News & Stories

What do the eggs of sea urchins, car exhaust, sticky tape, and risk and reward have in common? Each sparked a discovery that secured a Nobel Prize.Four Nobel laureates shared fascinating stories from their decades of research experience at a fireside chat with over 400 students, faculty, and members of the public. The event, Nobel Heroes@HKUST, was part of HKUST’s 35th anniversary celebrations.The laureates were:Prof. Tim HUNT (2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)Prof. Robert C. MERTON (1997 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences)Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (2010 Nobel Prize in Physics)

Amid the fun-filled entertainment— from robot dogs and musical performances to drumming, dance, and jaw-dropping rope skipping routines— the ceremony was characterized by a moving tribute to the legacy of HKUST founders, reiterating how HKUST’s “can-do” energy can fuel the future development of Hong Kong and the region.HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP established the reflective tone in her welcoming address, in which she accentuated how HKUST’s founding spirit had guided the University’s dynamic evolution over the past thirty-five years.This foundational ethos was set in motion by the late Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei WOO, who had envisioned HKUST as Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university, an institution designed to create knowledge rather than merely transmit it.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) won a total of 62 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). This resounding success underscores the University's exceptional capabilities in "AI + X" interdisciplinary innovation and its commitment to translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

Prof. Veronique LAFON-VINAIS, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Finance at HKUST Business School, was bestowed the rank of “Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite” on Mar 3 at the Residence of the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to sustainable finance education.The honor was presented by Mrs. Christile DRULHE, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, on March 3. The award recognizes Prof. Lafon-Vinais’ role in advancing sustainability in finance and in strengthening collaboration between France and Hong Kong.Reflecting on the recognition, Prof. Lafon-Vinais said the award also acknowledged the collective efforts of colleagues who have worked over the past decades to advance sustainable development and the growth of sustainable and green finance. She added that she was proud of the many interdisciplinary achievements made at HKUST.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a generous donation of HKD 30 million from Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited (Futu) to support the University’s innovation and research development, as well as to establish a new scholarship recognizing outstanding HKUST students. In appreciation of Futu’s dedicated support, the University has named a multi-purpose learning facility at the Lee Shau Kee Library as the “Futu Academic Pavilion,” which serving as a key academic center for its faculty and students to engage in teaching, group discussions, and individual learning. This initiative not only underscores the importance of industry-academia collaboration in talent development but also lays a solid foundation for long-term cooperation between the two parties.

Our alumni community joined “The opening ceremony of the Alumni Commons and A Feast of Togetherness – Poon Choi Party.” on January 17, 2026 (Saturday) on the Clear Water Bay campus at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The event was co-organized with the HKUST Alumni Association and the HKUST Convocation.The HKUST Alumni Commons is the first dedicated on-campus space where alumni can renew friendships, spark new ideas, and foster lasting bonds across generations. With more than 100,000 alumni worldwide, this dedicated location is set to become an iconic presence on campus.

On February 5, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Yiyu Network formalized a donation agreement, marking the beginning of an enduring partnership dedicated to frontier research and talent nurturing.HKUST senior leadership and faculty members in attendance included Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement; Prof. XU Kun, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Mathematics; and Prof. CHEN Kani, Professor in both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics. Student representatives and senior leaders from Yiyu Network were also present.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) recently co-hosted the Pacific Asia and Australasia Regional Finals of the 2025-26 Global Sustainability Challenge at ZJU’s Zijingang campus in Hangzhou. The inaugural competition, initiated by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, brings together leading educational institutions and experts around the world to provide a platform for students to design, implement, and showcase innovative sustainability solutions. Ten outstanding teams, including one from HKUST, have advanced to the global finale in April to compete for the championship.