News & Stories

The International Research Enrichment (IRE) Program at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Science is designed for students who feel a deep calling toward scientific discovery.Established in 2014, the IRE program offers a structured pathway for science students to engage deeply with research from an early stage, with many securing a research supervisor by their second year. The hallmark of IRE is its strong emphasis on global exposure. IRE students benefit from a scholarship that supports their required overseas internship (SCIE 3900 International Research Experience), often combined with an exchange semester. This financial assistance, coupled with flexibility in curriculum planning, enables IRE students to immerse themselves in extended international research opportunities.

Researchers from the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have pioneered a mechanical bond strategy to create quasi-solid-state electrolytes (QSSEs) for lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). This marks the first use of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to achieve high-performance battery operation, harnessing the unique chemistry of interlocked systems to enable safe, stable, and high-energy-density LMBs.

Researchers from the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a robust coating layer that significantly enhances the durability of perovskite solar cells. In tests simulating intense midday sunlight at 85°C, these solar cells retained over 95% of their initial efficiency after more than 1,100 hours of continuous operation. This breakthrough demonstrates the real-world application of perovskite cells in outdoor environments, paving the way for durable, high-efficiency, and low-cost solar technology.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is honored to name the Talent Hub on the ground floor of its Main Academic Building the "Yip Kit Chuen and Yuen Yuk Hing Talent Hub", in recognition of a generous donation from Dr. YIP Kit-Chuen, Founder of G.E.W. Corporation Limited and Chairman of GEW Holdings Limited, in support of the University's long-term development.

Researchers at the School of Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s first Sub-Zero Celsius elastocaloric freezing device, capable of reaching temperatures as low as -12℃. This represents a significant milestone in expanding green solid-state elastocaloric refrigeration technology into the global freezing industry, offering a promising solution to combat climate change and accelerate low-carbon transformation of the global freezing market. The findings have recently been published in the international journal Nature, under the title “Sub-zero Celsius Elastocaloric Cooling via Low-transition-temperature Alloys”.

The School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted its inaugural Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Ceremony on January 10, 2026, honoring three distinguished alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions.The newly established award is a flagship initiative of HKUST Engineering, recognizing alumni who exemplify excellence in engineering, leadership, and community service while making significant contributions to their industry, society, and alma mater.Following a rigorous review by a panel of senior academic and industry leaders, the three award recipients are (listed in alphabetical order by last name):Dr. Jack LAUPhD in Electrical and Electronic EngineeringFounder of Perception DigitalAdjunct Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, HKUST

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today hosted "Nobel Heroes@HKUST", a special forum featuring four Nobel Laureates who engaged in close interactions with over 400 students, faculty members, and public guests. Held as highlight of HKUST's 35th anniversary celebrations, the event underscored the University's dedication to bridging world-renowned scholars with the local community and reinforcing its role as a leading hub for knowledge and talent development.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with various chronic diseases and cancers, including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndrome. Gently extracting a single mitochondrion from within a living cell—without causing damage and without the guidance of fluorescent makers—has long been a challenge akin to threading a needle in a storm for scientists.