MHRC co-organises neuroscience summer camp

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and local NGO Invent You Own Future co-organised the “Neuroscience Research Summer Camp” on the PolyU campus, 4–8 August 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University, Beijing Normal University, and Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science. Over 24 secondary students from Hong Kong, and 9 elementary school students from Beijing and Hangzhou participated in the camp, exploring theoretical knowledge and practical skills in neuroscience research.

The summer camp featured a series of expert-led lectures. MHRC scholars including Prof. QIU Anqi, Prof. Grace HO and Prof. Benjamin YEE, shared their insights on topics such as neuroscience research, coping strategies, and innovative project development. Leading experts from overseas universities also gave presentations on the key advancements in neuroscience and regenerative medicine. Prof. Irene LLORENTE and Dr Vanessa KAN of Stanford University, USA, shared neuroscience research methodologies and explored the potential of stem cells and tissue engineering in transforming medicine. Prof. ZUO Xi-Nian from Beijing Normal University shed light on human connectome, explaining the neural pathways involved in human brain function.

Participants also visited the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN), where PolyU staff gave a demonstration of how brain imaging technology works. Students also attended a training workshop on mental resilience, learning effective strategies for managing academic and personal stress. They also collaborated on capstone projects, applying the research knowledge they learnt during the summer cap.

Preston CHAN, Founder of Invent Your Own Future remarked, “Our faculty worked tirelessly to prepare an interactive and educational programme. We are excited to have inspired the next generation of neuroscientists and AI researchers.”

Overall, the programme fostered a spirit of collaboration, innovation and exploration among young students, who expressed strong interest in pursuing a future career in cutting edge science and technology.