News & Stories

Three research projects led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) were awarded a total funding of HK$212.5 million by the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme and the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2024/25, the highest funding amount among all local universities. It also marks a record-high result for the University.  The three studies cover a wide array of aspects, including a frontier and human-centric AI and robotics technology for geriatric care, the development of “Hong Kong Coastal Twin” for management of extreme weather on coastlines, as well as a technological approach to enhance Hong Kong’s role in sustainable supply chains. 

President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Prof. Nancy IP was among the esteemed global leaders and personalities attending the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland to address some of the most substantive issues facing our world today. Prof. Ip added her unique perspective to vibrant discussions on healthy aging, climate change, the integral role of universities in fostering advancements in sustainability, and AI research and education.  

https://30a.hkust.edu.hk/our-impact/turning-garbage-strongest-material

Ever since computer science pioneer, Alan Turing, first asked “can machines think?” back in the 1940s, humanity’s concerns about machines capable of acquiring the knowledge it needed to evolve have never faded. With potential applications for Artificial Intelligence (AI) now growing at a near exponential rate, how are we humans coping with the technology’s uncertainties?  A renowned expert in the field of ethical use of AI, Prof. Pascale FUNG here sheds some light on the technology’s many benefits and risks. Her biggest concern is people’s ignorance about AI means we may be doing a disservice to both ourselves and AI. AI creates rather than eliminates jobs

Surgical masks are effective in blocking airborne carcinogens, reducing cancer risks such as lung cancer and leukemia.

Rapid and accurate communitywide detection is crucial in curbing COVID outbreaks. While the Government has been busy expanding Hong Kong’s overall testing capacity, HKUST recently took the initiative of putting concerned students and staff members’ minds at ease by offering a convenient, on-campus testing service. 

Seeing how Alzheimer’s disease has turned her beloved aunt from a sprightly 75-year-old to a confusing mind, Dr. Fanny IP Chui-Fun says the experience is frustrating for her as a neuroscientist because the disease remains incurable. The team spent over two years to identify the best source of each herbal ingredient for the quality is easily affected by environmental and weather conditions. “My aunt was a secondary teacher who had a sharp mind. She used to help me with my homework, but now she can’t remember things and always says something that makes little sense,” says Dr. Ip.

The Common Core Program, an integral component of the undergraduate curriculum at HKUST, aspires to bring students from all disciplines a balanced and broad education that nurtures them to be responsible citizens and independent thinkers with the heart and aspiration to excel in their endeavors. Among a wide array of common core programs, “Introduction to Food Science and Technology” remains the top choice of students because it serves up an appetizing experience: they get to make bread, cookies, tofu, and beer, and learn why some food tastes better deep fried.