HKUST to Strengthen Research and Academic Collaboration with the University of Strathclyde | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and The University of Strathclyde (UoS) have signed a Collaborative Research Agreement to pursue six joint projects, and the two institutions have also renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) originally signed in 2017.

The Collaborative Research Agreement and the renewed MoU, which extends the collaborative strategic partnership for a further five years, was signed by Strathclyde’s Principal, Prof. Sir Jim MCDONALD, HKUST’s President, Prof. Wei SHYY and HKUST’s Guangzhou Campus President, Prof. Lionel NI during an online ceremony. 

The Memorandum and Collaborative Research Agreement will see the universities develop their strategic partnership and provide investment to explore and develop early phase joint projects covering:

•    Decarbonisation, Renewable Energy and Engineering
•    Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
•    Net Zero Wireless Communications Systems
•    Quantum Technologies
•   Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Driving in Confined Areas
•    Health Technology and Digital Health

Sir Jim said: “We are delighted to renew our Memorandum of Understanding and sign a new Collaborative Research Agreement with HKUST, one of our international strategic partners. This will see us continue to develop our relationship, as well as work in collaborative research projects across a range of key technology themes that can help to transform our lives and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society.

“Working with leading global partners forms a key component of Strathclyde’s Strategic Plan and through the synergies with HKUST – one of the world’s top 100 universities as ranked by Times Higher Education – this partnership is well-placed to make a significant contribution to these six important research fields and to broaden and deepen our mutually-beneficial relationship.”

HKUST President Prof. Wei Shyy said, “Not only as a key driving force for the Glasgow City Innovation District, but also offering an exemplary international model for university-industry-government collaboration, the University of Strathclyde has been able to translate forward-thinking ideas and research into practice.  We share the same spirit and momentum in innovation and I am delighted to see our partnership has now extended to cover new frontiers.  With the establishment of the HKUST(GZ), a strengthened partnership from three geographical locations will further crystallize and amplify our complementary strengths in meeting the global challenges via constructive collaboration.”

HKUST(GZ) President Prof. Lionel Ni said, “I am impressed by the Strathclyde’s persistent efforts in making its community a better, greener, and smarter environment, I see much resemblance between us as our net carbon zero Guangzhou campus is also set to become a leader of the sustainable development of the Greater Bay area.  I am sure our unique cross-disciplinary academic and research framework will add perspective to this partnership and bring novel ideas for each other.”

The six projects will see staff exchanges undertaken, PhD studentships created and the hosting of joint workshops/symposia, as well as the joint submission of external funding bids. Additional academic and industrial partners are expected to be identified and invited to collaborate on specific research projects.

HKUST and Strathclyde already have a number of joint initiatives, including a dual Master’s Degree programme in Future Energy and Power System Operation and Management with the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, and joint PhD studentships with Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacology and Biological Science, that utilise cutting edge research techniques and develop scientists who are ready for future research careers.