HKBU launches flagship Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine

Hong Kong's first "Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine" recognised by International Federation of Sports Medicine to drive global impact on sports and human health

The Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine (CESAME), a flagship, transdisciplinary research hub at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities dedicated to revolutionising sports science, sports medicine and the sports industry, and is committed to translating its research into benefits for elite sports and public health; opened today (17 April). CESAME is the first in Hong Kong, the third in the Nation, and one of just 29 worldwide recognised by the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) as a Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine (CCSM).

In line with HKBU's dedication to promote the development of sports in Hong Kong and beyond, CESAME strives to enhance the development of professionalism and elite sports in Hong Kong, while generating global impact. The opening of CESAME bears additional significance as it coincides with HKBU's 70th anniversary celebration this year, representing a prominent milestone in the University's commitment to advancing sports and human health.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor Fabio Pigozzi, President of FIMS; Professor Patrick Yung Shu-hang, Vice President of FIMS; Mr Edgar Yang, Honorary Secretary General of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Dean of Graduate School of HKBU; and Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, Director of CESAME at HKBU.

Professor Fabio Pigozzi and Professor Patrick Yung Shu-hang, representing FIMS, presented the FIMS‑CCSM plaque to Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Professor Alex Wai and Professor Yannis Pitsiladis at the ceremony.

CESAME's official launch coincided with the Executive Committee meeting of FIMS convened on the campus of HKBU today. Bringing together renowned international experts and leaders, HKBU is privileged to host the meeting which demonstrated the unique role of Hong Kong and the University in promoting sports development globally.

In his welcome address, Dr Kennedy Y H Wong said that: "HKBU has continually evolved over the years into a university distinguished by excellence in teaching, impactful research, and steadfast dedication to addressing the shifting needs of society. We live in an era where the challenges surrounding sports, health, and holistic well-being are increasingly complex: from safeguarding the integrity of clean athletes and decoding the science of elite performance, to tackling the growing burden of chronic disease across Asia and beyond." Dr Wong added that as the population becomes increasingly health-conscious, promoting well-being has rightfully taken centre stage in public policy. CESAME embodies the University's bold, strategic vision to meet this critical demand.

Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang remarked that: "The Government has shown continuous support in the development of sports medicine and sports science, which is essential to elite sports development in Hong Kong. With the establishment of this new Centre [Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine], I am confident that the University will continue to contribute to the excellence of our athletes, advance research in sports medicine and sports science, and further enhance professionalism in the wider sports community."

CESAME employs a transdisciplinary framework that integrates diverse fields including physiology, biomechanics, genetics and molecular biology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, wearable technology and public health. This empowers the Centre to address critical challenges and bridge the gap between elite sports, preventive health, exercise-based therapeutics and sports business. To maximise its research impact, the Centre will work closely with the International Olympic Committee, the World Health Organization, the World Anti-Doping Agency, SportAccord, FIMS, and the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

CESAME features a suite of advanced laboratories and facilities for pioneering research:

• Multi-Omics, Genetics and Biomolecular Laboratories: A facility that comprises a state-of-the-art genomics laboratory suite equipped with automated robotic systems, advanced sequencing technologies, and real-time analytical workflows, enabling integrated multi-omics profiling across genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics; making it one of the world's most advanced integrated genomics environments in sports science. The work underway spans high-performance athlete genomics, anti-doping and drug detection, and analysis of unique and rare biological samples as well as research related to major sporting issues.
• Biomechanics & Performance Lab: A performance-testing facility that combines biomechanics, physiology, and technology to analyse athletes' movement and running performance through motion analysis and metabolic monitoring.
• Environmental & Hypoxic Chamber: A highly specialised facility capable of simulating extreme conditions, including high altitude (low oxygen), heat, and cold.
• Advanced Body Composition (DEXA Suite): A state-of-the-art facility for precise body composition and anthropometric analysis. Using highly advanced, low-dose imaging technology, it enables detailed assessment of bone density, muscle mass, and body composition critical for both elite performance and clinical applications.
• Biobank: A unique and growing global resource platform housing over 3,000 biological samples from elite athletes and research cohorts worldwide, enabling longitudinal research across performance, health, and disease.

CESAME is dedicated to generating measurable societal impact. Beyond supporting elite athletes by enhancing health and safety through real-time monitoring technologies and advancing anti-doping science to safeguard fair play in sport, the Centre also contributes to public health by promoting exercise as medicine to reduce chronic disease prevalence and by shaping evidence-based policy through collaborations with international organisations.

As a FIMS-CCSM, CESAME will also host and support FIMS regional activities, research collaborations, education programmes, and consensus initiatives, strengthening sports medicine capacity across the Asia-Pacific region.