Areas of Excellence

The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme is an initiative launched by the UGC with the objective of enabling development in research areas where Hong Kong has particular potentials and where Hong Kong can develop a competitive edge internationally. The UGC selects through competitive bidding AoE from proposals submitted by the UGC-funded institutions.

In 2001/2002, the University was awarded funding for the following AoEs:

• Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis (PolyU as co-lead institution)
• Research in Chinese Medicine and Further Development (PolyU as co-institution)

In January 2004, the UGC further announced funding support for the following AoEs, of which the University is one of the collaborating institutions:

• Developmental Genomics & Skeletal Research (PolyU as co-institution)
• Centre for Marine Environmental Research and Innovative Technology (PolyU as co-institution)

In addition to the funding provided by the UGC, the University provides considerable top-up funds to these AoEs.

Areas of Strategic Development

To move into a position of pre-eminence in Hong Kong and in the international arena, the PolyU has selected the areas of particular discipline strength as "Areas of Strategic Development" (ASDs) with the ultimate objective of reaching a standard of excellence on a regional or international basis. In addition to discipline strength, the selection took into account such criteria as demand from the community, uniqueness, short and long term benefits to academic inquiry, and potential for regional or international excellence.

The ASDs were given funding support, which has all been completed by June 2008.

Areas of Strength

Subject to assessment, an ASD on successful completion of its mission will be designated as an "Area of Strength" (AoS), which signifies that the discipline concerned has been established as a strength area that will continue as a prominent activity of the University, but without additional funding.

The following AoSs have been established :

• Training for Creativity and Innovation by Product and Process Design - A New Learning Factory
• Building Environmental Performance
  
• Fire Safety Engineering
  
• Mitigation of Urban Hazards
• Multimedia Signal Processing
• Atmospheric and Urban Air Pollution Research
• East-meets-West in Rehabilitation Sciences
• Design and Technology Innovation of Textiles and Clothing
• Myopia Research
• Smart Materials
• Telehealth and Telecare
• Logistics and Maritime Studies