The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong hosts the first Science and Technology Innovation Summit

Scientists and leaders of other sectors discuss and debate on the role of science in society development and application of research findings

Hong Kong, Dec. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong ("ASHK") today hosted the first Science and Technology Innovation Summit to explore several important topics ranging from the role of science in today's society, the scope of work of a science academy, to applications of scientific research.  

The Summit is well attended by scientists, educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.  It was officiated by a prestigious line-up of guests including the Honourable C Y Leung, The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Professor Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Bai Chunli, President of Chinese Academy of Science and Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, President of The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong and renowned international academicians representing counterpart academies from US, UK, France, Europe and Taiwan.

Having new scientific breakthroughs and putting them into practical applications are essential to the continued development of society.  In order to facilitate the application of scientific researches, collaboration between academicians and the business sectors is needed.  By organising the Summit, the ASHK aims at improving the mutual understanding of these parties to enhance synergy, and ultimately enabling Hong Kong's innovation and technology development to move forward in an accelerated pace.

After the welcome speech by Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, the Honourable CY Leung, and Professor Wan Gang both gave a keynote speech to kick off the event. It was followed by 3 panel discussion sessions on the subjects of science and society, and application of scientific research findings.

The first session was hosted by Professor Tony F Chan with Professor Bai Chunli as its first speaker.  Professor Bai spoke  on the topic of "The scientific and technological innovation and development trend in China"; followed by Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, President of European Research Council on "Stimulating researchers' initiative in the research ecosystem, a European perspective"; and Professor Ronald Graham, National Academy of Sciences, USA on "The public perception of science".  

The second Panel Discussion session was hosted by Professor Dennis YM Lo.  This session featured Professor Jean Salencon, Former President of the French Academy of Sciences, Professor Chi-Huey Wong, President of Academia Sinica, and Dr. Julie Maxton, Executive Director of The Royal Society, UK, on the topics of  "Science and Society -- What role for an Academy of Sciences"; "About Academia Sinica"; and "The Work of the Royal Society" respectively.

While the two morning panels focused on how science impacted society from a macro perspective, the third session delved into how specific innovations could be applied practically.  This panel discussion, titled "Application of research findings", was jointly moderated by Professor Henry NC Wong, Hon. Secretary of the ASHK, and Professor Daniel Cheng, Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries. Three professors from the top Hong Kong universities, including Professor Dennis YM Lo, Professor J S Malik Peiris and Prof Ching W Tang presented at the panel the successful application of their research findings including non-invasive prenatal testing, emerging viral diseases and OLED-the next generation display technology respectively to demonstrate successful technology transfers.

In all three panel discussion sessions, fruitful exchange of views between panelists and speakers from the audience was made before the session ended.

Facilitating technology application through collaboration with The Federation of Hong Kong Industries

Given the importance of real-world application of research findings, a joint strategic partnership relationship between the Academy and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries was announced in the Summit.  They will jointly set up a standing mechanism as a platform for exchanges to link scientific research with industries in order to create more opportunities for research personnel and young people with science caliber.

Under the mechanism, there will be an annual joint meeting.  It is expected that through this platform, recommendations will be submitted to the Government on future scientific R&D and industrial development.

Apart from the joint meeting, members of FHKI will visit research centres and laboratories of ASHK members whereas members of ASHK will visit factories and connected industrial facilities of FHKI members.  This will enable entrepreneurs to know more about the potentials of applying scientific research and studies, and scientists to know more about application opportunities for their studies and the need of industries for technology innovation.

"The magnitude of today's success speaks volumes about the necessity of the ASHK in Hong Kong.  Conversations like the ones we had today will enable Hong Kong's scientific community to have a bigger role in the city's innovation and technology development.  I am pleased to see so many of our own academicians engaged in meaningful interactions with their international peers today.  The ASHK will continue to promote Hong Kong abroad as a centre of scientific excellence and popularise the image of science domestically," said Professor Lap-chee Tsui.

The exchange of knowledge and insights today is believed to be highly valuable to participants in understanding the profound impact science can have on society.  The Summit will return with a new host of guests and topics in 2017.  

ASHK today hosts the first Science and Technology Innovation Summit. The Honourable CY Leung, The Chief Executive of HKSAR highlights that 2015 is a significant year for scientific research and development in Hong Kong.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, President of ASHK, emphasises that ASHK will make good use of innovation and development of national policies to promote Hong Kong's economic prosperity.

Professor Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, and Minister of Science and Technology makes a remark in his keynote speech that technology is the foundation of a strong nation and that innovation and entrepreneurship is supported by the Central Government.

Group photo of The Honourable CY Leung, The Chief Executive of HKSAR (front row, 4th from the right); Professor Lap-Chee Tsui (front row, 5th from the right), President of ASHK, and guests.

Professor Bai Chunli, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, remarks in the first session that China has a higher expectation for technological innovation in the new era of economic development.

About The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong

Established in 2015, The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong (ASHK) is committed to promoting the development and advancement of science and technology in Hong Kong, and fostering Hong Kong as a centre of scientific excellence.

ASHK has several key functions: (a) to promote the development and advancement of science and technology in Hong Kong, (b) to promote and advance the teaching of science and technology in Hong Kong, (c) to educate and inform the public on issues pertaining to science and technology and (d) to foster Hong Kong as a centre of scientific excellence.

The Academy will cooperate with the industrial and commerce sectors to strengthen the application of research results. It will also conduct independent studies to inform and advise the HKSAR Government on formulating policy in science and technology.

More information about ASHK is available at http://www.ashk.org.hk/.

About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the premier global provider of news release distribution and multimedia platforms that enable marketers, public relations officers and investor relations professionals to engage with their key audiences: businesses and consumers, the media, and investors.