Strategic Topics Grant
The Strategic Topics Grant funds collaborative, interdisciplinary research in Hong Kong focused on demographic change and ageing, prioritizing projects with strong impact and relevance to societal and policy needs.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (Application start) | September 2026 (Preliminary proposal deadline, 17:00 HKT)
Funding Amounts: HK$10 million–HK$40 million per project (up to 5 years; 90% RGC, 10% university match)
Summary: Funds collaborative research addressing demographic change and ageing society in Hong Kong, emphasizing impact and relevance.
Key Information: Only one application per Project Coordinator per cycle; capped at 5 applications per university.
Description
The Strategic Topics Grant (STG) supports large-scale, collaborative research projects that address significant societal issues for Hong Kong, with a current focus on "Demographic Change – Ageing Society." The program adopts a top-down approach, prioritizing proposals that are highly relevant to Hong Kong’s development and policy needs. Projects are expected to demonstrate long-term vision, clear pathways to impact, academic excellence, and strong collaborative teams. Interdisciplinary research and partnerships, especially those involving stakeholders in the Greater Bay Area, are strongly encouraged. While the primary focus is on three key areas—Health and Longevity in a Caring Community, Smart Technology and an Ageing Population, and Silver Society, Economy and Finance—exceptionally meritorious proposals outside these areas but within the overall domain may also be considered.
