Hong Kong’s research momentum continues to show strong growth, judging by the latest round of applications for funding.
The number of applications received for the Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (CERG) has increased to a record 1,878 (up 10.6 per cent on the previous year) seeking HK$1.815 billion, an increase of 13.4 per cent. Grants are allocated by the RGC on the basis of an application’s merits.

The Council has set total CERG funding for the 2003-2004 exercise at HK$462.8 million, an increase of 8.1 per cent compared to last year.
RGC Chairman, Prof Kenneth Young, said: “As in previous years a shortfall in funds will be experienced, despite the fact that grant allocation is also running at a record level.
“Hong Kong’s research effort grows steadily more sophisticated which we can see clearly by the number of good quality, fundable projects which are left unfunded.”
About 500 projects were considered fundable but could not be funded in 2002-2003.
Prof Young added: “One way to keep up the momentum of research development is for the community generally to support research. This may be from private companies with a specialist field of interest, to organisations with collective research interests.
“We indeed need more support from industry as we continue to expand our research capability and compete in the international arena.
“Ultimately Hong Kong is the winner, not to mention the wider perspective of common benefit globally.”