Faculty of Science

Message from the Dean

This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the Faculty of Science. This provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on the journey we have made thus far, and make plans for the years ahead.

The passage of time brings challenges. By rising to these challenges, we shape our educational journey, engage with each other, and scale new heights together. The outstanding work by all members of the Faculty has generated a spirit of collegiality that enables us to continue in our endeavours with enthusiasm and pride. Over time, the Faculty has emerged as a strong and positive influence in scientific education and research. Today, we have more than 420 staff, 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 16,000 alumni, many of whom have earned stellar reputations for their excellence in research, teaching and learning, community engagement and other achievements. Thus, we have played a pivotal role in numerous scientific advancements that have enhanced the well-being of mankind and the environment.

The passage of time also brings changes. The Faculty strives to provide state-of-the-art research laboratories for our staff, and modern teaching and learning environments for our students. These advanced facilities and the dedication of our research teams facilitate the continual success of the Faculty in multiple areas of research. Over the past decade, we have surpassed our previous achievements and have experienced an upsurge in our research capabilities and visibility. We have secured more than $237 million in funding from the Research Grants Council and $302 million from other external funding bodies. In addition, we have secured $62 million from external funding bodies for collaborative projects with other researchers worldwide, and have launched 13 spin-off companies with the aid of $63 million in donations. We have established new collaborative research networks with more than 68 universities worldwide, which also assist the Faculty in its commitment to provide high-quality teaching and global learning experiences for our students. Since 2010, the Faculty has introduced six new undergraduate programmes and four new postgraduate programmes. These have strengthened our educational offering to students, which equips them with the knowledge, skills and imagination they need to flourish in the rapidly evolving research fields of our changing world. These achievements will continue to support the progress of the Faculty, and will lead to greater performance in the future.

On this occasion of our Diamond Jubilee, I am proud to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to our staff, students, alumni, advisors, donors, partners and friends. Over the next 10 years, the Faculty will expand its facilities through the renovation of the Ho Sin Hang Campus, to further upgrade our learning and research environment.

Let us face the future together, and meet its challenges by performing more novel and exciting scientific research and providing more state-of-the-art learning experiences. Do not let adversity keep you down: no grit, no pearl!