Government allocates $7 million for strategic university research projects

The government has allocated HK$7 million in funding for two university research projects, according to the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) which announced the results of the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) for 2024-25.

This year, the SPPRFS received 37 applications addressing key strategic themes identified by the government.

Following the Assessment Panel’s advice, projects from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology were selected for funding due to their alignment with the long-term goals outlined in the 2024 Policy Address.

Both funded projects target strategic issues related to the development opportunities presented by the National 14th Five-Year Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

One project aims to boost Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center and promote Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, while the other focuses on planning low-altitude infrastructure and air mobility services for a low-altitude economy in the GBA.

The SPPRFS aims to encourage local experts and scholars to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues and facilitate the transfer of findings to policy considerations.

Applications are typically invited once a year and must align with designated strategic themes and research areas. They are evaluated by a panel of experienced academics and professionals.

The main assessment criteria include research quality and strategic relevance to Hong Kong’s public policy needs, with input from outside reviewers and relevant government departments considered in the evaluation process.

(Cheng Wong)