Substantial Research Impact Fund Secured to Safeguard Hong Kong Oysters from Environmental Collapse

Professor Thiyagarajan VENGATESEN from the School of Biological Sciences and the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) has been awarded HK$4,165,000 under the Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2025/26 exercise for a project addressing the critical decline in Hong Kong oyster production caused by climate change. By integrating genomic, phenotypic, and metabolomic data through deep-learning, Professor Thiyagarajan’s team will selectively breed climate-resilient oyster strains and develop sustainable eco-pond fattening strategies to deliver economically viable solutions that safeguard the livelihoods of local growers and ensure the future of premium oyster production in the region.

The RIF, established by the University Grants Committee (UGC), aims to encourage local academics to deliver research with significant benefits to the wider community and foster collaborative projects beyond academia, involving government departments and industry partners.