RGC commends outstanding research academics in Hong Kong and holds inauguration ceremony of Hong Kong Research Grants Council Research Fellow Alliance (with photos)
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The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (November 3) held an award presentation ceremony to honour 98 academics from the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities for their distinguished research achievements and significant contributions to the higher education sector.
Selected through a rigorous process by the RGC, the awardees included:
* 9 RGC Senior Research Fellows;
* 11 RGC Research Fellows;
* 10 Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellows;
* 8 Early Career Awardees; and
* 60 RGC Junior Research Fellows (previously known as RGC Postdoctoral Fellows).
The same occasion also marked the inauguration of The Hong Kong Research Grants Council Research Fellow Alliance (HKRFA), to promote greater impact of Hong Kong researchers and further advance research excellence.
Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that Hong Kong is the ideal place to pursue research careers and aspirations. In addition to accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, the Chief Executive has announced in the 2025 Policy Address an increase in the over-enrolment ceiling of UGC-funded research postgraduate programmes from 100 per cent to 120 per cent in the 2026/27 academic year. Dr Choi also welcomed the RGC's first Research Summit in December and the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition next year. The two major international events hosted by Hong Kong will create synergies for Hong Kong's research community and higher education sector.
"The Government will continue its efforts to promote the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand, and fully support the local universities to host more international events and attract more world-class scholars and students from around the world to our city to pursue their study and research. In doing so, we are determined to build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent and strengthen the city's research capabilities," Dr Choi added.
Also officiating at the ceremony, the RGC Chairman, Professor Timothy W. Tong, congratulated the awardees for their distinguished accomplishments and celebrated the establishment of the HKRFA. He indicated that the RGC's different fellowships have been established to support scholars and researchers at every stage of their academic trajectory.
"Cultivating a pipeline of emerging research talent is essential for a robust research culture and vigorous academic environment in Hong Kong. They are key to sustaining long-term advances in Hong Kong's research and development ecosystem. The RGC seeks to furnish the local research community with strong support, enabling them to sustain and elevate their outstanding scholarly endeavours," he said.
The list of awardees is in the Annex. Relevant award citations are available on the RGC website (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/).
Ends/Monday, November 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:53
Issued at HKT 20:53
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