Early Career Scheme
The Early Career Scheme funds original, high-quality research by junior academics in Hong Kong, supporting both scientific development and undergraduate research training.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (full application) | April 2027 (requested updates)
Funding Amounts: Typical award up to HK$2 million per project; additional awards of HK$100,000 (Early Career Award) and HK$50,000 (education activities) per project.
Summary: Supports junior academics in Hong Kong with research funding, career development, and undergraduate research training.
Description
The Early Career Scheme (ECS) is designed to nurture junior academics at Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities, supporting their development in education and research. Launched in 2012/13 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the scheme provides flexible project durations based on the applicant’s academic experience, and offers additional recognition and funding for projects with outstanding ratings and educational plans. ECS uniquely ensures that early career researchers compete only among themselves, not with more established investigators. The program emphasizes academic quality, originality, feasibility, and the potential for broader social, cultural, or economic impact.
