Hong Kong invites top institutions to propose research for new sustainable development cluster, SEAM@InnoHK.

Government invites proposals for admission to third InnoHK research cluster

The Innovation and Technology Commission announced today (March 14) an invitation for proposals for admission to the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials. The global top echelon of universities/research institutions in the relevant fields are welcome to apply.

"InnoHK is a major innovation and technology initiative of the Government to develop Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration, with the aim to attract institutions that are among the global top echelon to collaborate with local universities/institutions to set up research centres/laboratories in Hong Kong. Following the setting up of the first two research clusters, namely Health@InnoHK, focusing on healthcare technology, and AIR@InnoHK, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, the Government is now taking forward the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, which will enable Hong Kong to move full steam ahead towards becoming a global research collaboration hub. It will not only facilitate top-notch universities, research institutes and the industries to collaborate in research and development (R&D) but also promote the translation of R&D outcomes into impactful, real-world applications and the development of relevant industries in Hong Kong," a spokesman of the Commission said.

The selected research centres/laboratories should conduct collaborative research that is innovative, world-class, of global relevance, and addressing real-world problems in collaboration with world-renowned non-local universities and research institutions. The final R&D deliverables are expected to achieve significant societal impact by bringing demonstrable contributions, beneficial effects, valuable changes or advantages both locally and globally. Collaboration between local universities/research institutions is also highly encouraged. Additionally, they are expected to build strong industry collaborations in their research area for the realisation and commercialisation of the R&D outcomes. The amount of subsidies to be recommended for each research centre/laboratory will depend on the merits of individual application proposals, which can be used to support operational costs, including remuneration for scholars and research teams during the subsidy period, purchase of equipment, R&D costs, and set-up costs, including fitting-out.

The deadline for application will be August 29, 2025, at 5pm. For enquiries in relation to the application for the third InnoHK research cluster, please contact the InnoHK Secretariat (Tel: (852) 3855 7671; email: innohk@itc.gov.hk).

Operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station

​The Nuclear Emergency Committee Office of the Guangdong Province notified the Security Bureau today (March 18) of an operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station (LNPS), a Security Bureau spokesperson said today.

Through a feedback review at LNPS, it was discovered that on November 27, 2024, during the replacement of the demineralizer in Unit 1's chemical and volume control system, the outlet isolation valve of the demineralizer was not closed as required. This resulted in a drop in the volume of certain liquids within the system. Station staff immediately halted the relevant operation, and the volume of the liquids promptly resumed normal. Throughout the above event, Unit 1 remained in a safe and stable condition, with all relevant parameters within normal ranges.

As this event holds certain reference and learning value, LNPS classified it as a Level 0 deviation on March 17, with a view to raising awareness among station staff and helping them learn from the experience. This deviation did not affect the safety of the Unit, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment. LNPS has reported the relevant situation to the nuclear safety regulatory authority and will strengthen experience feedback to ensure the safe and stable operation of its units.

The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations and Management Co Ltd has released the details of this event on its website (www.dnmc.com.cn) (Chinese only), which can be viewed in the "operational events" section under the "nuclear and radiation safety information" page of the website.