The Research Grants Council (RGC) announced today (29 December) the results of the Third Round of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme.

In the Third Round of the Scheme, the RGC received a total of 50 research project applications submitted by institutions funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). After rigorous international peer-review, the RGC decided to fund 10 projects with a total amount of $5.2 million. Details of these funded projects are posted on the RGC's website at-

http://www.ugc.edu.hk /eng/rgc/result/result.htm

Commenting on the Scheme, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Roland Chin, said, "The Third round of the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme has attracted some high quality research proposals. The Council has applied the same high RGC standard in the selection process, which involved vigorous peer-review by international experts in the respective fields."

"The 10 projects supported cover a spectrum of public policy research areas, such as health care, family policies, urban renewal and civic education. I am confident that the results of these projects will make a substantial impact on public policy matters in Hong Kong."

Established in 1991, the RGC is a semi-autonomous advisory body operating under the aegis of the UGC. As an agency supporting academic research in higher education institutions, the RGC is responsible for supporting and fostering research in all disciplines taught in the institutions so that Hong Kong is at the forefront of higher education and knowledge development. The Public Policy Research Funding Scheme was set up in 2005 following the announcement of the then Chief Executive in his Policy Address.

UGC Secretariat
29 December 2006