News & Stories

A research team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by Professors Gan Jianping (Department of Ocean Science) and Professor Yang Can (Department of Mathematics), has developed a novel AI-powered tool named STIMP for diagnosing coastal ocean productivity and ecosystem health. STIMP introduces a novel paradigm that imputes missing data and then predicts Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations across large spatiotemporal scales. In tests across four representative global coastal regions, STIMP significantly outperformed existing geoscience tools, reducing the mean absolute error (MAE) for imputation by up to 81.39% and for prediction by 58.99%. Accurate Chl-a prediction aids in early detection of harmful algal blooms, ecosystem protection, and provides data-driven insights for evidence-based policy-making.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today extended its warmest congratulations to the nation and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) for the exceptional performance in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII). The "Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou" cluster has been ranked the 1st largest innovation cluster in the Global Innovation Index 2025 top 100 ranking, ascending from its previous position and marking a historic achievement. This rise to the top is underscored by exceptional performance metrics, with the cluster filing 2,292 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, publishing 3,775 scientific articles, and securing 135 venture capital deals—all per 1 million inhabitants over the past five years. This data reflects the cluster’s unparalleled growth and dynamic capacity for world-leading innovation.

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) Institute for Emerging Market Studies, EY1 and Golden Age Foundation have jointly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially activate the development of the “Smart Ecosystem for the Silver Population” in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This initiative aims to promote the development of the region’s elderly care industry. The signing ceremony, held during the “BOC Life 10th Golden Age Expo and Summit”, was witnessed by Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

The buzz surrounding drones and eVTOL vehicles signals an exciting future—faster deliveries, rapid medical aid, and efficient public services just over our heads. But as these technologies take flight, they face two critical challenges: noise pollution and public safety. Drone and eVTOL operation in low altitude airspace produce noise and face flight safety challenges in micro-weather and building wind environment. Professor ZHANG Xin, Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Professor ZHOU Peng at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are leading efforts to overcome these issues. Combining cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering with practical solutions, their team is striving to ensure drones and eVOTL  vehicles can integrate harmoniously into urban life.

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a groundbreaking AI technology that reconstructs precise 3D bones and organs models from minimal X-ray images, slashing patients’ radiation exposure by up to 99% compared to CT scans. This innovation not only enhances patient safety but also reduces costs and wait times, with potential applications in surgical planning, real-time imaging, and personalized implants. HKUST team is collaborating with different industry partners, including bone printing company Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited (Koln 3D), to implement this technology in public hospitals.

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Engineering have cracked a major challenge in display technology by inventing the world’s brightest and most energy efficient quantum rod LEDs (QRLEDs). These next-generation QRLEDs feature optimized deep green emission at the top of the color triangle, enabling displays with unprecedented color purity and a maximized color gamut. Boasting a longer lifespan and triple the brightness of previous models, these cutting-edge light sources deliver energy-efficient, ultra-vivid visuals for smartphones, televisions, and AR/VR devices while further enhancing color performance.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has set a new institutional record by securing over HK$279 million for six research projects across all three flagship schemes of the Research Grants Council (RGC) under the University Grants Committee – the highest share in terms of projects funded among universities, cementing its leadership in competitive research funding. AoE and TRS Sweep:  HKUST captured 4 of 9 awarded projects (nearly 45%) in the prestigious Areas of Excellence (AoE) and Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS). These projects target critical global challenges including climate resilience, disease prevention, and sustainable technology.