News & Stories

Wastewater treatment is a critical issue for global environmental protection and public health. Researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently achieved a major breakthrough by discovering a novel oxidant-free electrocatalytic mechanism, opening up a new direction for water purification technologies. The findings are set to significantly improve pollutant identification efficiency and potentially double the economic feasibility compared with existing methods.

Solar cells' efficiency and lifespan are often determined by what happens at interfaces — the microscopic boundaries where different materials meet. Researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have contributed to two recently published studies that show molecular interface engineering can unlock major gains in the efficiency and durability of next-generation perovskite tandem solar cells.The two studies, published in academic journals Joule (impact factor: 37.1) and Nature Communications, focus on different tandem architectures but convey one common message: carefully designed molecular layers can do far more than connect materials. They can guide how perovskite films crystallize, suppress energy-wasting defects, promote charge transport and protect solar cells against degradation.

Histopathology is a cornerstone of clinical diagnosis, especially in cancer care. However, conventional chemical staining is often time-consuming and labor-intensive and may consume precious tissue samples. A research team from the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a novel generative AI (GenAI) framework that can produce high-fidelity virtually stained images even when training image pairs are imperfectly aligned, paving the way for faster and more tissue-saving histopathology workflows. The study titled “Generative AI for misalignment-resistant virtual staining to accelerate histopathology workflows” was recently published in the international journal Nature Communications.

One small machine for HKUST, one giant leap for greenhouse gas tracking.When the Tianzhou-10 robotic cargo spacecraft docked with China’s Tiangong Space Station on May 11, it successfully delivered the world’s first lightweight, high-resolution, high-precision synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emission point sources. This scientific breakthrough was steered by researchers from the School of Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).The groundbreaking instrument, called the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, or MUSICO for short, made history as Hong Kong’s first scientific payload on the national space station.

The Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability (CAIRSS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has secured HKD 46 million in funding from Stellar Rise Global Holdings Limited (Stellar Rise) to develop advanced bio-inspired robotic manipulation technologies for in-orbit operations. The project aims to support space debris removal and enable next-generation in-orbit manufacturing. With strong backing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)’ institutions, the project targets an in-orbit demonstration by 2029, contributing to the sustainable development of space technology and the space economy, while supporting the nation's goal of advancing its position as an aerospace powerhouse.

The world’s first lightweight, high‑resolution, high‑precision synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emission point sources – named “MUSICO”, Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)　– was successfully launched aboard the Tianzhou‑10 cargo spacecraft on May 11 and has arrived at China’s Tiangong Space Station. This is not only Hong Kong’s first scientific payload deployed on the national space station, but also a historic breakthrough for the city in the development of high‑end aerospace instruments. The project fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s strong capability to build national‑level cutting-edge scientific payloads, to participate in long‑term space station missions, and to play a key role in addressing global climate change while serving the nation’s strategic “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today showcased its award-winning inventions, which were recognized at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). The University's 62 participating teams won a total of 62 accolades, including 13 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 20 Gold Medals, 20 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals. This year's achievements set a new record for the University and make it the highest-awarded higher education institution in Hong Kong.

Led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC), under the InnoHK Research Clusters of the HKSAR Government, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Southeast University (SEU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The collaboration will focus on research innovation, technology transfer, and talent cultivation in the fields of space robotics, deep space energy systems, embodied intelligence, and related interdisciplinary areas, thereby contributing to the nation’s efforts to build a leading aerospace power.A delegation led by the Nanjing Municipal People's Government visited HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus on March 8. They engaged in an insightful discussion with the University’s management and representatives, and toured the State Key Laboratory of Displays and Optoelectronics, where HKUST's latest research innovations were showcased.