The Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Prize celebrates scientific research with global impact and recognises scientists whose work creates real social or economic value. It is open to anyone worldwide who has made significant contributions to any field of science – artificial intelligence/robot, life/healthcare, materials/energy or advanced manufacturing/FinTech. The Prize is awarded in the form of a cash award and an opportunity to conduct research in Hong Kong.
The prize has been awarded to activists fighting for freedom and democracy, such as Jimmy Lai, who was imprisoned for promoting democracy; a group of Lam Tai Fai College students who ran a homeless shelter to help people in need; a charity organisation that provides home care services to elderly adults; and more. The HK Prize also honours academics whose research has benefited the public; such as Professors Gregory Winter and Michael Levitt, who won Nobel prizes in chemistry in 2018 and 2013 respectively.
Athletes who win medals for Hong Kong at the Olympics can also earn bonus money, depending on their finishing positions. The maximum amount a gold medallist can receive is HK$12 million, while silver and bronze medallists get HK$6 million and HK$3 million, respectively. For those who finish in the top eight, they can receive a minimum of HK$750,000 each.
Art prize winners include Pakistani artist Sameen Agha, who won the $30,000 grand prize for her sculpture A Home is a Terrible Place to Love. The piece shows a house falling apart and was carved from red marble. Another winner, Hong Kong artist Michelle Fung, took the women’s prize for her mixed media work Red Bean Stalk.
Scientists from all over the world are eligible to apply for the hk prize, which is backed by a total of more than HK$40 million in funding. The application period will run from now until the end of March. Candidates can submit up to three projects.
An independent review committee will be constituted to assess the applications. It will make independent judgments and objective evaluations of the achievements, with a focus on scientific and technological innovation and transformation and its impact on society. In addition, the review committee will ensure that the Prize is operated in line with scientific and rigorous standards and that no organization or individual exerts undue influence on the review process.
The Prize Secretariat will be responsible for carrying out the decision of the Board and the Review Committee, shouldering the duty of liaison and coordination between the Board, the Review Committee, the Compliance Oversight Team and the sponsoring agencies; organizing the judging activities, holding interdisciplinary academic exchanges and science popularization activities. The Secretariat will be staffed by professionals with expertise in law, finance, auditing and public affairs. The Secretariat is supported by a Advisory Council composed of individuals with knowledge and experience in the relevant areas. Interested parties may contact the Secretariat for further information.