CUHK Nethersole School of Nursing hosts 8th Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference cum 2nd Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium Exploring AI and frontier technologies to drive nursing policy reform and social impact
The Nethersole School of Nursing (the School) in The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) officially launched the 8th Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference cum 2nd Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium today at Hong Kong Science Park. Bringing together nearly 1,200 global delegates from multiple sectors – spanning healthcare, social welfare, academic research and public policy – this flagship event is a key highlight of the School’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.
CU Medicine’s Nethersole School of Nursing launches the 8th Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference cum 2nd Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium. Guests officiate at the lighting ceremony to mark the opening of the event.
Driving global innovation and impact in nursing
First launched in 1999, the Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference has become a signature international event dedicated to addressing regional and global health challenges. This year, under the theme “The Future of Nursing: Innovation and Impact in Action”, the conference will explore emerging frontiers in AI, big data analytics and genomics. These discussions aim to drive meaningful policy change and social impact, underscoring a holistic, proactive, person-centred approach to care.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Chien Wai-tong, Director and Professor of the School, along with eight other leaders from the government, academic, healthcare and philanthropic sectors: Ms Chan Yu-sim, Head of Community Network, Primary Healthcare Commission, Health Bureau; Ms Lucia Ko Siu-shan, Principal Nursing Officer, Department of Health; Professor Patrick Wong Chun-man, Associate Vice-President (Research) and Stanley Ho Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, CUHK; Mr Roger Lee Chee-wah, Vice-Chairman, Board of Governors, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation; Dr Danny Tong Wah-kun, Chief Manager (Nursing)/Chief Nurse Executive, Hospital Authority; Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi, Director, Bay Area Hong Kong Centre, and Belt and Road Hong Kong Centre; Mr Toby Lasserson, Acting Editor-in-Chief, Cochrane Library; and Professor Ronald Ma Ching-wan, Associate Dean (External Affairs), CU Medicine.
Professor Chien Wai-tong, Director and Professor of the Nethersole School of Nursing at CU Medicine
“Our theme calls for harnessing scientific evidence, cutting-edge technology and compassionate care to address emerging global health trends and challenges,” said Professor Chien in his welcome address. “Through this high-level scholarly exchange event, the School reaffirms its commitment to advancing nursing leadership, translational research and interdisciplinary innovation to shape a brighter future for global healthcare.”
Echoing this vision, Professor Wong stated in his officiating address: “Impactful research, when translated into effective practice and sound policy, can empower nurses and other healthcare professionals to strengthen care delivery and improve outcomes for individuals and communities alike.”
Professor Patrick Wong Chun-man, Associate Vice-President (Research) and Stanley Ho Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, CUHK
Following the opening ceremony, Dr Alexander Ng, President of Tencent Healthcare, delivered the first plenary keynote, on AI’s transformative potential in global nursing and healthcare. Among the highlights over the next two days are keynote sessions by Professor Susan Michie, Director of the Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, on behaviour change models for health impact; and Dr Michelle Gunn, Head of Nursing Practice and Regulations, International Council of Nurses, on translating nursing research into policy reform. The programme also includes a Genomic and Genetic Symposium spotlighting advances in precision healthcare. The conference will conclude with a round-table discussion, “Future of Nursing Education: Embracing the Past, Transforming Tomorrow”, on transforming research into real-world practice.
Dr Michelle Gunn, Head of Nursing Practice and Regulations at the International Council of Nurses, speaks on translating nursing research into policy reform at the Symposium.
A dynamic agenda for high-level exchange
Following pre-conference workshops on 24 and 25 March, the five-day programme will feature more than 30 internationally renowned experts from the US, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. They will deliver a dynamic series of keynote presentations and symposia, and take part in round-table discussions, exploring critical issues such as innovative medical technology, health equity, data science and precision healthcare. More than 700 scientific abstracts have been accepted for oral and poster presentations, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovation in line with the conference theme.
Evidence from the Cochrane Library, a global repository of healthcare information, is internationally recognised as a vital tool for expanding healthcare knowledge and driving evidence-based practice. This year’s Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium provides a deep dive into the latest global developments in evidence synthesis, alongside strategic insights on enhancing healthcare quality and decision-making.
The event brings together nearly 1,200 global delegates from multiple sectors – spanning healthcare, social welfare, academic research and public policy.
For more details about the conference, please visit: https://8thpanpacificconf.nur.cuhk.edu.hk
