The newly established Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, evolves from the Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, which was established in 1989, headed by Professor Joseph Lau, is now one of the academic units in the School of Public Health of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. In the current health care scenario, it is of paramount importance to provide quality service that is effective, and the tools required to achieve this objective make use of techniques that form the core activities of the Centre. Skills in epidemiology and biostatistics are required to gather data and to evaluate effectiveness and quality of various modes of service delivery. Epidemiological expertise is also needed to document the health needs of the population. The Centre has been very active in carrying out research in all these areas.

In addition to its research activities, it participates in postgraduate teaching (MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MPH and MSc in Clinical Geronotology etc.), conducts various training courses, as well as participating in undergraduate teaching of MB BCh students of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It also supports the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Chinese University. The Centre is looking forward to collaborating with different research institutions and promoting public health research in the community.

The mission of the Centre is to promote quality epidemiological and biostatistical research activities within and beyond the Faculty of Medicine. Through these research activities, both the academic community and the society at large are being served.

Being a research centre, it is in a unique and advantageous position to attract collaborations with different departments and institutions, taking a multi-disciplinary approach. Its network extends to various local, Chinese and international, governmental and non-governmental, academic and industrial organizations.

The Centre is a multi-functional establishment. It engages itself in education activities targeting at undergraduate and post-graduate students, medical and health professionals and health administrators. It provides services and support to the research activities of the Faculty and contracted services of pharmaceutical companies and external organizations. It has been very active in research activities, including collaborative ones; and as well, it participates in health-related community services.

The Centre has generated useful knowledge through its direct and supportive research activities. With our inputs, hundred of papers have been published in major international journals of almost all main medical and health specialties.

The Centre has a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of software for biostatistical and epidemiological research. It also has a library of more than 400 reference books on special topics of biostatistics, clinical trials and epidemiological research.

The above-mentioned objectives have been achieved by the Centre's three programs: The Biostatistics Program, The Epidemiological Research Program and The Community Research Program on AIDS.

These web pages summarizes the Centre's achievements in the last three years.