Areas of Excellence Scheme
The Areas of Excellence Scheme funds Hong Kong universities to build interdisciplinary research teams that advance basic and applied science into internationally recognized areas of excellence.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026: Preliminary proposal submission deadline (must be submitted to the UGC Secretariat through the coordinating university’s Research Office by 5:00 pm)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$75 million direct project cost per project, maximum project duration 5 years.
Summary: Supports UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong to develop world-leading research strengths into internationally recognized areas of excellence.
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme is a flagship funding initiative by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), designed to enable UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong to build upon their research strengths and develop them into internationally recognized areas of excellence. The scheme supports both basic and applied research of high academic merit, emphasizing the formation of world-leading research teams, strategic development, and robust organizational structures. Projects are expected to be interdisciplinary or inter-institutional, address broad and significant research questions, and demonstrate a clear strategy for achieving international distinction and long-term impact for Hong Kong.
