The Hong Kong Prize is the city’s leading award for innovation. It rewards scientific research that has the potential to impact society and economy. The award is funded by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited and governed by the Board of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Prize (the “Board”). Its members include an independent Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team. The Board is responsible for reviewing and interpreting articles of the Charter; suggesting important scientific research fields for THE PRIZE; evaluating candidates; setting requirements for nominating experts; verifying and approving the final review results; and deciding on THE PRIZE winners.
The 2023 Hong Kong Prize was announced on 28 October. Laureates include Gregory Winter, an Australian microbiologist who has discovered an enzyme that enables plants to absorb nutrients faster and grow taller; Michael Levitt, an American chemical engineer who developed a biodegradable plastic that degrades more rapidly than current versions; and Hong Kong-based medical scientist Yuen Kwok-yung, who designed a prototype of a portable electrophoresis device for early detection of cancer cells. A spokesman for the government said the prizes “showcase our commitment to building a world-class research and development hub, attract top talent to Hong Kong, encourage forward thinking scientific innovation and contribute to global development.”
Hong Kong’s best young artists have been shortlisted for the 2024 HK Prize. Their works delve into this year’s theme of ‘Our Changing World’, inviting them to explore different aspects of global evolution – socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally – and how these change people in unique ways.
A record number of HK Prize entries were received this year – 102 artworks from Hong Kong’s established and emerging arts practitioners, community artists and youth artists working across a broad range of art forms. Each of the shortlisted pieces addresses a diverse range of topics, including international displacement, climate change, labour migration and gender and sexual diversity, in their own distinctive way.
The HK Prize is open to all enrolled secondary school students in Hong Kong. Students should be nominated by their teachers to participate in the competition, and each student can submit up to three works online before the submission deadline of 16 September.
Winners will receive cash prizes of up to HK$100,000, and their schools will also be awarded a HK$20,000 cash prize for each of the winning students. The prize was launched by Generocity, a local charity organisation that seeks innovative ideas to enhance Hong Kong’s international development efforts and shape its role on the global stage.
The inaugural Hong Kong Prize was awarded in 1996 to honour the late Dr John D. Young’s contribution to Hong Kong history. Since then, the Prize has become a benchmark of excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate history studies, encouraging students to explore the rich and varied historical aspects of our city. It has also raised awareness of Hong Kong’s significant contribution to world history.
