
What is YSS?
As a strong and research-oriented Faculty, the Faculty of Science is committed to providing our students with the best science education and incubating future scientists. Young Scientist Scheme (YSS) provides ample early research experiences for students in the 6688 Science Master Class Programme and outstanding students in the 6901 BSc Programme.
Special Feature
HKU-Cambridge Undergraduate Recruitment Scheme (Natural Sciences)
Cambridge-track for Selected YSS Participants in Natural Sciences Disciplines
Pathway of YSS
Year 1
Guidance from Research Mentor; Summer Research Fellowship
Year 2
2nd Summer Research Fellowship or Overseas Research Fellowship
Year 3
International Exchange,
Visiting or Summer Study
Year 4
Final Year Project; International Conference; Frontiers of Science Honours Seminar


International Exchange, Visiting and Summer Study
More information
Alumni/Student Sharing
Young Scientist Scheme (YSS) participants are enriched with ample opportunities throughout their studies. Let's hear their unique experiences that YSS guarantees for them:

Simba ZOU
BSc alumnus (Major in Physics (Intensive))
Summer Research Fellowship (SRF) participant in Laboratory for Space Research (LSR)
As a student enthusiastic about pursuing academic research, I benefitted significantly from participating in the Summer Research Fellowship Scheme (SRF), via which I worked at LSR on a topic related to observational Astronomy – so called Planetary Nebula. The research experiences greatly enhanced my problem-solving skills and my theoretical knowledge.
Conducting actual research required the ability to integrate multi-disciplinary knowledge such as programming, and to tackle real-life science problems. The beauty of an early research experience was that it encouraged students to explore their interests and learn actively out of classrooms.
All in all, SRF definitely strengthened my determination to pursue academic research in my later studies as well as reinvigorating my curiosity in Physics – the study from the fundamental building blocks of the universe, to the gigantic stars and galaxies we see upon the sky.

FELICIANNA
BSc alumna (Major in Food & Nutritional Science and minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology)
Summer Research Fellowship (SRF) participant in School of Biological Sciences
The SRF Scheme was a delightful experience to me. I realised that research is not merely in the lab; a lot of reading has to be done outside the lab. I was also glad to meet very kind and helpful people in the lab, to acquire technical and timemanagement skills, making the experience amazing. By having spent more than two months in the lab, I found that I enjoy working in the lab, and that pursuing research in the future is something I would highly consider. The experience helped me explore more possibilities of my future.

Morris CHAN
BSc student (Major in Geology(Intensive))
Overseas Research Fellowship (ORF) participant in Department of Earth Sciences
The Overseas Research Fellowship scheme was an incredibly satisfying, enjoyable, and enlightening experience. I had the chance to work with renowned professors in worldwide universities and witnessed the research workflow firsthand. Taking on responsibility for a mini academic research project, I was involved in every stage of work, from preparation to field studies and experiments, then to data interpretations and write-ups. This experience has greatly enriched my understanding of what it is like to work in academia.
This ORF scheme is a precious experiential learning opportunity that I would highly recommend to all science students. It is not merely a research project, but a remarkable journey where you can enrich your personal experiences and discover your own potential.

Tim SUI
BSc Student (major in Biological Sciences, minor in Mathematics)
Visiting student at Yale University
As a member of the Faculty’s Young Scientist Scheme, I got the privilege and sponsorship to go to Yale University for visiting study. At Yale, I experienced their graduation ceremony, attended some inspiring seminars, and even got to hear Nobel Laureate Svante Paabo share his insights. In addition, I took a research internship in Professor Gendron’s lab, where I applied mathematical modelling to study plant photoperiodism, which enhanced my systems biology skills and further fuelled my goals.

Eligibility

JUPAS
Best 5 HKDSE Category A subjects ≥ 35 scores automatically accepted to YSS, no interview is needed.

NON-JUPAS
Selected Non-JUPAS applicants will be invited to enroll in YSS.