HKU State Key Laboratories honoured at plaque presentation ceremony, contributing to national and global scientific excellence

The HKU State Key Laboratories were presented with plaques by the Ministry of Science and Technology on 25 August 2025. The presentation ceremony was officiated by Mr YIN Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology; Mr ZHOU Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR (LOCPG); and Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR.

The newly established State Key Laboratory of Optical Quantum Materials under the Department of Physics, alongside four existing State Key Laboratories, including the State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry led by the Department of Chemistry, further cements HKU’s position as the institution with the highest number of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong. 

Details of HKU’s State Key Laboratories in the Faculty of Science are as follows:

SKL of Synthetic Chemistry

The State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge basic and interdisciplinary research in sustainable green catalysis, precision synthesis, synthetic biology, and novel functional molecules. By advancing research in these cutting-edge areas, the laboratory is driving progress and development in advanced materials science and biomedicine in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through its innovative research, the laboratory continues to achieve breakthroughs, serving the major needs of the country's "dual carbon" policy, as well as in life sciences, health sciences, and new drug research and development.

Director: Professor Chi-ming CHE
Zhou Guangzhao Professor in Natural Sciences and Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry

SKL of Optical Quantum Materials

The SKL of Optical Quantum Materials merges the fields of photonics and two-dimensional materials to pioneer advancements in quantum and metamaterials. With a focus on ultrafast processes and topological structures, the laboratory drives technological innovation and supports the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a hub for cutting-edge research.

Director: Professor Xiang ZHANG
President and Vice-Chancellor; Chair of Physics, Department of Physics

Associate Director: Professor Shuang ZHANG
Interim Head and Chair of Physics, Department of Physics

Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, led a delegation on a visit to two SKLs of HKU Science.

On the same day, Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, led a delegation on a visit to HKU, accompanied by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The delegation held in-depth discussions with Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, along with the University’s Senior Management team and the directors of HKU’s State Key Laboratories. The delegation toured two of the SKLs, gaining insights into HKU’s groundbreaking research and contributions to scientific advancement.

Professor Xiang Zhang expressed gratitude to the nation and the HKSAR Government for their support of scientific and technological research in Hong Kong, 'Scientific and technological progress is deeply interconnected with the advancement of humanity. HKU is dedicated to nurturing research talent across diverse disciplines, not only by supporting our laboratories but also by spearheading fundamental research initiatives that align with national development strategies and address critical national needs. HKU remains committed in contributing to our city, our nation, and the global community.'