The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) organised the “Workshop on Youth Mental Health” on 9 September 2025 at Hotel ICON, bringing together leading scholars, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in youth mental health.
The workshop opened with greetings and remarks from Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), Prof. David SHUM, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS), and Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC and Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, setting the stage for a day of scholarly exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
A series of expert-led presentations explored a wide range of topics. Prof. Patrick IP, Clinical Professor, Tsao Yen-Chow Professor in Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, discussed the importance of early childhood development and community partnerships in supporting mental health. Prof. Deanna BARCH, Vice Dean of Research, Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Professor of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, shared insights on mental health trajectories from adolescence to early adulthood. MHRC scholars including Prof. Eric CHUI, Prof. Grace HO, Prof. Philip HO, Prof. JIN Ling, and Prof. Sonata YAU, explored a range of risk and protective factors of mental health, highlighting early intervention strategies for building personalised resilience among children and youth in residential care, the impact of electronic screen devices on mental health, the role of chemical exposome in brain health, and the neuromechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of physical exercise.
Scholars engaged in group discussions, exchanging perspectives and proposing actionable strategies to address emerging mental health risks. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Qiu, who emphasised the importance of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing youth mental health research and practice.
During the networking lunch, Dr May LAM, Founder and President of The Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association, delivered a talk on “Youth Mental Health: Bridging the Gaps, Opportunities and Challenges,” further inspiring dialogue among attendees.
The event fostered a spirit of innovation and partnership, with scholars expressing strong interest in future collaborations to support the mental well-being of young people in Hong Kong and beyond.
| Research Units | Mental Health Research Centre |
|---|
