HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Prize aims to recognize researchers for their contributions to science and technology. The prize is supported by some of the world’s most prominent names in technology including Tencent founder Pony Ma, NetEase founding chairman William Ding Lei and Baidu founder Robin Li Yanhong. Its donors said the prize focuses on rewarding scientists who make huge international influence and long-term contributions to their fields. This year’s finalists were chosen for their work on artificial intelligence, life science and new materials and energy.
The winners will be awarded at a ceremony in May. The finalists have been selected by a panel of judges from a list of nominations submitted by the public and experts. Their research has the potential to improve health, safety and well-being of Hong Kong people as well as people in wider society.
For this year’s HK Prize, there was a record number of submissions from local researchers. A total of 2,317 applications were received, compared to 1,890 last year. The Selection Committee said that the quality of entries this year was outstanding, with a wide variety of innovative projects and contributions.
The HK Prize is presented by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation to honor outstanding young researchers who are crucial to technological development in Hong Kong, Macau and China. It aims to encourage more young scientists to carry out research in frontier fields and create value through scientific innovation. The 2023 BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Laureates are Prof. JA Jiaya from The University of Hong Kong in the category of “STIP in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”; Dr. WONG Siu Lun Alan from the University of Hong Kong in the category of “STIP In Life and Health”; and Dr. LUO Xiapu Daniel from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the category of “STIP In Advanced Manufacturing”.
In addition to a cash prize, each winner will receive an engraved medal and book coupon worth HK$10,000. The prize is open to Mainland and Hong Kong PhD students or MPhil candidates. Submissions must be original and have significant impact on the advancement of human knowledge. They must be published during the year preceding the award date, i.e. between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The by-line must clearly indicate the researcher’s affiliation with HKU.
The HK Prize is one of the highest-profile prizes in Hong Kong and is a valuable opportunity for researchers to showcase their achievements. It is also a platform for young scientists to gain recognition for their research and contributions and to build up their career in Hong Kong and the world. Its organizers hope that it will encourage more young researchers to seek external funding support for their projects and help them realize their full potential. The HK Prize is sponsored by the Hong Kong SAR Government, with principal patron the Swire Group and other corporate supporters. The public can learn more about the prize and its Laureates by visiting an exhibition in the Science Museum.