Prof. Chiu Wai-kwun Rossa (left) of the Department of Chemical Pathology was awarded the Chinese Young Women in Science Fellowship for her research and development of non-invasive prenatal diagnostic approaches. Professor Chiu was one of the 10 awardees selected from 188 candidates from all over the nation. She was also the only awardee from Hong Kong and Macau to have received the honour this year. The award presentation ceremony was held in Beijing on 11 December. Professor Chiu was honoured to receive the award and had words of encouragement for the young. 'Don't kill your curiosity and underestimate your own ability. Dig into every question you encounter to find the answer. The unknown is that which you need to conquer and push the frontiers of knowledge.'

The Chinese Young Women in Science Fellowship was jointly founded by the All-China Women's Federation, China Association for Science and Technology, the UNESCO China National Committee, and L'Oreal China. The award aims to reward elite female scientists aged below 45 in all fields of science and to encourage young females to engage themselves in science research and contribute to the welfare of mankind.

Professor Chiu has been widely acclaimed for her successful clinical applications of the DNA testing of maternal plasma for Down syndrome. These have opened up possibilities for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis which would eliminate the chance of miscarriage associated with invasive procedures. Her latest research breakthrough is applying DNA sequencing in cancer diagnosis.

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