Neuroscience
Our neuroscience study combines biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, human genetics, “omics” studies, and stem cell biology to advance understanding of brain functions in health and disease.
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Research
Research
Pushing the boundaries of innovation, making new discoveries and establishing new research paradigms.
The research reputation of the School of Science is built upon the strengths of its faculty members, who are renowned experts in multiple fields of science.
Research
Research Strengths and Projects
The research reputation of the School of Science is built upon the strengths of its faculty members, who are renowned experts in multiple fields of science.
Stem Cell
Stem cells have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate. They are generally classified into two main types, namely pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs) and tissue stem cells.
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Materials Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry has strengths in the area of synthesis and characterization of new optical materials and their applications.
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Environmental Chemistry
Environmental chemistry research involves the study of chemical composition, reactions, and effects of substances in the environment, regardless of whether their origins are natural or anthropogenic.
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Drug Synthesis and Development
Our research on drug synthesis and development aims to develop new and efficient synthetic strategies for chemical synthesis of bioactive natural products, investigate their biological activities, and elucidate their mode of action and cellular targets.
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Scientific Computing and Data Science
Scientific computing and data science are two prevailing research areas strongly advocated and focused for development in the Department of Mathematics.
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Wave Functional Materials
Metamaterials and photonic crystals are designed structures with properties and material parameters that go beyond those given by natural or composite materials.
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Quantum Science
Quantum science studies how the laws of quantum mechanics could lead to novel phenomena in natural and artificial materials and impact the transmission, encryption, and processing of information.
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Ocean Science and Technology
The Department of Ocean Science emphasizes building multi- and cross-disciplinary research programs in Ocean Science and Technology.
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Research Units
The world-class research conducted in the School is supported by the work of our research units. Well-equipped with the latest technologies, these units enable our faculty to stay at the forefront of their fields.
State Key Laboratory
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience
Prof. Nancy IP · Life Science
boip@ust.hk
Institutes
- Biotechnology Research Institute
Prof. Tom CHEUNG · Life Science
tcheung@ust.hk - William Mong Institute of Nano Science and Technology
Prof. Ho Bun CHAN · Physics
hochan@ust.hk - Big Data Institute
Prof. Yang WANG · Mathematics
yangwang@ust.hk - Energy Institute
Prof. Henry YAN · Chemistry
hyan@ust.hk
Centers
- Center for Chinese Medicine R&D
Prof. Karl TSIM · Life Science
botsim@ust.hk - Center for Epigenomics Research
Prof. Danny LEUNG · Life Science
dcyleung@ust.hk - Center for Fundamental Physics
Prof. George SMOOT · Physics
- Center for Metamaterials Research
Prof. Jensen LI · Physics
jensenli@ust.hk - Center for Quantum Materials
Prof. Ning WANG · Physics
phwang@ust.hk Center for Stem Cell Research
Prof. Zhenguo WU · Life Science
bczgwu@ust.hkHKUST The Big Data for Bio Intelligence Laboratory
Prof. Yang WANG · Mathematics
yangwang@ust.hk- Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
Prof. Jianwei SUN · Chemistry
sunjw@ust.hk - Molecular Neuroscience Center
Prof. Yung Hou WONG · Life Science
boyung@ust.hk
Facilities
- Glassblowing Facility
Prof. Wa-hung LEUNG · Chemistry
chleung@ust.hk - Biosciences Central Research Facility (CWB)
Prof. Ho Yi MAK · Life Science
hym@ust.hk - IAS Center for Quantum Technologies
Prof. Bei ZENG · Physics
zengb@ust.hk - Laboratory Animal Facility (CWB)
Prof. Zhenguo WU · Life Science
bczgwu@ust.hk - Materials Characterization and Preparation Facility (CWB)
Prof. Ho Bun CHAN · Physics
hochan@ust.hk
Events & News
Scientific Breakthroughs and Discoveries
The School fosters an environment that encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary research collaboration. Some of the recent significant breakthroughs and discoveries made by our faculty members are highlighted here.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
To foster an environment that encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary research collaborations, the School has identified a number of areas where it can better leverage and integrate its strengths.
Ocean and Environmental Science
Our study of Ocean and Environmental Science combines expertise, knowledge and technology from different disciplinary areas. We emphasize understanding of the environment as an integrated system which encompasses factors involving air, land and water, as well as natural processes and human activities through the study of both physical and biological properties.
- • Genomic and Proteomic Responses of Marine Invertebrate Larvae to PBDEs and Hypoxia — Prof. Peiyuan QIAN, Ocean Science
- • Real-time Airborne Particulate Matter Pollution Source Identification — Prof. Jianzhen YU, Chemistry
Data Analytics
Through the joint efforts of our faculty from different fields, the School is endeavored to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of data analytics. With multiple facets and approaches, data analytics has been widely used in science, social science and business, providing opportunities to translate academic research to real-world application.
- • Data Analysis on Cancer Evolution — Prof. Jiguang WANG, Life Science
- • Big Data Analytics in Genomics — Prof. Can YANG, Mathematics
Super-resolution (SR) Imaging
SR imaging capability is crucial for HKUST’s competitiveness at the forefront of biophysical and biomedical research. The School of Science and the Institute for Advanced Study have initiated this interdisciplinary project to develop cutting-edge STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy) as a platform for collaborations among Life Science, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.
Knowledge Transfer
Throughout the years, the School of Science has built a culture of Knowledge Transfer to advance societal impact. HKUST has emphasized technology transfer since its inception — an exemplary institution for talents to congregate and collaborate while maintaining academic rigor and integrity.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Spin-outs including AIEgen Biotech and AUISET Biotechnology (fluorescent AIEgens with Prof. Benzhong TANG) and Acoustic Metamaterials Group (founded under the mentorship of Prof. PING Sheng) take School discoveries into the market.
Research Collaboration
Long-term partnerships such as Mathematics with WeGene on genetic analysis, and the HKUST–Nexperia laboratory on semiconductor data analytics, connect faculty and students with industry.
Social Engagement
Ocean Science faculty support Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site ecological monitoring for AFCD, and diagnose eutrophication and hypoxia around Hong Kong waters to inform marine protection.