Media

Organised by the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, the results of the annual selection for the ‘Top 10 Innovation & Technology News in Hong Kong 2025’, have recently been announced. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is pleased to report that three of its groundbreaking research projects have made it onto this prestigious list, leading among all local institutions. These selected projects in the fields of medical health and astronomical sciences highlight HKU's strong capabilities in advanced translational research and technology transfer. The university aims to address global challenges and deliver impactful real-world solutions, all while striving to benefit society and support sustainable development.  

The selection process engaged over 4,000 professionals from the universities, research organisations, and the education sector. The results indicate that ‘life sciences/health and medical technology’ received the most attention, consisting of six entries in the top ten, with two featuring HKU's pioneering medical research. This outcome reflects a significant societal interest in health technology.  

‘New Dual Immunotherapy' with International Approval Improves Survival Rates for Liver Cancer Patients 
A research team led by Dr. Thomas Yau Chung-cheung, Clinical Associate Professor at the Centre of Cancer Medicine and the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, has developed an innovative ‘dual immunotherapy’ for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. By combining two drugs, the therapy activates the immune system to attack cancer cells. Research has confirmed that this new therapy is more effective than traditional drugs in shrinking tumors and significantly extends patient survival to nearly two years. This breakthrough therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for global use, revolutionising liver cancer treatment. (More information, please click here.) 

World's First Hybrid Photosensitive Immunotherapy for a Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment 
Professor Tu Wenwei from the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU and his team pioneered a ‘hybrid’ cancer therapy combining immune cell particles with light-activated technology. Acting like a precision missile, it targets tumors and uses light to destroy them while boosting the body's immune system. This safe, scalable approach successfully inhibited skin cancer in tests, offering new hope for effective treatment. (More information, please click here.) 

Detect First ‘Heartbeat’ of a Newborn Neutron Star  
In addition, HKU's research achievements in astronomical sciences are also notable. Professor Bing Zhang, Chair Professor of the Department of Physics, HKU and his partner team have discovered the ‘heartbeat’ of a newborn star. During a massive cosmic explosion, they detected a rapid, pulsing signal from a newly-formed 'magnetar’ — a neutron star with an incredibly strong magnetic field. This discovery solves a long-standing mystery by proving that these strange stars can survive such violent explosions and are the engine behind some of the brightest flashes in the universe.  (More information, please click here.) 

HKU strives to foster the development of innovative technologies and knowledge exchange. This selection results further reaffirm our determination and leadership in research translation. Looking ahead, HKU will continue to uphold its spirit of innovation, engaging in forward-looking research with impact to tackle major global challenges and help develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre. 

Media enquiries 
Please contact: Ms Esther Yiu - Manager (Events & Marketing), Technology Transfer Office, The University of Hong Kong: 852-39173949 or email: estherey@hku.hk