The HK Prize and Future Science Prize WeekThe HK Prize and Future Science Prize Week
If you are a researcher who is passionate about science and technology innovation in Hong Kong, there are a number of opportunities available to you. These awards not only offer monetary prizes but also provide access to the city’s premier research facilities. In addition, the award gives scientists the chance to present their work at a ceremony to gain international exposure for their projects.
The HK Prize is one of Asia’s premier awards, attracting thousands of applicants each year. It recognizes scientific research that has significant societal benefit and encourages young people to pursue their passion while broadening their global perspectives. It also promotes a culture of international cooperation and high moral integrity standards in our society.
Established in 2012, the competition is open to all students enrolled in secondary level education in Hong Kong who are nominated by their teachers. Shortlisted students compete for judges’ prizes of HK$8,000 and teacher prizes of HK$20,000; they will be invited to attend seminars and research internships hosted by prominent Hong Kong science institutions. In addition, students with the most votes from the public will receive the Public Vote Prize of HK$4,000 and their school will receive a HK$10,000 grant.
In a bid to inspire more young people to become scientists, the government will increase the quota of non-Hong Kong students studying in government-funded post-secondary institutions in mainland China, Macau and Taiwan. It will also offer more scholarships to outstanding students from the Belt and Road Initiative countries. It is hoped these measures will create a pool of talent in the region that can be drawn on to support the development of Hong Kong as a hub for science and technology innovation.
Another major event in the calendar of Hong Kong’s scientific community is the Future Science Prize Week, which will be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum for the first time this October. The US$1 million prize money, which is similar to the Nobel Prize, will be awarded to three winning researchers in the areas of life science, physical science and mathematics and computer sciences.
In addition to the main prize, there are two special awards that will be presented at the ceremony – the Education Prize and the Technology Development Prize. The Education Prize will be awarded to a researcher for his or her efforts in the advancement of education through innovative and interactive approaches, while the Technology Development Prize will be given to a scientist for his or her research in the application of advanced technology to improve the lives of people in Hong Kong. The winners of both awards will be announced at the ceremony on Oct 19.