The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH) is the teaching hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The coexistence of research expertise and resources of the two medical faculties fosters powerful synergy that significantly bolsters the hospital’s research capabilities.

Prof. Albert Li and Prof. Cheung Yiu-fai, who head the paediatrics departments of CUHK and HKU respectively, also serve as HKCH’s Deputy Hospital Chief Executives and co-chair the HKCH Research Steering Committee. They both view HKCH as a bridge where personnel from both universities can share valuable research resources. Prof. Li noted, "The hospital pools together rare and complex cases that were previously scattered across different districts. Many studies that were difficult to conduct due to small sample sizes can now take root here." Prof. Cheung added, "With experts and data centralised on a single platform, research findings can be more readily translated into clinical applications, thereby shortening the wait for new treatments for patients."

Unleashing synergy through collaboration

Currently, there are over 200 university staff members working at the HKCH, engaged in research, clinical service and teaching. Prof. Cheung believes the two faculties have distinct research focuses and strengths. "Cross-university and multidisciplinary collaborations allow us to complement each other. Analysing research problems from different perspectives leads to mutually beneficial outcomes," he said.

▲ Prof. Cheung Yiu-fai believes that HKU and CUHK possess distinct historical and cultural identities and strengths. Through mutual exchange and collaboration, researchers from both institutions can spark new ideas, achieving a win-win outcome.

Prof. Li shared, "Since taking up this role, I have been exploring how to integrate my own research interests in sleep and respiratory diseases into other specialties. For instance, would the timing of dialysis or growth hormone injection yield different outcomes for renal and endocrine patients?" He hopes to leverage his unique position to connect more specialties and generate greater synergy.

A recent joint study by HKU and CUHK on the cardiovascular outcomes of children with obstructive sleep apnoea following adenotonsillectomy exemplifies how both universities build on their respective strengths to collaborate in the HKCH.

▲ Prof. Albert Li calls on researchers to fully leverage the world-class facilities at the HKCH, and embrace innovation to make their mark on the international stage. Only then can they attract greater resources and partnerships needed to expand the research horizons.

Clinical Trial Centre boosts industry appeal

HKCH’s Clinical Trial Centre provides comprehensive support for research activities. Its facilities include research beds, procedure rooms, interview rooms, examination equipment, and a dedicated research pharmacy. In addition to investigator-initiated studies, it also facilitates collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to conduct industry-sponsored clinical trials.

▲ The Clinical Trial Centre located on 8/F in Tower B is well equipped to provide all-rounded support for various clinical and drug trials.

▲ There are designated facilities in the HKCH for managing investigational medicinal products. For example, this certified cleanroom is equipped with negative pressure isolators for preparing chemotherapy or hazardous drugs.

Prof. Cheung stated, "In its early stages of operation, the centre mainly focused on non-invasive or minimally invasive activities, such as ultrasound and blood tests. Now more patients are participating in clinical trials for medications, such as gene therapy and cancer drugs." Looking ahead, he hopes to establish a dedicated team to coordinate various clinical trials, with the ultimate goal of attracting more drug trials to Hong Kong.

▲ Last year, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Invest Hong Kong visited the HKCH to explore research collaboration opportunities, hoping to introduce more clinical trials and innovative therapies to enhance paediatric care and solidify Hong Kong's status as an international health and medical innovation hub.