Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Global Innovation Centre (GIC)?
The Hong Kong government has announced in the 2021 Policy Address that a 4-hectare site at Pokfulam would be provided to HKU to construct facilities for deep technology research. HKU has been driving the planning of the Global Innovation Centre (“GIC”), an initiative that promotes upstream research for original discoveries and dives into deep, disruptive technologies that can advance human well-being and bring positive impactful influences on society.
2. What is basic research, and why is it important?
Basic research is the scientific pursuit that aims to understand the fundamental nature of things and phenomena. It is often curiosity-driven and focused on discovering new knowledge. Basic research is important because it lays the foundation for all scientific progress and innovation.
By understanding the fundamental principles of nature, scientists can develop new technologies, treatments, and solutions to societal challenges.
By understanding the fundamental principles of nature, scientists can develop new technologies, treatments, and solutions to societal challenges.
3. What is upstream foundational research, and how does it differ from applied research?
Upstream foundational research refers to the early stages of research that focus on understanding the underlying principles and mechanisms of a particular field or discipline. It is often characterized by its emphasis on fundamental theories, concepts, and methods, rather than practical applications. Applied research, on the other hand, focuses on using existing knowledge and techniques to solve practical problems or develop new technologies.
Upstream foundational research is important because it provides the building blocks for applied research and innovation. By understanding the underlying principles of a field, scientists can develop new technologies and solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable.
Upstream foundational research is important because it provides the building blocks for applied research and innovation. By understanding the underlying principles of a field, scientists can develop new technologies and solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable.
4. How does basic research benefit society, and why should we invest in R&D and a research hub like the GIC?
Basic research can lead to new insights and discoveries that benefit humanity. For example, basic research in physics has led to the development of new materials, semiconductors, and computer technologies. Basic research in biology has led to the discovery of new drugs, vaccines, and therapies.
Investing in basic research is important because it has the potential to drive long-term economic growth, improve public health and safety, and address some of the biggest challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, energy sustainability, and pandemics. By investing in basic research, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.
Investing in basic research is important because it has the potential to drive long-term economic growth, improve public health and safety, and address some of the biggest challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, energy sustainability, and pandemics. By investing in basic research, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.
5. How does the GIC fit into the national strategy and Hong Kong's vision to become an international innovation and technology centre?
The GIC is committed to supporting the national strategy and Hong Kong's vision by fostering a collaborative environment that brings together leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from around the world. We are dedicated to advancing original discovery and breakthrough innovation in emerging fields of science and engineering. By leveraging world-class facilities, cutting-edge research, and a global network, the GIC aims to bolster China and Hong Kong’s pursuit as leaders in the global innovation economy at this history-defining moment.
In particular, the GIC development supports the strategy promulgated in the 14th Five-Year National Plan of the Central People’s Government by fostering I&T development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Focusing on strategic areas such as advanced physical and chemical materials, biotechnology, alternative energy, emerging light sources and quantum technologies, GIC will serve as an upstream fountainhead of original discoveries feeding scientific research outcomes for translational research and application.
In particular, the GIC development supports the strategy promulgated in the 14th Five-Year National Plan of the Central People’s Government by fostering I&T development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Focusing on strategic areas such as advanced physical and chemical materials, biotechnology, alternative energy, emerging light sources and quantum technologies, GIC will serve as an upstream fountainhead of original discoveries feeding scientific research outcomes for translational research and application.
6. What are the research foci of the GIC?
The GIC focuses on six strategic research areas in its initial planning, including sustainable energy, quantum technology, genome and biomedical research, emerging light sources, FinTech/blockchain, and post-exascale computing. The centre also supports interdisciplinary research initiatives that address pressing global challenges such as climate change, population health, and sustainable development.
7. Where will the GIC be located and what will it look like?
The GIC will be located in the Pokfulam area of the Hong Kong Island, adjacent to the University’s planned medical research facilities at Sassoon Road and near the Queen Mary Hospital, with easy access to public transportation.
The design of the GIC will adopt a terraced design concept to blend into the surrounding landscape, while being sustainable and cutting-edge, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the centre. The site will be designed with sustainability in mind. The GIC will also feature landscaped gardens and open spaces to coexist with the environment and promote well-being.
The design of the GIC will adopt a terraced design concept to blend into the surrounding landscape, while being sustainable and cutting-edge, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the centre. The site will be designed with sustainability in mind. The GIC will also feature landscaped gardens and open spaces to coexist with the environment and promote well-being.
8. What facilities will the GIC have?
The GIC will be the first Deep Technology research facility in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area that focuses on translating original discoveries into deep technologies. It will have a range of facilities to provide an enabling environment for groundbreaking original research, including the most advanced laboratories, research facilities, etc. The GIC will feature state-of-the-art user facilities to meet the evolving research landscape and the needs of the scientific community.
The hub will attract talents from around the world, nurture local ones and nourish our future leaders in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector. A Scholars Residence will be provided at the GIC to accommodate global talents and facilitate their endeavours in the GIC.
The hub will attract talents from around the world, nurture local ones and nourish our future leaders in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector. A Scholars Residence will be provided at the GIC to accommodate global talents and facilitate their endeavours in the GIC.
9. What kind of support and resources will the GIC offer?
The GIC will offer cutting-edge facilities and resources to scientists and researchers, including research labs, innovation spaces, and advanced equipment. It will be a new platform for the local and international research communities at large to conduct intellectual exchange, debate and discover new knowledge. There will be supporting amenities, conference and event space where ideas and collaborations can form and benefit many generations to come.
10. How can I collaborate with the GIC?
The GIC welcomes collaborations with partners from academia, the industry, and the government. You can reach out through our website or by contacting us to explore potential collaboration opportunities. We also invite researchers and students to join our engagement initiatives.
11. How will the GIC benefit the community?
The GIC seeks to benefit the community in many ways, including better connectivity, creating more green open spaces and uplifting the slopes and infrastructure in the district. The development also aims at creating job opportunities, promoting STEM education, and contributing to a more resilient future together. It will be a platform for local and international researchers and scientists to bolster innovative economies.
In the long run, the GIC will give back and contribute to the neighbourhood through opportunities for community engagement, STEM education and outreach programs, promoting science literacy and inspiring our local youth on the value and impact of research discoveries.
In the long run, the GIC will give back and contribute to the neighbourhood through opportunities for community engagement, STEM education and outreach programs, promoting science literacy and inspiring our local youth on the value and impact of research discoveries.
12. How does the GIC engage with the Pokfulam community?
The GIC aims to connect with the community through our outreach initiatives, we welcome your feedback and ideas on collaborations that promote deep technology, STEM education and innovation.
13. How can I stay updated on the latest news and events at the GIC?
You can stay updated on the latest news and events at the GIC by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, or visiting our website regularly. We also invite you to join our community of innovators and researchers to stay connected with our latest developments and initiatives.
