SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 

Joint Study Unveils How COVID-19 Adversely Impacts Placenta During Pregnancy 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) conducted research that sheds light on how COVID-19 infection may lead to late pregnancy complications. By analyzing MFI samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy donors, the team discovered that the virus triggers a significant increase in the immune response, potentially exposing the fetus to harmful inflammation. The infection also impairs placental blood vessel formation that will restrict fetal growth while also disrupting essential proteins needed for healthy placental function. This study paves a way for the development of potential molecular targets in future treatments to mitigate the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on maternal and fetal health.    

HKUST Scientists Unveil Promising Target for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment 

A research team led by Prof. Nancy IP, the President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the Director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND), has identified a cell surface protein found on immune cells of the brain, as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This new discovery not only expands the understanding of the disease pathology but also unveiled a new target for developing disease interventions, paving the way for developing novel therapeutics to combat this debilitating condition. 

HKUST Collaborative Research Predicts Hot Nights to Increase by 50% in 2040s And Extreme Rainfall to Increase by Over 40% 

A groundbreaking study by HKUST, CUHK, and HKU reveals alarming projections for Hong Kong's climate future, forecasting a 50% increase in hot nights (≥28°C) and over 40% higher extreme rainfall by the 2040s. The interdisciplinary research team combined advanced weather modelling with urban heat island analysis to identify high-risk districts like Sha Tin and Kowloon, while warning of heightened threats from heatwaves (particularly to elderly health) and unprecedented rainfall (up to 230mm/hour) that could trigger landslides and flooding. By translating scientific findings into actionable strategies, the partnership demonstrates how academic institutions can drive evidence-based climate adaptation while calling for collective emission reductions to mitigate long-term impacts.

Deciphering Fish Species Interactions for Climate Change Insights 

The team, led by Prof. Masayuki USHIO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Ocean Science at HKUST and Dr. Masaki MIYA at Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba, Japan, developed a new technique to a study how different fish species interact with each other in a coastal region by analyzing high-frequency time-series data from fish eDNA, making it possible to comprehensively monitor interactions among species. Among their important findings was that water temperature can have both positive and negative effects on how different fish species interact with each other. They also found that different fish species can react differently to changes in temperature, shedding light on how global warming can impact the complex relationships between fish species in coastal areas. The research paves the way for scientists to contribute to more accurate assessment of the ecosystem status and future predictions of its dynamics. 

Embrace Extended Reality to Marine Education 

A team of marine scientists employ extended reality (XR) to revolutionize people's experience in marine education. This UGC-funded project is led by Prof. Cindy Lam (Department of Ocean Science) and Prof. Sai-Kit Yeung (Division of Integrative Systems & Design) at HKUST, with joint collaboration of Prof. Apple Chui (School of Life Sciences) from CUHK, Prof. Jianwen Qiu and Dr. Veronica Chan (Department of Biology) from HKBU, and Prof. Cedric Tan (Environmental and Geographical Sciences) from the University of Nottingham Malaysia. 

The project aims to design a game app with immersive Virtual Reality (VR) eLearning tools with AI machine-learning platform “MarineGPT”. Our MarineGPT not only pushes the boundaries of marine understanding to the general public but also offers a standard protocol for adapting a general-purpose assistant to downstream domain-specific experts.  

HKUST Researchers Throw New Light on Carboxysomes in Key Discovery that could Boost Photosynthesis 

The team led by Prof. ZENG Qinglu, Associated Professor at HKUST’s Department of Ocean Science showed the overall architecture of carboxysomes, key protein compartments in bacteria that enable efficient carbon fixation, purified from a type of bacteria called Prochlorococcus, a vital marine bacterium. In collaboration with Prof. ZHOU Cong-Zhao of the School of Life Sciences in the University of Science & Technology of China, the team overcame one of the biggest technical difficulties in cell breakage and contamination, which would prevent the proper purification of carboxysomes. This discovery advances our ability to enhance natural carbon fixation processes with applications in biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and climate resilience.  

HKUST Net-Zero Action Plan

Following extensive consultations, HKUST's Action Plan is the first comprehensive net-zero blueprint released by a higher education institution in Hong Kong. It sets ambitious targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, aiming for a 50% decrease by 2035 and full net-zero by 2045. This plan builds upon the university's previous success, having already reduced GHG emissions by 34% since the launch of its first sustainability master plan in 2014.

HKUST Net-Zero Building Standard 

HKUST is committed to improving the energy efficiency of its new buildings as well as renovation projects through the implementation of newly updated HKUST Net-Zero Building Standards. The requirements outlined include anticipating future energy needs, maximizing metering and monitoring capabilities while keeping a flexible design to accommodate for future new sustainable technologies. 

