HKBU steps up national research exchange efforts and eyes strategic opportunities

The Research Office of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has been actively encouraging its scholars to participate in a range of research funding exchange activities in Mainland China. These initiatives strengthen collaborations with national research institutions while deepening understanding of national research priorities and funding mechanisms. Several of the activities were centered around the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), a key national funding body that underpins basic research and plays a pivotal role in advancing China’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Last December, HKBU representatives travelled to Beijing to attend an NSFC training programme for host institutions. The training covered key areas including funding policies, project management, research integrity, and the use of research information systems. It gave participants a clearer understanding of fund application procedures and project management practices, while setting the foundation for institutional research governance and grant submissions.

Photo (Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre)

Professor Ma Guancong, awardee of  the NSFC Young Scientists Fund 2025, is a featured speaker of the academic exchange symposium organised by the BHKAEC

In January, HKBU scholars participated in the academic exchange symposium for the “Young Scientists Fund” (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau), organised by the Beijing - Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre (BHKAEC). Professor Ma Guancong from the Department of Physics was invited as a featured speaker, where he presented his research on "Non-Hermitian Topology in Wave Systems", supported by the NSFC Young Scientists Fund 2025. The session brought together young scientists from Hong Kong and Macau to exchange ideas on emerging topics and foster interdisciplinary dialogue.

In early February, HKBU representatives attended the Briefing of the Regional Liaison Network for Hong Kong and Macauof the NSFC 2026, held at the University of Macau. The session provided insights into key application requirements for the current funding cycle, as well as funding priorities across different disciplines and talent programmes. It also featured an exchange session where participants engaged with NSFC representatives on funding priorities and application requirements.

Later in the month, several HKBU scholars travelled to Guangzhou to attend the 2026 Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference. At a forum that discusses the role of technological and financial innovation, they engaged with Mainland experts to explore pathways for coordinated development and industrial upgrading. Their participation highlights the University’s engagement with broader discussions on innovation and industry development.

From left: Professor Ma Guancong from the Department of Physics, Professor Zhai Lixiang from the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Professor Gao Meng  from the Department of Geography, Professor Christy Cheung, Director of Research Office and Chair Professor in Information Systems and Digital Innovation Management, Professor Xu Chenjie, Associate Dean of the College of Biomedicine and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering from the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of the Graduate School, Franky Chan from BHKAEC, Professor Cheung Yiu Ming, Dean of IRACE and Chair Professor in Artificial Intelligence, Department of Computer Science, Professor Lyu Xiaopu from the Department of Geography

Furthermore, the Research Office also hosted a session of its “Research Mixer” series on February 5 in collaboration with the Beijing - Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. Five distinguished NSFC-funded scholars were invited to share their experience in grant applications, offering practical insights into the process. The session was very well received and was attended by more than 60 researchers from across disciplines at the University. Representatives from the HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education (IRACE) also travelled from Shenzhen to take part, joining the discussion and offering guidance. Established by HKBU in Shenzhen, IRACE serves as an innovation and research platform that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and facilitates the application of research outcomes. It places a particular emphasis on applied science and technological innovations, as well as talent development, contributing to interdisciplinary research efforts in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and across the nation.

This series of activities has enabled HKBU researchers to more clearly grasp the strategic direction set out under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), particularly its emphasis on advancing high-level technological self-reliance. It has also strengthened the University’s research foundations across a range of disciplines, including health sciences, humanities and social sciences, business and economics, urban development, science, and engineering. HKBU continues to play a leading role in advancing national scientific development. Through the application of research outcomes, patent initiatives, and training programmes, the University brings cutting-edge research closer to societal needs, supporting economic and industrial development, improving public well-being, and enhancing innovation capacity across both society and industry.

Looking ahead, the Research Office will continue to strengthen its research support environment and foster cross-regional, interdisciplinary collaboration. These efforts will further refine the University’s research direction while enhancing the global competitiveness and impact of Hong Kong’s higher education sector.