Hong Kong’s science and technology entrepreneurs are bringing new energy to the world and helping drive innovation across sectors. This year’s Hong Kong prize focuses on five fields, including Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Life and Health, New Materials and New Energy, Advanced Manufacturing and FinTech. The judging panel has invited experts from around the world to select outstanding scientific researchers/ teams in the above fields, based on their impressive achievements and impact, and their commitment to build on Hong Kong’s strengths in science, serve society and contribute to the world.
Professor Thein Swee Lay, a Universiti Malaya (UM) alumnus, became the first Malaysian to win a Hong Kong prize, sharing the Shaw Prize for Life Sciences and Medicine with US-based colleague Dr Stuart Orkin. The pair discovered the mechanisms underlying the fetal-to-adult haemoglobin switch, which can be used to develop revolutionary therapies for sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. They are the youngest joint winners of the prize, which is worth HK$5 million over five years, and were recognised for their discovery that will have an extensive impact on human health and disease, as well as global food security.
The judging panel for the Hong Kong students’ prize this year will include academics and business leaders, and students will be judged according to their written reports on a chosen theme, as well as their degree of participation, systematic use of collected materials, objective analysis, citation of bibliography and footnotes and overall assessment of quality. The winning teams will be invited to a face-to-face interview with the panel.
Hong Kong Jockey Club will boost prize money for races at Happy Valley this year, including a big increase in Group 2 purses of 5.9% and a 3% rise for all classes. The increased funds will give trainers more incentive to compete at the top level and make the sport more attractive to jockeys.
It has been announced that the 2022 Xplorer prize, supported by Tencent Foundation, will be open to all scientists aged 45 or below in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau who are working in frontier disciplines. It aims to encourage young researchers, who are essential for Hong Kong’s technological development and innovation, by rewarding them for their breakthrough research that can help the region overcome challenges and contribute to social progress.
All original articles (including prospective or retrospective clinical studies, observational studies, epidemiological studies, basic science studies, meta-analysis and letters to the editor) published in HKJO during the year will automatically enter the selection process for this award. The results will be announced in the autumn of 2022. All entries must be accompanied by the first author’s contact details and research institution, and submissions awaiting peer review are not eligible for consideration. The deadline for submission is 11 September. Full details are available on the HKJO website.
