Postgraduate

Ageing, Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Neurocognitive disorders are a major global health concern. Given the rapidly ageing population, early detection and finding ways to delay or prevent the clinical onset of neurocognitive disorders are of great importance from a clinical and public health perspective.
Not only have our epidemiological studies, one conducted in 1995 and the other in 2005, showed that the prevalence of dementia in Hong Kong had doubled during that 10-year period, we have also succeeded in validating and testing the applicability of a wide range of cognitive screening instruments, which are now widely used throughout Hong Kong.
Additionally, we have identified various risk and protective factors for neurocognitive disorders and conducted a series of randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions for improving cognitive function that have received worldwide attention.
We are now conducting several large-scale population-based studies in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People (HKMMSOP) which examines the latest prevalence and risk factors for dementia and mental disorders in the local older populations.

Sleep and Circadian Medicine

Sleep is of paramount importance to our mental and physical health. Sleep and circadian problems can be the trigger, or the reflection of a wide range of neuropsychiatric syndromes from mood disorders to neurodegeneration.
We have demonstrated that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is highly predictive of future synucleinopathy neurodegeneration. Our current projects in sleep and neurodegeneration include a longitudinal cohort study of typical RBD with in-depth measures of clinical, biochemical and sleep biomarkers, along with a family cohort and national registry of RBD.
Our Sleep Assessment Unit provides specialized service for patients in the whole territory of Hong Kong. It is also an academic hub for epidemiological, translational and clinical research in sleep and circadian disorders.

Neuroscience Development

Major depressive disorder, or depression, can have a devastating effect not only on individuals but on society at large. Despite its high toll, there has been little improvement in treatment efficacy for this disorder. Recently, the Department has established navigated neuromodulation treatment facilities. It has also conducted clinical trials, funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), of neuromodulation interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar affective disorder, and neurocognitive disorders.

Neuromodulation

Major depressive disorder, or depression, can have a devastating effect not only on individuals but on society at large. Despite its high toll, there has been little improvement in treatment efficacy for this disorder. Recently, the Department has established navigated neuromodulation treatment facilities. It has also conducted clinical trials, funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), of neuromodulation interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar affective disorder, and neurocognitive disorders.

AI Research:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the understanding, assessment, and treatment of mental health conditions and neuropsychiatric disorders. Research in this area applies advanced methods, including machine learning, big data analytics, natural language processing, computer vision, and multimodal foundation models, to address key challenges in psychiatry. Current projects focus on developing and evaluating AI-driven approaches for early detection, risk prediction, personalized interventions, digital mental health, and the integration of diverse data sources such as clinical, behavioural, speech, wearable, and neurophysiological data. Postgraduate students receive interdisciplinary training in both mental health research and AI methodologies, preparing them to contribute to innovative, data-driven solutions that advance psychiatric research and clinical practice.

ASD Research:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects about one in forty children in Hong Kong. Its presentation and outcomes vary widely, and understanding this heterogeneity is key to earlier detection and more personalised care.

We have established two large longitudinal cohorts in Hong Kong, HATCH and PROMISE, comprising more than 2,500 children with ASD, children with suspected ASD, and typically developing children. In these children we track genetic, neurocognitive, gut microbiota, behavioural and clinical data over time, and we complement this work with animal studies that test the underlying biological mechanisms.

Our research focuses on four directions: the microbiota-gut-brain axis in ASD, the role of neurocognitive functioning in shaping prognosis, sex differences in how autism presents, and the genetic mechanisms of the condition. Through collaborations with local and international partners, we aim to translate these findings into early detection tools and better support for autistic children and their families.