Casper Zhang
Research Fellow, City University of Hong Kong
Casper Zhang is currently a Research Fellow at City University of Hong Kong. He was formerly a Research Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong.
Casper's research examines how urban and neighbourhood environments, together with social and socioeconomic factors and individual differences, shape lifestyle behaviours and influence mental health, cognitive function, and quality of life.
His work seeks to better understand the social and environmental determinants of health and healthy ageing, particularly through the study of physical activity, diet, sleep, and social engagement. He also investigates the application of emerging technologies to health research and practice.
Casper oversaw the international Mind, Activities and urban Places (iMAP) in Hong Kong study (2019–2025), a longitudinal study examining the environmental, social and behavioural determinants of mental and cognitive health. He also led the Hong Kong arm of an international study on active and healthy ageing in the context of climate change. In addition, he serves as a contact of Hong Kong SAR for the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) 3rd Country Cards – a global initiative that monitors and promotes physical activity.
Casper mentors medical and postgraduate students in research on the social determinants of health, lifestyle behaviours, and healthy ageing. He also teaches postgraduate modules in quantitative research methods, including introductory and advanced biostatistics, questionnaire design, and data collection methodology, as well as public mental health.
Casper obtained his PhD from The University of Hong Kong and has academic training in psychology and public health. He is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (UK).