SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 

23 related courses were offered in the 2023-24 academic year.   

According to Science Direct, from 2020 to 2024, HKUST published 1686 research papers addressing SDG 3.

25.33% of them are in the top 10% cite score and 71% are internationally co-authored. 

HKUST Scientists Unveil Promising Target for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment 

A research team led by Prof. Nancy IP, the President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the Director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND), has identified a cell surface protein found on immune cells of the brain, as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This new discovery not only expands the understanding of the disease pathology but also unveiled a new target for developing disease interventions, paving the way for developing novel therapeutics to combat this debilitating condition. 

Let’s Sweat the Details: Where Sweat Sensing and Fitness Intersect 

Three innovative HKUST alumni have pioneered a sweat sensor that eliminates the need for invasive blood samples when testing for muscle fatigue.  

HKUST Researchers Find how Stem Cell Niche guides Differentiation into Functional Cells, Significant Step towards Stem Cell Therapies 

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have found how stem cells’ surrounding environment controls them to differentiate into functional cells. The findings of this research serve as a breakthrough that is critical for using stem cells to treat various human diseases in the future. 

HKUST Identifies Novel Host Factors that Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Entry Paving New Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19 

A research team led by Prof. GUO Yusong, Associate Professor of the Division of Life Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), recently made a novel discovery related to the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19. The team discovered unknown human cell factors that enable the virus to enter and infect cells. The team identified specific proteins that interact with the virus’ spike protein, demonstrating alternative infection pathways. This finding offers valuable mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. 

HKUST Researchers Develop Efficient and Accessible Single-Molecule Platform for Detecting Various Amylin Species Associated with Type 2 Diabetes 

A research team led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a new microscope system that utilizes on-and-off control of light to observe various amylin species, protein molecules that clump together into harmful blobs, at the single-molecule level. This single-molecule approach overcomes the limitations of traditional methods by examining at the most fundamental level and this leads to better understanding and potential new treatments for type 2 diabetes. 

Joint Study Unveils How COVID-19 Adversely Impacts Placenta During Pregnancy 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) conducted research that sheds light on how COVID-19 infection may lead to late pregnancy complications. By analyzing MFI samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy donors, the team discovered that the virus triggers a significant increase in the immune response, potentially exposing the fetus to harmful inflammation. The infection also impairs placental blood vessel formation that will restrict fetal growth while also disrupting essential proteins needed for healthy placental function. This study paves a way for the development of potential molecular targets in future treatments to mitigate the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal health.   

HKUST Researchers Uncover Mechanism for Short-distance Vesicle Movements 

A research team from the Division of Life Science at HKUST, led by doctoral student Mr. QIU Hua and RGC Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. WU Xiandeng, with the guidance of Prof. ZHANG Mingjie, former Chair Professor in Life Science at HKUST, and Prof. WU Zhenguo, Professor in Life Science of HKUST, conducted research on the movement of synaptic vesicles (SVs). They discovered that the separation of specific proteins associated with these vesicles enables them to move in at controlled manner between different regions of the cell. This study identifies some of the active processes in cells that help vesicles move locally over short distances in specific directions, which may be adopted in various other situations within the broader field of cell biology. 

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.

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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. 

Joint Study by HKUST and HKU on DNA Replication Initiation Selected as One of Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023 

This prestigious accolade was awarded to the team that includes Prof. ZHAI Yuanliang, Assistant Professor from the HKU School of Biological Sciences, Prof. DANG Shangyu, Assistant Professor from HKUST Division of Life Science (LIFS), and Prof. TYE Bik-Kwoon, Senior Member of HKUST Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), in recognition of their groundbreaking discovery of a new mechanism of the human pre-replication complex (Pre-RC) in regulating DNA replication initiation. The atomic resolution structure of the human Pre-RC provides detailed critical information for devising novel and effective anticancer strategies with the ability to selectively kill cancer cells. 

HKUST and APEL Establish Joint Laboratory to Develop Novel Health and Environmental Innovations

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has jointly established a laboratory with Absolute Pure EnviroSci Limited (APEL) to develop and translate novel discoveries into groundbreaking health and environmental innovations.  These include highly effective and long-lasting pest repellent against bedbugs that can also inactivate up to 99.9 percent of highly-infectious viruses, bacteria and hard-to-kill spores, as well as artificial organoids that could help quantify pollution’s risks on human health and provide essential data for establishing a health monitoring system in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area (GBA).

HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital Forge Strategic Partnership

HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University (Beijing Tiantan Hospital) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to jointly nurture innovative medical talents with expertise in both research and clinical practice. HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital launched a key talent training program where physicians selected for the program will enhance their research and clinical practice by undergoing research training at the University, during when they will actively participate in frontier research projects and learn the latest research approaches and technologies. The two parties will collaborate on research projects in areas including neuroscience, artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical engineering, to promote the translation of cutting-edge technologies into clinical applications.  

Care for the Street Sleepers  

In collaboration with the Salvation Army Integrated Service for Street Sleepers, 20 HKUST volunteers reached out to homeless individuals in the Yau Tsim Mong area. Volunteers engaged in meaningful conversations with the street sleepers, not only providing them with essential dry food supplies, but also empathy and emotional support. By acknowledging their experiences and challenges, the volunteers helped promote mental and emotional well-being, reinforcing the importance of dignity and care for vulnerable communities.  

Mental Health Support 

The HKUST Counselling and Wellness Center students and staff are available for counselling sessions and access with a 24-hour helpline for support. In the past year 2022-2024, the center has provided over 5000 counselling and Special Educational Needs (SEN) sessions as well as conducting 130 wellness activities. The Center offers regular programs and workshops to address key mental health topics, and we hope to refresh students with insights that promote self-care and connection with their hearts. 

Peer Support Community 

Each year, numerous enthusiastic undergraduate and postgraduate students volunteer to join two distinctive programs: the Peer Companion Training Program and the SENtastic Leader Program. The volunteer team has expanded to over 220 students and participants receive relevant training and service opportunities that empower them to form core teams, develop collaborative ideas, and create a caring and inclusive environment within the community. 

NEW SEMESTER, NEW INITIATIVE: MEATLESS OPTION IN STUDENT APP 

In the recognition of the students’ desire for more vegetarian and vegan options on campus, HKUST took measures in aiding access and knowledge to available caterings on campus. The Campus Services Office (CSO) and Information Systems Office (ISO) took the initiative last year in summer to update its “Meatless Option” menu, and it is finally on the HKUST Student app under the category of Easy Living. This is to ensure that students are more aware of green options and to remove barriers from utilizing campus catering as a healthy, sustainable, and diverse food service. 

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.

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