ESG Investment Policy

In December 2022, HKUST became the FIRST university in Hong Kong to implement the ESG investment strategy to eliminate investments in fossil fuels. The Net-Zero Carbon Investment pledge also outlines the intention to allocate 5 per cent of investment to climate contributors by 2025.   

HKUST Enhances Global Educational Ties with Australian Institutions 

In their continued quest to reinforce HKUST's international collaborations, the senior management team held discussions with The University of Sydney (USYD), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the University of Queensland (UQ). HKUST has reached academic exchange agreement with UTS and QUT by the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with these 2 institutions. These in-person interactions served to strengthen the academic and research collaborations, enhance and broaden HKUST's global network and presence. 

HKUST Strengthens Global Bonds with the UAE 

HKUST welcomed a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), further fortifying our partnership and fostering dynamic knowledge exchange. This monumental visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening bonds with the Middle East region.  

The UAE's Economy Minister H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al MARRI and his delegation engaged in insightful discussions with HKUST Acting President Prof. GUO Yike and other senior leaders. The discussions revolved around exploring potential collaborations in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, knowledge transfer, and student recruitment. This visit has laid a solid foundation for future collaborations and the cultivation of international talents. 

HKUST Expands International Network with Leading Universities 

HKUST remains dedicated to fostering international collaborations with renowned institutions worldwide, aiming to provide our students and faculties with exposure to diverse perspectives and shape a better future for higher education. Recently, HKUST leadership hosted delegations from the Fondation de France, the University of Warwick, Seoul National University and Korea University. These visits have greatly facilitated invaluable academic and research collaborations, the sharing of knowledge transfer strategies, and forward-thinking discussions. 

HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital Forge Strategic Partnership to Nurture Innovative Medical Talents 

HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University (Beijing Tiantan Hospital) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to jointly nurture innovative medical talents with expertise in both research and clinical practice. HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital launched a key talent training program where physicians selected for the program will enhance their research and clinical practice by undergoing research training at the University, during when they will actively participate in frontier research projects and learn the latest research approaches and technologies. The two parties will collaborate on research projects in areas including neuroscience, artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical engineering, to promote the translation of cutting-edge technologies into clinical applications.  

HKUST Fosters Partnerships with Institutions from the United Kingdom and Switzerland 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) warmly welcome visits of two international institutional partners, The University of Manchester from the United Kingdom & Manchester China Forum and Swissnex from Switzerland in early November. These visits underscore HKUST’s dedication to international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge. 

The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) 

HKUST is a member of the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), which provides an international forum to support higher education institutions in exchanging information, ideas, and best practices for achieving sustainable campus operations and integrating sustainability in research and teaching. As part of ISCN, HKUST actively collaborates with global peer institutions to develop best practices for tackling challenges in SDG achievements. 

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) 

HKUST is an active member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Hong Kong, an organization that bridges science, policy, and development practices to optimize SDG achievements across global, regional, national, and local scales. The SDSN collaborates with a diverse array of entities, including UN agencies, private sector, governmental bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups globally. 

Joint Declaration on Embracing a Living Lab Approach to Promote Carbon Neutrality 

The Joint Declaration on Embracing a Living Lab Approach to Promote Carbon Neutrality, spearheaded by HKUST, unites universities globally to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for all. Acknowledging universities' pivotal role in research and innovation to mitigate climate impacts, we commit to advancing carbon-neutral solutions through our campuses as "living labs." This commitment includes upholding UN Sustainable Development Goal 13, fostering hands-on research and learning, nurturing partnerships for campus-based innovation, sharing best practices, and driving research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations.   

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

HKUST is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a leading association for the advancement of sustainability in higher education. As a designated institution for Centers for Sustainability Across the Curriculum to increase the accessibility and diversity of sustainability-oriented training, HKUST offers workshops to support faculty from other institutions in addressing diverse sustainability challenges and interests.   

Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC) 

The Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC) unites Hong Kong’s eight publicly funded universities, with HKUST playing a key role. The consortium promotes sustainability through research, teaching, policies, operations, and outreach; facilitates best practice exchanges via programs and specialist groups; hosts public discussions through conferences and digital platforms to engage stakeholders in developing solutions; and encourages resource sharing as universities expand their sustainability initiatives. 

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation 

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is a public corporation set up by the Hong Kong Government to foster innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. HKUST collaborates with the HKSTP to advance sustainable technology innovation and development.   

