The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Foundation's Academic Bridge Program to promote student mobility and collaborative academic initiatives. The partnership aims to support student exchanges, credit transfer options, and joint training programs between HKU and Qatar.
HKU secures top rankings for nine out of eleven subjects in Hong Kong and 7th worldwide for Education Studies. The University's faculty and students contribute to its global leadership through innovative research and teaching.
The conference addressed pressing issues including innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of a predictable environment, comprehensive professional services ecosystem, and connectivity in driving business growth. Hong Kong's unique role as a super connector and value adder was highlighted.
The HKU School of Computing and Data Science has launched its first-ever dual-site semester across Hong Kong and Shanghai, offering students a unique blend of academic learning and industry exposure. The new teaching site in Shanghai empowers students to learn from cutting-edge technology and research ecosystems.
Researchers developed a potent and highly selective inhibitor of YEATS2, specifically targeting the ATAC complex in lung cancer cells. This strategy led to a significant reduction in tumour growth and metastasis.
The 2025 HKU International Techno‑Entrepreneurship Challenge concluded with 20 finalist teams advancing to compete for top honours. Medical technology emerged as a clear highlight, with projects focusing on innovative solutions for various sectors.
The University of Hong Kong's research team developed a novel live-attenuated vaccine, cb1, generating broad immunity against beta-coronaviruses with a single intranasal dose. The vaccine effectively blocks viral transmission in animal models, offering a promising strategy for pandemic preparedness.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed the world's first soft, 3D transistors capable of hosting living cells, revolutionizing bioelectronics. The breakthrough design uses hydrogel semiconductors and has transformative potential for healthcare, education, and daily life.
The University of Hong Kong has secured over $26.5 million in funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Research Grants Council for 16 research projects. HKU ranks first among UGC-funded universities in terms of funded projects and total funding received.
The University of Hong Kong has received significant funding under the Research Grants Council schemes, with 12 projects receiving over HK$72 million. The funding supports cross-disciplinary research endeavours in fields such as Engineering, Medicine, and Science.
The HKU co-hosted Nobel Heroes Forum brought together six Nobel laureates to discuss how fundamental research drives progress in science, technology, health, and the economy. The forum highlighted the importance of basic research in addressing global challenges and fostering international collaborations.
A team of international astronomers, including HKU researchers, have uncovered evidence that some fast radio burst sources reside in binary stellar systems. They detected a distinctive signal revealing the presence of a nearby companion star orbiting an FRB source.
A study by HKU Geography researchers found that urban grasslands and croplands can exhibit higher surface temperatures than nearby built-up areas in arid regions. In contrast, trees are identified as 'Heatwave Heroes' due to their deeper root systems, providing cooling benefits in most cities during heatwaves.
A recent study by HKUMed found that most hospital patients in Hong Kong have little to undetectable levels of neutralizing antibodies against the mutated H3N2 strain. The research team recommends early vaccination to reduce the risk of severe infection and emphasizes the importance of prompt medical care if infected.
Researchers identified a protein called Piezo1 that acts as the body's 'exercise sensor', detecting mechanical signals from physical activity to maintain strong bones. Activating this pathway may lead to the development of drugs that mimic exercise benefits for individuals with limited mobility.
HKU three research projects named among ‘Top 10 Innovation & Technology News in Hong Kong 2025’; a dual immunotherapy improves liver cancer survival rates, a hybrid photosensitive immunotherapy targets skin cancer, and the detection of newborn neutron star's 'heartbeat'.
A team led by Professor Leo Tianshuo Zhao developed the world's smallest fully printed infrared photodetectors, overcoming silicon-based technology limitations. The innovation uses a nano-printing platform to assemble solution-phase colloidal nanocrystals and create advanced optoelectronic devices.
A Hong Kong-based educator won a Gold Award for his innovative teaching project, using immersive video gaming to enhance medical students' self-competence in coping with death and dying. The award recognizes the educator's efforts to promote emotional resilience and holistic growth among learners.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Tsinghua University have expanded their partnership across five key areas: public health, engineering, law, and astronomy. The institutions aim to foster frequent and productive academic exchanges to nurture globally competitive talent.
A study published in The BMJ reveals tai chi's long-term benefits in treating chronic insomnia, comparable to cognitive behavioural therapy. Tai chi offers a sustainable alternative with low costs and therapist availability.
A cross-institutional research team developed a new type of ADC using innovative memristor technology, improving energy efficiency by 15.1x and reducing circuit area by 30% compared to state-of-the-art solutions. The new adaptive converter also maintains high accuracy when running neural network tasks.
A study by HKUMed found that childhood maltreatment increases the risk of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders through altered behavior, cognition, and genomic changes. The research identified key risk factors and genetic markers associated with increased susceptibility to such disorders.
The University of Hong Kong, ventureLAB, and the Smart City Consortium have signed a MoU to share resources, expertise, and collaborate on startups in both regions. The partnership aims to address challenges faced by HK technology companies accessing overseas markets and Canadian companies navigating local regulations.
A new catalyst made with single atoms of ruthenium and manganese oxybromide overcomes the challenge of producing oxygen efficiently in acidic conditions. The self-forming layer shields the catalyst from damage while remaining highly active, allowing it to produce hydrogen efficiently and stay stable over time.
The Lancet Commission on Transforming Primary Health Care aims to rebuild equitable and digitally enabled PHC systems worldwide. With a focus on people-centred care and digital innovation, the Commission seeks to address long-standing vulnerabilities in PHC, including ageing populations, social inequalities, and climate change.
