HKU-Pasteur Research Pole

💫 Spatial Exposomics Links Pesticide Mixtures to Cancer Risk in Peru, Promoting Carcinogenesis Without Direct DNA Damage

📃 🌳 🧪 A new study in Nature Health links environmental exposure to agricultural pesticides with increased cancer risk.

Combining environmental modeling, a nationwide cancer registry and molecular analyses, researchers from the IRD (National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, France), the Pasteur Network (HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France) and Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas INEN clarify how pesticide mixtures may contribute to certain cancers.

➡️ Pesticides are a major public-health concern because they persist in food, water and the environment and often occur as complex mixtures. Demonstrating a causal link between environmental pesticide exposure and cancer is difficult due to chronic, mixed exposures and limitations of conventional approaches. A new study published in Nature Healthby researchers from the IRD (National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, France), the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole (Hong Kong SAR, China), the Institut Pasteur (Paris, France) and the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN, Peru) provides robust evidence tying environmental pesticide mixtures to an increased cancer risk.

>>> More at https://hkupasteur.hku.hk/post/spatial-exposomics-links-pesticide-mixtures-to-cancer-risk-in-peru-promoting-carcinogenesis-without

Spatial Exposomics Links Pesticide Mixtures to Cancer Risk in Peru, Promoting Carcinogenesis Without Direct DNA Damage MEDIA RELEASEHKU-Pasteur Research Pole, Hong Kong, April 2026Hong Kong, 27/04/26A new study in Nature Health (published on 01 April 2026) links environmental exposure to agricultural pesticides with increased cancer risk.Combining environmental modeling, a nationwide cancer registry and molecular an...

✨ 2025 Fellow Spotlight from HKU-Pasteur Research Pole fellowship programme ✨

“The Institut Pasteur exposed me to new ways of learning and thinking.”

Through the testimony of Hogan Wai, we highlight the impact of the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole Fellowship on the academic and personal journeys of young researchers.

His experience at the Institut Pasteur perfectly reflects what the programme aims to offer:
🔬 immersion in a world-class scientific environment,
🌍 exposure to diverse research cultures,
🧠 and a lasting transformation in how science is approached, learned, and practiced.

Training the next generation of scientists, fostering knowledge circulation, and building sustainable bridges between Hong Kong and Paris are at the core of our mission.

👉 Read his full story here:

https://hkupasteur.hku.hk/post/hogan-wai-the-institut-pasteur-exposed-me-to-new-ways-of-learning-and-thinking

Consulat Général de France à Hong Kong et Macao Pasteur Network Campus France Hong Kong Institut Pasteur

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Hogan Wai: "the Institut Pasteur exposed me to new ways of learning and thinking" Hogan Wai spent 3 months in Paris at the Institut Pasteur as part of the 2025 HKU-Pasteur Research Pole Fellowship Program, joining the Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, under the supervision of Dr Christophe D’Enfert.Why did you apply for the HKU-PRP Fellowship?I applied for the HKU-PRP Fell...

📢 HKU-Pasteur Welcomes College de France Lectures! 🎓

We are honored to host Prof. Lluis Quintana-Murci for a series of inspiring lectures on genetics, evolution, and infectious diseases. 🔬🌍

📅 Monday, November 24: Dissecting the factors that drive variation in human immune responses (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

📅 Wednesday, November 26: Using genomics to understand human history and adaptation to environmental pressures (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

👉 Read more about this event here:
https://www.hkupasteur.hku.hk/post/college-de-france-lectures-lluis-quintana-murci

[College de France Lectures] Lluis Quintana-Murci As part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, we are honored to host a series of lectures by Lluis Quintana-Murci, distinguished Professor at the Institut Pasteur and Collège de France (Paris, France). Professor Quintana-Murci's work at the intersection of g...

🤝 Strengthening Scientific and Cultural Ties Between Hong Kong and France 🌍

HKU-Pasteur’s Co-Directors, Professor Leo P**n and newly appointed Dr. Eric Deharo, met their partners from the Consulat Général de France à Hong Kong et Macao.

We were delighted to meet Johanna Bouyé, the new Consul for Education, Science and Culture, and Camélia Aissat, Deputy Consul for Culture, Education, and Science and Scientific and University Attachée. Together, we highlighted HKU-Pasteur’s pivotal role in strengthening academic partnerships, research collaborations, and exchanges between France and Hong Kong.

A special thanks to Mrs. Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, for the warm welcome extended to Dr. Deharo. 👏

HKU-Pasteur Research Pole Strengthens Ties with French Consulate General: Welcoming New Consul for Education, Science & Culture HKU-Pasteur’s Co-Directors, Professor Leo P**n and newly appointed Dr. Eric Deharo, recently hosted a strategic meeting with representatives from the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau. This exchange reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and Fran...

