Director's Message

Welcome to the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), a core research unit under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

At MHRC, we lead an interdisciplinary effort to understand, prevent, and treat mental illness across the lifespan. Our vision is to extend the healthy, active years of life by advancing scientific discovery and translating it into real-world impact.

Mental health is essential to well-being, yet remains one of the most complex and underserved areas of healthcare. Our research platform integrates brain imaging, multi-omics, and behavioural science to uncover the biological and cognitive foundations of mental illness. These insights power the development of cutting-edge AI technologies for early detection, personalized prevention, and innovative treatments.

Our mission goes beyond research. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to the community, ensuring our scientific progress translates into better outcomes for individuals and families. We also invest in the future—training the next generation of mental health scientists and clinicians—and work closely with the public, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to align research with societal needs.

We warmly invite partners from healthcare, education, technology, government, and community sectors to join us in developing and delivering evidence-based interventions that can make a real and positive difference in people’s lives.

At MHRC, we believe mental wellness is a right, not a privilege. Thank you for joining us in shaping a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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