History
Founded in 2015, the School of Biomedical Sciences has a century-long legacy in advancing modern medicine in Hong Kong. Originating from Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry departments, it has evolved into a leading institution supporting scientific excellence today.
The School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Hong Kong has a rich legacy dating back to 1912, originating from the Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry that played a key role in the development of modern medicine in Hong Kong. Its history includes relocating to prominent campuses and establishing biochemistry as a vital discipline.
In 2012, HKU launched Hong Kong’s first Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences programme, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating basic sciences into the medical curriculum. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards fostering research excellence and enhancing teaching. On July 1, 2015, the Faculty of Medicine merged its pre-clinical departments into the School of Biomedical Sciences, adopting a matrix organizational structure. The School emphasizes research themes to advance interdisciplinary synergy and research excellence, while its education divisions focus on delivering core biomedical knowledge. This comprehensive approach aims to develop future biomedical professionals equipped to contribute to healthcare advancements locally and globally, ensuring the School remains at the forefront of biomedical education and research.
In 2012, HKU launched Hong Kong’s first Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences programme, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating basic sciences into the medical curriculum. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards fostering research excellence and enhancing teaching. On July 1, 2015, the Faculty of Medicine merged its pre-clinical departments into the School of Biomedical Sciences, adopting a matrix organizational structure. The School emphasizes research themes to advance interdisciplinary synergy and research excellence, while its education divisions focus on delivering core biomedical knowledge. This comprehensive approach aims to develop future biomedical professionals equipped to contribute to healthcare advancements locally and globally, ensuring the School remains at the forefront of biomedical education and research.
Milestones
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Jul, 2015
Formation of the School of Biomedical Sciences with the merging of Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology.
Sep, 2016
1st Cohort of students graduated with Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree (3 Dean’s List; 7 First-Class Honours).
May, 2017
1st Scientific Advisory Board Meeting.
Dec, 2018
School’s Research Day held at the University of Hong Kong.
Jan, 2019
1st Teaching & Learning Retreat at Centennial Campus, HKU.
Sep, 2020
Inaugural issue of the School newsletter published.
Jun, 2021
1st Knowledge Exchange Retreat at the University of Hong Kong.
Sep, 2022
Launch of BSc(Bioinformatics) Programme with the intake of our first cohort of students.
Nov, 2023
The 6th Shirley Boyde Memorial Lecture delivered by 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine Professor Randy Schekman.
Nov, 2024
Launch of the revamped BBiomedSc programme, merging Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and BSc(Bioinformatics).
Jul, 2025
10th Anniversary of the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Mission
Director’s Message
Together, through collaboration and innovation, we will translate research into meaningful benefits for society, strengthen our global impact, and foster the next generation of scientific leaders.
Michael Häusser
Director of School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
Aim
The School of Biomedical Sciences aims to pioneer the development of modern medicine in Hong Kong and uphold scientific excellence in the field. It was originally formed by the Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, which moved to the Li Shu Fan Building (5 Sassoon Road) in 1963, then to the Faculty of Medicine Building (21 Sassoon Road) in 2002. These departments merged to establish the School of Biomedical Sciences in 2015.
The School leverages the research strengths of its members to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and advance research at the forefront of biomedical sciences. It is also dedicated to establishing platforms for teaching expertise, ensuring the effective dissemination of core knowledge in biomedical sciences. This approach prepares students to become skilled biomedical professionals, capable of contributing to the progress and delivery of medicine and healthcare in Hong Kong, Greater China, and globally.
The School leverages the research strengths of its members to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and advance research at the forefront of biomedical sciences. It is also dedicated to establishing platforms for teaching expertise, ensuring the effective dissemination of core knowledge in biomedical sciences. This approach prepares students to become skilled biomedical professionals, capable of contributing to the progress and delivery of medicine and healthcare in Hong Kong, Greater China, and globally.
