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Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Control Research Revolutionising Quit Smoking Initiatives Through InnovationWorking with researchers from the HKU School of Public Health, the School%u2019s Smoking Cessation Research Team has demonstrated the transformative power of implementation science in combating tobacco use. Through years of epidemiological surveillance, clinical trials, and community-based interventions, the team has generated evidence that directly informs policy and practice, locally and internationally.The team%u2019s continuous surveillance of the prevalence of alternative smoking products (ASPs) and research on their addictive nature and health risks, underpinned Hong Kong%u2019s landmark 2022 total ban on ASPs. This policy is credited with reducing uptake and contributing to the city%u2019s historic low smoking prevalence (9.1% in 2023). The model has influenced WHO guidelines and inspired ASEAN nations to explore similar bans, with our experts advising regional health ministries.The research team%u2019s innovative smoking cessation strategies also bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. A landmark randomised controlled trial demonstrated that very brief advice (VBA) from physicians boosted quit rates. Now VBA has been integrated into Hong Kong%u2019s health professional training programs. This evidence also directly informed the WHO%u2019s inaugural clinical treatment protocol for smoking cessation.Several community trials run by our research team have shown that mobile health interventions successfully increased smoking abstinence, while nicotine replacement therapy sampling at smoking hotspots proved cost-effective and scalable. These approaches have been adopted by major local smoking cessation service providers and NGOs, benefitting thousands of smokers. 44