News & Stories

A Social Science professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently won a prestigious award from the American Sociological Association (ASA) and is dubbed “one of the best young scholars studying China”. Dr Wu Xiaogang, an assistant professor in Social Science, HKUST won the prestigious Asia and Asian America Early Career Award from the ASA for his exemplary researches on some of the most critical social issues of contemporary China. According to ASA’s Selection Committee, Dr Wu was selected for “his sophisticated research designs and statistical analyses”, and he has been identified as “one of the best young scholars studying China.” This award recognizes a scholar in the early stage of his/her career with no more than 10 years post PhD award research experience and who is conducting exemplary research on sociological issues related to Asia or Asian American.

Lord Wilson, Chancellor of University of Aberdeen and former Governor of Hong Kong, visited HKUST today (Wednesday) to meet with HKUST students and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on student exchange. The Memorandum of Understanding was jointly signed by top management of these two top-ranked universities, namely Chancellor of University of Aberdeen Lord Wilson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Aberdeen Prof Duncan Rice, Acting President of HKUST Prof Roland Chin and Dean of Science of HKUST Prof Shiu Yuen Cheng. Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Roland Chin welcomed the old friend of HKUST, Lord Wilson who had played a key role in the founding of this university. Also speaking at the ceremony, Lord Wilson said that he was particularly happy and heartened to see the fast progress that HKUST has achieved in such a short period.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology today (Monday) announced the appointment of Prof Roland Chin as Vice-President for Academic Affairs (Deputy to the President) (VP-AA (DP)) to assist the President in strategic planning of the university and in the implementation efforts. In accepting the appointment, Prof Chin said he was both honored and humbled by the confidence that the university has placed in him. “I feel privileged to be part of this collective effort in chasing our common dream of becoming a top-flight research university that wins universal acclaim,” he said. “Chasing a common dream may sound romantic,” he said, “but making it come true requires that we pour ourselves into our mission.”

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today (Thursday) opens four new research centers at the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute in Nansha, Guangzhou. The four new centers which would spearhead research efforts in advanced materials, Applied Genomics Center Center for Bioengineering and Biomedical Devices Center for Polymer Processing Center for Green Products and Processing Technologies This latest boost in research capability brings to 10 the total number of research centers at the Research Institute in addition to two central research facilities.

More than 100 top scientists from 20 countries will converge at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to attend Asia’s biggest bioinformatics conference. Attending the 6th International Conference on Bioinformatics (InCoB 2007) are top experts on bioinformatics and computational biology in the region and internationally. It will feature three days of intense discussion and scientific sharing on topics as esoteric as structural biology, biological knowledge and its information infrastructure. The opening ceremony today (Aug 28) is presided over by Mrs Regina Ip, Hong Kong’s public champion of science and technology, as the guest of honor.

Inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of flag-waving school children as they helped welcome Dayang Yihao to the Ocean Terminal. Adding much to the festive atmosphere was the superb police band with its rousing marches. Dayang Yihao was heralded into the harbour by a ceremonial fireboat with its spectacular water fountain. Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, HKUST President Paul Chu said: "The on-board tours to Dayang Yihao were oversubscribed 10 times on the very first day of registration. It shows the enormous popularity of this scientific vessel to members of the Hong Kong community. Dayang Yihao represents the triumph of China's deep-sea research."

The HKUST announced today (Wednesday) that tickets for admission to visit China's most advanced deep-sea research vessel "Dayang Yihao" have been over-subscribed by 10 times on the first day of registration alone. A spokesman for HKUST said that a total of 5,000 visitors can be accommodated during the vessel's open days on August 11 - 12 but more than 25,000 registration forms each requesting two tickets have been received on the first day of registration. Registration for tickets is therefore now closed. In accordance with the announced ticket allocation method, the tickets will be allocated by lottery. Successful applicants will receive their tickets by mail by August 6th. Those who are not allocated any tickets will not be notified separately. For media enquiries, please feel free to contact : Luk Kam Wing Tel: 2358 6306

HKUST President Prof Paul Chu has been appointed to the US President's Committee on the National Medal of Science to select and recommend to the US President the recipients of the highest honor for scientific achievement in the US. Prof Chu is the few Chinese scientists ever to be appointed to the President's Committee since the establishment of the National Medal of Science by the US Congress in 1959. Hailed as the United States' equivalent of the Nobel Prize, the National Medal of Science is awarded by the US President on an annual basis to honor the contributions made by outstanding scientists who have significantly advanced knowledge in the fields of physics, biology, mathematics, engineering, and sociology and other behavioral sciences.