Chief Executive Carrie Lam today visited the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to learn more about its scientific research teams' innovation and technology (I&T) work and projects.

Mrs Lam toured the Photonic Systems Research Laboratory that develops advanced biotechnology for clinical diagnosis including detection of cancer cells.

She then went to the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing which is equipped with prototyping facilities to cater for the needs of engineering disciplines and met the students working on various innovative research and development (R&D) projects.

The Chief Executive also met the directors of the HKU State Key Laboratories and received a briefing from the Environmental Microbiome Engineering & Biotechnology Laboratory on its innovative research including studies on the environmental dimension of antibiotic resistance, the urban microbiome and environmental health.

Mrs Lam said: “HKU is a comprehensive research-intensive university that consistently ranks high among the world's top institutions. Its teaching and research staff as well as students actively participate in innovative research studies and have made outstanding achievements.

“Hong Kong's universities have strong R&D capabilities. The nation's 14th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong to develop as an international I&T hub, which is testimony to the importance the central government attaches to Hong Kong and its confidence in it.”