Academic Staff

After the completion of his undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, Dr Lau further pursued his postgraduate studies at the University of Hong Kong. During his research training, he found a particular interest in the biological basis of behaviour, which later became his major research theme. After obtaining the PhD degree, Dr Lau continued his research work of behavioral neuroscience in the department of anatomy at HKU as a postdoctoral fellow. 

The research interest of Dr Lau is to elucidate the importance of neuroplasticity in emotions and behaviors. Using animal models which simulate emotional and behavioural symptoms including depression, anxiety, phobia and sexual dysfunction, Dr. Lau’s study explore the neurological basis of these symptoms and the mechanisms underlying the respective treatment methods, especially rehabilitation treatment modalities.

Dr Lau’s works show that intact adult neurogenesis (production of new neurons in the adult brain) is required for male rats to display normal emotional and sexual behavior, while the new neurons may be important in mediating pro-sexual or therapeutic effect of pharmaceutical agents. These pre-clinical findings will help to define new potential therapeutic target, to facilitate the development of new treatment options of neurological/psychiatric conditions and to provide scientific basis of current treatment methods. 

• Bachelor of Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Master of Medical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
• Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong
• Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong