Areas of Excellence Scheme
The AoE Scheme funds Hong Kong universities to develop world-class, collaborative research projects with significant long-term impact and international excellence outside predefined themes.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Preliminary proposal submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$75 million direct project cost per project | Maximum duration: 5 years
Summary: Supports UGC-funded Hong Kong universities in developing internationally recognized research areas of excellence.
Key Information: Scheme is open only to those eligible for the RGC General Research Fund; only one application as Project Coordinator per cycle.
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme is a flagship funding initiative by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) aimed at supporting UGC-funded Hong Kong universities to build upon their existing strengths and develop world-class research areas. The scheme encourages the formation of strong, strategic project teams with clear visions and robust structures, targeting both basic and applied research of high academic merit. Projects should strive for international excellence and demonstrate significant long-term impact on the social and economic development of Hong Kong.
Key features include a focus on inter-institutional or interdisciplinary collaboration, a strong emphasis on research and teaching integration, and a requirement for a clear strategic approach. The AoE Scheme is distinct from the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), primarily supporting major projects outside the TRS’s defined themes and grand challenge topics.
