Strategic Topics Grant (STG) is set up to support collaborative research in specific areas which can help address important issues for Hong Kong.

The STG adopts a top-down approach on research topics with great emphasis on relevance on Hong Kong’s development.

Research proposals are invited under the research domain “Demographic Change – Ageing Society” underpinned by three key subject areas, namely (i) Health and Longevity in a Caring Community, (ii) Smart Technology and an Ageing Population and (iii) Silver Society, Economy and Finance.

Exceptionally meritorious project proposals outside the three key subject areas mentioned above but within the general domain may still be considered.

Those who are eligible for the RGC General Research Fund may submit application under the STG. Each applicant can submit one application as Project Coordinator in each round of the STG exercise.

Factors for consideration include, but not limited to:

1. the long-term goal of the proposal and its potential to help Hong Kong overcome imminent challenges and capture emerging opportunities under the strategic topics / research domain;
2. a clear pathway to impact – proposal should state clearly how and by what means the project, if funded, will bring impact to Hong Kong, including the timing as to when benefits for community may be realised;
3. the academic merit of the project;
4. credentials of the project team;
5. existence of a clear strategy;
6. sound structure for an excellent research project;
7. building on previous domain-related studies/research – to achieve multiplying effect of work already carried out;
8. potential for application / further follow-up; and
9. greater collaborations with external stakeholders, especially those in the GBA.

The preliminary proposal should be submitted to the UGC Secretariat through the research offices of the coordinating universities by 5:00 pm on 9 September 2025.  Project teams of the shortlisted preliminary proposals will be invited by end-2025 to submit full proposals. Project teams of further shortlisted proposals will be invited for selection interviews scheduled for June 2026.

To view the call circular, please click here.

To download the application form, please click here.