Prof. Wing Hong Seto | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wing Hong Seto, WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Dr. Seto Wing Hong is a globally acclaimed expert in infection control and epidemiology. He serves as Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control at the University of Hong Kong. With honorary and leadership roles across Asia-Pacific and international institutions, Dr. Seto is a trusted voice in pandemic response, hospital safety, and microbial science. A specialist in clinical microbiology, he has contributed significantly to WHO's COVID-19 response strategies. His distinguished career includes key roles such as Chief Infection Control Officer of the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong, and professor-level appointments in China, Australia, and the U.S. Dr. Seto’s work has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronze and Silver Bauhinia Stars. He continues to shape infection control policy, research, and clinical best practices globally. His dedication exemplifies leadership in the health professions at the highest level.

Professional Profile

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Evaluation for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” – Dr. Seto Wing Hong

Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Seto Wing Hong stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, bringing an unmatched depth of experience, expertise, and dedication to the field of infectious disease epidemiology and control. With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Seto has significantly contributed to advancing global infection prevention practices, clinical microbiology, and public health policy. His current leadership as Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control at the University of Hong Kong positions him at the forefront of research and policy implementation in pandemic preparedness, infection control, and healthcare safety.

He has held numerous high-impact roles across national and international institutions, including serving as an expert member in several WHO advisory panels related to COVID-19, infection prevention, and public health emergencies. This not only highlights his research influence but also his global leadership and trusted advisory role in shaping real-time public health strategies. His previous roles within the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, such as Chief Infection Control Officer and Chief of Service in Microbiology, underscore his operational experience in translating research into practice—especially during critical periods such as the SARS outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic.

Education 

Dr. Seto Wing Hong earned his MBBS in 1972, followed by MRCP(UK) and MRCPI in 1981. He furthered his credentials with MRCPath (1984) and FRCPath (1997). He is a Founding Fellow of both FHKCPath (1992) and FHKAM (Pathology) [1993], reflecting his pivotal role in establishing professional standards in pathology in Hong Kong. In 1996, he obtained American Board Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). His academic excellence was supplemented by advanced training in infection control at CDC Atlanta (1985) and patient safety leadership programs in Chicago (1994) and Department of Veterans Affairs, USA (2002). Clinical attachments at prestigious institutions such as St. Thomas' Hospital (UK) and Stanford University expanded his global perspective. His educational foundation has been instrumental in his thought leadership across clinical microbiology and hospital infection control, helping train generations of professionals across continents.

Professional Experience

Dr. Seto Wing Hong has held transformative roles in public health and clinical governance. He served as Chief Infection Control Officer and Cluster Director of Quality & Risk Management at Queen Mary Hospital and the Hong Kong West Cluster under the Hospital Authority. He also served as Chief of Service in Microbiology, shaping hospital-wide infection control policies. Internationally, he is Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control and an Expert Member in several WHO committees. In academia, Dr. Seto is a Clinical Professor (Hon) at HKU and has held visiting professorships across China and Australia. He is also a Medical Advisor to private hospitals in Hong Kong. His consultancy roles in the People’s Liberation Army (PRC) and at UNSW, Australia, reflect his wide-ranging influence. His combined hospital, academic, and global advisory experience marks him as a pioneer in health systems improvement and infectious disease control.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Seto Wing Hong has been widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions. He received the Best Paper Award and Research Sponsorships from the Hospital Authority in 1994. He led and contributed to Outstanding Team Awards in 1999 and 2000, highlighting his collaborative excellence. For his heroic leadership during SARS, he was awarded the Special SARS Commendation Medal and the Hong Kong West Gold Badge in 2003. These honors were followed by the Bronze Bauhinia Star (2004) and Silver Bauhinia Star (2011), prestigious honors from the Hong Kong SAR Government. In 2012, he was recognized as a Distinguished International Fellow of the Infection Control Association of China. His affiliations with the F1000Prime Faculty since 2014 further validate his scientific impact. These accolades reflect Dr. Seto’s unparalleled dedication to public health, quality care, and infectious disease prevention.

