The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

     Echoing the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, the Research Grants Council (RGC) will organise a series of sports- and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-related public lectures in November. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome.

     The final lecture titled "Decoding Sports Science: Common Myths and Antiviral Basketball Tech" will be held on November 29 (Saturday). The lecture will be conducted in Cantonese. Details are as follows:

Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong Science Museum
Live Broadcast: Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkscm) or YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/hksciencemuseum) of the Hong Kong Science Museum
 
Session 1: "Sports Myths Busted: What's Real and What's Not?"
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     This lecture, presented by Assistant Professor of the Department of Sports and Health Sciences of Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Bjorn Tam, will delve into common misconceptions in sports science - discovering the truth about lactate and its role in muscle fatigue, examining the influence of DNA on athletic performance, and uncovering the facts about whey protein's benefits. Also, the lecture will dissect the legendary athletic feat of "Michael Jordan's hang time" and analyse myths related to fat-loss strategies. Join for a journey of discovery and truth in sports.
 
Session 2: "From Anti-COVID Lift Buttons to Antiviral 3D-Printed Basketballs for Children: How 3D Printing Innovation Transforms Our Lives"
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     An airless, antimicrobial basketball has been newly developed for children. Combining durability, safety, and hygiene, the product reduces risk of infection via contact while showcasing how scientific research can be applied to sports, education, and everyday life. This lecture, presented by Professor of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Chris Lo, will trace the journey from creating anti-COVID lift buttons to innovating antiviral sports equipment. The lecture will also highlight the challenges and turning points of technology transformation, and how Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem can drive societal impact.

     The RGC has been regularly organising public lectures since 2009, featuring various distinguished scholars as speakers. These lectures aim to promote research knowledge from Hong Kong's tertiary institutions and raise public awareness of the significance and value of local research work.

     For enquiries, please call 2524 3987 or visit the University Grants Committee webpage (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/lectures/lectures.html). Additionally, members of the public can register for the RGC's email subscription service at www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/subscribe to receive regular updates.

Ends/Friday, November 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:00

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