
University of Hong Kong
Working, teaching and research at the University of Hong Kong
Information about the University of Hong Kong for Academics
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND RESEARCH
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. Its commitment to excellence drives continuous innovation and global engagement across all academic domains.
WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH AND GLOBAL COLLABORATION
HKU’s research spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, addressing issues that benefit industries, businesses, and society while staying at the forefront of technological and scientific progress. In the 2024/2025 academic year, HKU scholars published 7,182 research works and received 192 awards, demonstrating sustained productivity and recognition. Research in the Arts and Humanities also plays a crucial role, engaging with both local and global concerns to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge creation.
Our aim is to solidify our position as a world-class research centre that makes meaningful contributions to science and has enduring impact in local, national and global communities. Talent recruitment is central to that ambition, bringing together experts from diverse disciplines, partnering with prestigious universities and research institutes around the world. In 2025, the University welcomed around 100 top scholars, including Nobel Laureates and those from leading institutions such as Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Oxford. Many HKU academics rank among the world’s best in their fields. The University achieved a new milestone in 2025, with 232 professors recognised among the top 1% of scientists and 54 academics named “Highly Cited Researchers 2025”, placing HKU 13th globally for research influence.
LEADERSHIP IN RESEARCH FUNDING AND INNOVATION
HKU consistently secures a leading share of competitive government research funding. Its researchers collaborate internationally through joint research projects, visiting professorships, and joint doctoral programmes with world-class partners. In 2025, HKU recorded the highest number of young scientists awarded in Hong Kong, reflecting its strength in nurturing early-career researchers.
The University also leads Hong Kong by hosting the highest number of State Key Laboratories, with five dedicated to driving advancements in emerging infectious diseases, liver research, synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and optical quantum materials—fields that have a profound impact both regionally and globally. Since 1998, HKU has been granted 1,577 patents, showcasing its strong commitment to innovation.
NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOLARS
HKU is deeply committed to cultivating research talent through its Graduate School. Each research student benefits from an appointed supervisory committee and a strengthened progress monitoring system. Awards and fellowships recognise excellence, while the FutureReady Series enhances students’ professional and personal growth through academic workshops, annual symposia, alumni fireside chats, and wellness initiatives.
A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING COMMUNITY
Home to ten Faculties—Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences, and five Schools—Biomedical Engineering, Computing and Data Science, Future Media, Governance and Policy, and Innovation. HKU fosters interdisciplinary research and education for transformative breakthroughs and global impact, supported by over 10,000 academic, academic-related, and administrative staff.
Looking ahead, HKU continues to expand its global footprint with major infrastructure and research initiatives planned for Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, as well as Beijing, Shanghai, and Europe, reinforcing its mission to lead with excellence and innovation on the world stage.
Key Statistics for Professionals
Key data points related to studying at the University of Hong Kong
- No. of HKU professoriate staff ranked by Clarivate as being among the world's top 1% of scientists
- 232 (2025)
- No. of Highly Cited Researchers
- 54 (By Clarivate 2025)
- No. of State Key Labs
- 5 (as of 2026)
- Research outputs
- 7,182 (2024-2025)
- Awards
- 192 (2024-2025)
- Patents granted since 1998
- 1,577 (as of 2025)
- Non-local professoriate staff
- 74% (2025-2026)
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