The Hong Kong Prize was established to recognise and reward outstanding young scientists with the potential for achieving world-class results in basic research in frontier sciences and cutting-edge technologies. It is open to young scientists who are under 45 years of age (with the exception of those with a medical degree), mainly in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. It is one of the most prestigious and valuable science prizes in China and also among the top five prizes for young scientists.
The winning scholars will receive HK$10,000 and a certificate. They will also be invited to give a talk at the event. In addition, the Prize will offer a platform to raise awareness of the value of science and technology. It is hoped that the prize will encourage young people to pursue scientific studies and become innovative entrepreneurs, contributing to Hong Kong’s international development efforts and shaping its role on the global stage.
In the past, many of the Prize winners have gone on to win prestigious awards and recognition worldwide. For example, Gregory Winter, a Hong Kong-born microbiologist from the University of Hong Kong who won the Nobel Chemistry Prize in 2006, is currently a professor at the University of Cambridge in England. His pioneering work on the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance has helped to save lives and has contributed greatly to the advancement of medicine.
Five Hongkongers including Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Gwyneth Ho were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year for their fervent dedication to protecting freedoms in the city and campaigning for democracy. The five were also awarded the HK$100,000 BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE for their achievements in their respective fields.
The prize will be awarded to the best paper that contributes significantly to the improvement of human welfare in Hong Kong and overseas by means of scientific research, technological innovation or application. The papers should be original and not have been published or presented before in any form. They should have clear relevance to the social problems in Hong Kong and its surrounding areas, and should be of high academic standard. The winning papers should be submitted to the Award Committee before the deadline of September 30.
The prize is administered by an independent review procedure. The prize funds are raised through a public fund donated by BOCHK. The review process will be carried out by an independent review committee and compliance oversight team. The operation of the Prize will be conducted professionally, objectively and fairly. No organisation or individual shall exert undue influence on the review process. The Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team are responsible for the nomination of experts, the formulation of requirements for nominated researchers and ensuring the impartiality and integrity of the review process. The prize winner will be selected based on the final reviews by the Review Committee and the Compliance Oversight Team. The decisions of the Board are final.
