1 In 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impeded academic work and research; while operation of the Hong Kong Branch (HKB) were no exception. For example, several cruises, exchange schemes, and onsite conferences have been postponed, or even cancelled. Fortunately, with the strong support and close collaboration between its affiliated members, the HKB has smoothly moved into 2022, with significant achievements in teamwork and establishment of collaborative networks! Under such a challenging situation, four task leaders, as the core of the HKB, have coordinated and organized multiple cruises for the HKB teams. Specifically, Area 1 conducted a 12-day cruise to the Pearl River Estuary and South China Sea; Area 2 had a 23-day Pearl River Delta field sampling trip; and Area 3 managed a 19-day cruise to South China Sea Haima cold seep. These cruises and field sampling trips focused on multiple key research scopes of the HKB such as the response mechanism of ecosystems to environmental changes, environmental pollution and ecosafety in the Greater Bay Area, and deep-sea biodiversity and genetic connectivity. These joint cruises, and close collaboration between HKBmembers have made 2021 a prodigious year of scientific harvest! The HKB has achieved valuable research outputs and multiple breakthroughs, such as: (1) elucidating the prediction mechanism of algal bloomsy; (2) developing new technologies for detecting environmental pollutants; (3) discovering new marine species; (4) deciphering the adaptation mechanisms of deepsea creatures; (5) unlocking the mysteries of dental caries formation; and (6) identifying crystal structures of gene sequences involved in neuro-degenerative diseases. These scientific breakthroughs have laid a solid foundation for the sustained development of the HKB. Furthermore, the HKB has been instrumental in coordinating research collaborations in new and exciting directions. In 2021, the HKB co-organized a public forum on marine biodiversity with the UNESCO Hong Kong Association; won the hosting rights of the 17th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium; and got funding for Marine Summits to promote “IndustryUniversity-Research” cooperation. These efforts have enhanced the academic and social impacts of the HKB and Guangzhou Marine Laboratory. Leveraging their diverse expertise, HKB affiliated members are dedicated to the development of our society, the promotion of environmental protection, marine ecological sustainability, and the synergetic development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Prof. Pei-Yuan Qian David von Hansemann Professor of Science Head and Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Science The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Funding Chair, Hong Kong Academy of Marine Science and Engineering Director, Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou) Director’s Message
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