HKU Physicist Awarded Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) Grant to Advance Quantum Science

In the recent announcement of the Research Grants Council (RGC) 2025/26 funding exercise, Professor Yi YANG, Belinda Hung Outstanding Young Professor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, has been awarded a Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG) of HK$4.7 million under the Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) to develop a novel electron microscope for pioneering quantum research. By utilising low-energy electrons and ultrafast laser pulses, Professor Yang's project aims to observe subtle quantum effects at the nanometre scale that are typically obscured in conventional instruments. This breakthrough facility will integrate high-resolution imaging with precise timing to support the development of next-generation quantum devices and photonic components, further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for quantum technology and instrumentation.

Established by the University Grants Committee (UGC), the CRF encourages multi-investigator and cross-disciplinary collaboration across institutions. The CREG specifically supports the acquisition of major research facilities to facilitate high-impact collaborative research that would otherwise be difficult to achieve for an individual university. By leveraging support from equipment suppliers and providing a platform for group users, this grant ensures that cutting-edge infrastructure serves the wider scientific community in Hong Kong.

For more details about the funding results, please click here.