Overview

ZHANG Ruizhe is a 1st class graduated student from Medical School of Zhengzhou University. With her excellent academic results and outstanding research publications, she succeeded in the application of Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and started her PhD study in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CUHK in 2018. During her first year of PhD, she studies a novel optical imaging system for endometrium. The papers are published in international peer-review journals and also invited to present in the 35th Annual meeting of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in Vienna, Austria in 2019, the biggest international conference (over 12000 participants) in the field of Reproductive Medicine.

Dr CHAEMSAITHONG Piya is originated from Bangkok, Thailand with MD degree from Mahidol University and completed Obstetrics and Gynaecology training and Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialization in Thailand before 2012. She then pursued research training in United States, and became Assistant Professor in Wayne State University. She decided to pursue PhD study and completed in 2 years from Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CUHK, leading department in MFM field, including fetal therapy, genetics, and obstetrics complications. She has more than 90 peer-reviewed articles and H-index is 35. Currently, she is working as Clinical Lecturer for clinical care and research in the department.

GETSKO Olena graduated from Donetsk National Medical University in Ukraine in 2012, where she actively participated in research. After receiving recommendations for further studies, she intended to apply for a PhD program. However, due to the Russian invasion of Donetsk, she was forced to relocate, which disrupted her academic aspirations.

Moving to Kyiv, she worked as an Ob&G doctor and in clinical trials. In 2020, she applied for a PhD program in Hong Kong and was awarded the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and Belt and Road Scholarship.

Currently, she is conducting research at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong under the supervision of Professors Tak Yeung Leung and Ronald Wang. Her project involves a longitudinal study investigating changes in CD8+ memory T cells during human parturition. The hypothesis suggests that CD8+ memory T cells differ between healthy nulliparous and multiparous women in spontaneous and induced labor, potentially correlating with faster labor progress in multiparous women. This research aims to strengthen reproductive health in the future.

HUNG Sze Wan’s project, guided by Professor Ronald Wang, aims to advance therapeutics for gynecological conditions. The team is honored to receive support from the Technology Start-up Support Scheme (TSSSU) by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. This award is vital for translating innovative research into commercial solutions, particularly for developing novel non-hormonal treatments for endometriosis and menstrual discomfort.

During her PhD research, Kennes investigated the drug mechanisms and treatment efficacy of ProEGCG, a prodrug of green tea extract EGCG, at both cellular and molecular levels. Using methodologies such as bioinformatics, proteomics, and in vivo models, she identified protein-drug targets and mechanisms of action. The team also employed AI-driven drug discovery to find repurposed drugs for endometriosis.

Support from the Department of O&G has been instrumental, leading to high-impact publications, successful patents, and collaborative partnerships. With TSSSU backing, the team aims to progress ProEGCG and other therapeutics toward clinical trials, enhancing treatment options for women with endometriosis and potentially adenomyosis. This project represents a significant step in translating scientific findings into practical applications that will improve women’s health and well-being.