Bulletin No. 2, 2009

34   Chinese University Bulletin No. 2, 2009 I n 2009 the Faculty of Medicine underwent two impor t ant departmental reforms. School of Biomedical Sciences The School of Biomedical Sciences was established on 1 June through the amalgamation of four pre-clinical departments: anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology. Headed by Prof. Chan Wai-yee, the school aims to promote cutting-edge research through interdisciplinary collaboration among basic science investigators and clinicians, generate synergies in team teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and cultivate the next generation of basic researchers and physician scientists in Hong Kong, China, Asia and around the world. To achieve these ends, five Thematic Research Programmes were established, namely, cancer and inflammation; neuro-degeneration and -development, and repair; reproduction, development, and endocrinology; vascular and metabolic biology; and stem cell and regeneration. All programmes comprise members of the School of Biomedical Sciences and associate members from clinical departments. Professor Chan says, ‘We believe the breaking down of artificial barriers between disciplines and the regrouping of investigators with similar scientific interests and complementary expertise will facilitate the creation of the necessary critical Departmental Reforms of Faculty of Medicine