Hong Kong – September 8, 2026
Professor Lo Chung‑mau, Secretary for Health, chaired the 30th meeting of the Research Council (RC) under the Health Bureau (HHB). The session reviewed the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) research‑translation outcomes, discussed strategies to boost impact, and considered funding applications for investigator‑initiated projects received from December 2025 to March 2026.
Context & Significance
The HMRF supports health‑related research across Hong Kong, aiming to translate findings into public‑health practice and clinical innovation. In the past year, the RC evaluated 123 funded projects, focusing on knowledge generation, downstream funding, and real‑world application.
Key Findings
Illustrative Success Stories
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) biomarkers – a set of long‑non‑coding RNA markers now integrated into Hospital Authority genetic‑testing services, enabling precise risk stratification.
- Scoliosis brace weaning protocol – research showed no benefit of gradual weaning; the immediate‑weaning approach has been adopted at Queen Mary Hospital and Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, improving patient quality of life.
- Personalised survivorship care plans for childhood cancer – increased health‑literacy and reduced emotional stress; now routine at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and promoted to 25 Mainland institutions.
Direct Quotes
"Successful translation and application of research findings can enhance citizens' health and public health standards," said Professor Lo. "Over the past year, many projects secured additional funding for subsequent research, enabling further translation of their outcomes," he added. "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five‑Year Plan … we have always attached great importance to advancing research project translation and funding innovative medical scientific research," Professor Lo emphasized.
Implications & Next Steps
The RC’s recommendations include:
- Strengthening stakeholder engagement to accelerate commercialization of patented technologies.
- Expanding support for digital‑health and AI‑driven research, aligning with Hong Kong’s role in the Greater Bay Area.
- Allocating HK$207 million to 204 new investigator‑initiated projects, with details to be released in late September.
The meeting reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to evidence‑based health policy and positioning the city as a hub for health‑research translation.
Sources
- Government Press Release, Secretary for Health chairs 30th meeting of Research Council under Health Bureau (with photos), Hong Kong Government, September 8, 2026. URL:
- HMRF Annual Report 2025‑2026 (internal documentation, cited by press release).
FIRAT Editorial Board
Institutional Research Desk · Foresight Institute of Research and Translation
The collective editorial and research translation board of FIRAT, synthesising peer-reviewed evidence, policy briefs, and division milestones across our seven foundational research pillars.
