News & Stories

2025

Pioneering Climate Resilience and Sustainability: HKUST Launches Landmark UNESCO-Backed Initiative
News
Sustainability, Research and Technology, Research, Recognition
Pioneering Climate Resilience and Sustainability: HKUST Launches Landmark UNESCO-Backed Initiative
The global transdisciplinary "research-to-operation" (R2O) initiative, “Seamless Prediction and Services for Sustainable Natural and Built Environments” (SEPRESS), led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of its International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). Over the next decade, HKUST’s SEPRESS will spearhead efforts to collaborate with global partners in transforming scientific advancements into tailored solutions that enhance climate resilience and sustainability worldwide, with a particular focus on Least Developed Countries. SEPRESS will achieve this by translating progress in weather-to-climate prediction research into scalable solutions and fostering global partnerships to deliver actionable outcomes.
Prof. Zhao Jidong (center) and Dr. Amiya Prakash Das (right) from HKUST, together with Dr. Thomas Sweijen (left) from Utrecht University, have developed a groundbreaking computational model to study the movement of granular materials such as soils, sands and powders.
News
Research and Technology, Research, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Physics
HKUST Researchers Develop New Model for Accurate Landslide Prediction
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today that a research team from its School of Engineering has developed a groundbreaking computational model to study the movement of granular materials such as soils, sands and powders. By integrating the dynamic interactions among particles, air and water phases, this state-of-the-art system can accurately predict landslides, improve irrigation and oil extraction systems, and enhance food and drug production processes.  
Prof. SONG Xueyang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award for her groundbreaking research in theoretical condensed matter physics. Her work focuses on decoding quantum materials to design novel materials that enable energy-efficient technologies with transformative potential across industries—from consumer electronics to power grid systems.
News
Research and Technology, Research, Physics, Award, Recognition
Quantum Leap: HKUST Physicist Awarded HKD 5 Million
Prof. SONG Xueyang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award for her groundbreaking research in theoretical condensed matter physics. Her research promises to revolutionize energy-efficient technologies by designing materials with unprecedented control over electricity and heat. Prof. Song will receive HKD 5 million in funding from the Croucher Foundation to support her future research. The “Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award”, one of the Croucher Foundation's top honors, recognizes Hong Kong's brightest young scientific minds poised to make significant breakthroughs. Recipients are selected for their distinguished doctoral work, internationally competitive research, and high-impact contributions to their fields.
HKUST Establishes Von Neumann Institute to Spearhead AI Innovation
News
Research and Technology, Research, Artificial Intelligence
HKUST Establishes Von Neumann Institute to Spearhead AI Innovation
Echoing the HKSAR Government’s strategy to develop artificial intelligence (AI) as a core industry, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the establishment of the Von Neumann Institute (VNI). This pioneering research institute is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating embodied intelligence, generative AI, and advanced supercomputing to drive new quality productive forces in the evolving era of AI.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP (third left) and our honourable guests ExCo Member and Haven of Hope CEO Dr. LAM Ching-Choi (second right), ExCo Member Mr. Tommy Cheung (first left), Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Mr. HO Kai-Ming (second left) and District Officer (Wong Tai Sin) Mr. Thomas WU (first right) led our student and staff volunteers to serve the soft-textured dim sum from traditional dim sum carts.
News
Community Engagement, Research and Technology, Elderly-Friendly, Healthcare Technology
Reviving Joyful Bites: HKUST Curates Inclusive Soft Meal Dim Sum Experience
The clatter of dim sum carts filled a transformed teahouse at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today, as over 100 participants, including seniors with swallowing difficulties and their families, savored a nostalgic Yum Cha experience on campus. Led by HKUST senior management and distinguished guests, students and staff volunteers served delicate soft-textured and fresh options dim sum on traditional carts, while two HKUST startups showcased how technology could enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
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News
Teaching and Learning, Research, Research and Technology, Artificial Intelligence
Chat with HKGAI V1: HKUST Introduces First Homegrown AI Tool to Drive Innovative Education
Staff and students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) can now access Hong Kong’s first homegrown artificial intelligence large language model (LLM), developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), at no cost! Previously exclusive to civil servants for pilot use, HKUST is the first local university to trial the HKGAI V1 LLM, marking a significant milestone in the University’s AI development, unlocking new possibilities for learning and teaching while fostering innovation, collaboration, and responsible AI practices.
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News
Physics, Recognition, Particle Physics, Research and Technology, Research
"Oscars of Science" Announces Winners: HKUST Celebrates Shared Victory in Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
Scientists from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are among the researchers worldwide honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, often referred to as the "Oscars of Science." This prestigious recognition was presented to the A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS (ATLAS) Collaboration at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) for its groundbreaking studies on high-energy collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This recognition highlights a decade of dedicated research and innovation by the HKUST researchers, who have contributed significantly to the ATLAS Collaboration's achievements, including the discovery of the Higgs boson, commonly known as the "God Particle", and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
News
Research and Technology, Award, Recognition, Entrepreneurship, Innovation
HKUST Achieves Record-Breaking Results at 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) achieved a record-breaking success at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva concluding today.   Thirty-seven HKUST teams won a total of 38 awards, including two special grand prizes, 22 Gold Medals (of which seven received Congratulations of the Jury), and multiple Silver and Bronze Medals, showcasing the University’s outstanding performance across different fields including life and health technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, advanced manufacturing, new energy technologies and aerospace engineering. HKUST outshone other local universities and smashed its own record with this extraordinary haul of awards, reaffirming its status as a powerhouse of creativity and invention.