(A) The Exercise

1.	Number of applications received	103
2.	Number of eligible full proposals	31
3.	Number of proposals recommended for funding	8 (including one exploratory proposal)
4.	Success rate (over the number of applications)	7.8 %
5.	Total approved budget of the funded projects	$357.7 million1
6.	Total funding amount from RGC	$320 million1&2

¹ Inclusive of indirect costs / on-costs
² Including $10 million for exploratory project. The university matching for the exploratory project is subject to a revised one-year budget by the project team upon approval from the relevant Committee.


(B) Selection Panel’s Comments for Applicants’ Reference

1. Quality of applications (i.e. strengths, weaknesses and gaps of proposals):

• All proposals submitted in this round were of outstanding quality and demonstrated a high level of competitiveness, addressing a wide array of timely, locally relevant themes with clear potential to generate meaningful impact in Hong Kong. The Panel was impressed by the exceptional depth, diversity, and calibre of talent evident across all applications.

• While all applications demonstrated exceptional strength, certain proposals could be improved by refining their methodological design. The relevant project teams would be encouraged to consider the Panel's feedback regarding cohort sizes and sample collection limitations.

2. Other comments (e.g. project teams’ performance during the interview):

• While the majority of teams delivered clear, engaging presentations tailored for a general audience, there is room for enhancement in the design of visual materials. For example, teams should be encouraged to –

• streamline their slides by minimising text density and avoiding cluttered layouts that resemble academic posters with a view to communicating core messages (by using concise visuals, key data points, and compelling value statements) rather than relying on lengthy textual content;
• structure their presentations with precision, prioritising core content to be delivered within the allocated time. Strict time management is essential; and
• ensure whole-team participation during the interview to enhance the overall depth and effectiveness of their responses.