Research Grants Council workshop promotes excellence in Hong Kong's self-financing tertiary sector
The Research Grants Council held a workshop and poster display on 11 November 2026 at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, drawing over 200 scholars from the self-financing degree sector to share insights on research and collaboration.
The Research Grants Council (RGC) held a workshop and project poster display for the local self-financing degree sector on 11 November 2026 at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong. The event gathered over 200 scholars from the sector.
The workshop was designed for teaching and research staff in the self-financing sector, providing a platform to exchange insights and experiences on innovative research and outcomes. It also strengthened RGC's partnership with the sector and promoted cross-institutional collaboration and interaction, sharing successful research practices among participating institutions.
Speaking at the opening session, RGC Chairman Professor Timothy Tong Wai-cheung said: 'This year is a landmark year. As the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan unfolds, Hong Kong is actively implementing the first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030). The RGC will fully and strategically align itself, working with higher education institutions to build Hong Kong into an international higher education hub.' He added that the RGC is actively building a strong research talent pipeline and strengthening related research support, aiming to create a diverse and vibrant innovation ecosystem to advance research excellence in Hong Kong.
The workshop featured faculty members who had successfully secured funding under the Competitive Research Funding Scheme for the Local Self-financing Degree Sector, sharing their experience in writing research proposals. Professor Li Juan, Chairperson of the Assessment Panel for the scheme, along with panel members, also shared their observations and opinions on applications received in the latest round. The event also featured a poster display showcasing completed projects under the Faculty Development Scheme, highlighting research outcomes and their social impact.
Professor Tong continued: 'Looking ahead, the RGC will remain steadfast in optimising its various funding schemes to support the self-financing sector in pursuing higher academic excellence, promoting synergy among institutions, and translating research outcomes for the benefit of society.'
The Competitive Research Funding Scheme for the Local Self-financing Degree Sector aims to develop and enhance the research capabilities of self-financing institutions and their faculty. Since the RGC launched its research funding schemes in 2013, it has funded nearly 1,100 research projects, with total grants exceeding HK$1 billion.
