UK Mission explores research collaborations in Hong Kong

University leaders and representatives from the UK Research and Innovation and Universities UK International gather to explore academic collaborations in higher education.

The British Council in Hong Kong organised a UK Higher Education Mission to Hong Kong during 5-7 March. With 10 university leaders and representatives from the UK Research and Innovation and Universities UK International, the Mission aimed to strengthen the UK’s profile in the city, explore opportunities for academic and research collaborations, and gain insights into the higher education and innovation development in the region.

As part of the programme, a roundtable was convened on 6 March to provide an opportunity for the Mission to discuss potential research partnerships with local university leaders. The two places have long historical ties in research, with the UK being Hong Kong’s third largest research collaborator, following mainland China and the US.

Facilitated by Prof. James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee, the roundtable discussed Hong Kong’s research landscape, along with the opportunities and challenges in fostering research partnerships between Hong Kong and the UK. Prof. Patrick Wong, Associate Vice-President (Research), engaged in an intriguing dialogue with the participants, reaffirming CUHK’s commitment to building collaborations with UK institutions. He also highlighted the success of a joint funding scheme with a UK partner, which has consistently attracted significant interest from researchers over the years.

Prof. Patrick Wong reaffirms CUHK’s commitment to building collaborations with UK institutions.

Currently, CUHK has partnerships with 38 institutions in the UK, covering student exchange programmes, dual undergraduate degree programmes, bachelor-master study options, and joint research centres. In recent years, the University has established strategic partnerships with The University of Manchester, the University of Exeter, and University College London to cultivate deep and impactful collaborations.