News & Stories

Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an eco-friendly refrigeration device with record-breaking cooling performance in the world, setting to transform industries reliant on cooling and reduce global energy use. With a boost in efficiency of over 48%, the new elastocaloric cooling technology opens a promising avenue for accelerating the commercialization of this disruptive technology and addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional cooling systems.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) gained recognition for its efforts to become a global sustainability leader as the University was ranked the world’s 19th*, as well as the first in Hong Kong and Mainland China in its debut appearance in Times Higher Education (THE)’s Impact Rankings, announced in its annual Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) yesterday in Bangkok. Assessing over 2,100 universities worldwide for their impacts in helping achieve the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), THE commended HKUST in particular for its contributions to SDGs 9, 11 and 12, which focus on building resilient infrastructure and industries with innovation, promoting sustainable cities and ensuring responsible consumption and production. 

A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has discovered how carboxysomes, carbon-fixing structures found in some bacteria and algae, work. The breakthrough could help scientists redesign and repurpose the structures to enable plants to convert sunlight into more energy, paving the way for improved photosynthesis efficiency, potentially increasing the global food supply and mitigating global warming. Carboxysomes are tiny compartments in certain bacteria and algae that encase particular enzymes in a shell made of proteins. They perform carbon fixation, which is the process of converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds that can be used by the cell for growth and energy. Scientists have been trying to figure out how these compartments put themselves together.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is investing up to HK$40 million to upgrade 30% of its total parking space with charging capability and related software support for electric vehicles (EV).  The initiative aims to cultivate a sustainable commuting habit and supports emission reduction goals in the HKUST 2028 Sustainability Challenge.HKUST is set to become the most EV-friendly university in Hong Kong with the completion of the EV charging infrastructure enhancement project, which will see approximately 360 parking spaces on campus fitted with medium EV chargers, providing an output power of no less than 7kW. The initiative not only supports the HKSAR Government's Roadmap on Popularization of EVs, but also accelerates opportunities to reduce emissions from University-owned vehicles and indirect emissions from commuting. 

 The recent arrival of a whale in Saikung waters proved a magnet for curious onlookers. (Photo: Tak/Xiaohongshu)  

HKUST becomes the first university in Hong Kong to make a pledge to eliminate investments in fossil fuels.

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a new hydrogen fuel cell which is not only the world’s most durable1 to date, but is also more cost-effective, paving way for a wider application of green energy in the pursuit of a carbon neutral world.Hydrogen fuel cell is a promising clean energy option as it generates power by converting hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with zero emission of carbon dioxide, particulate matters and other air pollutants that may cause smog and other health problems.  Despite its environmental benefits and years of development, hydrogen fuel cell was still not widely commercialized.  That is because its power generation depends heavily on an electrocatalyst - which is largely made up of the expensive and rare metal platinum. 

“When I grew up, I thought I would become a professional animal watcher in Africa,” said Prof. WANG Yu-Hsing, the new Associate Dean of Engineering (Undergraduate Studies) at HKUST. Having discovered 63 kinds of birds and numerous tree species and even come across a barking deer on the university campus, Prof. Wang is dedicated to civil engineering research projects that protect trees, birds, slopes, and air quality to eventually ensure sustainable development of the smart city via artificial intelligence (AI).