Director: Prof. Jun YU 

Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) established another new state key laboratory — the State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) — in partnership with the Fourth Military Medical University (FMMU) on 1 July 2013. Its aim is to promote research and improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases in Hong Kong and Mainland China through collaboration between the two institutions. 

The laboratory has embarked on a number of new studies focusing on three important key areas, including epidemiology of colorectal tumours in Asia and prevention, epidemiology of gastric cancer in Asia and prevention, as well as genomic study of hepatitis B virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. 

We also have strong track record in publishing basic and translational research on GI cancer prevention and early diagnosis, which are supported by various local funding agencies. The research laboratory has also established on-going collaboration on GI cancer with both leading national and international research institutions, including Sun Yat Sen University, Fourth Military Medical University, National University of Taiwan, Baylor College of Medicine, and Technical University of Munich.  

The Digestive Disease Research Laboratory is an integrated research laboratory by gastroenterologists, surgeons and basic scientists. It is located in the Sir YK Pao Cancer Center and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences of Prince of Wales Hospital. 

Our research interests are: 

• Molecular pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancer 

• Microbiome and cancer 

• Early detection of gastrointestinal cancer 

• H. pylori and gastric carcinogenesis 

• Hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma 

• Fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and liver cancer 

• Chemoprevention of gastrointestinal cancer
  

Director: Prof. Jun YU 

https://www.idd.cuhk.edu.hk/ 

Institute of Digestive Disease (IDD) was established with a clear vision to synergize the strength of internal medicine and surgery, by fostering a multidisciplinary research environment where different specialists can work together, sharing resources and expertise. Together as one large multidisciplinary team, our specialists, researchers, clinical and administrative staff carry out our mission to produce outstanding research result, provide high quality patient care and offer public education and professional training. 

IDD is known for its vigorous research and exceptional achievements. Some of our studies have revolutionized the management of gastrointestinal diseases and reshaped the clinical practice guidelines in the world. 

IDD provides professional training to medical and surgical gastroenterologists with a comprehensive and integrated approach to digestive diseases. We offer training programmes in gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and laboratory. 

IDD has dedicated to providing professional education to young investigators and specialists. We organize the postgraduate programme, conferences, workshops, etc. 

Director: Prof. Vincent W.S. WONG 

https://livercenter.com.hk 

Center for Liver Health provides a platform to gather expertise and resources from multiple disciplines for clinical studies, professional training, public service, and public education. 

Our research team has been devoted to conducting clinical research on liver disease. From the clinical findings, we have developed international guidelines for the treatment of various liver diseases, such as the international guideline for fatty liver treatment and the Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on hepatitis B management. We strive to produce more critical research results for the continuous development of liver disease intervention and treatment. 

The center also serves as a bridge between the advanced research of the university and the public. We have been providing public education on liver disease and healthy lifestyles for disease prevention. We aim to promote the correct health concepts and dispel myths regarding liver diseases through our website, social media, print media, press conferences, and community activities. 

Director: Prof. Raymond S.Y. TANG 

https://www.digestivehealth.org.hk/ 

The S.H. Ho Center for Digestive Health is an extension of endoscopy service from the CUHK-PWH Medical Center. Established by donation from the S.H. Ho Foundation, the center is equipped with state-of-art high definition endoscopy systems and aims: 

• To provide high quality diagnostic and simple therapeutic endoscopy service 

• To provide education of colorectal cancer screening for primary care physicians and nurses (e.g., flexible sigmoidoscopy, colon capsule endoscopy, etc) 

• To conduct research and promote health education in colorectal cancer 

• To provide advanced endoscopy training for gastroenterologists 

Service Scope 

We aim to provide high quality fee-paying endoscopy service together with other innovative diagnostic investigations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most patients can be discharged home on the same day of the procedure. 

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy / OGD) for evaluation of esophagus, stomach and duodenum 

• Lower GI Endoscopy (Colonoscopy) for evaluation of colon 

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) +/- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) for evaluation of pancreas, bile duct, and benign / malignant tumors in GI tract 

• Colon Capsule Endoscopy for colon cancer screening 

• Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colon cancer screening 

• Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy for evaluation of small intestine 

• 24-hour pH Impedance Study for investigation of esophageal reflux disease 

• High Resolution Esophageal Impedance Manometry Study (HRIM) for investigation of esophageal motility disorder
  

Director: Prof. Philip W.Y. CHIU 

A state-of-the-art, leading international centre for endoscopy research and training. Our Endoscopy Centre pioneered endoscopic techniques that changes clinical practices such as endoscopic drainage of bile ducts in cholangitis and endoscopic hemostasis to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. All these novel techniques altered clinical practices which translated into benefits to patients. 

The principal investigating centre for numerous endoscopy-based trials. We published a number of landmark studies that have radically changed the standard of care for bleeding peptic ulcers. 

An important partner to endoscopy industry in education, training and research; Olympus fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy trains new generation endoscopists from China and other Asia Pacific regions including Vietnam and Philippines annually.  

The annual International Workshop on Therapeutic Endoscopy is a significant educational event in the calendar for endoscopists worldwide. It has an attendance of over 400 from all over the world. 

Our endoscopists, in collaboration with those from other international centres held regular workshops in less developed areas in China and other parts of Asia promoting and teaching therapeutic endoscopy skills. 

A hub for testing prototypes of endoscopy and new accessories from international industry partners, e.g., Olympus (Japan), Boston Scientific (USA). 

Invention and development of new technology in endoscopy, e.g., The Eagle Claw IV® (The Apollo Project), remote esophageal pH sensor.

Director: Prof. Siew C. NG 

https://www.magic-inno.com 

InnoHK is a major initiative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to develop Hong Kong as the hub for global research collaboration. This involves the establishment of world-class research clusters at the Hong Kong Science Park with research laboratories set up by world-renowned universities and research institutes to conduct collaborative researches. 

As a representative of microbiome study in InnoHK, Microbiota I-Center is the first Asia-based, leading International Microbiome Innovation Centre. 

Just as Magic is science yet to be discovered, the Microbiota I-Center (MagIC) harnesses and translates the human microbiome into cutting-edge innovations for early disease detection and prevention. MagIC focuses on advancing science in the gut microbiome and promoting entrepreneurship. It is committed to developing a novel class of microbiome diagnostics and live biotherapeutics for common diseases including obesity, cancer, autism, inflammatory disorders and COVID-19, that will not only transform lives of patients and their families, but also accelerate Hong Kong into a world-class microbiome biotechnology hub. 

Director: Prof. Grace L.H. Wong 

https://mdac.cuhk.edu.hk/ 

Established on 1 March 2020, Medical Data Analytics Centre are devoted to utilize big clinical data to answer important research questions through statistical approaches and AI analytics. 

MDAC offers a comprehensive range of services, including: 

Statistical Consultation: 

MDAC offers guidance in various aspects of statistical analysis, including study design, potential statistical analysis methods, and the utilization of programming tools for effective data management. They also provide support in drafting the corresponding method sections of research manuscripts. 

AI Analytics Solutions: 

MDAC specialize in the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. Additionally, they offer assistance with programming tools for efficient data management in the context of AI-driven analytics.  

MDAC is committed to equipping researchers and clinicians with the tools and expertise required to leverage the full potential of medical data for innovative research and enhanced healthcare outcomes.