Five State Key Laboratories (SKLs) from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) were honoured with plaques by the Ministry of Science and Technology, marking a significant milestone and the promise of further national and international technological advancement. SKLs are the top nationally funded research facilities that focus on innovative basic and applied research, particularly in areas aligned with national priority and development goals.

The plaque presentation ceremony on 25 August 2025 was officiated by Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology; Mr Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. (LOCPG); and Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR).

Professor Xiang Zhang, HKU President and Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the nation and the HKSAR Government for their support of scientific and technological research in Hong Kong. “Scientific and technological progress is deeply interconnected with the advancement of humanity, and HKU is dedicated to nurturing research talent across diverse disciplines,” he said.

HKU hosts the highest number of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong, which cover a wide range of disciplines and areas of research, beginning with the establishment of the SKL of Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2005. A bold and pioneering initiative, it was the first facility of its kind, uniquely integrating monitoring and early warning systems, foundational and clinical research, and applied translational studies.

The SKL of Liver Research bridges cutting-edge basic research with clinical practice to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease. By harnessing its expertise in foundational science and clinical management, the laboratory drives innovation and improves outcomes in liver health.

The SKL of Synthetic Chemistry is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge basic and interdisciplinary research in sustainable green catalysis, precision synthesis, synthetic biology, and novel functional molecules. By advancing research in these cutting-edge areas, the laboratory is driving progress and development in advanced materials science and biomedicine in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The SKL of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is committed to advancing foundational research on metabolic chronic diseases and pioneering the development and clinical application of macromolecular therapeutics. Through its innovative work, the laboratory aims to address critical health challenges and improve patient outcomes.

And last but by no means least, the newly established SKL of Optical Quantum Materials merges the fields of photonics and two-dimensional materials to pioneer advancements in quantum and metamaterials. With a focus on ultrafast processes and topological structures, the laboratory drives technological innovation and supports the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a hub for cutting-edge research.

On the day of the ceremony, Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, led a delegation to visit HKU, accompanied by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the LOCPG in the HKSAR.

The delegation toured two of the SKLs and held in-depth discussions with Professor Xiang Zhang, the University’s Senior Management team and the directors of HKU’s State Key Laboratories.

“For the past 20 years, the University has unwaveringly supported our State Key Laboratories and fundamental research initiatives that align with national development strategies and address critical national needs,” noted Professor Zhang, adding, “Today, HKU remains committed to contributing to our city, our nation, and the global community.”

This article was originally published in Keynotes@HKU, August 2025 issue