Annual Report 2002–03

"in these treacherous times of wa r and plague, we look Lo their bravery as an example and an inspiration. By refusing Lo succumb Lo apathy or despair, they give us the will to forge ahead when we might otherwise lose hear t" Time magazine in praiseof 'Asian Heroes' Fighting SARS: We Care, We Serve Looking back no w on ou r battle against SARS, few probably would disagree that 2003 will go down in the University's chronicles as one of its most difficult yet glorious years. Our medical colleagues in the front lines have responded with utmost honour and courage in the fight against a hitherto unknown and most treacherous infectious disease, risking their ow n lives to save others. Some have been hailed as 'Asian Heroes' by Time magazine. Our researchers have demonstrated admirable professionalism an d stamina in deciphering the SARS coronavirus with astounding efficiency and in developing effective test and cures, working round the clock to achieve breakthroughs in biomedical research amidst the direst of situations. Our colleagues on the CUHK Campus (SARS) Task Force have exhibited great sense of duty and altruism, toiling day and night to prevent the spread of th e disease o n campus, to react to emergencies, an d to disseminate information and advice about protection and prevention through the Internet. Other staff, students, and alumni of the University have taken action on their ow n volition to promote public health and hygiene, allay fears, correct misconceptions, an d organize counselling and relief for the vulnerable and the underprivileged. On its 40th anniversary and at a time of social crisis, the University has come to the fore and brought its knowledge and expertise to bear. Never 抗炎總動員：齊關心、齊盡力 此時再回顧迎戰 S A R S 的一役，相信大家都會同 意二零零三年對中大來説，是特別艱辛的一年， 也是特別值得驕傲的一年。 站在最前線的醫學院同人，以大無畏的勇氣和最 高尚的情操，去抵禦不知名的病毒，搶救一波之 後又一波的病患者，置自身安危於度外；部分成 員因此而獲《時代》雜誌譽稱為亞洲英雄。 各個有關學系的科硏人員也發揮了高度的專業精 神和驚人的魄力，在資源短缺和極度緊迫的情況 下，迅速地破解了病毒的基因密碼，開發出有效 的測試和治療方法，成就了種種生物醫學硏究上 的突破。 中大校園 S A R S 專責小組的成員，則承擔了保衛 校內敎職員生的重責，日以繼夜地統籌所有相關 的預防、敎育及應變事宜，有效地防止了疫症在 校園蔓延，又不斷在網上發放有關抗炎的最新訊 息。 各別學院、學系、師生和校友，更自發地組織起 來，針對炎症舉辦不同的宣傳及敎育活動，並為 弱勢社群和高危人士紓困解惑，提供支援和慰 撫。 「在戰爭、瘟 英勇行為，成為我們 他們堅決不讓冷漠與絕望支配 我們堅持下去，永不放棄。」 《時代》雜誌褒揚「亞洲英雄」 校長報告 Vice-Chancellor's Review 11