News & Stories

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) signed three agreements with Tsinghua University (Tsinghua) to foster collaboration in research and education. These initiatives include launching a joint Integrated Master-PhD Program in Electronic and Computer Engineering, an executive education program and joint research funding.   Unleashing New Opportunities in Education and Research through Collaboration HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM and HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP recently received a Tsinghua University delegation led by Secretary of the Party Committee Prof. QIU Yong, alongside Tsinghua Council Deputy Chairman Prof. YANG Bin and other senior Tsinghua officials.  The delegation witnessed the signing of the agreements between the two institutions. Key initiatives include:

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and BYD Auto Industry Company Limited (BYD) launched the HKUST-BYD Embodied Al Joint Lab. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and industrial applications in robotics and smart manufacturing, injecting new momentum into global scientific advancement and industrial transformation. The agreement was signed by HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG and BYD Vice President Mr. LUO Zhongliang, witnessed by HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM and BYD Group Chairman and President Mr. WANG Chuanfu.  

Chemists at the School of Science of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently made a significant breakthrough in photocatalysis by unveiling a “super” photoreductant, marking a major advancement in organic synthesis. Quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise as photocatalysts for promoting photoredox chemistry, however, their application in photocatalytic organic transformations has lagged behind that of small molecule photosensitizers due to the limited understanding of their photophysics. While various studies have explored the generation of hot electrons from QDs as a strategy to enhance photoreduction efficiencies, achieving effective hot-electron generation under mild conditions has posed a significant challenge.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today inaugurated the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (CCRS), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate research, innovation and policy solutions in climate resilience and sustainable development. Established through the generous support of Ir Dr. Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, the Center unites HKUST’s world-class expertise in climate science, advanced modeling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and sustainable policy to deliver scalable and actionable strategies for governments, industries, and communities worldwide.

Global healthcare is facing a wide range of challenges, including ageing populations and an increase in chronic diseases, which are putting immense strain on healthcare systems. The demand for advanced medical technologies like less invasive and more precise surgical tools has never been more urgent. The situation prompted a global wave of innovation in micro-scale medical robotics designed to assist clinicians with unprecedented accuracy and effectiveness.  This ambition drives Professor SHEN Yajing and his research team at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering on their journey toward medical innovation. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, they have recently developed three pioneering smart medical devices for health monitoring, surgical assistance, and rehabilitation, ushering in a new era of smart healthcare.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been appointed by the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO), a collaborative partnership hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific, to spearhead a regional research consortium focused on digital health innovation. This prestigious appointment, secured through a competitive process, underscores HKUST’s global leadership in policy research under the theme “Leveraging Digital Health Technologies and Data to Strengthen Health System Outcomes.”

For many, sticking to familiar paths feels safe and comfortable. But not for the trailblazers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They are not just thinking outside the box—they are pushing boundaries and aiming for the skies—quite literally. At HKUST’s Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC), researchers are revolutionizing the future of urban airspace to support HKSAR Government’s policy in promoting the low-altitude economy. Their mission? Harnessing the groundbreaking Digital Twin technology—a virtual replica of the physical world—to transform drone management, airspace control, and infrastructure monitoring.  Spearheaded by Professor Jack CHENG of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this innovative technology is set to unlock unprecedented potential for the low-altitude economy.