Research Spotlight

At the heart of every breakthrough is a story of inquiry, collaboration, and dedication. Research Spotlights is where we tell those stories. Our slogan, "Where knowledge meets impact," captures the essence of this page—a showcase of the moment a theoretical concept evolves into a transformative force for change.

From the academic setting to the public sphere, the researchers profiled here are shaping the future. Dive into the following features to meet the people behind the projects and discover how their excellence is not just advancing academic fields, but is actively creating a better, more informed, and more innovative world.

Witness the Journey where knowledge transforms into impact

Professor Sally Chan President of Tung Wah College "Research is about generating new knowledge and practices to benefit people and the world". These are the words of Professor Sally Chan, whose vision of community-focused care has driven healthcare progress for more than three decades.passion for nursing was kindled by formative childhood experiences of observing and receiving care from capable nurses..."	1	Professor Alex Chan Dean and Professor, School of Arts and Humanities "Human flourishing is possible even in today’s fast-paced and technology-saturated society". This principle is the thread that runs through the work of educational psychologist Professor Alex Chan. Positive psychology encourages a focus on what is best in each of us..."
Professor Ellie Chu Professor, School of Medical & Health Sciences "Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges to diagnostics and treatment. Its sheer diversity is confounding for specialists, who must learn the signs of multiple types of the disease.The current revolution in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) could deliver a new set of tools to make cancer diagnosis faster, cheaper, and more accurate. ..."	3	Professor Rick Kwan Associate Dean (Programmes) and Professor, School of Nursing "Spearheading research at the intersection of technology and gerontology is Professor Rick Kwan.Professor Kwan’s journey from intensive care nursing to academic leadership was marked by a series of turning-points that shifted his focus from clinical practice to research..."
Professor Christopher Lai Dean and Professor, School of Medical & Health Sciences "Professor Lai has devoted his career thus far to teaching and innovating in the field of diagnostics. Pathologists, radiographers, and other professionals and trainees in both Hong Kong and Singapore have been reaping the benefits of his experience for many years..."	5	Professor Simon Lam Associate Dean (Research) and Professor, School of Nursing “My students asked me to develop an instrument to measure infection control practice for them to validate”, he recalls. “At first, I thought they were talking nonsense – infection control practice had already been fully explored. But then I reviewed the literature and found a real gap”..."
Dr Suk Ling Ma Associate Professor, School of Arts and Humanities "The challenge isn’t just treating the disease but catching it early, before its full impact takes hold”, says Dr Ma. She and her team have developed a ground-breaking approach that goes beyond diagnosis and treatment – to examine two novel biomarkers that could help flag up those most at risk..."	8	Professor Lorna Suen Dean and Professor, School of Nursing "I am fortunate to pioneer the use of auricular therapy as a non-invasive approach to managing health problems. Collaborating with physicians in mainstream medicine, I promote integrative treatment that combines the strengths of Western and Chinese practices”. In the 2025 World’s Top 2% Scientists report , she was ranked among the top 73 of 13,973 scientists worldwide in the field of complementary and alternative medicine."