The Hong Kong Prize is one of Asia’s premier awards, drawing thousands of applicants each year. Winners receive both monetary prizes and access to Hong Kong’s premier research facilities; some winners even risked their lives to make an impactful difference – this year’s winners included everything from an ambitious young man using technology to aid homeless adults, to an artist reinterpreting human rights into fine art concepts.
HK Prize’s winner will have the opportunity to participate in a six-month internship at one of Hong Kong’s premier research institutes, networking with fellow scientists while developing professional expertise. They’ll also present their work at an awards ceremony bringing international exposure and acknowledgment for their efforts.
The BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE is organized and administered by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation with support from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The prize has a charter designed to ensure scientific management by setting requirements for nominating experts; suggesting significant scientific research fields; appointing members of its Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team, and guaranteeing its independence, objectivity and fairness of review processes.
China has recently taken measures to stifle any expression of dissent, including jailing pro-democracy activists and journalists who express their views freely. Prominent activists such as Lai Xiaolong were jailed in 2020 after participating in a vigil commemorating Tiananmen Square and others were detained under national security law; China introduced legislation in 2022 which could result in life sentences for democracy activists who express their views openly.
In addition to financial prizes, the Hong Kong Prize offers its winners an internship at one of Hong Kong’s premier research institutions, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to network with scientists from around the globe and learn about cutting-edge research in their area of study. Furthermore, it will give them access to seminars or research internships hosted at universities or laboratories in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Prize is open to researchers around the world who have published high-quality peer-reviewed papers related to Hong Kong history within the last ten years in English and published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal. Submissions must include copies of both publications as well as abstracts for consideration. Prize will be awarded to first author; runners up will receive an engraved medal. Additionally, these researchers may be invited to seminars or research internships at universities or laboratories located within Hong Kong and will present their research at an awards ceremony.