Hong Kong’s unique role in bridging scientific achievements and investments, particularly in biotechnology and genetics, was emphasized by a leading science journal publisher during a meeting at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) on Friday.

The dialogue brought together academics, entrepreneurs, and investors from Hong Kong's scientific community, emphasizing the critical role of global collaboration and investment in science, technology, and medicine.

Sudip Parikh, CEO and executive publisher of Science, representing the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), shared the association’s role and experiences in facilitating international scientific communication through journals like Science and its sister publications, showcasing the global reach and impact of scientific research.

Parikh told China Daily that science is a universal language that transcends cultural and political divides, and Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between different communities has a crucial role for fostering collaborations and accelerating solutions to global challenges, such as curing diseases.

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“Hong Kong's emerging biotechnology sector, shaped by its historical background and investment in biosciences, is noted for facilitating scientific innovation across continents,” Parikh said.

"The investment by Hong Kong in the biosciences and technologies has been significant," he noted, stressing the importance of pairing scientific advancements with financial investment, and pointing to Hong Kong's capability to connect talented individuals with resources.

Parikh expressed hope for increased international collaboration among cities like San Francisco, Hong Kong, New York, and Berlin, underscoring the power of collaboration in science to overcome geopolitical tensions, improve humanity's health, and foster global prosperity, with “Hong Kong playing a pivotal role in the global scientific ecosystem.”

In his keynote speech, Parikh shared that in the past, scientists were hesitant to use the word “cure”. “We talked about treating it, creating something that might help, but we never said the word ‘cure’ because it didn’t seem obvious,” he said, adding that with the growth in biotechnology, cures are now possible, and it’s no longer a prohibited word, highlighting the development of the sector.

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The conversation envisioned a future of scientific publishing that is more interactive, AI-integrated, and accessible, catering to the demands of a multi-generational scientific community.

He also reflected on the broader significance of investing in science, citing examples like the James Webb Space Telescope and China's space station, which represent humanity's pursuit of knowledge and understanding, transcending practical or immediate benefits.

The event was co-organized by AAAS, HKSTP, and the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization.

Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com