News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of “Aivilization”, the largest-scale AI multi-agent social simulation sandbox to date. This innovative platform studies how human interaction with AI can shape a virtual society, where ‘AI inhabitants’ can organically develop their own governance structures, economies and cultural norms.   As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding the dynamics of communication between humans and artificial intelligence has become a crucial area of study. Previous simulation models like Project Sid1 and Stanford Smallville2 have explored similar themes, with community sizes of around 1,000 and dozens of AI agents respectively, to observe the evolution of AI civilizations.

香港科技大學（科大）本科招生及入學事務處舉辦的 Polymath 主題暑期訓練營圓滿落幕，吸引來自13個國家及地區逾150名中學生參與。參與的學生不僅參加了由科大教授主持的課堂講座、研究展示與實驗室參觀，更透過「專題項目研習」（Capstone Project），為科大合作夥伴包括海洋公園公司、香港數碼港及宏碁電腦（Acer）提出的現實挑戰設計創新解決方案。此訓練營不僅提升了學生的學術能力，還激發了他們跨學科的創新思維。

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by controlling messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and are critical for various biological processes, including development, stress responses, and epigenetic regulation. In plants, the enzyme DICER-LIKE 1 (DCL1) processes miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs, and mutations in DCL1 can lead to developmental issues like delayed flowering and abnormal leaves, making its precision essential for plant growth. A research team led by Prof. NGUYEN Tuan Anh from the Division of Life Science at HKUST has recently made significant strides in understanding miRNA biogenesis by developing a groundbreaking massively parallel dicing assay to investigate human DICER, which functions similarly to plant DCL1. 

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. 

The "Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao High-Level University Presidents Roundtable" hosted by the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE) and co-organized by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was successfully held in Hong Kong yesterday. Themed "University Missions and Collaborative Innovation in the Context of Building an Education Nation," the event featured a keynote speech by HUAI Jinpeng, Minister of Education of China, with opening remarks by CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and LIN Huiqing, President of the China Association of Higher Education.

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. 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and C.H.M.T. Peaceful Development Fund Management Limited (CHMT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a pivotal moment in accelerating new energy innovation through industry-academia-research collaboration. By combining HKUST’s world-class research capabilities with CHMT’s market expertise, the partnership will bridge laboratory breakthroughs with commercial deployment. The initiative seeks to drive advancements in new energy technology and sustainable development in line with the carbon neutrality ambitions in the 14th Five-Year Plan. 

Prof. DAI Xi, Dr William M W Mong Professor of Nanoscience and Chair Professor of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the 2025 Future Science Prize in Physical Science, announced today by the Future Science Prize Committee. The honor recognizes his groundbreaking contributions to condensed matter physics and topological materials research. Founded in 2016, the Future Science Prize is China’s first world-class science award jointly established by scientists and entrepreneurs, often regarded as China’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Comprising three categories: Life Science, Physical Science, as well as Mathematics and Computer Science – the Prizes honor scientists for outstanding accomplishments in these fields and exceptional contributions to research in Greater China. Each award carries a prize of up to US$1 million.