RGC Honors 103 Academics for Research Excellence at Award Ceremony in Hong Kong

RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (November 19) held an award presentation ceremony to honour 103 academics from the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities for their distinguished research achievements and significant contributions to the higher education sector.

Selected through a rigorous process by the RCG, the awardees included:

* 10 RGCSenior Research Fellows;

* 10 RGC Research Fellows;

* 10 Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellows;

* 13 Early Career Awardees; and

* 60 RGC Postdoctoral Fellows (this year, the number of awardees under the Fellowship Scheme has increased from 50 to 60, demonstrating the RGC's commitment to enhancing its support for young researchers).

Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Education, DrChoiYuk-lin, said that the Government is committed to building Hong Kong into an international knowledge hub for talent locally, nationally and globally. With the rapid and thriving development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area, and with Hong Kong's advantage as a cosmopolitan international city that connects to the Mainland and the world, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a prominent international innovation and technology centre. Together with the UGC and the RGC, the Government is sparing no effort to nurture and expand Hong Kong's research talent pool and attract and retain talent to further promote the long-term development of Hong Kong's higher education system.

"The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address the launch of another round of the Research Matching Grant Scheme (RMGS) with a $1.5 billion injection. Based on the successful experience of the inaugural round of the RMGS, which attracted around $5.8 billion in donations or sponsorship for research, we are confident that another round of the RMGS will enable our universities and institutions to work more closely with various sectors of society and attract more funding sources to support our ambition to expand our research and development capacities," Dr Choi added.

Also officiating at the ceremony, the RGC Chairman, ProfessorTimothy W. Tong, congratulated the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments and expressed appreciation for the Government's new initiatives to support the higher education sector.

"Looking forward, the RGC will continue working with the universities to promote research excellence and drive innovation in the higher education sector to nurture young talent for Hong Kong's economic and social development and strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international knowledge hub," he said.

The list of awardees is in the Annex. Relevant award citations are available on the RGC website (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/).

RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates probable case of botulism

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 19) is investigating a probable case of botulism after a patient received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.

The case involves a female patient aged 66 with underlying illnesses. According to information provided by the patient, she received injections that were claimed to be botulinum toxin from a person at a premises on the Mainland in early October. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. A few days after the injection, she presented with symptoms including limbs weakness, swallowing difficulty and shortness of breath. She attended a Chinese medicine clinic on October 18. As the symptoms were persistent, she attended Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on November 16 and was admitted the same day. She was in serious condition. She is clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.

The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

"In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against thelist of registered doctorsof the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible," a spokesman for the DH said.

Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.

The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:

Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;

Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;

Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;

Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;

Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and

If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

The public may visit the DH's webpage on thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, theDrug Databaseof the Drug Office and the CHP'sbotulism pagefor more information.​