HKUST Holds Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for the HKUST- Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies
Advancing Talent Development and Translational Research
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has formed a strategic partnership with Li-Ning Group to establish the HKUST-Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies (the Joint Laboratory). The Joint Laboratory will drive innovation in sports equipment design, materials science, and human ergonomics, with the aim of accelerating the translation of sports science research into real-world applications while strengthening industry-academia-research collaboration with international impact.
HKUST recently held a plaque unveiling ceremony for the Joint Laboratory. Witnessed by Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST and Dr. LI Ning, Founder of the Li-Ning brand and Chairman of the Li-Ning Group, the plaque was unveiled by Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development, and Mr. HONG Yuru, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li-Ning Group. The ceremony marked the official launch of the strategic collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Ip expressed her gratitude to Dr. Li for his long-standing support and trust in HKUST. She noted that Dr. Li has supported the University’s strategic faculty recruitment initiatives through generous donations, enabling HKUST to attract outstanding scholars and further advance research and breakthroughs in frontier technology fields. In addition, Dr. Li has sponsored in-depth research at the University in mechanics and dynamics, fostering close collaboration between academia and industry.
She noted, “The establishment of the Joint Laboratory provides a platform for closer research collaboration and will help advance research and technological development in areas such as mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. HKUST looks forward to achieving new breakthroughs in the application and translation of sports science. This type of interdisciplinary and cross‑sector collaboration will enhance professional support for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations worldwide, while enriching the sports experience of the wider community.”
Dr. Li remarked, “The spirit of openness, innovation, and excellence at HKUST aligns closely with the philosophy of Li-Ning Group. Building on our strengths in industrial practice, sports expertise, and market resources, Li-Ning Group will deepen its collaboration with HKUST through the Joint Laboratory to advance the integration of sports science research and technological innovation. Together, we aim to build an internationally competitive industry-academia-research collaboration platform, promote more effective application of research outcomes into sports practice, deliver tangible benefits to athletes and sports enthusiasts, and support sustained innovation with the industry.”
Prof. Cheng noted, “The HKUST Sports Science and Technology Research Center brings together top-tier research talents to conduct interdisciplinary research in sports science and engineering. The University has consistently upheld the deep integration of fundamental scientific exploration with engineering and technological applications, striving not only for breakthroughs at the academic frontier but also actively promoting the engineering translation and practical application of research outcomes. The establishment of the Joint Laboratory will undoubtedly further enhance HKUST’s research capabilities, drive sustained innovation and breakthroughs in sports technology, and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into industry, contributing wisdom and strength to the development of the sports sector in China and around the world.”
According to the memorandum of understanding previously signed by both parties, HKUST will fully leverage its research capabilities and talent strengths to drive research in areas such as sports equipment design, materials innovation, and ergonomics. The University will also effectively integrate and utilize the resources and advantages of both parties to pursue in-depth collaboration. In addition, the two parties will establish a resource matching mechanism aligned with industry needs, strengthen research on both core and common technologies, and facilitate the application of sports science research outcomes.
Key collaboration areas include small‑scale low‑noise sports wind tunnel technology, studies on sports performance and equipment functionality, as well as intelligent motion capture and algorithmic modelling of elite athletes’ performance. The two parties will also establish a structured talent development mechanism to further strengthen collaboration across industry, academia and research.
The Joint Laboratory will be located on the HKUST campus and will be led by Prof. ZHANG Xin, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at HKUST, who also serves as the Director of the Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, and the HKUST Sports Science and Technology Research Center.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of January 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 21 exits (IPO or M&A).
About Li-Ning Group
LI‑NING is a leading sportswear brand founded in 1990 by Mr. Li Ning, widely known as the “Prince of Gymnastics.” As the first Chinese sports brand to sponsor China’s national sports delegations at both the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, the Group also maintains long‑term partnerships with China’s national teams in disciplines including shooting, diving, and table tennis. In 2025, LI-NING further reinforced its Olympic legacy by becoming the Official Sportswear Partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) for the period 2025 to 2028. With a long‑term focus on core categories such as running, basketball, fitness, badminton, table tennis, and sports lifestyle products, while expanding into outdoor sports, tennis, and pickleball, LI‑NING collaborates with higher education institutions to advance sports science research and supports the innovation, research, and application of cutting‑edge sports technologies.
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