History
The State Key Laboratory for Nervous System Disorders (SKLNSD), previously known as the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience (SKLMN), was established in 2009 at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with approval of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST). This laboratory represents a significant milestone, being the first in Hong Kong dedicated specifically to molecular neuroscience research and marking HKUST's inaugural state key laboratory.
The groundwork for SKLNSD was laid with the establishment of the Molecular Neuroscience Center in 1999, which united a skilled team of researchers committed to advancing the field. The strong foundation created by this initiative earned HKUST the Area of Excellence in molecular neuroscience from the University Grants Committee in 2001 and 2007. Research from the center has resulted in numerous breakthroughs published in prestigious international journals, bolstering the university's reputation in global neuroscience.
Significant support from the Innovation Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has facilitated the development of a world-class research infrastructure for drug discovery at HKUST. This infrastructure has proven instrumental in identifying promising drug leads for various neurological disorders. Leveraging these strengths, the laboratory has established itself as a key neuroscience research center in the region.
On 20 September 2018, the laboratory transitioned from the Partner State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience to the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, enhancing its collaborations with diverse research and development institutions. In a strategic effort to integrate interdisciplinary talent and leverage multidisciplinary strengths, the laboratory officially adopted its current name, the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders, on 1 July 2025. This renewed focus on the pathological mechanisms, diagnosis, and intervention of nervous system disorders further solidifies the laboratory's role as a vital player in the global research landscape.
