The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has welcomed nearly 100 accomplished scholars from a dozen countries and jurisdictions since the launch of its global recruitment campaign in October 2022, boosting the University's efforts in teaching, research and innovation across different strategic areas.
Echoing the government's talent attraction initiatives as announced in Chief Executive John Lee's maiden Policy Address back in 2022, Prof Nancy IP, who assumed the role of HKUST President in tandem, implemented several recruitment measures, including the '30 for 30' talent acquisition campaign to hire renowned academics in strategic research areas.
The new recruits, which include high-profile research leaders, unicorn and company founders, as well as scholars from top universities and public bodies, represent a diverse range of research focuses spanning biomedical science and translational medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), microelectronics, innovation in business management, sustainability and green technology, arts technology, as well as the humanities and social sciences.
In addition, to align with the frontier fields outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan, the University will expand its strategic research focuses to include quantum information, integrated circuits, brain sciences, gene and biotechnology, clinical science, clinical medicine, new materials, future energy, deep space, deep earth, deep sea and polar regions.
President Ip stated, "Talent is key to driving innovation. I am truly excited to welcome so many brilliant minds to the HKUST family. With their wealth of expertise and experience, I am confident that they will help us realize our strategic priorities, including our aspiration to establish Hong Kong's third medical school. In support of Hong Kong's goal to become an international talent hub, we will continue to recruit and retain global talent in key areas vital to the growth and development of both our city and the nation."
Provost Prof. GUO Yike stated, "We provide our faculty with ample opportunities through an inspiring environment, a rich global network, and numerous exciting projects currently underway. The addition of our new AI supercomputing facility and the HKUST Shanghai Center enhances our robust research and entrepreneurial foundation in Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta, creating a strong network that benefits both recruitment and partnerships. Building on our successful recruitment efforts, we aim to hire another 100 faculty members to further enhance the University's development."
HKUST is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of researchers through initiatives such as the faculty mentorship program and providing resources for young faculty development. The University also hosts events to strengthen connections within the HKUST community, fostering interaction and collaboration among faculty members to enhance research and innovation.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).
