D24H Newsletter #1


	D²4H Newsletter #2


	D²4H and MSD sign collaboration agreement to drive AI solutions for disease prevention and treatment

D²4H and MSD sign collaboration agreement to drive AI solutions for disease prevention and treatment

On October 17, 2023, the D²4H entered into a collaboration agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme (Asia) Ltd. (MSD), a global pharmaceutical leader, to accelerate the development of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for public health and medicine, with a focus on advancing disease prevention and treatment. Our initial project will center around the analysis of epidemiology of Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases (IPD) to facilitate the nowcasting and forecasting of disease burden.


	Unveiling Global Perspectives: A Conversation with Overseas Collaborator - Professor Ian Douglas

We had the pleasure of conversing with our overseas collaborator - Professor Ian Douglas from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He talked about the challenges and potential benefits of the utilisation of diverse data sources in global research collaboration.


	ISO9001:2015 certification validates the D²4H’s research endeavours

The D²4H and its spin-off company Vitome Limited attained the ISO 9001:2015 certification, a globally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS) certified by TÜV SÜD. This certification showcases our dedication to delivery of exceptional research, development services and digital innovation.

ISO9001:2015 certification validates the D²4H’s research endeavours


	Multi-national study shows promising results for AI chatbots in vaccine confidence (Programme 1)

Multi-national study shows promising results for AI chatbots in vaccine confidence (Programme 1)

Our young research talents joined forces with experts from Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore to investigate the effectiveness of AI chatbots in improving COVID-19 vaccine confidence. The findings demonstrate that well-designed chatbots can positively influence health behaviours and improve vaccine acceptance and confidence.


	Seminar explored the power of metagenomics in understanding virus evolution (Programme 2)

Our seminar "Redefining Virus Ecology and Evolution Using Metagenomics” was successfully held on November 14, 2023 with presence of Professor Edward Holmes, our Co-Principal Investigator from the University of Sydney. Professor Holmes shared his discovery in the realm of RNA viruses and discussed the transformative impact of bulk RNA shotgun sequencing and metatranscriptomics.


	Professor Benjamin Cowling received MBE honor at Buckingham Palace (Programme 3)

Professor Benjamin Cowling received MBE honor at Buckingham Palace (Programme 3)

Professor Benjamin Cowling, our Lead Scientist, received his Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award from King Charles of the United Kingdom. The award was a recognition for his public health services and research on COVID-19.


	Experts convened at symposium on post-pandemic healthcare big data research (Programme 4)

The D²4H and HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy jointly organised a scientific symposium titled "Embracing Post-pandemic Innovations in Healthcare Big Data Research" on September, 13 2023. The symposium brought together renowned experts to explore the potential of AI and healthcare big data in promoting public health, evidence-informed policy, and strategic planning in the post-COVID-19 era.

Embracing Post-pandemic Innovations in Healthcare Big Data Research


	Dr Joshua Ho led engaging bioinformatics community forum (Programme 5)

The “Joint Bioconductor Asia - Hong Kong Bioinformatics Symposium, 2023”, supported by D²4H, concluded successfully from October 15 to 17, 2023. The symposium served as a platform for researchers and scientists to share scientific information and foster communication in the field of bioinformatics.


	Honours & awards

Our scientists and researchers have been honoured with the following awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their fields of study:

World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists by Stanford University

Highly Cited Researchers 2023 by Clarivate Analytics

HKU Scholars in the Top 1% 2023