HKUST–HKUST(GZ) 20 for 20 Cross-Campus Collaborative Research Scheme

Background
 

In Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the escalating rates of stress, anxiety, and depression underscore the critical importance of mental health. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened these concerns, emphasizing the pressing need for in-depth research and effective intervention strategies. While some major GBA cities have taken steps to enhance mental health policies and professional support, there is still a notable gap in comprehensive academic research spanning the entire GBA.

To address this research gap, this project aims to leverage the collaborative expertise of researchers at HKUST (CWB) and HKUST (GZ) to identify early signs of mental disorder, enhance mental health awareness, enable early intervention, provide targeted interventions and policies, and promote mental well-being in the GBA.
 

Project Objectives
 

• Assess the level of mental disorder early signs and mental health literacy in the GBA area and develop models to predict potential mental disorders
• Develop an early warning and prevention system to track and cope with public mental health risks and lead to large-scale research projects for major external grants
• Facilitate inter-campus thematic workshops and foster student exchange to exchange knowledge and ideas
• Provide recommendations for targeted mental health interventions and policy changes to enhance mental well-being in the GBA
   

Collaborative Research between HKUST (CWB) and HKUST(GZ)

Collaboration between HKUST (CWB) and HKUST (GZ) is an integral part of our research endeavors. It is our goal to broaden the scope and increase the impact of our study by combining the interdisciplinary expertise, research facilities, and resources of these two campuses.
 

Role of HKUST (CWB) Team (Led by Prof. Naubahar Sharif)

• The HKUST (CWB) team will take a pivotal role in constructing the theoretical framework and shaping public policy initiatives informed by the research outcomes
• Using quantitative research methods, the team will analyze survey data rigorously to uncover patterns and trends regarding mental health literacy and factors that influence mental disorders.
   

Role of HKUST (GZ) Team (Led by Prof. Corey Kewei Xu and Prof. Zhuoni Zhang)

• The HKUST(GZ) team will focus on the utilization of Internet big data and data analysis to identify potential predictors and trends of mental disorders
• The team will also play a crucial role in early warning system development and public policy development based on the research findings
   

Knowledge-Sharing

• The two teams will collaborate closely throughout the research process, sharing insights, data, and methodologies
• Regular meetings and communication channels will be established to ensure effective coordination and exchange of ideas
• Joint workshops and seminars will be organized to facilitate knowledge sharing between two teams