CUHK Research: Changing the world

Research lies at the heart of the vision and mission of the University. As a leading research university in Asia, CUHK has been dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer in the 21st century. The University, known for its culture of research excellence, has been rated repeatedly as the most innovative university in Hong Kong. Achampion of research and innovation that brings benefits to society, CUHK has been committed to integrating research, innovation and enterprise as a dynamic and productive continuum to translate research into tangible output that benefits mankind. We foster the knowledge and technology transfer to tackle global challenges and leave a positivemark on theworld. This year marks the University’s 60th anniversary. Over the six decades, we have grown from a humble beginning on barren hills to a comprehensive research university. Since its inception, the University has nurtured generations of bright minds and attracted numerous talented researchers to conduct world-class research. In strengthening the innovation and technology research activities, we have recruited internationally renowned researchers as our Global STEM scholars. CUHK Research: Changing the world , which is published to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the University, showcases our research impact and outcome by profiling more than 30 outstanding researchers and rising stars in various fields. Over the years, we have broadened the scope of China studies, enabling the University to explore the country’s challenges and opportunities and participate in its development. The support and resources we put into medical and technological research have yielded great success in innovative biomedicine. We have also excelled from Communication Technology to Information and Automation Technology. The innovative solutions developed by our researchers in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, climate change and urban development help to create a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations. Research is the source of knowledge that advances human thinking and powers innovation. Our groundbreaking achievements have made a huge difference in Hong Kong and other parts of the world. Our researchers have set new standards for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and created global paradigm shifts in cutting-edge technologies. Their success is also inseparable from the staunch support of the University which has established six InnoHK Centres and five State Key Laboratories. CUHK’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure, which incorporates a range of advanced equipment platforms and expertise, helps our researchers scale newheights. I hope you enjoy reading CUHK Research: Changing the world which gives tangible examples of how the University’s research is contributing to the vision of becoming a national hub for innovation and technology excellence, and to the global competitiveness of Hong Kong. The remarkable achievements of CUHK researchers demonstrate that public investment in the University’s research delivers significant social and economic value to Hong Kong and beyond. We will continue to make a contribution to the development of modern China and to solving global challenges through advanced technologies in the years to come. Professor ShamMai Har Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) Message from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor andVice-President (Research) 5