The Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU) today (March 24) announced at the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) Briefing Session that the SPPRFS 2026-27 is open for applications between now and May 12, 2026.

     The SPPRFS and the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) aim at encouraging local tertiary institutions and public policy research think tanks (including university and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, and to facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the Government to tap the public policy research expertise of society. 

     To align with the opportunities brought to Hong Kong by the National 15th Five-Year Plan and in light of the policy priorities of the Government, five strategic themes have been identified for the SPPRFS 2026-27. They are: (a) Development Opportunities from the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA); (b) Deepening International Exchanges and Co-operation, Supporting the Country's Opening Up to the World; (c) Development of Education, Technology, Talents and Industries; (d) Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and (e) Elderly and Healthcare Services. 

     The Head of the CEPU, Dr Stephen Wong, said, "The CEPU is dedicated to harnessing the policy research strengths of think tanks, drawing extensively on the outstanding achievements of both civil society and university think tanks. These achievements not only carry rigorous academic and scientific value but also provide practical insights. Through its funding schemes, the CEPU will continue to act as a catalyst for transforming internationally oriented academic research into valuable references for policy considerations, fostering a vibrant network of local civil society and university think tanks, and further enhancing their international influence."

     At the briefing session, Deputy Head of the CEPU Mr Nicholas Kwan told the participating academics and experts from tertiary institutions and think tanks, "Since its establishment, the CEPU has implemented a series of innovative reforms under the SPPRFS and PPRFS, aiming to enhance the overall impact of granted projects. Over the past two years, we have organised nearly 20 policy seminars, workshops, and roundtable meetings, inviting participation of representatives from the Government, industries, academia and research institutions. These platforms foster collaboration among the Government and industry, academia and research sectors, enabling research teams to absorb the latest insights and diverse professional perspectives. 

     "Key initiatives include inviting representatives from relevant bureaux to join discussions, ensuring that research directions align closely with policy priorities. At the same time, we will pragmatically and in a timely manner translate evidence-based research findings into policy recommendations for internal studies. In addition, we have, for the first time, established a dedicated recognition mechanism to appreciate the efforts of outstanding researchers and institutions. This aims to enhance their academic influence and visibility, encourage sustained participation, and strengthen the reference value of evidence-based research for Hong Kong's future development."

     In his remarks, the Chairman of the Assessment Panel of the two funding schemes, Professor Daniel Shek, highlighted, "Public policy research is very important, as it can provide direction for the Government when formulating policies and reduce the risk of taking the wrong path. When assessing the funding scheme applications, the Assessment Panel does not only consider scientific merits of the research, but also the relevance of the proposals to the public policy and social needs of Hong Kong. Through the funding schemes, we aim to fully unlock the potential of different institutions in advancing public policy research."

     Applications for the SPPRFS must be made under one of the above specified strategic themes and be in line with the specified research areas. Those falling outside the specified strategic themes and specified research areas will not be considered generally. Each SPPRFS project may be granted a maximum of $5 million and last from one to five years.

     Separately, the major themes and indicative research areas of the PPRFS have also been updated having regard to Hong Kong's current and long-term development as well as the need for research on various social issues. While applications for the SPPRFS are accepted at specific times each year, the PPRFS focuses on research studies of a shorter duration and smaller scale, with applications accepted throughout the year. Applications for the PPRFS will be vetted, and notification of the results will be issued by batch.

     Assessments for the SPPRFS and PPRFS will be conducted by an Assessment Panel which comprises experienced academics and professional experts. The Assessment Panel will also take into account comments from external reviewers who are experienced academics and professional experts during the assessment process. To ensure the policy relevance of the research proposals, views of relevant government bureaux/departments will also be sought for reference by the Panel. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.

     For details of the SPPRFS and PPRFS, including eligibility criteria, research areas, assessment mechanism, application method and other related information, please visit the CEPU's website (www.cepu.gov.hk/en/PRFS).

Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30

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