News & Stories

Physics unlocks many of the universe’s enigmas, thanks to the relentless dedication of many great minds. Among them is Prof. DAI Xi, the Dr William M W Mong Professor of Nanoscience and Chair Professor of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His theoretical work in condensed matter physics and topological materials research has added fresh perspectives to modern physics, earning him the prestigious 2025 Future Science Prize—widely regarded as China’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.

Prof. GUO Yike, Provost and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been elected as an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Information and Electronics Engineering Division. The CAE is the nation's highest academic institution in engineering sciences and technology, and membership is considered as the highest lifelong academic honor in the field.

Prof. XIE Yuan, Fang Professor of Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, was honored with a 2025 CCF Overseas Outstanding Contribution Award by China Computer Federation (CCF). He is concurrently Director of the Jockey Club STEM Lab of Future Advanced Computing Technologies (FACT Lab) and the Institute of Integrated Circuits and Systems at HKUST.

Prof. Nancy IP, President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was conferred an Honorary Doctoral Degree by the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in recognition of her extraordinary achievements as a world-renowned neuroscientist, a visionary educator and university leader, and a prominent trailblazer in global science policy.A Legacy of Breakthroughs and LeadershipThe conferment ceremony was held at the University of Strathclyde's magnificent Barony Hall, presided over by Prof. Stephen MCARTHUR, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University. When presenting Prof. Ip, the honorary doctorate, Prof. Duncan GRAHAM, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, acclaimed her multifaceted impact, from her seminal laboratory breakthroughs and strategic leadership of a world-class university to her international influence on science policy.

Prof. Angela WU, Associate Professor in the Division of Life Science and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been named a 2025 Schmidt Polymath, a prestigious recognition celebrating transformative research across disciplines. 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today received plaques from YIN Hejun, Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for its three State Key Laboratories (SKLs) at the Government Headquarters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). HKUST sincerely thanks MOST, and the Hong Kong Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau (ITIB) for their continued trust and recognition of the University’s research efforts. In addition to the two renamed SKLs following restructuring – the “State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders (SKLNSD)” and the “State Key Laboratory of Displays and Opto-Electronics (SKLDOE)” – HKUST will also collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to establish a new “State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKLCRCC)”.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, its potential to ignite human creativity is quietly revolutionizing storytelling—even in filmmaking. Leading this charge is Professor RAO Anyi, an assistant professor in the newly established Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  Prof. Rao, named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, is pioneering AI’s role in democratizing storytelling. He develops AI tools that empower filmmakers to generate content and control complex elements or special effects like scene lighting. With a mission to merge the realms of filmmaking, art, and AI, he aims to nurture a tech-savvy generation of storytellers. 

Prof. CHEN Fei, Associate Head and Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received the prestigious 2025 Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC). As the second scholar from the Greater China to receive this global accolade, this recognition honors his exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to urban climatology. As the top award from IAUC, the Luke Howard Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the urban climatology field in terms of a combination of research, teaching, and service to the international community of urban climatologists.  The IAUC commended Prof. Chen for his international leadership and impact in urban climate modelling, highlighting his role in shaping policies and developing tools that protect vulnerable urban areas.