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Two pioneering research projects led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have been awarded funding totalling over HK$105 million from the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC) under the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2026/27. Utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, the projects address two of the most pressing global healthcare challenges: precision diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, and next-generation smart orthopaedic implants designed for ageing populations.

CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sham Mai-har said: “We are deeply grateful to the Research Grants Council for its strong support and recognition of our research teams through the Theme-based Research Scheme. These two funded projects underscore CUHK’s strengths in AI, medical sciences and translational research. We look forward to seeing their research outcomes further bridge scientific discovery and clinical application, bringing more precise and effective treatment options to patients with gastrointestinal cancers and ageing-related disorders, for the benefit of society.”

Precision prediction and treatment of GI cancers through decoding the gut microbiome

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), remain leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and often experience drug resistance and limited treatment response, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. While recent studies have revealed a close relationship between the gut microbiota and the development and progression of GI cancers, the underlying mechanisms and clinical translation of these findings remain insufficiently understood, highlighting the urgent need for more effective non-invasive diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic approaches.

The project “Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Mechanistic Investigation and Clinical Applications”, led by Professor Yu Jun, Assistant Dean (Mainland Affairs) at CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics, has been awarded over HK$55.6 million. The research team will utilise state-of-the-art technological platforms to map gut microbiota changes in gastric and colorectal cancers at single-cell resolution, identify key microbes that promote or suppress tumour formation and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action. The team will also develop AI-assisted microbial biomarker panels to predict patients’ treatment response accurately.

In addition, Professor Yu’s team will develop novel microbiota-based interventions, including probiotics, postbiotics and phages, to prevent GI cancers and enhance the efficacy of existing treatments. Through this project, the team aims to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, while nurturing scientific talent and contributing to the development of related industries in Hong Kong.

Next-generation smart orthopaedic implants to address bone health challenges of population ageing

Population ageing is posing a growing challenge to healthcare systems globally. Hong Kong is one of the world’s fastest-ageing cities, with people aged 65 or above projected to account for approximately 40% of the population by 2050. Consequently, age-related skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and osteonecrosis are soaring. These conditions can lead to joint deformity, functional impairment, costly joint replacement surgeries, and complications with high mortality risk, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems.

The project “Next-Generation Orthopaedic Implants: R&D and Clinical Translation with Multi-functional Properties of Fixation, Regeneration, and AI-based Therapy Monitoring”, led by Professor Qin Ling, Assistant Dean (Mainland Affairs) at CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, has received over HK$49.4 million. To address the growing global burden of age-related musculoskeletal disorders, the research team is focusing on the development and clinical translation of next-generation orthopaedic implants. The team is currently advancing the clinical translation of innovative magnesium (Mg)-containing orthopaedic implants to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and femoral neck fractures (FNF). They are also investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which magnesium degradation enhances fracture healing, thereby strengthening the scientific foundation for clinical translation.

Simultaneously, Professor Qin’s team is developing AI-enabled smart orthopaedic implants capable of monitoring fracture healing progression in real time. By providing early warning signals when delayed healing or non-union is likely to occur, the technology will enable clinicians to intervene timely.

The team aims to achieve clinical translation of these next-generation orthopaedic implants within the next five to six years. The technology will help patients achieve not only structural bone recovery but also functional rehabilitation, while reducing or even eliminating the need for revision surgeries. The team will also collaborate with industry partners to translate innovative products from research into clinical application, bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.