Areas of Excellence Scheme
The AoE Scheme funds Hong Kong universities to form leading interdisciplinary research teams and develop internationally recognized research excellence.
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 award; maximum duration 5 years
Summary: Supports UGC-funded Hong Kong universities in developing world-class research teams and internationally recognized areas of excellence.
Key Information: Only one application as Project Coordinator allowed per cycle (AoE or TRS); proposals must be submitted via university Research Offices.
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme is a flagship program by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) designed to help UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong build upon their research strengths and develop them into internationally recognized areas of excellence. The scheme aims to foster the formation of strong, strategic, and interdisciplinary research teams with robust structures and clear goals. Both basic and applied research of high academic merit are supported, with a focus on projects that are broad, long-term, and sufficiently focused to achieve world-leading status. Collaboration across institutions and disciplines is encouraged, and projects should demonstrate a clear sense of purpose and strategic priorities.
