SKLMP member Dr. Apple Chui wins Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs Award

Congratulations to SKLMP Member Dr. Apple Chui, Research Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, for receiving the "Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs Award" in the Science Engagement category at the Falling Walls Science Summit held from the 7th to 9th November 2024.

Hong Kong, surrounded by three sides of the sea, boasts a rich diversity of coral species. However, in recent years, these corals have faced the threat of bleaching due to the impacts of climate change and human activities. To better conserve corals, Dr. Apple Chui officially established the outreach program "Coral Academy" in 2018, focusing on researching coral nurseries and coral propagation techniques. With the support of the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the "Coral Academy" has organized numerous public engagement activities, including the groundbreaking "Secondary School Coral Nursery Education Programme" initiated in 2020.

This program transforms primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong into culturing stations, allowing local students and teachers to participate in maintaining coral tanks and monitoring coral growth and health. Through hands-on experiences learning about Hong Kong's marine ecology and biological knowledge, students can enhance their awareness and concern for the biodiversity of marine life and coral conservation in Hong Kong, fostering a sense of duty to protect the oceans.