- FUNDING
- Jul 2024
- Bulletin
Fuelling Impactful Studies
Grant by Research Grants Council, Innovation and Technology Fund, University Research Committee, and The Royal College of Surgeons of England
The Faculty is delighted to announce that we have successfully secured funding from the following prestigious grants. These outstanding achievements serve as a testament to highlight the exceptional academic calibre of our faculty members and their dedication in the pursuit of impactful research. Congratulations to all the grant recipients for their accomplishments!
Research Grants Council -
General Research Fund
In alphabetical order by last name of Principal Investigator
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.
Research Grants Council -
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.
Innovation and Technology Fund -
Innovation and Technology Support Programme
Professor Zhou Ye
Assistant Professor in Biofunctional Materials
Project TitleInjectable ROS-Responsive Pro-drug-Conjugated Self-Assembling Antimicrobial Peptide Hydrogel for Long-Term Treatment of Periodontitis
About the ProjectWe will develop a smart injectable hydrogel formed by a single engineered molecule with three cohesive components: a self-assembling antimicrobial peptide, a ROS-responsive linker, and a covalently conjugated minocycline as the prodrug, for long-term treatment of periodontitis. This product will increase the long-term treatment success rate by minimising patient recalls and leveraging its precision medicine, multifunctional and biodegradable properties.
Professor Wei Qiao
Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care
Project TitleThe Development of a Smart Glucose-Responsive Hydrogel Dressing to Promote Diabetic Wound Healing Through the Modulation of Neuro-immune Axis
About the ProjectDiabetic patients suffer from non-healing wounds caused by neuropathy and immune disorders. In our study, we aim to develop a smart wound dressing that can spontaneously detect the blood glucose level to adjust the therapeutic delivery of magnesium ions for rescuing the malfunction of neuro-immune axis in diabetic.
University Research Committee -
Seed Fund for Collaborative Research
In alphabetical order by last name of Principal Coordinator
Professor Yifan Lin
Clinical Assistant Professor in Orthodontics
Project TitleArtificial Intelligence-Assisted Assessment of Hard and Soft Tissue Facial Asymmetry in Different Craniofacial Patterns
About the ProjectFacial asymmetry, involving differences in shape, size, or position between the two sides of face, influences oral health, function, and facial aesthetics. This project aims to leverage deep learning models to revolutionise the early identification and diagnosis of facial asymmetry in orthodontics.
Professor Richard Su
Clinical Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Project TitleA Multimodal AI-Driven Platform for Precision Risk Assessment of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders to Improve Prevention and Early Detection of Oral Cancer
About the ProjectThis multidisciplinary project draws on the potential of deep learning and advanced tissue-based biomarker detection to deliver next-generation risk assessment and personalized management of oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia, and oral lichen planus for improved oral cancer prevention and early detection.
Faculty of Dental Surgery of
The Royal College of Surgeons of England -
FDS Pump-Priming Grant
Dr Reinhard Chau
Clinical Research Coordinator in Restorative Dental Sciences
Project TitleArtificial Intelligence (AI) Enhanced Oral Health Education in a Community Setting
About the ProjectAI integration into oral health education could revolutionise early disease detection and management, promoting autonomy in personal healthcare among older adults. The project aims to develop an AI tool integrated with oral health education elements for recognising and monitoring gingivitis and to assess its longitudinal impact on oral health status and awareness.