Direction and Strategies

HKU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution engaging in innovative research with local, regional and global significance.  

Our research policy is formulated to strengthen capabilities in both fundamental and outcome-driven research and knowledge exchange within a culture that enables our researchers to flourish and innovate.

The University’s research strategies and policies are managed by the University Research Committee (URC), a committee of the Senate chaired by the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research). 

HKU aims to

• Foster outcomes-based partnerships with municipal bodies and private corporations to address the public interest and enhance funding competitiveness
• Strengthen strategic cross-institutional collaborations to expand research activities and access funding opportunities
• Diversify funding sources by collaborating with public and private agencies, tapping into global research funding, and fostering connections with academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists
• Enhance the University’s international network through research partnerships, strategic alliances, conferences, and joint evaluation exercises
• Focus on translational research to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to societal needs and global impact
• Strengthen strategic research themes to establish the University as a leading knowledge hub, sustaining international themes, attracting funding, incubating impactful areas, and supporting emerging researchers
• Articulate clear outcomes, enhance international collaboration, and foster the next generation of academic and societal leaders for impactful research and innovation