Pioneering biomedical sciences research transforms lives and empowers future scientists with global exposure
Nestled within the bustling city of Hong Kong, where medical advances hold the key to quality of life, Professor Huang Yu, Jeanie Hu Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Chair Professor, and Head at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, is on a mission to make a lasting impact. Endowed with the Jeanie Hu Professorship in Biomedical Sciences supported by the Ryoden Development Charitable Trust, Professor Huang continues to nurture the next generation and foster impactful research.
Professor Huang extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Hu for her unwavering support and recognition. "This invaluable support enables us to advance our research and accelerate our discoveries," he said, acknowledging the profound impact of sponsorships on his scientific research.
Echoing Mrs Hu’s strong interest in promoting the welfare and educational development of young people, Professor Huang said his immediate plan for the sponsorship is to facilitate the participation of PhD students and young researchers in international conferences, as exemplified by the recent participation of two of his postdoctoral fellows to present their most recent findings at the 19th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology in Glasgow, Scotland in 2023.
"Attending international events expands young researchers' networks and enriches their knowledge and vision," said Professor Huang, emphasising the significance of global exposure in shaping well-rounded, future-ready scientists. His 29-year dedication to education and mentorship has borne fruit, with his protégés now actively engaged in research and teaching, making a significant contribution worldwide, just as he has.
Beyond nurturing the next generation, Professor Huang's vision extends to promoting global collaboration among scientists. By contributing to joint publications and attending international conferences, he seeks to create a global network of researchers committed to advancing scientific understanding in his Department. "Your research needs to be recognised by others, not only in Hong Kong,” he asserted. “This enhances the chances of success because they may provide the tools that you do not have or something else that you need. One plus one is greater than two."
Pioneering transformative research to tackle cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
His research platform has provided ample opportunities for close collaboration with endocrinologists, clinical pharmacologists, and basic scientists in Hong Kong and around the world, aiming for a deeper understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and exploring new therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Jeanie Hu Professorship aims to support CityU to enlighten preeminent faculty members, advance their cutting-edge research initiatives and help them realise their full potential. As Mrs Hu put it, “I sincerely hope that CityU will continue to create breakthroughs in the realm of biomedical sciences that will ultimately produce tangible benefits for mankind.”
At the heart of Professor Huang's research lies a profound concern for humanity. His team's research focus includes elucidating cellular and molecular events in the initiation and progression of endothelial cell dysfunction in hypertension, obesity and diabetes. They are also working to uncover novel biomarkers for vascular pathogenesis and develop venues to reverse vascular dysfunction in animal models of cardio-metabolic disorders.
Embracing the journey of a thousand miles
Under his leadership, Professor Huang’s project, titled “Single-Cell Multi-Omics Study of Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Narrowing the Gap Between Bench and Bedside”, received a HK$55.51 million grant in the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), funded by the Research Grants Council. The research involves exploring comprehensive molecular mechanisms at the heart of the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and identifying reliable, convenient and economical methods for atherosclerotic vascular disease early detection, with the aim of saving lives and enhancing the quality of life for patients battling this vascular disease.
"Research results must be translated into real-world applications to be appreciated by society at large, "Professor Huang asserted epitomising his commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives, even though the journey to achieving this goal may span an arduous timeline.
Encapsulating his approach with the ancient Chinese proverb "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", Professor Huang believes that transformative achievements, whether they involve scientific breakthroughs or nurturing future scientists, require perseverance and dedication, as well as essential support from visionary donors.