D24H Newsletter #2


	D²4H Newsletter #2


	D²4H and MSD sign collaboration agreement to drive AI solutions for disease prevention and treatment

D²4H and MSD sign collaboration agreement to drive AI solutions for disease prevention and treatment

On October 17, 2023, the D²4H entered into a collaboration agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme (Asia) Ltd. (MSD), a global pharmaceutical leader, to accelerate the development of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for public health and medicine, with a focus on advancing disease prevention and treatment. Our initial project will center around the analysis of epidemiology of Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases (IPD) to facilitate the nowcasting and forecasting of disease burden.


	Unveiling global perspectives: a conversation with overseas collaborator - Professor Ian Douglas

We had the pleasure of conversing with our overseas collaborator - Professor Ian Douglas from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He talked about the challenges and potential benefits of the utilisation of diverse data sources in global research collaboration.


	ISO9001:2015 certification validates the D²4H’s research endeavours

The D²4H and its spin-off company Vitome Limited attained the ISO 9001:2015 certification, a globally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS) certified by TÜV SÜD. This certification showcases our dedication to delivery of exceptional research, development services and digital innovation.

ISO9001:2015 certification validates the D²4H’s research endeavours


	“Optimal timing of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment after COVID-19 symptom onset or diagnosis: target trial emulation” published in Nature Communications (Programme 1)

“Optimal timing of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment after COVID-19 symptom onset or diagnosis: target trial emulation” published in Nature Communications (Programme 1)

Our research team conducted a study on COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong, providing real-world evidence that early initiation of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of 28-day all-cause hospitalisation and mortality but an elevated risk of viral rebound, compared to late initiation.


	Seminar explored the power of metagenomics in understanding virus evolution (Programme 2)

Our seminar "Redefining Virus Ecology and Evolution Using Metagenomics” was successfully held on November 14, 2023 with presence of Professor Edward Holmes, our Co-Principal Investigator from the University of Sydney. Professor Holmes shared his discovery in the realm of RNA viruses and discussed the transformative impact of bulk RNA shotgun sequencing and metatranscriptomics.


	Professor Benjamin Cowling received MBE honour at Buckingham Palace (Programme 3)

Professor Benjamin Cowling received MBE honor at Buckingham Palace (Programme 3)

Professor Benjamin Cowling, our Lead Scientist, received his Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award from King Charles III in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2023. The award was a recognition for his public health services and research on COVID-19. Professor Cowling together with his research team provided some of the first official estimates of the transmissibility of COVID-19, and have published more than 200 articles on COVID-19 to date.


	Experts convened at symposium on post-pandemic healthcare big data research (Programme 4)

The D²4H and HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy jointly organised a scientific symposium titled "Embracing Post-pandemic Innovations in Healthcare Big Data Research" on September, 13 2023. The symposium brought together renowned experts to explore the potential of AI and healthcare big data in promoting public health, evidence-informed policy, and strategic planning in the post-COVID-19 era.

Embracing Post-pandemic Innovations in Healthcare Big Data Research


	D²4H presented Vitogram at Malaysia Digital Expo 2023 (Programme 5)

Our R&D team led by our Lead Scientist Dr Joshua Ho had a successful time at the Expo held in Kuala Lumpur from November 6-8, 2023. We engaged with a diverse range of participants to showcase and introduce D²4H along with our innovative product Vitogram.


	Honours & Awards

Our scientists and researchers have been honoured with the following awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their fields of study:

World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists by Stanford University

Highly Cited Researchers 2023 by Clarivate Analytics

HKU Scholars in the Top 1% 2023