As a Clinical Neurosciences PhD student passionate about research and its real-world application, attending the Hong Kong Laureate Forum would be an invaluable opportunity to engage with transformative science.
My research in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis has given me insight into the forefront of neuroscience and our progress against neurological and age-associated disorders. A policy placement within the UK government further exposed me to how scientific advances shape public policy. However, I am eager to deepen my understanding of breakthroughs in other scientific and mathematical fields—essential for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that drives real-world impact.
The forum would provide exposure to leading research across disciplines and its potential to address global challenges. I am particularly interested in how scientific innovation influences human rights, public health, education, and living standards, especially as a woman and a citizen of a developing country.
Attending this summit would allow me to contextualize my neuroscience work within broader scientific progress, enhancing my ability to bridge research with policy and societal change. I would be honoured to represent the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the University of Cambridge at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum and contribute to the dialogue on science and its global implications.

University of Cambridge

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (P-MS) is a debilitating inflammatory disorder of the brain and spinal cord with limited treatment options due to unclear disease mechanisms. My PhD research at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Clinical Neuroscience aims to uncover the drivers of this inflammation.
Using patient-derived cells, I discovered an accumulation of fragmented mitochondria-derived RNA in the cytosol. These fragments mimic infection signals, triggering inflammation and premature aging in P-MS cells, which then spread damage to healthy cells. By leveraging gene-targeting technology, I blocked the sensing of these RNA fragments, effectively halting inflammation and its spread.
My project identifies a key driver of inflammation in P-MS and sheds light on how RNA sensing may contribute to disease progression. Most importantly, my work highlights components of this pathway as promising new therapeutic targets, offering a potential avenue for intervention in P-MS.