- Grant & Fund
- Expressions Summer 2024
General Research Fund
Empowering impactful studies
The Faculty is delighted to announce that we have successfully secured funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s General Research Fund for ten research projects. Each project has been awarded grants ranging from HKD 0.95 million to 1.56 million. These outstanding achievements are solid evidence to highlight the exceptional academic calibre of our faculty members and their dedication in the pursuit of impactful research.
In addition, Professor Phoebe Lam, Clinical Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry, has been honoured with the RGC’s Early Career Scheme. Apart from funding obtained for her research project, an additional grant will be given to support educational activities for training undergraduate students for conducting research. Congratulations again to all the grant recipients for their accomplishments!
Professor Chun Hung Chu
Professor, Chair of Family Dentistry
Project TitleArresting Caries with a Novel Antibacterial Polymer Fluoride
About the ProjectThe World Health Organization recommends using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to treat tooth decay. However, SDF treatment stains tooth decay an unaesthetic black colour. We have synthesised a novel, biocompatible and non-discolouring poly-diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium fluoride (PDDAF). This research will determine the antibacterial and remineralising properties of PDDAF on tooth decay.
Professor Ke Deng
Clinical Assistant Professor in Periodontology & Implant Dentistry
Project TitleMulti-Modality Deep Learning for Periodontal Disease Diagnosis: A Multicentre Discovery and Validation Study
About the ProjectThis study aims to: 1. Develop a deep learning radiomics model, “HC-Net” for automatic periodontitis detection; 2. Construct a multi-modality hybrid fusion network (MMHF-Net) that integrates HC-Net with molecular biomarkers and non-clinical parameters to differentiate periodontal health, gingivitis, and stages/grades of periodontitis; 3. Investigate the importance of individual features and establish a clinically guided fusion approach for informed decision-making; and 4. Validate the performance of the proposed approaches.
Professor Yu Deng
Assistant Professor in Molecular Microbiology
Project TitleIntegrating Large-Scale Bacterial Cultivation and Advanced Genomic Techniques to Understand Active Lysogeny in Phage-Bacteria Interactions
About the ProjectThe project is investigating how bacterial viruses (phages) influence the evolution of bacterial hosts. We are using sequencing-based techniques to identify novel phages and validate their interactions with bacteria in complex environments. This research will enhance our understanding of the co-evolution of phages and bacteria and their impact on our health.
Professor Waruna Dissanayaka
Assistant Professor in Oral Biosciences
Project TitleTunnelling Nanotube-Mediated Mitochondrial Transfer from DPSCs Rescue ECs in Hypoxia During Pre-vascularized Pulp Regeneration
About the ProjectThe study aims to unravel the complex interaction between dental pulp stem cells and endothelial cells, and propose a hydrogel system for the vascularisation of engineered pulp constructs. The findings have implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in hypoxic microenvironments.
Professor Tong Wah Lim
Clinical Assistant Professor in Prosthodontics
Project TitleEffectiveness of a Home Care Ultrasonic Cleaner Combined with Immersion in Peroxide-Based Cleanser in the Mitigation of Respiratory Pathogens on Dentures of Institutionalised Elderly: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
About the ProjectWe expect all participants to benefit from the new denture cleaning protocol. It can reduce pathogenic respiratory microorganisms, improve denture cleanliness, reduce oral mucosal inflammation, and enhance satisfaction with better oral and denture hygiene. The results of this study will provide evidence on how best to care for dentures and minimize the risk of life-threatening respiratory infections.
Professor Zhiyi Shan
Clinical Assistant Professor
Project TitleDevelopment and Validation of an AI-Assisted Orthodontic Screening Tool for Circumpubertal Adolescents Through 3D Average Face Database Construction
About the ProjectThis study aims to build a 3D average face database for Hong Kong adolescents, highlighting growth pattern differences in those with and without dentofacial deformities. By introducing an AI-assisted app for non-dentists, the research offers the potential for enhanced early detection, effective treatment, and improved oral health and life quality.
Professor Jade Teng
Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology
Project TitleUnravelling a Novel Mechanism of Cysteine-Mediated Immune Evasion by Talaromyces Marneffei and Its Implications for Targeted Therapies
About the ProjectTalaromyces Marneffei is a lethal fungus that causes invasive mycosis with high mortality rates. This study aims to uncover a novel mechanism by which the fungus evades the host’s immune system. The findings could lead to the development of new therapeutic options for infections caused by T. marneffei and other intracellular fungal pathogens.
Professor James Tsoi
Associate Professor in Dental Materials Science
Project TitleDesign and Develop a Direct and Hyphenated Scan-Design-Print Strategy for Dental Prostheses
About the ProjectThis study will develop new hyphenated strategies that scan-design-print prostheses by: 1. Developing a totally new GenAI algorithm to design crown and bridge morphology and tooth colour in one-shot; and 2. Using Coextrude Fused-Deposit-Melting (CFDM) method to 3D-print colour-shaded zirconia. Ultimately, digital dentistry will become unmanned and environmentally-friendly in a sustainable manner.
Professor Gloria Wong
Clinical Professor in Paediatric Dentistry
Project TitleConstructing a Novel Multi-Functionalised Membrane Derived From Eggshell for Guided Bone Regeneration
About the ProjectGuided bone regeneration is a surgical procedure that uses a membrane to cover a wound to prevent soft tissue invasion and maintain a space for new bone formation. A functionalised membrane with appropriate physiochemical properties and biocompatibility was designed and its efficacy will be evaluated in the study.
Professor Chengfei Zhang
Clinical Professor in Endodontics
Project TitleGenetically Modified Human VEGF-Producing C. reinhardtii Supports Cell Survival and Promotes Angiogenesis in Pulp Regeneration
About the ProjectA novel symbiotic strategy using a genetically modified human VEGF-producing C. reinhardtii strain will be investigated. This strain can produce O2, metabolise CO2, and secrete human VEGF to protect transplanted cells/tissues and promote angiogenesis and anastomosis. This innovative strategy may significantly impact tissue and organ regeneration and the treatment of ischemic diseases.
Early Career Scheme
Professor Phoebe Lam
Clinical Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry
Project TitleImproving Autistic Children’s Experiences of Dental Care with Class-Integrated Social Story: A Randomised Controlled Trial and Cost-Benefit Analysis
About the ProjectThe project compares and evaluates the clinical efficacy and cost benefits of dental-visit social story among autism spectrum disorder (ASD) preschool children. The knowledge generated can be translated into practice, addressing the current dental barriers and improving patient care among ASD children.