Early Career Scheme
The Early Career Scheme by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council funds new tenure-track academics to launch independent research and integrate research with undergraduate education in Hong Kong.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: August 21, 2026 (System opens) | October 30, 2026 (Full application deadline) | April 15, 2027 (Proposal updates)
Funding Amounts: Typical project range: HK$100,000–HK$2,000,000; lower thresholds: HK$150,000 (STEM) / HK$100,000 (HSS/Business); additional HK$50,000–HK$100,000 for outstanding education plans; up to 3–5 years duration.
Summary: Supports early-career, tenure-track academics at Hong Kong UGC-funded universities to launch independent research and integrate research with undergraduate education.
Key Information: Applicants may only submit to ECS or GRF (not both) per cycle; eligibility strictly limited to first three years of full-time academic appointment.
Description
The Early Career Scheme (ECS) is a flagship program of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) designed to nurture new generations of academic researchers. It provides competitive project-based research funding to early-career, tenure-track Assistant Professors (or equivalent) at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong, helping them establish independent research programs and integrate research with undergraduate education. The ECS offers special recognition and additional funding for proposals with outstanding research and education plans, and ensures junior academics compete only among their peers.
