News & Stories

Prof. CHEN Fei, Associate Head and Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received the prestigious 2025 Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC). As the second scholar from the Greater China to receive this global accolade, this recognition honors his exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to urban climatology. As the top award from IAUC, the Luke Howard Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the urban climatology field in terms of a combination of research, teaching, and service to the international community of urban climatologists.  The IAUC commended Prof. Chen for his international leadership and impact in urban climate modelling, highlighting his role in shaping policies and developing tools that protect vulnerable urban areas. 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Institute for Emerging Market Studies, EY1 and Golden Age Foundation have jointly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially activate the development of the “Smart Ecosystem for the Silver Population” in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This initiative aims to promote the development of the region’s elderly care industry. The signing ceremony, held during the “BOC Life 10th Golden Age Expo and Summit”, was witnessed by Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

The buzz surrounding drones and eVTOL vehicles signals an exciting future—faster deliveries, rapid medical aid, and efficient public services just over our heads. But as these technologies take flight, they face two critical challenges: noise pollution and public safety. Drone and eVTOL operation in low altitude airspace produce noise and face flight safety challenges in micro-weather and building wind environment. Professor ZHANG Xin, Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Professor ZHOU Peng at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are leading efforts to overcome these issues. Combining cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering with practical solutions, their team is striving to ensure drones and eVOTL  vehicles can integrate harmoniously into urban life.

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a groundbreaking AI technology that reconstructs precise 3D bones and organs models from minimal X-ray images, slashing patients’ radiation exposure by up to 99% compared to CT scans. This innovation not only enhances patient safety but also reduces costs and wait times, with potential applications in surgical planning, real-time imaging, and personalized implants. HKUST team is collaborating with different industry partners, including bone printing company Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited (Koln 3D), to implement this technology in public hospitals.

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Engineering have cracked a major challenge in display technology by inventing the world’s brightest and most energy efficient quantum rod LEDs (QRLEDs). These next-generation QRLEDs feature optimized deep green emission at the top of the color triangle, enabling displays with unprecedented color purity and a maximized color gamut. Boasting a longer lifespan and triple the brightness of previous models, these cutting-edge light sources deliver energy-efficient, ultra-vivid visuals for smartphones, televisions, and AR/VR devices while further enhancing color performance.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has set a new institutional record by securing over HK$279 million for six research projects across all three flagship schemes of the Research Grants Council (RGC) under the University Grants Committee – the highest share in terms of projects funded among universities, cementing its leadership in competitive research funding. AoE and TRS Sweep:  HKUST captured 4 of 9 awarded projects (nearly 45%) in the prestigious Areas of Excellence (AoE) and Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS). These projects target critical global challenges including climate resilience, disease prevention, and sustainable technology.

For many, sticking to familiar paths feels safe and comfortable. But not for the trailblazers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They are not just thinking outside the box—they are pushing boundaries and aiming for the skies—quite literally. At HKUST’s Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC), researchers are revolutionizing the future of urban airspace to support HKSAR Government’s policy in promoting the low-altitude economy. Their mission? Harnessing the groundbreaking Digital Twin technology—a virtual replica of the physical world—to transform drone management, airspace control, and infrastructure monitoring.  Spearheaded by Professor Jack CHENG of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this innovative technology is set to unlock unprecedented potential for the low-altitude economy.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Provost Prof. Yike GUO has been named "Leader of the Year 2024" in the Education/Professional/Technology and Innovation category from Sing Tao News Corporation for his transformative contributions to education and technological innovation in Hong Kong. The award ceremony, held last Friday, was graced by Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as the Guest of Honor. The event celebrated outstanding leaders across five categories for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s development.