History | Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology

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History

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology was established in 1987. Its history dates back to 1962 when the Department of Mathematics and Science was formed. The interdisciplinary Department focuses on biology, chemistry, and materials science. In 1993, the first biotechnology undergraduate degree in Hong Kong was launched. In 2018, the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery was established, working on organic synthesis, catalysis, chemical biology, and drug discovery. The Department’s cancer research has led to the development of Hong Kong’s first an anti-cancer drug (arginase) that received FDA approval for clinical trials.

Milestones

2024 Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Development and Commercialization launched

2023 Master of Science in Sustainable Technology for Carbon Neutrality launched

2018 State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery established

2006 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology was relocated from Core GH to Core Y

1993 Bachelor of Science - Hons in Applied Biology with Biotechnology launched

1991 Bachelor of Science - Hons in Chemical Technology launched

1987 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology established & Higher Diploma in Applied Biology launched

1984 3-year Higher Diploma in Chemical Technology launched

1978 Higher Diploma in Applied Science and Diploma in Dental Technology launched

1976 Department of Applied Science established Diploma in Chemical Technology launched

1973 Part-time Course for Chemical Laboratory Technicians launched

1965 Part-time Evening Course for the training of technical teachers launched

1962 Department of Mathematics and Science established

Department Heads

Since 2022 Professor Larry M.C. CHOW

2016-2022 Professor Samuel C.L. LO

2009–2015 Professor Wing-tak WONG

2005–2009 Professor Kwok-yin WONG

1993–2005 Professor Albert S.C. CHAN

1987–1993 Dr Joseph C.L. TSANG

1985–1987 Dr E.W. HARDISTY

1976–1985 Dr K.M. GINSBURG

1973–1976 Mr KAM Wai-kee

1972–1973 Mr Denis Y.W. NG

1965–1972 Mr Amerose C.T. Tan

1957–1965 Dr CHING Yuen-kai

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