Areas of Excellence Scheme
The Areas of Excellence Scheme by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council funds collaborative, high-impact research to build internationally recognized strengths in Hong Kong universities.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: September 11, 2026: Preliminary proposal submission deadline (5:00 pm, via university Research Office, 2 hard copies + 1 soft copy)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$75 million direct project cost per project; maximum duration 5 years; “Exploratory Option” up to HK$10 million for 1 year
Summary: Supports Hong Kong universities in developing internationally recognized research areas through strategic investment and collaborative research.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible for the RGC General Research Fund and apply through their institution’s Research Office.
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme, administered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), is designed to enable UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong to consolidate and build upon their existing strengths, developing them into internationally recognized areas of excellence. The scheme supports both basic and applied research of high academic merit, with an emphasis on long-term, broad, and collaborative projects that can elevate Hong Kong’s global research profile. Inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary collaborations are strongly encouraged, and proposals should demonstrate world-leading potential, a clear strategic vision, and relevance to Hong Kong’s long-term development.
