HKBU research excellence recognised in GRF, ECS and HSSPFS

The HKBU research community is celebrating another milestone with strong results across three of the University Grants Committee’s (UGC) most competitive schemes — the General Research Fund (GRF), the Early Career Scheme (ECS) and the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS).

A total of 95 scholars across six faculties and schools have secured funding under the three schemes, securing approximately HK$69 million. The combined GRF and ECS results mark a decisive leap forward: the number of awarded projects rose more than 45% — from 65 to 95 — while the total amount grew by 25%.

The GRF exercise awarded grants to 82 scholars, a significant advance on the previous year and the engine of this year’s growth. The University’s rising research talent also shone in the ECS, with 13 honourees — more than double the number from the previous cycle.

In addition, Professor Angelo Lo Conte of the Academy of Visual Arts has been awarded the HSSPFS for his project “Deaf Painters in the Renaissance” — a prestigious recognition that offers no more than ten fellowships each year. “It is an incredible privilege to have been selected among such a distinguished cohort of fellows. This fellowship offers the precious gift of dedicated time, allowing me to fully focus on my research at the intersections of art history, social history, and disability studies,” said Professor Lo Conte.

Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of the Graduate School, congratulated the researchers and applauded their dedication and high-quality work. “It is a proud moment to see both established and emerging members of our research community recognised,” said Professor Lyu. “With projects spanning health science, business and the creative arts, this year’s results are a powerful reflection of our interdisciplinary approach and our four-cluster research strategy."

"I am confident that our devoted researchers will not only advance global knowledge but also make meaningful contributions to the scientific, social and economic development of China.”