The Institute will start the expansion project sponsored by the foundation as soon as possible, expected to be completed by the end of next year to provide 14 additional laboratory beaches and 84 benches spaces.

There will also be new animal facilities tripling the murine capacity and individually ventilated cages to enhance the ability to control the cross-animal transmission of infectious agents.

“With the donation of HK$30 million, we can immediately undertake the space reorganization and research equipment,” Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, director of Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at Chinese University, said.

He added that the expansion and upgrade of animal facilities enhance their competitiveness in research.

“The generous donation will give a strong impetus to the development of clinical and health sciences research in Chinese University, Hong Kong and the region,” Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, vice-chancellor and president of the university, said.

“The donation affirmed the accomplishments of the faculty and research staff at the tertiary institution.”

Under the expansion project, the faculty will recruit more world-class talents to perform cutting edge research to improve human health.

Li Ka-shing said the institute's cutting-edge interdisciplinary research advanced technological innovations in life sciences, disease prevention and novel treatments.

“We are certain that Lo and his investigators will continue their outstanding work and zeal to establish Hong Kong as Asia’s foremost innovation hub in biosciences,” Li said.