CUHK
News Centre

Two interdisciplinary research projects led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have been awarded funding totalling about HK$46.3 million under the Research Grants Council (RGC) Strategic Topics Grant 2026/27. Harnessing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical technologies, the projects focus respectively on combating age-related sarcopenia and developing Hong Kong’s first AI-enabled one-stop Advance Care Planning (ACP) platform. Both projects aim to address the acute healthcare and caregiving challenges stemming from an ageing population, advancing CUHK’s commitment to translational research that improves the quality of life and healthcare outcomes for older adults.

Professor Jiang Liwen, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & External Affairs), said: “We are deeply grateful for the Research Grants Council’s support of our research teams through the Strategic Topics Grant. Population ageing should not be viewed solely as a challenge. It is also a vital catalyst to drive innovation in healthcare technologies and service models. These projects showcase CUHK’s unique interdisciplinary strengths and synergy across AI, geriatrics, nursing and translational clinical research, while transforming research results into tangible societal benefits. CUHK will continue to catalyse innovation, building a more resilient, age-friendly and sustainable society in Hong Kong, and setting new benchmarks for gerontechnology worldwide.”

AI-aided drug research to combat muscle ageing

Population ageing is a major challenge worldwide. In Hong Kong, the proportion of people aged 65 and above is projected to reach 36% by 2046. While skeletal muscle is a vital organ of body homeostasis and mobility, ageing is often accompanied by sarcopenia, a condition characterised by loss of muscle mass, strength and regenerative capacity. Affecting up to 27% of adults, sarcopenia severely undermines older adults’ functional independence and quality of life, while imposing a growing burden on the healthcare system.

Led by Professor Wang Huating of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine), the project entitled “Combating Aging-Associated Sarcopenia: From Knowledge Discovery to Intervention Testing” secured HK$24.925 million. Bringing together experts in biomedicine, geriatrics, AI engineering and bioinformatics, the research team will decode the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle ageing and sarcopenia, build an AI-assisted drug discovery system, and conduct pre-clinical and clinical trials for anti-sarcopenia drugs. The project is expected to develop innovative intervention strategies to slow muscle deterioration and improve the mobility and quality of life of older adults.

One-stop AI platform to improve end-of-life care quality

Following the enactment of legislation on Advance Medical Directives in Hong Kong, the demand for ACP services has risen sharply. However, older adults and their families often face challenges such as limited information, communication difficulties and emotional stress when making decisions for end-of-life care. Existing services also have room for improvement in accessibility, documentation and frontline support, making it difficult for many caregivers to help their family members make appropriate arrangements.

Led by Professor Helen Chan Yue-lai of the Nethersole School of Nursing, CU Medicine, the project entitled “Building an Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Platform for One-Stop Advance Care Planning Model” was awarded HK$21.4 million. The multidisciplinary team comprises experts in healthcare, artificial intelligence, elderly care and public policy. Working closely with stakeholders through a co-design approach, the research team will develop an AI-powered integrated platform to make end-of-life care planning more accessible, efficient and human-centred. The platform will feature three key components: an AI-guided decision support tool that helps older adults, family members and caregivers better understand care options aligned with personal values; an automated documentation tool to reduce administrative paperwork; and an AI-powered ACP communication training tool to strengthen frontline healthcare staff competence in emotionally challenging conversations.

The platform will be piloted across 24 community care units and residential care homes in Hong Kong, with its effectiveness evaluated via a randomised controlled trial and qualitative study. Researchers will also assess its cost-effectiveness and longer-term impact on decision-making, quality of life and healthcare use.