The School of Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Roche co-hosted the launch of the first Roche Young Scientist Award (RYSA) yesterday. The initiative aims to foster curiosity, creativity, and passion for science in the youth of Hong Kong by challenging them to apply their science knowledge towards improving human lives.
As co-organizer of the event, Prof Nancy Ip, Dean of Science of HKUST, is pleased to give the School's full support to this meaningful event, "We believe that scientific breakthrough is the gear for further advancement of society. Therefore, nurturing science talent and promoting the innovative spirit in science is always at the heart of our curriculum. HKUST and Roche have the same vision in recognizing scientific excellence, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to play a leading role in developing and enhancing the scientific interests of today's youth. By co-organizing this event, we aim to provide a platform for our young generation to discover their potential while exploring new possibilities, and showcase their talent to the public."
Local students between the ages of 13 and 16 are invited to participate in the RYSA, as a team consisting of one to three students. Each team is required to submit a proposal (of not more than 800 words) detailing a research or an invention to address a health issue. Twenty-five teams will be short-listed in the first round and ten in the final round. Furthermore, more than 20 undergraduate science students from HKUST have been invited to mentor the short-listed teams. They will share key scientific approaches used to address problems, and provide guidance to the teams to improve the effectiveness and practicality of their proposals.
"As a leading global healthcare company that is innovation-driven, and uniquely positioned with pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof, we are extremely pleased to launch RYSA, a meaningful initiative and the first of its kind in Hong Kong which emphasizes innovation and creativity while addressing the shared concern of health issues," said Mr Johnny Tse, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics (Hong Kong) Limited.
The School of Science at HKUST has established numerous collaborations with industrial partners through research and professional exchanges. Our undergraduate students also have opportunities to extend their horizons beyond the classroom. Students are involved in different collaborative projects offering exposure to research opportunities and practices in industry.
"We are glad to have the support of HKUST's School of Science, which is well-known for its outstanding research and science education. We have a shared vision of developing initiatives of this kind into a long-term nurturing ground for our future scientists," said Mrs. Rachel Frizberg, General Manager of Roche Hong Kong Limited.
All participants of RYSA will be invited to join a seminar and briefing session in November. A guest speaker, Prof Leung Pak Wo from the Physics Department of HKUST will share his insights through the topic of "Science, Research and Fun", which will be followed by a campus and laboratory tour.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Mavis Wong
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: maviswong@ust.hk
