Theme-based Research Scheme
The Theme-based Research Scheme funds major collaborative research projects in Hong Kong universities addressing key scientific, environmental, business, and technological challenges for the region’s future.
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 project; maximum project duration is 5 years.
Summary: Funds collaborative, theme-driven research projects of strategic importance to Hong Kong’s long-term development.
Key Information: Open only to UGC-funded universities; proposals must align with one of four designated research themes.
Description
The Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) is a flagship funding initiative of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), designed to focus the research efforts of UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic significance for Hong Kong’s future. The scheme targets four major research themes, each with specific grand challenge topics, to address pressing scientific, environmental, business, and technological challenges relevant to the region’s long-term development. The TRS emphasizes collaboration among leading researchers and supports projects that demonstrate world-leading potential, impactful outcomes for Hong Kong, and strong research structures.
