Basic HTML Version
HKUST 2012-13 Annual Report
27
ENRICHMENT IN POSTGRADUATE
STUDIES
Pushing ahead with preparation for Professional
Development in Science (PDS) courses for
postgraduate researchers, the School recently
completed the development of a series of
mini-workshops covering teaching, research
management, and communication skills to be
launched in the 2013 academic year. These
courses emphasize students’ career development
and research ethics. During the year, the School
invited experts to organize workshops for
students on oral presentations and research
article writing skills as well as to give seminars
on responsible research conduct for PDS faculty
instructors.
To encourage postgraduate applications from
top non-local students, the School organized a
summer research program in 2013. Outstanding
undergraduates from outside Hong Kong were
invited to experience a five-week research
program with our science faculty. The program
received an overwhelmingly positive response
from high-caliber students in the region.
A new computational science concentration
was developed for Chemistry, Mathematics and
Physics research postgraduate students interested
in pursuing research in computation-related areas.
Preparations have also continued for the launch of
a new MSc Program in Environmental Health and
Safety and admission of the first batch of full-time
students for the MSc Program in Biotechnology.
The new concentration and programs will all be
rolled out in the 2013 academic year.
ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNIZED
During the academic year, the School
successfully secured large-scale grants from
the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based
Research Scheme, and the National Basic
Research Program of China (973 Program)
under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
School faculty led Areas of Excellence proposals
that were awarded funding subsequent to the
closing of this report. Faculty members and
their research teams continued to achieve
major breakthroughs in research, with findings
published in prestigious journals such as
Science
,
Nature Neuroscience
,
Cell Stem Cell
,
Nature
Materials
, and
Physical Review Letters
.
The School has established strategic partnerships
with leading overseas universities and
organizations, including Columbia University,
California Institute of Technology, University of
British Columbia, University of South California,
and CERN among others. Such collaborations
build new strengths, reinforce existing ones, and
enhance the University’s reputation.
The School has also collaborated with leading
organizations and enterprises, including CERN,
GlaxoSmithKline R&D China, Roche Hong Kong,
and the L’Oreal Group to offer hands-on training
to undergraduate and postgraduate students to
develop their research skills.
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
The School strives to enhance students’ holistic
development through enrichment programs.
During 2012-13, the School increased its
exchange partnerships and now has over
60 overseas exchange institution partners
worldwide.
To foster curiosity, creativity, and passion for
science among Hong Kong’s younger generation,
the School and Roche Hong Kong have launched
the Roche Young Scientist Award. This initiative
enables participants to discover their potential
and fosters enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
Through collaboration with BASF, the BASF Kids’
Lab was again organized during the summer,
enabling children to conduct experiments under
the guidance of our undergraduates to enhance
interest in chemistry.