Date : 18 March 2026 (Wednesday)
Time :  10:00- 11:30am
Format : Face-to-face
Venue : Faculty Function Room, 11/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU
Registration : https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=105752

Abstract of the seminar:
This talk advances a social–ecological framework of resilience informed by empirical research in social work and related disciplines. Drawing on cross cultural and lifespan studies, Dr. Michael Ungar critiques individualized and deficit oriented models of change, demonstrating that adaptive functioning in adversity is primarily shaped by access to relational, institutional, and structural resources. The presentation foregrounds systems level intervention, equity, and environmental responsiveness, offering practice  and policy relevant implications for resilience informed social work.

About the speaker:
Michael Ungar, Ph.D., is Founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. Ranked the world’s leading social work scholar in 2022, his research has reshaped theoretical and empirical understandings of resilience across human development, organisations, and social systems. His scholarship and clinical work focus on the resilience of marginalised children and families, as well as adults experiencing mental health challenges.

For enquiries, please contact Mr. Sam Lee at snslee@hku.hk.