Research Projects
Evolution and interspecies transmission of emerging viruses


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☑ MPhil/PhD ☒ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

This project aims to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms and transmission dynamics of emerging viruses at the human-animal interface. Focusing on high-risk virus families, it combines genomic surveillance, phylogenetic analysis, and molecular biology to identify: 1) Viral ecology and evolution in animal reservoirs, 2) Key mutations enabling host adaptation, 3) Transmission bottlenecks across species barriers, and 4) Molecular determinants of cross-species infectivity. Through a multidisciplinary One Health approach, this research project will shed light on the complex dynamics driving the emergence of infectious diseases and inform early-warning systems for pandemic preparedness.

Professor H Zhu, School of Public Health

Professor Zhu is a virologist specializing in emerging infectious diseases at the human-animal interface. Her research focuses on tracing zoonotic origins, characterizing viral evolution, and investigating cross-species transmission mechanisms of pathogens. She has made significant contributions to understanding influenza viruses (H7N9, H10N8, H5Nx), coronaviruses (MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2), and astroviruses by identification of novel viral variants and systematic analyses of their ecological persistence, host adaptation patterns, and interspecies spillover risks. Recognized as a Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher since 2017, her interdisciplinary approaches integrate field surveillance with molecular studies to address emerging viral threats.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Lab
ORCID
zhuhch@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ School of Public Health