Exploring Hong Kong’s Biodiversity with Inspiring Collaborators 🌿🦋

Yesterday, HKU-Pasteur Co-Director Eric Deharo had the privilege of visiting the 香港生物多樣性博物館 Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum , the city’s first museum dedicated exclusively to biodiversity. 🪴

This remarkable initiative is led by Benoit Guénard, Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, HKU. 🙌

The museum is managed by a passionate team from HKU’s School of Biological Sciences, supported by scientists and partners committed to advancing biodiversity research.

Among these partners is Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam, member of the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and Centre for Immunology & Infection - C2I. 🔬

We look forward to deepen these collaborations in our shared mission to protect biodiversity and promote scientific innovation. 🔭

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Visiting the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum with Benoit Guénard, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biological Sciences Eric Deharo visited the impressive Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum, established and led by Benoit Guénard, Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences at HKU and Director of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum.

Exciting News from HKU Pasteur Research Pole!

We are thrilled to welcome Doctor Eric Deharo as our new Co-Director, alongside Professor Leo P**n! 🎉

Eric brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for fostering confidence and enthusiasm in science.

His vision will strengthen our mission to advance research and education in infectious diseases, by « supporting and mentoring young scientist is to foster confidence and passion for science, encouraging sharing of ideas and collaborations.» 🔭

For him, « the key challenges we face at HKU-Pasteur Research Pole include (..) addressing societal needs by making vaccine, diagnostics and treatments affordable for all. And providing clear, accurate and helpful informations for policy makers and then combatting misinformations and fake news.»

📽️ Watch his introduction video and learn more about his inspiring journey: https://www.hkupasteur.hku.hk/post/eric-deharo-fostering-confidence-and-passion-for-science

Eric Deharo: "Fostering Confidence and Passion for Science" We are excited to introduce Dr. Eric Deharo as new Co-Director of HKU-Pasteur. In this pivotal role, Dr. Deharo will work closely with Prof. Leo P**n to enhance our research initiatives and foster innovative collaborations that drive advancements in public health and infectious disease research.Eric...

🦠 Resurgence of zoonotic highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Cambodia

📑 A new correspondance from Pr. Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran in the The New England Journal of Medicine sheds light on the alarming re-emergence of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Southeast Asia. This resurgence raises serious concerns for global health due to the virus’s zoonotic potential and its capacity for rapid spread.

🔬 The article underscores the need for strengthened epidemiological surveillance and proactive monitoring of zoonotic spillovers to mitigate future outbreaks.

🔗 https://www.hkupasteur.hku.hk/post/resurgence-of-zoonotic-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-a-h5n1-virus-in-cambodia

Resurgence of Zoonotic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Cambodia New correspondance from Dr. Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran on the New England Journal of Medicine, this correspondance investigates the resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus infections in Cambodia after nearly a decade of no reported human cases.To the Editor:After a decade...

🌟Congratulations to Dr. Carolyn Cohen for receiving the prestigious Harnessing Airway Immunity for Next-Gen Vaccines post-doc poster prize, awarded by the Science Cluster of the Novo Nordisk Foundation ! 🌟

This recognition was presented during the 32nd Science Cluster Conference, held from 22–26 September 2025 in Denmark, which brought together different stakeholders in airway immunology and vaccine development, including current and past HKU-Pasteur PhD students Ms Janice Jia, Dr Maireid Bull and Dr Akhee Jahan. The conference focused on the transformative potential of airway-targeted immune responses to revolutionize how we prevent respiratory infectious diseases.

🔬Carolyn's poster "First SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits antibodies with higher FcR engagement and avidity in children than adults" explored the systemic antibody immune response in children compared to adults, finding that adults' but not children's response may be driven by cross-reactive immune response to common cold coronaviruses. The work is also recently published in Nature.

🎉 Congratulations Ruopeng!

👨‍🎓Dr Ruopeng Xie was awarded the Li Ka Shing Prize for 2023–24 🏅in recognition of the academic excellence of his PhD thesis, “Phylodynamics of respiratory viruses: implications for public health.”

This prestigious prize is one of the highest distinctions awarded by The University of Hong Kong to outstanding PhD graduates each year.

🔗 More information >>>>

Congratulations Ruopeng! Dr Ruopeng Xie was awarded the Li Ka Shing Prize for 2023–24 in recognition of the academic excellence of his PhD thesis, “Phylodynamics of respiratory viruses: implications for public health.” This prestigious prize is one of the highest distinctions awarded by the University of Hong Kong to ...

🔬Restoration of the human skin microbiome following immune recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

📑 New publication for HKU-PRP You Che and collaborators on Cell Host & Microbe that explores the human immune system’s critical role in affecting the skin microbiota.

🔗 Visit our website if you are interested in collaborations with You Che’s group!

Restoration of the human skin microbiome following immune recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation New publication for You Che and collaborators on Cell Host & Microbe that explores the human immune system’s critical role in affecting the skin microbiota.AbstractThe human skin microbiome is intricately intertwined with host immunity. While studies have elucidated microbial influences on immunit...