healthy and thriving communities through our efforts in cutting-edge research, mental health support, and community outreach. We aim to build a campus that is equipped to meet the needs of our diverse community by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes a holistic view of health.
Curriculum
23 related courses were offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
Research
According to Science Direct, from 2019 to 2023, HKUST published 1499 research papers addressing SDG 3.
About 34% of them are in the top 10% cite score and around 71% are internationally co-authored.
Research Highlights
Artificial Intelligence for Early Risk Forecasting of Alzheimer's Disease
In collaboration with researchers at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology and University College London, as well as clinicians at local Hong Kong hospitals including Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, HKUST achieves groundbreaking first by applying artificial intelligence for early risk forecasting of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Anticancer Strategy
Another finding to provide good health and well-being is that scientists from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong and Institut Curie, France have jointly uncovered a new mechanism of the human MCM2-7 complex in regulating replication initiation, which can be used as a novel and effective anticancer strategy with the potential for selective killing of cancer cells.
Policy
Smoke-Free
As a leading institution of higher education, HKUST is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment for its community. A key aspect of this commitment is HKUST's policy to maintain a smoke-free campus, in accordance with the Hong Kong Public Health Ordinance.
Collaboration
Haven of Hope Christian Service
HKUST and Haven of Hope Christian Service (HOHCS) formed a research partnership since 2018 to maximize resources and build communities to prepare future generations for aging. The partnership combines their expertise in aging research and elderly care services.
The HKUST Center for Aging Science, a part of this collaboration, focuses on understanding healthy aging and promoting physical and psychological well-being in old age. The research is interdisciplinary, covering genomics, social impacts, decision analytics, and technology-based solutions. With projects like Facial Landmark Detection, Improving Heathcare Operations, Smart Wheelchairs, and The Search of Cure for Alzheimer’s, HKUST is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly through research and partnerships with elderly care facilities and local hospitals. The initiative also aims to engage younger generations in understanding healthy aging and their role in this aging society.
Prof. Nancy IP (front left), HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development, and Dr. LAM Ching-choi (front right), HOHCS Chief Executive Officer sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with elder care facility to partner in tech and research.
China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology
HKUST entered into an agreement with China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology for long-term strategic cooperation in the fields of molecular neuroscience, sustainable development and microelectronics, as well as establishing a joint research center for brain science. The agreement also provides internship or job opportunities for HKUST students and graduates at the China Resources Research Institute.
November 2022: HKUST and China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology signing collaboration on molecular neuroscience, sustainable development and microelectronics research.
Computational High-throughput Autofluorescence Microscopy by Pattern Illumination
In collaboration with two hospitals in Hong Kong and three hospitals in Mainland China, an HKUST research team seeks to further develop an alternative cancer tissue imaging method, entitled "Computational High-throughput Autofluorescence Microscopy by Pattern Illumination (CHAMP)". This microscope is capable of generating images of and being able to detect cancer cells in three minutes with a 90% accuracy. Its results are comparable to the gold standard's one-week conventional imaging.
In just three minutes, the CHAMP microscope first generates a greyscale image (left, a) of the patient’s tissue sample and then virtually colors it (middle, b) to indicate the locations of cancer cells for doctors. The result is comparable to that of an image generated by a conventional one-week test (right, c), which is regarded as the gold standard in the medical profession.
Community Engagement
HKUST Connect
HKUST Connect actively engages with the community through programmes like Kiddy Online Game Day Online Game, Zoom U Next Time with Elderly, and Mid-Autumn Festival Visit - Let Care Reach Street Cleaners and Scavengers. With these programs, the aim is to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals in various target groups. By providing support, companionship, and care, HKUST Connect fosters positive social interactions and promotes the well-being of participants and community members.
Sept 2022: Partnering with The Salvation Army, HKUST volunteers visit street cleaners and scavengers in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei.
Mental Health Support, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
Through our Counselling and Wellness Center, students and staff can arrange counselling sessions and access a 24-hour helpline for support. In the past year, the center has provided over 5000 counselling and Special Educational Needs (SEN) sessions, as well as conducting 130 wellness activities, reaching a total of approximately 7400 university members. The Center offers regular programs and workshops to address key mental health topics. In the past, we have organized workshops like Sexual Health, Safe Sex, and Trauma which discuss sexuality and its impacts on overall psychological well-being; We can Heal What We Feel, emphasizing the connection between emotional well-being and overall health; and a day camp called “Chill” Up Your Heart, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. The camp provided students with a mindful break and an opportunity to relax and recharge. Through these activities, we hope to refresh students with insights that promote self-care and connection with their hearts, helping students navigate their mental health journeys effectively.
Chill Up Your Heart Day Camp in collaboration with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in Fall 2022
Awareness
Peer Support Community, which trains a dedicated group of 206 student Peer Companions to provide empathetic support, raise awareness, and encourage help-seeking within the campus community. The Peer Companions organize various outreach activities, from social media campaigns to in-person events like the TrUSTalk Bench and TrUSTalk Circle, fostering inclusive conversations and promoting mental wellness. Additionally, the center's online platform has reached over 1,165 users, 17% more than the previous year, providing students with easy access to mental health resources and a supportive community. A key outcome of this is that empowering students to be leaders destigmatizing mental health.
Facilities
Medical Facilities
HKUST provides comprehensive on-campus medical and dental services for the entire campus community, including full-time students, staff, and their eligible family members. General check-up services and medicine prescription is free for all students to promote inclusive health access for all.
Sport Facilities
HKUST provides a diverse array of cutting-edge sports and recreation facilities to promote the overall well-being of its students, staff, and their family members. These facilities are open to the entire campus community, including full-time and part-time students, staff, retirees, and Sports Facilities User Card holders.
