News & Stories

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.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) won a total of 62 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). This resounding success underscores the University's exceptional capabilities in "AI + X" interdisciplinary innovation and its commitment to translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) research team has developed a groundbreaking wastewater treatment technology that integrates a mesh bioreactor with an ultrasound-induced transient cavitation cleaning mechanism. The system can complete mesh cleaning within 3.8 seconds under anaerobic conditions and achieves 10-20 times higher flux than conventional membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The technology operates efficiently with substantially lower energy consumption, produces treated effluent surpassing international and local discharge standards, and reduces the cost of treating each cubic metre of wastewater to 50% of conventional MBRs, offering a sustainable solution for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

In a critical advance for climate resilience, researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an AI model that can predict dangerous convective storms—including Black Rainstorms, thunderstorms and extreme heavy rainfall like those that have hit Hong Kong—up to four hours before they strike. This world-first technology, developed in collaboration with national meteorological institutions and powered by satellite data and advanced deep diffusion technology, improves forecast accuracy by over 15% at the 48‑kilometer spatial scale compared with existing systems. This breakthrough strengthens the overall accuracy of the national weather forecasting system and promises to transform early warning systems for vulnerable communities across Asia.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has demonstrated outstanding research leadership in the 2025/26 Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) and Research Impact Fund (RIF) under the University Grants Committee (UGC)'s Research Grants Council (RGC). The University secured funding for 13 projects under the CRF and RIF, with grants totaling more than HKD77 million. The achievement places HKUST first among all UGC-funded universities in both the number of funded projects and total funding received. This accomplishment highlights HKUST's strength in pioneering interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research, as well as its exceptional capacity for knowledge transfer in translating cutting-edge research outcomes into real-world impact that enhances societal well-being.

Programmable photonics promise faster and more energy-efficient computing than traditional electronics by using light to transmit signals. However, current systems are limited by the need for precise on-chip power monitors. Researchers from the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a germanium-ion-implanted silicon waveguide photodiode. This novel photodetector achieves high responsivity, ultra-low optical loss, and minimal dark current, significantly enhancing the performance of on-chip light monitoring. It provides core hardware for energy-saving and ultra-sensitive biosensing systems, facilitating practical applications in programmable photonics.