The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
 
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) will present a public lecture under the theme "Human evolution-language and agriculture" on November 12 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Science Museum. All are welcome.
 
     The RGC has invited Chair Professor of Language and Cognitive Sciences of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor William Wang; Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr Manson Fong; and Associate Professor of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Amos Tai, to share their research findings and knowledge in relation to human language and neuroscience, as well as food production and climate change. Details are as follows:
 
Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong Science Museum
Language: Cantonese
Admission: Free (seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis)
 
     Members of the public can also watch a live broadcast of the lecture through the Hong Kong Science Museum website (hk.science.museum/en_US/web/scm/event/sl/rgcpls.html).
 
First session: A Journey into Language: Evolution, Cognition, and Neuroscience
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     Humans are one of many species on earth but are among the few that have adapted and thrived in every part of the world. A reason for this is due to the invention of language. Professor William Wang and Dr Manson Fong will introduce the evolutionary history of human beings that has made language possible, the cognitive and neural bases of language, the brain changes in normal and pathological ageing, and how they impact human language functions. They will also discuss some research projects on brain age estimation, language comprehension, foreign language learning, etc.
 
Second session: Revolutionising Mode of Food Production and Consumption to Combat Climate Change
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     Modernised agriculture is a major contributor to both climate change and environmental pollution. Substantial quantities of greenhouse gases are released at various stages of food production; nitrogenous compounds released from fertiliser and animal waste also pollute the air and water. Professor Amos Tai will examine how these issues can be addressed by integrating sustainable farming practices borrowed from ancient wisdom with the enhancement of current technology, as well as by adjusting human diet and reducing meat consumption to ensure food security, and human and environmental health.
 
     The public lectures of the RGC aim at arousing public interest in local research developments. Since 2009, the RGC has invited numerous leading scholars to speak at these lectures. For enquiries, please call 2524 3987 or visit the University Grants Committee webpage (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/lectures/lectures.html). In addition, the RGC has launched an email subscription service. Members of the public can subscribe to the service at www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/subscribe to receive regular updates on the RGC. 

Ends/Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:00

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