Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2024

Professor Lena Wong and Dr Shangqiguo Wang of the Faculty’s Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development have been awarded the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) (HLCA (HK)) 2024, in recognition of their project entitled “Optimizing and Validating the Integrated Digit-in-Noise Test (iDIN) for Global Screening of Hearing and Cognitive Function”.

The team’s study aims to optimise the iDIN testing process and explore its relationship with different cognitive domains to enhance test effectiveness. This research marks a notable advancement in creating an accessible and efficient tool for timely detection of hearing and cognitive decline, leading to enhanced communication, wellbeing, and management for patients and caregivers worldwide.

Since 2022, the Research Grants Council (RGC) has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) of the United States for the HLCA (HK). As part of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition (the Competition) at its Catalyst Phase, HLCA (HK) aims to call for bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that have the potential to extend the human healthspan and promote health at any life stage.

Launched by the NAM in 2019, the Competition comprises a series of inducement awards and prizes to catalyse breakthrough innovations aimed at enhancing individuals’ physical, mental, and social health and well-being as they age. It includes three phases – the Catalyst Phase, the Accelerator Phase, and the Grand Prize Phase. For more information about the Competition, please visit its website (https://healthylongevitychallenge.org/).

Our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Wong and Dr Wang for their achievement!