Call for Application

State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology (SKL-UPMT) 

Call for Application - Open Research Project 2026

In accordance with the operational principles of "Openness, Mobility, Collaboration, and Competition," and to cultivate high-level scientific talent in our field while strengthening domestic and international academic exchange, the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology (SKL-UPMT) has established the Open Research Project, aiming to support research and development in relevant fields.

Pursuant to the Program’s management guidelines, the Laboratory hereby announces the commencement of the 2026 Open Research Project application process. Details regarding submissions are outlined below:

I. Key Funding Areas

The SKL-UPMT Open Research Project shall closely align with the Laboratory’s research directions and priority missions, emphasizing research that is both fundamental and innovative. For the 2026 fiscal year, the following areas are proposed as key funding priorities:

1. Research on ultra-precision machining of difficult-to-machine materials;
2. Micro-Nano 3D manufacturing of advanced glass optics;
3. Ultra-precision manufacturing of ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor wafers;
4. Basic application research for future aerospace technology;
5. New generation of ultra-precision machining technology and intelligent equipment;
6. New generation of precision measurement technology and instrumentation;

Other innovative research projects that align with the Laboratory’s overall research directions and demonstrate cutting-edge characteristics.

II. Eligibility

1. Applicants should have experience in undertaking fundamental research projects or other activities related to basic research.
2. Researchers who hold a doctoral degree or currently serve in a position of Assistant Professor or above, and are engaged in research on ultra-precision machining technology, are eligible to apply for this Program.
3. Applicants must NOT be full-time or part-time staff of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
4. The Laboratory’s Open Research Project follows a collaborative model. Each project application must include at least one SKL-UPMT member as a collaborator whose research direction is closely related to the proposed topic.

III. Application procedure

1. Application Deadline: January 19, 2026
2. Application Form: Applicants shall download the application form from the Laboratory’s website.
3. Applicants shall submit the following materials to crystal.choy@polyu.edu.hk, with email subject “SKL-UPMT ORP 2026 + Applicant’s Name + Institution”.
   
   1. A scanned copy of the complete application form, signed and stamped by the affiliated department of applicant.
   2. Application Overview (Excel format; PDF conversion is not allowed).
   3. Project Summary (Word format; PDF conversion is not allowed).
   4. CV of Applicant.
4. The Academic Committee of the Laboratory will review applications and provide feedback in early 2026. Approved projects will receive an official project approval notice.
5. Each successful application under 2026 Open Research Project will receive a grant of HKD60,000-80,000. The project duration should be indicated as April 1, 2026 -December 31, 2027. Principal Investigators must submit mid-term and final reports as required. Any changes must be requested in writing at least three months in advance and approved by the Academic Committee and Director of the Laboratory.
6. All research outputs and publications resulting from the funded projects must follow the requirements in the Laboratory Open Research Project Management Guidelines, acknowledge with “本研究成果主要由超精密加工技術全國重點實驗室開放課題基金資助(項目編號：xxxx)” (for Chinese) or “The research outcome described was mainly supported by the Open Research Project under the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining (Project no. xxxx)” (for English).

For any inquiries, please contact SKL-UPMT at Tel: +852 2766 6577 (Ms Crystal Choy); Email: crystal.choy@polyu.edu.hk.

Attachments:

• Application Form (English template / Chinese template) 
• Application Overview
• Project Summary
• Application Guidelines

State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology

December 22, 2025