Areas of Excellence

Centre for Plant Vacuole Biology and Biotechnology

Total Funding Approved

• over HK$87M

Coordinating Institution

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Prof. Jiang Liwen)

Plant vacuoles play essential roles in cellular recycling and homeostasis. Vacuoles dynamically alter their size and shape during plant growth and development, responding adaptively to environmental stresses such as heat, salt, and drought, as well as pathogen attacks. Understanding vacuole formation, regulation, and interaction with other organelles under stresses remains largely elusive yet critical for advancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Our inter-institutional and inter/multidisciplinary research team, specializing in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and advanced imaging techniques, aims to illustrate these fundamental processes of vacuole biology and biotechnology. By leveraging cutting-edge electron microscopy and biotechnology approaches, we aim to establish the Centre for Plant Vacuole Biology and Biotechnology (CPVBB) as an international hub for innovative research and biotechnology advancement. CPVBB will foster global collaborations, develop new technologies to enhance crop resilience and productivity, as well as provide comprehensive training programs for young scientists. This initiative will position Hong Kong as a leader in plant organelle biology research, contributing significantly to scientific knowledge, sustainable agriculture practices, food security, and economic growth in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.