Prof. Allen Man-ho AU (Professor and Associate Head, Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) 

Blockchain technology, a ground breaking innovation, serves as the foundation of cryptocurrencies and extends its influence far beyond. This lecture delves into the fundamental principles of the blockchain, explaining the rationale behind its design and the key elements ensuring its security and functionality. Different types of blockchains will be explored, and various blockchain platforms will be compared.  The lecture will also highlight practical applications of blockchain technology across different fields, from finance to supply chain management, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise industries. By understanding the science behind blockchain, students will gain insight into its role in shaping "digital futures" and the exciting opportunities it unveils.

Language: Cantonese

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Prof. Esther Wai-yin CHAN (Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Assistant Dean (Health Sciences Education), LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong)

Today's society generally recognises the importance of mental health, but the role of "Mental Health First Aid" in offering support to individuals during crises is not widely known. This lecture will discuss encompass medication adherence within treatment plans in psychiatric treatment and the potential challenges individuals may face. Furthermore, the impacts of utilising long-acting depot medications as a treatment alternative will be explored to understand how to use the big data for population-based medication safety and effectiveness research.

Language: Cantonese

Prof. Kevin Kin-man TSIA (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Biomedical Engineering Programme, The University of Hong Kong)

In the past decade, laser microscopy has not only permeated biochemistry and cell/molecular biology research but has also found success in various preclinical and clinical applications. This lecture will introduce the latest breakthroughs in laser microscopy technologies developed at HKU that can address some of these challenges. Particularly, these technologies can provide unprecedented views and understanding of living biological cells. They include capturing high-resolution motion pictures of swift-flying brain signals in a living animal and detecting rare cancer cells among millions of blood cells. These technologies can not only impact new biological discoveries, such as in neuroscience, but also create numerous opportunities in cost-effective clinical diagnosis, especially when combined with advanced AI.

Language: Cantonese

Prof. Kelvin Wai-kwok YEUNG (Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong)

The antibiotic resistance has emerged as a worldwide problem, necessitating the exploration of alternative solutions to conventional antibacterial treatments by scientists. This lecture aims to delve into the cutting-edge field of nano-technology by introducing antibacterial nano-particles as a promising strategy in combating bacterial infections. These nano-particles, especially those responsive to external stimuli, possess unique antibacterial properties that can enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments. The lecture will showcase a variety of antibacterial nano-particles and their mechanisms of action against bacteria, specifically targeting drug-resistant pathogens that evade traditional antibiotics. Moreover, the challenges associated with the application of these nano-particles will also be discussed.

Language: Cantonese

Prof. Amos Pui-kuen TAI (Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Modern agriculture is one of the major contributors to both climate change and environmental pollution. Substantial quantities of greenhouse gases are released at various stages of food production; nitrogenous compounds released from fertilisers and animal waste also pollute the air and water. This lecture will discuss how these issues can be addressed by integrating sustainable farming practices borrowed from ancient wisdom with the enhancement of current technology, as well as by adjusting human diet and reducing meat consumption to ensure food security, human health, and ecosystem stability. This approach aims to achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

Language: Cantonese

Prof. Hua-bai LI (Associate Professor, Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Do you know that there are only three submillimetre telescopes worldwide with a diameter exceeding 10 metres? And the astronomical camera on the Greenland Telescope (GLT), named Remote Observing from Greenland (ROGer), was built by Hong Kong scientists! This astronomical camera not only ensures that astronomers in Hong Kong have longer observation times but also marks the first professional astronomical instrument in Hong Kong. Through this astronomical camera, people will have the opportunity to explore various fascinating astronomical phenomena, from the formation of ancient galaxies and stars in the Milky Way to the remnants of supernovae. ROGer possesses a unique capability to detect the magnetic fields of galaxies thousands of light-years away. This lecture will explain how ROGer assists in unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

Language: Putonghua with English supplementation

Registration deadline:  15.1.2025

Ir Prof. Kai-leung YUNG, BBS (Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of ISE, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

What is "Deep Space"? "Deep Space" generally refers to celestial bodies and cosmic space beyond Earth. This lecture will discuss why we need to explore deep space, explaining the past national deep space exploration missions that the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has participated in, as well as the latest involvement in the world's first lunar far-side sampling in human history – the Chang'e 6. The speaker will discuss the potential resources on the Moon and the technology and challenges of its exploration projects, as well as the success story of how the "Surface Sampling and Packing System" in Chang'e 6 innovatively solved these challenges.

Language: Cantonese

Registration deadline:  5.2.2025