News & Stories
2020

News
Researchers Uncover Novel Molecular Mechanism
Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) discovered a novel molecular mechanism that controls the delivery of a key protein in planar cell polarity (PCP) – an important process in our body that regulates cell growth and cell movement, providing useful guidance on the development of new drugs for cancer treatment.
PCP is a biological process critical for tissue development and organ function. Defects in PCP could lead to illnesses such as neurological disorder, skeletal abnormalities or congenital heart disease. Even worse, cancer cells can hijack PCP to promote their own growth and expansion.

News
HKUST Launches First e-Verified Certification Platform in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has launched the HKUST “Blockcerts” platform – a trust-free, user-friendly verification system for documents such as graduation diplomas and academic transcripts, in its latest move to promote a paperless and sustainable campus as well as tackling the problem of fake diplomas.As the first University in Hong Kong to launch this blockchain-based degree authentication system, HKUST hopes to set a trend for the gradual replacement of the conventional paper verification process - where graduates must make requests and pay the institution every time they need a print copy of their diploma, which is not environmentally friendly and also time-consuming for graduates and employers. HKUST also hopes the Blockcerts system can help hinder illegal activities on academic forgery.

News
It’s Okay to Be Depressed
It's not common that respected academics reveal their personal struggles, especially to their colleagues, students and even strangers. Prof. Paul FORSTER from the Department of Management and Division of Environment and Sustainability, who has recently been awarded IPO (Interdisciplinary Programs Office) Teaching Excellence Award for the postgraduate category, has decided to disclose his decades-long battle with depression, in the hope of breaking the mental health stigma and encouraging people to seek help for mental health problems.

News
HKUST Scientists Develop World's First Spherical Artificial Eye with 3D Retina
An international team led by scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently developed the world’s first 3D artificial eye with capabilities better than existing bionic eyes and in some cases, even exceed those of the human eyes, bringing vision to humanoid robots and new hope to patients with visual impairment.

News
Hong Kong’s First Fintech Manpower Study Identifies 13 Most Needed Competencies
The School of Business and Management of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) announced the major findings of an industry-wide study on “Fintech Talent Development, Competency and Manpower”. With a view to addressing the growing demand for fintech talent in Hong Kong, the intensive study outlines ten observations about the industry, makes ten recommendations on talent development, and identifies thirteen core competencies for fintech professionals.