Dr. Frances YW Law is Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. She has extensive experience as a social worker and social service manager in various local and international NGOs. Her research focuses on developing viable community-based solutions accessible to and demanded by vulnerable groups, particularly those at risk of suicide and self-harm, drug abuse, bullying, and poverty. Central to these efforts is testing the viability of these solutions for these difficult-to-reach groups, who often go unseen in the existing healthcare and social service systems. Frances employs a mixed-methods approach, investigating the central role of social connectedness in addressing at-risk individuals through a combination of intervention components. These include community-based social work interventions, personal human connections, and technology-assisted, competency-based self-help. Her research demonstrates how approaches to social connectedness can drive changes among vulnerable groups and improve service quality. She aims to bring the impact of her research to address critical service gaps, building continuity of care for people at risk, and ensuring that complex networks and a mix of resources are utilized for the benefit of these vulnerable individuals. Frances has authored or co-authored more than 80 academic peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters, with an emphasis on topics related to evidence-based practice models. Currently, she serves as the Program Director for the Master of Social Sciences in the field of Social Service Management (SSM) and Associate Director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention.