On 7th December, invited by Environmental Science Programme of Division of Science and Technology, Prof. Ho Kin Chung, world renowned expert in harmful algal bloom, Special Appointed Professor of Shanghai Ocean University, delivered a lecture on harmful algae research. In the lecture, he mainly talked about the management of harmful algae blooming.

Welcome speech from Environmental Science Programme Director Dr.Siutai TSIM

Professor Ho was the Dean of Science and Technology in Open University of Hong Kong. Currently, Professor Ho is a Special Appointed Professor at Shanghai Ocean University, also the Honorary Professor in the Department of Geography at University of Hong Kong. His research interests include red-tide and cyanobacteria blooming, management of water quality and aquatic environment, technologies and strategies in environmental monitoring etc. He has published more than 400 papers, and 40 books or book chapters. Professor Ho was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star Medal by the Government of Hong Kong SAR in 2004 for his outstanding achievements in environmental protection and environmental research. Moreover, Professor Ho has received many national and international awards such as “Outstanding Environmental Technology Workers Award” and “Silver Award” in International Creative Invention Exhibition at Geneva, Switzerland for the development of the forecast index of red tide – called “HaiDex”.

Our students were focusing on the lecture

Professor Ho started with the definition and characteristics of harmful algal blooms, and the types of algae in different kind of blooms. He first introduced the global increasing trend of algal blooms, and then further focused on the coastal areas of China, especially the Greater Bay Area. Professor Ho also conducted an introduction to the cause of the algal bloom from both natural and human factors. He also shared his future research interests, including using big data to forecast the harmful algal blooms to reduce the damage to fisheries; how to turn "harmful" into "benefit”, make algae into biofuels, or use it to treat municipal sewage, etc.

Students are asking questions

After the lecture, the students and faculties of Environmental Science raised some questions about the treatment methods of algal blooms, the interactions among different types of algae, and the relationship between fish death and toxins released by algae, etc. Professor Ho answered patiently one by one.

Group photo with audiences

Professor Ho Kin Chung has been an old friend of UIC.  He was the Council member of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU); currently, he is the Court member of HKBU.  Prof. Ho has witnessed the foundation ceremony of UIC and the development of UIC over the past 15 years. Professor Ho said that he was very happy to see UIC has grown into such a renowned university in China, and even in the other parts of the world in a short period of time.

Reporter/Photographer: Henry WANG (ENVS)