The Research Grants Council (RGC) has been regularly organising public lectures since 2009, featuring various distinguished scholars as speakers. These lectures aim to disseminate research knowledge in Hong Kong's tertiary institutions and to raise public awareness of the significance and values of local research work.
02.12.2023 (Saturaday) 16.12.2023 (Saturday) 20.1.2024 (Saturday)
China's Tianwen Planetary Exploration Programme
02.12.2023 (Saturaday)
10:00am – 11:00am
Dr. Lee Man Hoi (Associate Professor of Department of Earth Sciences and Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong)
China's first planetary exploration mission, Tianwen-1, was launched in 2020, and its Zhurong rover was successfully deployed on Mars in 2021. This lecture will introduce the future missions in China’s Tianwen planetary exploration program in the context of the history of planetary exploration and the key open questions about the Solar System.
Space-based Telescope Observations and Particle Experiments in the New Era
02.12.2023 (Saturaday)
11:00am – 12:00nn
Dr. Chan Man Ho (Associate Professor of Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong)
Modern astronomical and space observations have entered a new era. Many observations and experiments have already changed from ground-based to space-based in order to minimise the noise generated by the atmosphere and human activities, which can greatly enhance the quality of data obtained. Besides, analysing the particles in space can help reveal the mystery of our universe and the origin of life. This lecture will introduce the space-based observations planned by our country as well as other different countries or agencies, and discuss how these space-based observations can answer the unsolved physics and cosmological questions.
User-centered Design of Wearable Robots for Older Adults
16.12.2023 (Saturday)
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Dr. Calvin OR (Associate Professor and Assistant Head of Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong)
Increases in life expectancy have been accompanied by increases in the prevalence of low mobility among older adults, which can significantly reduce quality of life. Among older adults, reduction in mobility mainly occur due to the physical challenges caused by loss of muscle mass. Technologies such as wearable robots can provide active assistance to limbs to support mobility. Many wearable robots have remained in the concept stage despite proven feasibility. This lecture will introduce a project focusing on the use of user-centered approach to the design and development of wearable robots for older adults.
The Next Phase of Surgery – Kindest Cut Through AI and Robotics
16.12.2023 (Saturday)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Prof. CHIU Wai-yan, Philip (Professor and Head of Division of Upper GI and Metabolic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
The development of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) revolutionized the approach to surgical treatment for diseases, the smaller incisions led to significant improvement in patients' pain and recovery. In past 20 years, robotic surgical system was introduced to enhance precision in MIS. Recently, AI is increasingly applied to enhance diagnostic capability of endoscopy for GI cancers. Early diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases allowed treatment by non-invasive endoluminal surgery. The team performed the world first flexible robotic endoscopic submucosal dissection for treatment of early gastric and colonic neoplasia. In the next development, AI will also assist surgeons in achieving more precise and safe surgery at all scales down to the microscopic level through nano-robotics.
AI Microscopy – High-Speed Imaging of Cancer Cells
20.1.2024 (Saturday)
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Prof. WONG Tsz-wai, Terence (Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
A recently developed new AI-based microscope, termed CHAMP Microscope™, could revolutionize the ways cancer cells are being detected before, during, and after surgeries. Surgeons can cut fresh biological tissue samples from a patient and place them inside the CHAMP Microscope™. In only 3 minutes, the CHAMP Microscope™ could provide high-resolution images that closely resemble images acquired using the highest clinical standard (normally requires approx. one week for the preparation time). The high-quality images from CHAMP Microscope™ enable fast and accurate medical diagnoses for all tissue types, hence, improving the patient's quality of life.
From Saving Lives to Empowering Learning: Wow, AI is So Close!
20.1.2024 (Saturday)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Prof. YU Leung-ho, Philip (Professor and Head of Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong)
AI is everywhere, with applications ranging from personalized recommendation systems and chatbots to language learning and STEM education. It is clear that AI has already become an integral part of daily lives. This lecture will showcase several of the AI projects that have real-life applications, including detecting comments indicative of suicide risk on social media, medical image diagnosis, AI-assisted language learning and assessment, and preference learning in social networks for personalized recommendations.
Jointly organised by the Research Grants Council and the Hong Kong Science Museum
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F,
Hong Kong Science Museum
Language: Cantonese
Free admission on a first come, first served basis
School groups are welcome to reserve seating: 👆Apply here