Facts and Figures 2009

Areas of Excellence The University Grants Committee (UGC)* has provided preferential funding to the local tertiary institutions to conduct research into 10 selected Areas of Excellence (AoEs). Four of these AoEs are led by researchers at CUHK: Centre for Research into Circulating Fetal Nucleic Acids Total Grant Approved: HK$29.92 million In 1997, the project team discovered the presence of cell-free fetal DNA in the plasma of pregnant women, offering new possibilities for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. The diagnostic applications are now used globally. The team continues to address a number of high-profile unsolved questions in the field of circulating fetal nucleic acids, including non-invasive molecular methods for the diagnosis of fetal Down syndrome. Chinese Medicine Research and Further Development Total Grant Approved: HK$32.99 million The project further pursues the two formulae for promoting ulcer healing and cardiovascular health. It will not only set models for clinical evidence on the efficacy of selected herbal formulae, but will also establish models for clinical trials and drug authentication for Chinese medicine, thereby paving the way for drug development and commercialization. Centre for Plant and Agricultural Biotechnology Total Grant Approved: HK$63.82 million The aim of the project is to build a pipeline for biotechnology crop production, through identification of useful genes from elite germplasms; transfer them into designated crops (e.g., rice) to produce new lines with improved agronomic performance after conducting field trials and safety assessment. Information Technology Total Grant Approved: HK$51 million Through conducting high impact research and development projects including networking technology, multi-media technology and Internet applications, the project aims to transform Hong Kong into an information technology society with a strong value-added economy. * UGC is an advisory body responsible for advising the HKSAR government on the development and funding needs of its funded institutions Research 18