The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) is a constituent research unit established under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. MHRC aims to become a leading centre for research in mental health and promotion of mental well-being. We strive to achieve excellence in our research endeavours, train the next generation of scientists and health professionals, and provide a platform connecting a diverse range of stakeholders for exchange and collaborations.
MHRC focuses on five key research themes that drive our pursuit of knowledge and innovation in the field of mental health. These themes encompass basic and translational neuroscience of mental health, neuroimaging studies and innovative cognitive rehabilitation of mental disorders, behavioural and psychiatric rehabilitation, psychosocial and cultural aspects of mental health, as well as service use and social policy of mental health.
Our work spans three robust working arms: basic science, intervention development, and social policy for mental health. MHRC values interdisciplinary collaboration, and our research team comprises experts from a variety of fields, including biomedical science, neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, psychology, psychiatry, sociology, social work, public health, nursing, and cutting-edge domains, such as virtual reality technology and artificial intelligence. This interdisciplinary strategy enables us to conduct research on mental health from a holistic and integrative perspective and to address the challenges in mental health research and practice.
MHRC is committed to addressing gaps in existing mental health knowledge, treatment, services, and policies at local, regional and global levels. We actively explore technology transfer and cross-sectoral collaborations, aiming to translate our research findings into practical solutions that can be implemented by clinicians, engineers, service providers, NGOs, government agencies, ultimately benefiting the general public.
I cordially invite you to explore our website to learn more about our research themes and research impact. We welcome engagement and collaborations with members from different sectors for joint efforts in developing evidence-based interventions that can make a real and positive difference in people’s lives.
Together, we can create a future where mental health is understood, valued, and prioritised, leading to a healthier, more resilient society.
