Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) aims to focus academic research efforts of UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong.

There are four designated research themes under the TRS. Under the four research themes, there are 20 grand challenge topics. The themes and grand challenge topics are as follows:

1. Understanding Diseases and Disease Prevention
   1. Infectious Diseases
   2. Understanding Disease Mechanisms to Improving Health
   3. Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
   4. Disease Prevention and Management
2. Developing a Sustainable Environment
   1. Water Pollution and Water Treatment
   2. Sustainable Built Environment
   3. Energy Efficiency, Conservation, Conversion and Harvesting
   4. Air Quality
   5. Food Production and Food Security
3. Enhancing Hong Kong's Strategic Position as a Regional and International Business Centre
   1. Hong Kong's Future as an International Financial Centre
   2. Promoting Hong Kong's Business through Networking Capability
   3. Promoting Hong Kong as a Centre of Excellence for Business Services
   4. Innovation Ecology and Business Creation in Knowledge Economy
   5. Financial Technologies (FinTech) and Regulatory Technologies (RegTech)
4. Advancing Emerging Research and Innovations Important to Hong Kong
   1. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
   2. Imaging, Robotics and Smart Manufacturing
   3. Urban Infrastructure and Smart City
   4. Education and Digital Citizenship
   5. Quantum Technology
   6. Integrated Circuits

The maximum duration of a project is five years. The ceiling of direct project cost per project to be awarded by the RGC is $75 million.

Those who are eligible for the RGC General Research Fund may submit applications under the TRS. Each applicant is only allowed to submit one application in the capacity of Project Coordinator under either the Areas of Excellence Scheme or the TRS in the same exercise.

The proposals that fall within the chosen themes will be assessed on academic excellence. The assessment criteria are as follows:

1. qualification as world-leading by international standards;
2. impact to Hong Kong;
3. credentials of the project team;
4. existence of a clear strategy; and
5. sound structure for an excellent research project.

The preliminary proposal should be submitted to the UGC Secretariat through the Research Office of the coordinating university by 5:00 pm on 20 September 2024. Project teams of the shortlisted preliminary proposals will be invited by the end of 2024 to submit full proposals. Project teams of further shortlisted proposals will be invited for selection interview scheduled for June 2025.