News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) selected eight cutting-edge projects for the latest round of Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab program for testing on campus. Covering a wide range of sustainability challenges on campus, the projects address energy efficiency, renewable energy optimization, water management, wellness, ecosystem enhancement, and predictive maintenance strategies, providing students and faculty with hands-on experience with prototypes before real-world implementation.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of “Aivilization”, the largest-scale AI multi-agent social simulation sandbox to date. This innovative platform studies how human interaction with AI can shape a virtual society, where ‘AI inhabitants’ can organically develop their own governance structures, economies and cultural norms.   As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding the dynamics of communication between humans and artificial intelligence has become a crucial area of study. Previous simulation models like Project Sid1 and Stanford Smallville2 have explored similar themes, with community sizes of around 1,000 and dozens of AI agents respectively, to observe the evolution of AI civilizations.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, its potential to ignite human creativity is quietly revolutionizing storytelling—even in filmmaking. Leading this charge is Professor RAO Anyi, an assistant professor in the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  Prof. Rao, named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, is pioneering AI’s role in democratizing storytelling. He develops AI tools that empower filmmakers to generate content and control complex elements or special effects like scene lighting. With a mission to merge the realms of filmmaking, art, and AI, he aims to nurture a tech-savvy generation of storytellers. 

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.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, making efficient recycling crucial for sustainability. A research team led by Prof. Dan TSANG, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has revealed a previously unrecognized atomic-scale mechanism that obstructs efficient LIB recycling. This breakthrough challenges long-standing assumptions and sets the stage for cleaner, high-yield recovery of critical metals used in LIBs.

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) signed three agreements with Tsinghua University (Tsinghua) to foster collaboration in research and education. These initiatives include launching a joint Integrated Master-PhD Program in Electronic and Computer Engineering, an executive education program and joint research funding.   Unleashing New Opportunities in Education and Research through Collaboration HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM and HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP recently received a Tsinghua University delegation led by Secretary of the Party Committee Prof. QIU Yong, alongside Tsinghua Council Deputy Chairman Prof. YANG Bin and other senior Tsinghua officials.  The delegation witnessed the signing of the agreements between the two institutions. Key initiatives include: