PolyU and Ocean Park establish Joint Laboratory for Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, collaborating to advance medical laboratory science and academic exchange in animal conservation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ocean Park Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18 August to foster collaboration in medical laboratory science, focusing on innovation, knowledge transfer and talent development in the field of animal conservation. The two parties will establish the Joint Laboratory for Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, leveraging their respective strengths to promote technological innovation and development in zoology, wildlife, environmental protection and data science.

The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, Mr Ivan WONG, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation and other distinguished guests, the MoU was signed by Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics of PolyU, and Mr Howard CHUK, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Conservation of Ocean Park Corporation, marking a significant step forward in academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.

Prof. David Shum said, “Emerging infectious diseases present significant challenges to public health. The Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU has been at the forefront of research and surveillance efforts, developing rapid genetic analysis technologies that have proven instrumental in breaking transmission chains during the COVID-19 pandemic and melioidosis outbreaks. By combining our expertise in infectious disease research, innovative diagnostics and analytical methods with Ocean Park Corporation’s dedication to animal conservation, we aim to enhance the identification and management of pathogens affecting humans, animals and the environment, contributing to global public health.”

Mr Ivan Wong said, “Ocean Park has always placed conservation and education at the core of our mission. With a long history of scientific contributions, we look forward to bringing the concept and practical ideas of conservation to students through the partnership with PolyU, and nurturing them to become future leaders and champions in conservation. The collaboration between PolyU and Ocean Park enables both parties to combine our strengths — not only to ignite the younger generation’s passion, but also to cultivate their innovative thinking, and unlock more possibilities and solutions for ecological preservation in the future.”

Through this partnership, PolyU and Ocean Park Corporation will jointly conduct academic research in zoology, wildlife, environmental protection and data science, and explore opportunities to provide internships and other student exchange programmes. The collaboration also aims to establish a centre for veterinary microbiology, strengthening the protection of both animal and human health.

***END***