Faculty Knowledge Exchange (KE) Award 2025

Professor Thiyagarajan VENGATESEN
Professor, School of Biological Sciences

In the face of climate change, the humble oyster—a carbon-neutral superfood—is under threat. In Hong Kong, Professor Vengatesen T (Rajan) and his team are fighting back with science.

For over a decade, Professor Rajan has pioneered a unique approach, training the next generation of scientists to harness genomics, artificial intelligence, and engineering to uncover how some oysters naturally withstand warming and acidified seas. By mapping the genetic blueprint of resilience, his group has successfully bred the ‘HKU’s super oyster’—a strain designed to thrive in our new climate reality.

The impact extends far beyond the laboratory. This research is empowering local growers with more reliable harvests and premium-quality oysters. It guides policymakers toward sustainable practices and inspires young entrepreneurs to see the future of food in the ocean. Specifically, Professor Rajan’s applied research results have (1) improved oyster grower’s confidence of producing oysters with decreased mortality and improved meat quality, (2) helped industry and government coastal managers and legislation makers to develop policy guidelines for regulating oyster farming with sustainability and (3) triggered student entrepreneurs who are interested in blue food production using modern technologies as part of climate change mitigation.  

The next chapter is already underway: the development of non-reproductive triploid ‘HKU super oysters’ that maintain their superb meat quality year-round. This innovation is set to transform the regional aquaculture industry, with projected economic value exceeding RMB 7 billion by 2030.

At its heart, Professor Rajan's work is about building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous blue economy, one oyster at a time.