Two HKU scholars, Professor Michael Häusser and Professor Xuhua He, have been elected as new members of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. Professor Häusser is recognized for his groundbreaking research on neural computation, while Professor He is a distinguished mathematician with numerous international honors.
Professors Fang and Zhang's pioneering research advances acoustic metamaterials by achieving a negative bulk modulus, enabling precise manipulation of sound waves. This breakthrough opens doors to transformative applications in acoustic technology, building upon earlier progress in controlling mass density.
A novel genome-resolved tracking method reveals how antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes move across Hong Kong's urban waters, connecting human, animal, and environmental sources. The study provides insights into strategies for safeguarding public health and informs integrated monitoring systems.
The University of Hong Kong's HKU Business School has inaugurated its Shanghai Centre, marking a significant expansion into the Chinese market. The centre will focus on academic development, industry conversion services, and sci-tech innovation incubation.
The International Lunar Sample Research Symposium 2025 was held at HKU, attracting 230 participants from around the world. The event aimed to share recent findings from Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions, Apollo samples, and other lunar sample-related studies, preparing for upcoming human lunar missions.
Researchers at HKU developed an AI-driven brain model that accurately captures fear in real-world scenarios, offering new hope for targeted therapies. The discovery showed oxytocin specifically reduces both subjective fear and neural signature in social contexts.
Researchers identify ANKLE1 as the first DNA-cutting enzyme capable of detecting and responding to physical tension in DNA. This mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining genetic integrity during cell division and preventing cancer and other diseases.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Arts has launched a pioneering postdoctoral fellowship project to recruit global experts in art conservation, with the goal of advancing cultural and scientific excellence. The fellowship will benefit both HKMoA and HKU, enabling the advancement of collection research and exhibitions.
Researchers from HKUMed identified ACACA and LSS as key factors in lipid metabolism that fuel gastric cancer growth. Targeting these vulnerabilities with cholesterol inhibitors killed cancer cells 6.3-fold, opening new avenues for personalized therapies.
Researchers mapped accessible routes to 59 surviving pillboxes along the Gin Drinker's Line in the New Territories, providing guides for visiting British and Japanese military sites. The study highlights the importance of these structures as a unique part of Hong Kong's WWII history and potential tourism assets.
HKU Professor Max Shen has been elected as an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in recognition of his contributions to artificial intelligence and supply chain optimization. He is advancing AI and supply chain technologies through collaboration with industry, academia, and research institutions.
Researchers from HKU identified six distinct tectonic regimes on terrestrial planets, including a novel 'Episodic-Squishy Lid' regime. This discovery provides clues to the origin of Earth's plate tectonics and offers a robust theoretical framework for deciphering Venus' enigmatic geological features.
A cross-disciplinary research team at HKU successfully applied NIR-II fluorescence video imaging during esophagectomy to reduce anastomotic leakage rate. The technique enables precise guidance for resection and reconstruction by delineating well-perfused and poorly perfused regions of the gastric conduit.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has established the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality in Asia, a leading research hub addressing wealth inequality in Asia. The center aims to develop evidence-based solutions to inform public policy and discourse.
The University of Hong Kong has launched the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKIAA), uniting astronomers across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The institute aims to bolster Hong Kong's role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering international collaborations.
A study by HKUMed identified a critical gut bacterium disrupting immune system function in liver cancer patients, leading to treatment resistance. Modifying gut microecology or supplementing with key metabolites may enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in the future.
The 'Cancer Immunology Data Engine' platform integrates clinical outcomes from 5,957 cancer patients worldwide with comprehensive multi-omics datasets covering 17 cancer types. Researchers can explore and analyse clinical trial data in depth, accelerating advances in cancer immunotherapy research.
Researchers at HKUMed used big data to identify rare side effects of antipsychotic medications, including increased gynaecological cancer risk and infection risk among clozapine users. The findings provide evidence for safer global prescribing and inform clinical guidelines and policy.
The conference aimed to foster transformative collaboration between the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN countries. Key findings highlighted the importance of higher education institutions in creating shared prosperity and peace through proactive collaboration.
A meta-analysis of 268 cohort studies covering over 10 million people found that depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk 10-fold. Timely and effective treatment can significantly reduce these risks, with antidepressant medication lowering overall mortality risk by approximately 20%.
The research team developed a novel vascularised tumour model using a non-surgical injectable hydrogel system, providing a powerful new platform for researching cancer and testing immune cell therapies. The breakthrough model effectively supports the spontaneous formation of solid tumours with functional host-derived vasculature in mice.
Researchers found that oleic acid enhances γδ-T cell immunosurveillance, while palmitic acid weakens it. The study suggests that simple dietary changes like eating more olive oil and avocados could improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at HKUMed have discovered a potent bispecific inhibitor named TMP1 that targets both coronavirus Mpro and host TMPRSS2. The new compound has broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy against all known human-pathogenic coronaviruses, including those resistant to existing treatments like Paxlovid.
A collaboration among HKU and Nanjing University detected millisecond pulsations hidden within a gamma-ray burst, revealing the birth of a millisecond magnetar. The findings provide the clearest evidence yet that magnetars can power some of the most luminous explosions in the universe.
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that parathyroidectomy significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 30% in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The study analyzed over 3,100 adult patients and tracked their development of diabetes for nearly three years.