Annual Report 2013–14

有助培育能在惡劣環境生長的超級大 豆，有利於促進農民福祉，並有助 以大豆為主糧的地方維持充足糧食供 應。關於2013至14年中大的研究發 現與發明，詳見「開拓人類知識的版 圖」一章。 社會服務 富於社會良知和致力提倡社會公義， 一直是中大學生兩種可貴特質，事實 上大學的政策也鼓勵學生參與社會服 務，利及社群，尤其是那些因貧窮匱 乏或偏見而受困逼的人，當然前提是 情況許可，並且安全無虞和合法。一 如過去，在2013至14年度，中大學生 的善行既有着眼於本土的，也有惠及 境外的。他們前往柬埔寨、緬甸、尼 泊爾和其他國家參與義工服務，範圍 廣泛且有創意，服務對象包括兒童、 老人和處於社會邊緣的人。「服務與 關懷」一章紀錄了本年度本校學生的 一些重要服務項目。 microrobot capable of transporting cells and therapeutic drugs to specific areas of the human body. A joint venture with Asian and European partners, CUHK researchers achieved a breakthrough by moving the microrobots through magnetic actuation, thus eliminating the need for the almost impossible installation of mechatronic devices in the micrometric space available. This new technology will in due course revolutionize minimally invasive medical treatments, and its significance and benefits are both anticipated to be immeasurable. Another very important breakthrough that was made in the CUHK laboratories during the year was related to the search of salt-tolerant soybeans. Employing the latest technology in genomics, genetics and molecular biology, CUHK scientists studied the genetic traits of soybeans with regard to salt tolerance, and, having identified the gene that was responsible for the plant’s salt tolerance, used a transgenic approach to transfer the target gene into plant cells. This discovery is expected to be of the utmost importance in developing a super soy which can grow in harsh environments, greatly to the benefit of farmers and food supply where soybean is grown as a staple crop. For a fuller account of our discoveries and inventions in 2013–14, the reader may refer to the chapter on ‘Pushing Knowledge Frontiers’. Community Service A strong social conscience and the propensity to advocate for social justice have long been two admirable traits among the students of CUHK, and it is indeed University policy to encourage students, where circumstances permit and within the confines dictated by safety and legality, to participate in services that aim at helping others in the community, especially those who suffer from want, deprivation, or prejudice. As in previous years, the charity of CUHK students started at home but always extended to needy communities outside of Hong Kong, and in 2013–14 they were engaged in volunteer services in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and other countries. The range of services rendered was wide and creative, and service targets included children, the elderly, and socially marginalized people. The chapter on ‘Serving and Caring’ documents the major service projects undertaken by our students during the year. 8 以喜悅與盼望之心展望未來 Looking into the Future with Joy and Hope