Areas of Excellence Scheme
Forecasted
Areas of Excellence Scheme supports Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities with collaborative basic and applied research that builds existing strengths into internationally recognised areas of excellence.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Preliminary proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75 million in direct project costs over five years; discretionary Exploratory Option up to $10 million for one year
Summary: Supports UGC-funded universities in developing existing research strengths into internationally recognised areas of excellence.
Key Information: Applicants may submit only one application as Project Coordinator across AoE and the Theme-based Research Scheme per exercise.
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme, administered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), supports the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in building on existing strengths. It funds basic and applied research of high academic merit, with proposals expected to be broad and long term while remaining sufficiently focused. Research collaboration is a core requirement, and inter-institutional and within-university interdisciplinary projects are encouraged.
The scheme primarily funds major projects outside the themes and grand challenge topics of the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), including interdisciplinary collaboration involving humanities and social sciences. Successful proposals should combine research and teaching, pursue well-defined, interrelated research problems, and demonstrate clear purpose, direction and priorities. Assessment emphasises prospects for international excellence and relevance to Hong Kong’s long-term social and economic development.
