HKUST and French Consulate Launch 2026 Anita Conti Sustainable Innovation Fellowship for Sustainability Research
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Anita Conti Sustainable Innovation Fellowship — a flagship initiative empowering young researchers from the two territories to tackle global sustainability challenges.
Since 2023, researchers from HKUST have explored topics ranging from nanomaterial safety, sustainable aircraft design to renewable energy. Host institutions in France included IFREMER, Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC), LOCEAN of IPSL, MEOM at IGE Grenoble and Université Paris Cité. In summer 2025, HKUST faculty members of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department (MAE) and Chemistry Department (CHEM) hosted researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel and ENAC.
Prof. Haibin SU from HKUST Department of Chemistry praised the Fellowship as a “significant collaboration aimed at fostering cultural exchange and academic excellence”, whereas Laurens DE BOER, inbound awardee in 2025 described his experience at HKUST had given him “invaluable skills in guiding other students and learning new methodologies”.
Named after France’s first female oceanographer Anita Conti who is known as “la Dame de la Mer”, the Fellowship pays tribute to her lifelong advocacy for marine protection and sustainable fishing. The program fosters cross-cultural collaboration and scientific innovation, reaffirming HKUST’s commitment to research innovation and sustainable development.
The Fellowship amount is approximately HKD59,000, covering return flight tickets, accommodation and living allowance. The research period lasts for up to 3 months for HKUST researchers going to France (Sep – Dec) and French researchers coming to HKUST (Jun – Aug).
Application for the 2026 Fellowship is open until January 30, 2026. Please visit the official webpage for application details and further information.
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