Hong Kongs
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 applications
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
Kongs 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.
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