Date: 26th August, 2023
Venue: Yasumoto International Academic Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
HATCH have successfully concluded two talent development programme in July and August: The Summer Microbiome Institute and Microbial Health Ambassador programme have provided a rare learning opportunity for secondary school and university students. The 2-week and 6-week talent development programme not only provided interns with a comprehensive understanding in the fields of biotechnology, but also fostered the development of their leadership and teamwork skills, setting the stage for their bright future.
A total of 17 outstanding students participated in this year’s internship activities, representing various disciplines such as medicine, biomedical sciences, and pharmacy. Through a rigorous selection process and diversified training, they gained profound insights into HATCH’s core values and the operational principles of biotechnology research.
During their internship, these students gained invaluable practical experience under the guidance of professional teams and mentorship from leading industry experts. They actively participated in laboratory work, contributed to the most recent innovative research projects, and gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercialization process for cutting-edge innovations. This period was filled by continuous learning and overcoming challenges, enabling the interns to exceed their limitations, enhancing their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. These experiences would undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their future career development.
In addition to enhancing professional knowledge and skills, the talent development programme also places great emphasis on community engagement and social impact. By working on group projects, the interns have the opportunity to integrate their acquired knowledge and skills, which ultimately culminates in the Commencement Day held at the end of the internship period. The interns were organized into four distinct groups, each focusing on a specific area of study: Gut Microbiome, Animal Experimental Ethics, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), and the theme of the year on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through discussions and extensive academic research, these interns embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. The interns creatively disseminate their research findings through short videos and posters. From the inception of ideas to the final stages of video production and draft poster designs to visually appealing backdrop, every aspect of the production was precisely crafted. With over 120 attendees, the audience was captivated by the fresh insights presented, gaining a profound appreciation for the untapped potential of the younger generation.
Interns went to different places for project shooting.
The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Grace Lau, Head of the Institute for Translational Research of HKSTP, and Prof. Francis Chan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prof. Chan is also a valued member of HATCH's Steering Committee. Note worthy individuals in attendance included Prof. Siew Ng, another esteemed member of HATCH's Steering Committee and a Professor of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CUHK. Additionally, representatives from our growth partner and funder The D. H. Chen Foundation were presented, along with members of the social welfare sector, devoted caregivers of children with ASD, and supportive parents of the participating students. Their presence and unwavering support played a pivotal role in acknowledging the diligent efforts and remarkable learning achievements of our interns.
During the latter part of the event, attendees were encouraged to show their support and appreciation for all the participating students by placing stickers on to the showcasing board of each group. Additionally, HATCH presented four awards and recognized numerous exceptional ambassadors for their outstanding mentorship, thereby fostering further motivation among the interns to persist in their learning journey and strive for excellence. It is our sincere aspiration that these young talents will attain even more remarkable achievements in their future careers.
Guests can express their encouragement to the interns through stickers.
HATCH is committed to nurturing and imparting knowledge to the younger generation. The internship and commencement day served as a crucial component of social connection and community outreach. By offering such opportunities, HATCH strives to contribute to the growth and development of the next generation. The successful implementation of the internship not only provided them with invaluable experiences and cherished memories but also underscored the significance of talent development programme and community connections.
The conclusion of the internship marked not the end but a new beginning. Equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired, these interns will embark on their individual life journeys, relentlessly pursuing excellence. They will emerge as trailblazers in the realm of scientific research, perpetuating the dissemination of their acquired wisdom. In doing so, they will dutifully fulfill the crucial mission of fostering well-being and optimism for the generations to come.
About HATCH:
HATCH, its full name being The D. H. Chen Foundation Hub of Advanced Technology for Child Health, was jointly established by Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and growth partner and funder, The D. H. Chen Foundation. With our innovations in microbial diagnostics and replacement therapies, HATCH’s mission is to bring health and hope to our future generation through research, education, and community outreach.
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