News & Stories

2024

Stories
Research, Teaching and Learning, Interdisciplinary, Humanities and Social Science
Voices Unheard: The Mindreader who Listens to Thoughts through Cognitive Science
In your daily communications with colleagues, friends, family members, or even strangers, do you ever find it challenging to interpret their unspoken thoughts? For cognitive scientists, there are observable clues that can help decode people’s minds and behaviors—clues that even the individuals themselves may be unaware of. Professor Janet HSIAO, a new Professor at the School of Humanities and Social Science under the prestigious “30 for 30” talent acquisition campaign, is one such scientist uncovering the keys to “reading” minds.“Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary discipline that blends expertise from diverse academic areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience, psychology and linguistics, allowing us to decode people’s minds from various perspectives,” she explained with passion. A computer scientist’s journey into psychology
Stories
Molecular Biology, Forum and Conference, Global and Community Engagement, Research and Technology
A Confluence of Minds and Molecules
Ever wondered what molecules are and why they matter? Picture this: while you reflect on this question, molecules are dancing in your brain, subtly shaping your thoughts and emotions. These tiny building blocks of life hold the key to solving some of humanity’s greatest challenges.The recent Molecular Frontiers Symposium at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was a remarkable occasion to ignite curiosity about molecular science. Taking place in the Greater China for the first time from November 15-17, 2024, with the theme “Frontiers of New Knowledge in Science,” the symposium featured an impressive lineup of nearly 40 speakers, including four Nobel laureates Professor Stefan HELL, Sir Tim HUNT, Professor K. Barry SHARPLESS and Sir Gregory WINTER. 
Dean of Engineering Prof. Hong K. Lo (front row, center) and his research team members
Stories
Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Transportation, Recognition, Award
Less is More: Saving Manpower on Traffic Control While Improving Road Efficiency
HKUST Dean of Engineering Prof. Hong K. LO and his team have developed an award-winning smart traffic control plan to mitigate the notorious congestion in Kwun Tong District, Hong Kong. And they have a broader vision to share in this story.
Dedicated to enhancing equity in transportation resources, Prof. Jian Sisi believes such equity is crucial for ensuring access to essential areas such as healthcare, education and business activities.
Stories
Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Women in Engineering, Transportation
Moving People Forward Through Transportation Engineering
Becoming a leading-edge early career faculty member in smart mobility has proved transformative professionally and personally for Prof. JIAN Sisi, a journey she is now encouraging others to try.
Stories
Diversity, Sports, Student Innovation
HKUST’s Incoming Student Athletes and Inventors Set Their Sights on Eminent Goals
It was another typical day in this summer holiday. The sea along the Clear Water Bay was shimmering in the morning sunlight, and student sailor Maddalena Di SALVO – or “Maddy” as her friends affectionately call her – was ready to begin hours-long training with her coach and teammate. Travelling westward to Tin Shui Wai, student Joseph CHU poured his heart and soul into upgrading his invention at his high school’s laboratory – a hands-free tracking shopping cart designed for the elderly living in Hong Kong’s neighborhoods.
Stories
Education, Campus Life, Student Development, Student Development and Bonding
Charting New Waters in Service to Society
Have you ever considered venturing beyond your comfort zone to engage in challenging activities outside the classroom that can boost your confidence and inspire personal growth? The HKUST Sail and Shine Program can be an excellent choice. HKUST Connect and the Hong Kong Yacht & Start-Up Association (HKYSUA) join forces on this innovative program, which transforms a yacht into a dynamic training platform, enabling students to experience sailing, plan social service activities, and develop lifelong skills. 
Stories
Education, Student Development
Walking the Talk of Teaching
The saying that “Happy classes make happy students” is not taken lightly by Prof. Kenneth LEUNG Wai-Ting, Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at HKUST’s School of Engineering. A three-time recipient of the Common Core Teaching Excellence Award, Prof. Leung is a believer in the transformative power of education that engages learners.
Stories
Interdisciplinary, Innovation, Education
Rebar Tying Robot – A Knowledge Transfer Odyssey from HKUST to the GBA
 Created by HKUST MPhil student LI Haozhen and his team with the guidance of Dr. LIANG Haobo, Associate Director of the University’s Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics (HKCRC), the rebar tying robot is one of the University’s four Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury winners at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva held this April. The world-renowned inventions event saw the University scaling new heights with a record-breaking 36 winning projects.