*****************************************************
Local universities carrying out major research in Hong Kong are being invited to submit applications for setting up State Key Laboratories in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Launched in 1984, the State Key Laboratory Scheme is one of the key technology development projects on the Mainland.
The main role of a State Key Laboratory is to launch innovative studies in accordance with the directions of state technological development and strategic objectives. These studies focus on the latest academic developments and important technological issues in relation to the economy, social development and security of the Mainland.
"The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) has been invited by the State Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to co-ordinate the applications for setting up State Key Laboratories in the HKSAR in 2008," an ITC spokesman said today (November 8).
Being an integral part of the Mainland innovation and technology system, the State Key Laboratories form an important base for high level basic research and applied basic research; to cluster and nurture outstanding scientists; and to conduct academic exchanges.
An organisation that hosts a State Key Laboratory should have attained international level and established a pivotal position in their respective discipline on the Mainland. It should be able to complete important state research tasks, and should possess excellent research teams and favourable conditions for conducting research and experiment.
"The ITC will be responsible for receiving applications and preparing a recommendation list for MOST's consideration and approval," the spokesman said.
"To this end, we will work closely with the Education Bureau, Research Grants Council and other relevant government departments in processing the applications and arrange their vetting by expert panels.
"Based on the panels' views, we will submit a list of recommendations to MOST for consideration. Results are expected to be announced next October.
"MOST has advised that for this round of applications from the HKSAR, there is no prescribed discipline, subject or technology area," he said.
Interested parties are required to submit their applications to the ITC on or before December 17. Details of the establishment of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong, application criteria and procedures are available at www.itc.gov.hk/en/skl/index.htm or from ITC on 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel.: 2737 2502/2737 2672 ; Fax : 2375 0715).
Ends/Thursday, November 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:19
NNNN
