Calendar 2006–07

338 Part 4 • Research Units and University Extensions A major factor that allows our group to establish an international reputation in a relatively short time is esprit de corp . In this way, resources and experience can be shared and there are excellent opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas and innovations. With the rapid pace of technological improvement and an increased understanding of disease mechanisms at a molecular level, the role of interventional radiologists, pathologists and psychiatrists have become increasingly important. The establishment of the Institute of Digestive Disease is to recognize our group’s achievement and a commitment to excel in research and foster collaboration. The institute’s missions are to: • conduct research that changes clinical practice, both locally and globally; • provide training to medical and surgical gastroenterologists with a comprehensive and integrated approach to digestive diseases; and to • provide quality service as a tertiary referral centre to patients for digestive diseases. Institute of Economics Tel.: 2609 8189 Fax.: 2603 5805 E-mail: institute.econ@cuhk.edu.hk Website: http://institute.econ.cuhk.edu.hk The Institute of Economics pools strength in research, consultancy and teaching in the field of economics at the Chinese University to enhance the University’s contributions to scholarship and education, and its service to the community. The institute is staffed by prominent economists with recognized accomplishments in various specialties from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Science, and the Business Economics group of the Department of Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, Faculty of Business Administration. The institute is a vehicle for external links, a connection between economists from different institutions. It also interfaces with local bodies seeking expert analysis of economic issues. The institute’s academic reputation enables it to attract distinguished scholars to its lectures and conferences, thereby bringing the pursuit of economic science to the highest standards. Institute of Human Communicative Research Tel.: 2632 3288 Fax.: 2145 8876 E-mail: info@ihcr.cuhk.edu.hk Website: http://www.ihcr.cuhk.edu.hk/ The Institute of Human Communicative Research was set up in March 2004, integrating the Cochlear Implant and Hearing Rehabilitation Centre, the Communicative Disorders and Paediatric Speech Perception Centre, and the Cooperative Centre for Communicative Research. On the research team are otorhinolaryngologists, audiologists, speech therapists, and other experts from the University and the Prince of Wales Hospital. The institute aims to provide services to