Top institute mulls scientists group in HK
The nation’s top science institute plans to set up an alliance of academicians in Hong Kong to help scientists conduct academic exchanges across the boundary, Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said on Friday.
There are 29 CAS academicians based in Hong Kong and collaboration between scientists from the city and the mainland is becoming increasingly frequent, Bai told Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor during a meeting in Beijing.
Convenient commuting between Hong Kong and the mainland is important for the academicians, Bai said.
Coincidentally, the State Immigration Administration announced on Thursday that academicians from the CAS and Chinese Academy of Engineering can use a priority counter at the boundary checkpoints.
Lam said the VIP boundary check arrangement for Hong Kong academicians is good news. She spoke highly of President Xi Jinping’s instruction in May, which grants Hong Kong scientists national scientific funding.
“With generous support and recognition from the central government, we feel more motivated to boost science and technology research,” Lam said.
Close collaboration between the CAS and Hong Kong universities has been fostered over the years, with 22 State joint laboratories based in different universities in Hong Kong.
In a recent evaluation of the laboratories, Bai said the Chinese University of Hong Kong stood out. “We plan to grant CUHK more support including funds. Besides, we will hold a conference in Beijing putting together scientists from science academies from countries on the Belt and Road. CUHK will be invited to be one of organizers.”
Bai also noted CAS would organize an innovation and technology exhibition in Hong Kong, selectively showcasing made-in-Hong Kong innovations. He recognized the upcoming event as an opportunity to explore cooperation with Hong Kong scientists and innovators.
Discussing Hong Kong’s part, Lam said two important clusters focusing on healthcare technologies and on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies are set to be built in the Hong Kong Science Park. This is to attract more tech-intensive companies or research institutions to the city.
She pledged to inject more funding into local scientific research and technology innovation.
On Thursday, 22 Hong Kong students from different universities in Hong Kong completed their six-week internships at the CAS. They were assigned to three research laboratories including automation, computer science and software.