Through the HKUST Living Lab Incubation program, HKUST supports HKSTP green tech startup research and development through pilot projects on HKUST campus, while advancing R&D collaboration with HKUST faculty. 

Hong Kong Green Tech Challenge 

HKUST is a Corporate Partner of the Hong Kong Green Tech Challenge, a joint initiative between Carbonless and the HKSTP. Carbonless Asia works with governments, investors, NGOs and leading corporations to accelerate investments into scalable carbonless technologies and projects.   

Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge for Sustainable Tourism 

Hong Kong Express is a Hong Kong-based low cost airlines. The "Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge," is an exciting initiative that empowers students to design lower-carbon travel adventures and become champions of sustainable tourism. Launched in 2024, this campaign challenges young minds to embrace sustainable travel by creating innovative itineraries and turning them into unforgettable, real-life experiences. HKUST is a partner of this sustainable education program on sustainable tourism and the aviation industry.   

ESF (English Schools Foundation) 

English Schools Foundation (ESF) is an organisation that runs 22 international schools in Hong Kong. HKUST supports the ESF KG5 Sustainability Leadership Program, campus tours and talks on solar energy, energy and water conservation.  

Time Auction 

Time Auction is a charity that advocates volunteerism. They encourage volunteering with inspiring experiences, while connecting skilled-volunteers with NGOs. 

HKUST is a partner whereby we have contributed through 131 active members, 157 project applications submitted ⁠and 884 hours of volunteer work logged.  ⁠From partnering to offer volunteering service through Beach Clean Up & Ocean Science Lab Visit, to hands-on volunteering of our staff and students as volunteers,  HKUST continues to set the bar high for impactful volunteering in Hong Kong. 

Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau 

HKUST has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen and expand collaboration in sustainability, education, research and innovation, building on a solid foundation the two parties have co-established. 

Seminars held included HKUST X FRANCE “Green Finance": The Way Forward, and HKUST x France One Ocean Conference. 

HKUST Forges New Bonds with Belgian Partners 

Joining the university delegation was Mr. Siegfried VERHEIJKE, Commercial and Economic Consul from the Consulate General of Belgium in Hong Kong. Together, they engaged in a fruitful exchange with HKUST's Prof. George YUAN, Faculty Representative from the School of Engineering, and Prof. Kristiaan NEYTS, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Displays and Optoelectronics Technologies (SKL of ADT). The meeting allowed for rich discussion of the latest developments at both universities and exploration of potential collaborations spanning student exchanges to joint research initiatives. 

HKUST Further Enhances Collaboration with French Consul General 

HKUST warmly welcomed the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Ms. Christile DRULHE on campus on May 3. CG Drulhe engaged in meaningful discussions with HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and key faculty members, on a wide array of initiatives designed to strengthen the ties between France and Hong Kong. Topics of discussion included leadership dialogues with French universities, collaborative academic programs, student mobility, and enriching cultural exchanges. HKUST shall continue the close cooperation with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen the partnership and jointly explore new areas of collaboration.

HKUST President Leads Delegation to UAE Securing Partnerships on Research, Tech Transfer and Talent Development 

The HKUST delegation, led by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP, established valuable ties and partnerships with prominent institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to foster education, research, and innovation. HKUST signed two agreements during the trip, one with DFF – a Dubai government entity with a mission to drive the city 10 years ahead by delivering high-quality futuristic impact – that entails a wide range of collaborative activities including joint research and knowledge transfer projects. The second agreement, signed with the University of Sharjah, focuses on academic collaboration, which includes dual degree programs, joint graduate supervision, joint research programs, sharing of academic materials and scientific information. These agreements underscore our commitment to advancing academic and research excellence and promoting cross-cultural exchange with the UAE. 

University YMCA – HKUST 

HKUST and the Chinese YMCA (NGO) of Hong Kong collaborated to launch the University YMCA program at HKUST in March 2010. Since then, we have initiated numerous partnership projects and programs, leveraging each other's strengths to explore service opportunities. This has facilitated the all-round development of HKUST students and contributed to both local and broader communities. These projects are crafted to support YMCA’s Vision 2030, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We strongly believe our collaboration empowers our communities and students to foster a just, sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world.  

Master of Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Science and Management (EVSM)

the Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST offers Master of Science and Postgraduate Diploma programs in Environmental Science and Management (EVSM). These programs equip graduates to address growing environmental issues and tackle sustainability challenges. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, including environmental science, policy and management, sustainable development, and environmental technology. For detailed information on course offerings, please click on the "Courses" section under Curriculum & Courses in the left menu. 

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