Research Skill On Health Professions

Dr. Seto Wing Hong is a world leader in infection prevention, epidemiology, and clinical microbiology. His research focuses on nosocomial infections, hand hygiene, and pandemic preparedness, having contributed extensively during SARS and COVID-19. As an expert member of multiple WHO advisory panels, his insights shape global infection control strategies. His scientific training is backed by work in high-risk environments, contributing to hospital design, airflow systems, and engineering controls in health settings. Dr. Seto integrates clinical insight with systems thinking, applying quality improvement (CQI) tools for enhanced safety. His work spans microbiological diagnostics, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and environmental hygiene innovations. He is skilled in translating evidence into policy, making him an asset for health ministries, hospitals, and international bodies. His mentorship has developed leaders in infection control across Asia-Pacific. A systems thinker and evidence-based strategist, Dr. Seto stands at the forefront of health research excellence.

  Publication Top Notes

1. Surgical implant sterilization in the Asia–Pacific region: A survey of current practices

• Authors: Wing Hong Seto, Patricia Tai Yin Ching

• DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2025.02.006

• Year: 2025

2. Effective risk management strategy prevented severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in three private hospitals in Hong Kong throughout the pandemic

• Authors: Wing Hong Seto, Patricia T.Y. Ching, Andy M.W. Leung, August W.M. Fok, Shing Cheung, Eddie W.Y. Cheung, Clara D.K. Kwok, Kenneth H.L. Tsang, Benjamin J. Cowling

• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.500

• Year: 2022

3. Activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam against Gram-negative isolates among different infections in Hong Kong: SMART 2017–2019

• Authors: James A. Karlowsky, Sibylle H. Lob, Aaron Khan, Wei-Ting Chen, Patrick C.Y. Woo, Wing Hong Seto, Margaret Ip, Stanley Leung, Queenie W.-L. Wong, Rene W.Y. Chau, et al.

• DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001487

• Year: 2022

4. Author Correction: Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks

• Authors: Leung N.H.L., Chu D.K.W., Shiu E.Y.C., Chan K.-H., McDevitt J.J., Hau B.J.P., Yen H.-L., Li Y., Ip D.K.M., Peiris J.S.M., et al.

• DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0946-9

• Year: 2020

5. Erratum: Use of medical face masks versus particulate respirators...

• Authors: Conly J., Seto W.H., Pittet D., Holmes A., Chu M., Hunter P.R.

• DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00810-w

• Year: 2020

6. Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks

• Authors: Leung N.H.L., Chu D.K.W., Shiu E.Y.C., Chan K.-H., McDevitt J.J., Hau B.J.P., Yen H.-L., Li Y., Ip D.K.M., Peiris J.S.M., et al.

• DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0843-2

• Year: 2020

7. Use of medical face masks versus particulate respirators...

• Authors: Conly J., Seto W.H., Pittet D., Holmes A., Chu M., Hunter P.R., Cookson B., et al.

• DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00779-6

• Year: 2020

8. Are reusable blood collection tube holders the culprit for nosocomial hepatitis C virus transmission?

• Authors: Tsang D.N.C., Ip M., Chan P.K.S., Ching P.T.Y., Lam H.S., Seto W.H.

• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.302

• Year: 2019

9. Broadening the infection prevention and control network globally; 2017 Geneva IPC-think tank (part 3)

• Authors: Zingg W., Storr J., Park B.J., Jernigan J.A., Harbarth S., Grayson M.L., Tacconelli E., Allegranzi B., Cardo D., Pittet D., et al.

• DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0528-0

• Year: 2019

10. Determinants of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence in the Asia-Pacific region

• Authors: Lim W.W., Wu P., Bond H.S., Wong J.Y., Ni K., Seto W.H., Jit M., Cowling B.J.

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2018.08.014

• Year: 2019