Collaborative Research Fund
The Collaborative Research Fund supports cross-university, multi-disciplinary research and equipment projects to boost collaboration and scientific excellence among Hong Kong universities.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Preliminary proposal electronic submission deadline | February 2027: Hard copy and searchable soft copy submission to UGC Secretariat via university Research Office by 17:00 HKT
Funding Amounts: HK$2M–$10M per project (Project/Equipment); HK$2M–$5M (Young Collaborative); up to 3 years (extensions to 4–5 years possible with justification)
Summary: Supports cross-disciplinary, multi-investigator research and equipment projects to foster collaboration and research excellence among Hong Kong universities.
Key Information: 50% matching funding required; only one application as Project Coordinator permitted per cycle.
Description
The Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) is a major funding scheme of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) designed to promote high-quality, cross-disciplinary, and cross-institutional research among UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. The CRF supports three types of grants:
- Collaborative Research Project Grant (CRPG): For multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary research projects that engage research groups across universities and disciplines. Focuses on enhancing research output, capacity building, and developing research strengths.
- Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG): For the acquisition of major research facilities or equipment (including library acquisitions) that cannot be afforded by a single university and are intended for collaborative use.
- Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG): For early-stage academic staff to gain experience in leading and managing collaborative research, preparing them for future larger-scale funding.
Funding covers staff, equipment, and general project expenses. Proposals are assessed on academic merit, collaboration effectiveness, project viability, and the potential to develop research strengths.
