HKUST-SJTU JOINT RESEARCH COLLABORATION FUND
Application Guidelines
(2021 Round) 

Launched in 2018, the HKUST-SJTU Joint Research Collaboration Fund aims to capitalize on the research strengths of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) to create greater impact to society. It enables academic staff at both institutions to extend and deepen collaborative research links, by developing joint proposals for external funding.

ELIGIBILITY

The HKUST-SJTU Joint Research Collaboration Fund provides funding support to joint research projects conducted by HKUST and SJTU, with no limits on the specific subject matter/emphasis areas to be supported. An eligible application must meet the following criteria:

• The application should be made by a HKUST-SJTU joint research team.
• PIs of the joint research team must be full-time academic staff of HKUST or SJTU.

FUNDING

The amount of funding awarded to each project will be up to HK$50,000 from HKUST and an amount of RMB equivalent to HK$50,000 from SJTU for a period of up to 12 months. No more than TEN awards will be granted in this call.

The funding can be used to support travelling, conferences and academic exchange. Further support will be considered after the project completion date, based on the assessment results.

APPLICATION

All applications should be submitted via SJTU' s online application portal (link: my.sjtu.edu.cn) by 15 June 2021.   

* Please note that this page can only be accessed by the SJTU lead investigator with a jAccount. A template of the Application Form is attached for reference.

Applications should be prepared and endorsed by both parties.

SELECTION

All applications will be jointly reviewed by HKUST and SJTU and evaluated on the following

criteria:

• Research Topic

The research topic should be innovative and pioneering and match the discipline development strategy of the university.

• Research Content

The argument for the project should be logical and adequate. Each part’s contributions to the research should be complementary.

• Research Team

The team’s skill and capacity will be evaluated based on the capability of each team member (especially that of the lead investigators), their expectations of the required time investment, and their previous experience and potential for international cooperation.

• Expected Outcomes

The project should have promising outputs. For example, it should plan to improve the disciplinary strength and academic influence of the university by forming a concrete joint research program. It should contribute to academic exchange at the university level through promoting joint PhD programs (including both double-degree and joint-degree programs) and undergraduate exchange programs.

• Intention to cooperate (please provide supporting materials, if any)

The intention to cooperate can be demonstrated by, for example, the two involved parties’ previous visits, and willingness to share experience, and mutual understanding.

PROJECT ASSESSMENT

Successful applicant is required to submit a report outlining the activities and achievements for the project assessment, within one month of the project completion date.

TIMELINE

Application Submission: 11 May 2021 – 15 June 2021

Application Review: 18 June 2021– 2 July 2021

ENQUIRIES

HKUST: Ms Elaine Ru (Tel: +852 2358 6159; Email: elaineru@ust.hk)

SJTU: Ms Yanping WU (Tel: +86 21 34206751; Email: wuyanping@sjtu.edu.cn)