HK scientist's skeletal research program funded by UGC

Home>>Sci-Edu

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 10, 2004

HK scientist's skeletal research program funded by UGC

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

A skeletal research program byHong Kong scientists had received 50 million HK dollar (6.4 million US dollar) funding from the University Grants Committee (UGC) as an "Area of Excellence" program, a press officer in University of Hong Kong (HKU) said Wednesday.

The program, which was entitled "Developmental Genomics and Skeletal Research," is a multidisciplinary research program to understand fundamental processes that ensure normal growth and maintenance of the skeleton and what genetic factors underlie degenerative skeletal disorders.

The officer said the prestigious award as a UGC's "Area of Excellence" program highlighted the importance of understanding musculo-skeletal disorders.

Skeletal disorders are one of the world's most serious health problems that cause long-term pain and physical disability for hundreds of millions of people.

In 2000 over 300,000 workdays were lost in Hong Kong through these disorders and 200 million HK dollars (25.6 million US dollars) paid in workers compensation.

Eighteen scientist from HKU, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will employ a variety of state-of-the-art technologies in genomics, proteomics, cell biology and transgenic animal models to conduct the research.

The team hopes to develop methods for reconstituting damaged skeletal tissue, leading to new clinical applications and improvedquality of life for the disabled.

"Success of this program will contribute to placing Hong Kong at the forefront of biomedical research worldwide," the officer said.

The "Area of Excellency" scheme was launched by the UGC in 1998with an aim to assist in maintaining and enhancing Hong Kong's pivotal position in the overall development of China and the Pacific Rim.

Questions?Comments? Click here

2,000 French scientists resign over lack of funding

Chinese, Scottish scientists to cooperate

It is unexpectedly easy to defeat "China Threat" theory: Japanese economist ( 168 Messages)

Rising sex disproportion sparks concerns ( 2 Messages)

Kerry launches first election website in Chinese ( 11 Messages)

China's economy must not get into the rut of Latin American countries: NPC deputy ( 7 Messages)

What's the meaning of Bush & Blair nominated as candidates for Nobel Peace Prize? ( 20 Messages)