Research Grants Council to present public lecture on Theme-based Research Scheme on December 14

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
 
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) will present its fourth public lecture this year on December 14 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Science Museum. The theme of the public lecture is "Theme-based Research Scheme".
 
     The RGC has invited Professor Ronald Ma of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Leo Poon of the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong to share the research findings of their Theme-based Research Scheme projects with the public. Details are as follows:
 
Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum
Language: Cantonese
Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
     Modern lifestyles and obesity have made diabetes one of the most serious public health problems in the 21st century. Diabetes now affects more than 10 per cent of the population in China. This disease increases the risk of damage to different organs in the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. The scale of the diabetes epidemic and the severity of complications pose a huge challenge to the healthcare system. Professor Ma, in his talk "Theme-based Research Scheme – Diabetes: a global epidemic in need of novel solutions", will share with participants the latest research findings to combat this healthcare crisis and the novel ways to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

     Seasonal influenza viruses and animal influenza viruses (e.g. H7N9) affect Hong Kong people's daily lives. Other than being at risk of catching seasonal influenza every year, people also have to be on constant alert for avian influenza and even pandemics. The secondary attack rates of seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses can reach 15 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Professor Poon, in his talk "Theme-based Research Scheme – The most unwanted influence: influenza", will share with the audience the origins and ways of transmission of these viruses, as well as effective control measures and new possibilities for preventing infection.
 
     The public lectures of the RGC aim at arousing public interest in local research developments. Since 2009, the RGC has invited numerous leading scholars to speak at these lectures. For enquiries, please call 2524 3987 or visit the University Grants Committee webpage (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/lectures/lectures.html).