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About Us

Dean's Message

Dean

Professor Qiang ZHOU
Dean
Faculty of Science

“Welcome to the HKU Faculty of Science, one of the world’s premier science faculties. For the past eight decades, we have paired cutting-edge research with innovative teaching programmes. Our scholars have made impactful discoveries that push the boundaries of their fields in the global arena, while nurturing inquisitive students and pioneering new paths of pedagogy. We continue to strive for excellence in order to meet the most challenging needs of our times, inspire the next generation of science leaders, and create a better future for us all.”
 
The Faculty of Science is a multinational and multicultural network where intellectual minds meet. Over 30% of our students and 40% of our academic staff hail from outside of Hong Kong, reflecting the University's vision for cultivating an international and inclusive environment. Our Faculty is renowned worldwide for promoting scholars who embody our mission of excellence in research, teaching, and the exchange of knowledge.
 
In the Faculty of Science, exceptional scholarship is vital. Our prominent academics advance their fields with research that leads in quality and significance throughout the world. 18.3% of our professoriate staff (average over the past decade) are classified top 1% scholars (Clarivate Analytics' Essential Science Indicators). Our scholars are recognised by prestigious academies – the Faculty includes four members of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, five members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and eight members of foreign Science Academies.

 

We have led two projects in the InnoHK programme, six Areas of Excellence (AoE) projects, a State Key Laboratory in Synthetic Chemistry, and have partnered with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) for three HKU-CAS Joint Laboratories. These accomplishments are a testament to our researchers’ efforts and eminence.

 

Our position as a world leader has been further affirmed by the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Under the Panels of Physical Sciences and Biology, we outperformed other local universities and achieved the highest percentage of world-leading (4*) ratings in three of the Units of Assessment. Overall, 83% of the research submissions by HKU Science’s qualified staff is rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), with some disciplines even achieving over 90%. To name a few, HKU Chemistry achieved a rating of 99%, Physics and Astronomy 95%, Earth Sciences and other physical sciences 85%, and Mathematics and Statistics 82%. 

 

At the heart of our philosophy is the conviction that quality of research goes hand in hand with quality of student education. Our professors possess not only remarkable accomplishments in frontier research, but also dedication to inspiring inquisitive young minds. Our students’ experiences are enhanced by learning from and working alongside the professors who make today’s most exciting discoveries in HKU’s very own laboratories. 

 

Additionally, we offer a myriad of internationally-accredited degree programmes. To keep abreast of society’s evolving needs, we have launched an array of new initiatives in recent years, including our elite Science Master Class programme, intensive majors, articulation pathways to versatile programmes, and a Minor in Science Entrepreneurship. Embracing the increasing relevance of multidisciplinary fields, we offer new programmes such as Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (Applied AI) and Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with other HKU Faculties. Through this innovative education, we equip our young leaders to drive the momentum of entrepreneurship, curiosity, and advancement. 

 

The Faculty embraces ambitious strategic plans to bolster our quality in research and education. We believe in driving innovation as a means to transform into new dimensions. We aim to strengthen our international leadership and grow our global collaborations. We are confident that our researchers will continue to make seminal, cutting-edge discoveries that address the needs of today, uplift our students, and prepare us for a brighter future.

I invite you to explore the website and discover more about the Faculty of Science.


Professor Qiang ZHOU
Dean of Science