News & Stories

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Engineering have achieved a major breakthrough in computational neural engineering. They have developed a novel reinforcement learning-based generative model to predict neural signals, creating an artificial information pathway that effectively bypasses damaged brain areas. This groundbreaking research opens up new possibilities for neural rehabilitation in patients suffering from motor or cognitive impairments caused by conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury. Their study, titled “A generative spike prediction model using behavioral reinforcement for re-establishing neural functional connectivity”, has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Computational Science.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study will host a Nobel Symposium on February 6, 2026 (Friday), featuring three Nobel Laureates in Physics, along with Prof. Paul C. W. CHU, HKUST President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus, who is a physicist pioneering in high-temperature superconductivity. They will engage with HKUST faculty, students, alumni, researchers, and members of the public to explore the ultimate frontiers and future directions of physics. The event aims to foster connections among top scholars globally and strengthen HKUST's role as a global hub for advancing knowledge and nurturing talent.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) research team has developed a groundbreaking wastewater treatment technology that integrates a mesh bioreactor with an ultrasound-induced transient cavitation cleaning mechanism. The system can complete mesh cleaning within 3.8 seconds under anaerobic conditions and achieves 10-20 times higher flux than conventional membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The technology operates efficiently with substantially lower energy consumption, produces treated effluent surpassing international and local discharge standards, and reduces the cost of treating each cubic metre of wastewater to 50% of conventional MBRs, offering a sustainable solution for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University (Tsinghua) announced the launch of a pioneering "3+1+X" Joint Undergraduate – Postgraduate Training Program, set to begin in the 2026/27 academic year.This program establishes a seamless academic pathway, allowing undergraduate students from both institutions to spend their fourth-year courses at either Tsinghua or HKUST. Following graduation, participants will have the opportunity to pursue master's or doctoral degree programs at the host university, further enhancing their academic and professional trajectories.

In a critical advance for climate resilience, researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an AI model that can predict dangerous convective storms—including Black Rainstorms, thunderstorms and extreme heavy rainfall like those that have hit Hong Kong—up to four hours before they strike. This world-first technology, developed in collaboration with national meteorological institutions and powered by satellite data and advanced deep diffusion technology, improves forecast accuracy by over 15% at the 48‑kilometer spatial scale compared with existing systems. This breakthrough strengthens the overall accuracy of the national weather forecasting system and promises to transform early warning systems for vulnerable communities across Asia.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three leading affiliated hospitals of Zhejiang University School of Medicine: The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. This landmark collaboration will focus on research, talent development, medical education, and international exchange, aiming to jointly nurturing clinical scientists and medical professionals with international perspectives and cutting-edge innovative capabilities. This partnership seeks to accelerate the translation and application of high-level clinical research outcomes and promote high-quality development of healthcare across both cities.

16 teams from HKUST showcased their innovative prowess at the Hong Kong Techathon 2026, jointly organized by HKSTP and 15 leading universities and institutions in Hong Kong. Remarkably, these teams secured 17 out of 46 awards, including the Best Presentation Award, three Gold Awards, five Silver Awards, four Bronze Awards, and four Merit Awards.

A team led by Prof. Larry LI, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), along with PhD student Jungjin PARK, has developed an AI-enabled augmented reality (AR) platform for immersive learning. This platform offers students virtual laboratory experiences, enabling them to practice experiments and grasp key concepts and theories in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Their innovative solution recently earned the Silver Award in the Immersive Experiential Learning category at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, often regarded as the “Oscars” of education.