University of Hong Kong
Coverage of University of Hong Kong in the Nexus archive.
- Saved as a baby, HKU medical newbie aims to pass on ‘hope and courage’ to society
Top scorers admitted to Hong Kong University's medical school aim to pursue clinical care and research, with one student inspired by her doctor to spread 'hope and courage' to society. The announcement followed the release of Jupas admission results, where 34% of applicants secured tertiary education placements.
- 34% of Hong Kong students win university, diploma spots under admissions system
34% of Hong Kong students who applied through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (Jupas) secured tertiary education places this year, a slight drop from last year. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) each offered places to half of the 24 top scorers in this year’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE).
- HKU looks for president with ‘new mentality and clean slate’ to drive change
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is seeking a new president with a fresh mindset to drive change, as an insider noted that a decade-long tenure may hinder progress. The university is also considering participation in the Northern Metropolis megaproject. Current president Xiang Zhang will not renew his contract when it expires.
- Playing musical instrument helps medical students perform surgical tasks better: study
A study by the University of Hong Kong found that medical students who play musical instruments perform surgical tasks 10% faster and more skillfully. Students with musical experience completed tasks in 223.5 seconds on average, compared to 249.3 seconds for those without such experience.
- HKU president Xiang Zhang to step down in 2028 at end of second 5-year term
Xiang Zhang, president of the University of Hong Kong, announced he will step down in 2028 after completing his second five-year term. He described his efforts to elevate HKU’s academic standing as a defining honor in his life.
- University to roll out screenings at pharmacies to uncover osteoporosis cases
The University of Hong Kong will launch a community pharmacist-led osteoporosis screening program at pharmacies across the city to identify high-risk patients and refer them to family doctors for further evaluation.
- Hong Kong, UAE hubs could act as global early warning system for pandemics: study
Targeted viral surveillance at Hong Kong and UAE aviation hubs could speed global detection of new pandemic variants by three days, according to a study. Professor Leo Poon Lit-man of the University of Hong Kong emphasizes the approach's potential to help authorities anticipate emerging threats.
- Study finds AI boosted homework scores 18%—then tanked exam results 20%
A study found that AI use improved Chinese students' homework scores by 18% but reduced exam results by 20% within six months. Researchers linked this decline to students outsourcing homework to AI tools, which compromised long-term learning outcomes. The study warns of generative AI's negative impact on education despite short-term productivity gains.
- New AI blood test predicts heart disease 15 years early
A new AI-powered blood test called CardiOmicScore, developed by the University of Hong Kong, predicts heart disease up to 15 years in advance by analyzing proteins and metabolites. It assesses risk for six cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, and differs from genetic risk scores by reflecting current health, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
- AI homework tools cut exam scores by 20%, study of 26,000 Chinese students finds
A study of 26,000 Chinese students found that AI homework tools improve homework scores but reduce exam results by 20%, with a 'brain drain' effect emerging over two years. Researchers from Stockholm University and the University of Hong Kong tracked the long-term academic impact of generative AI use in classrooms.
- Hong Kong pioneers world’s first robotic living-donor liver transplant
Hong Kong doctors performed the world’s first robotic living-donor liver transplant as part of a microsurgery program. The University of Hong Kong team reported 48 successful procedures since June 2025 with no long-term or post-operative complications.
- Hong Kong cockatoos could help save Indonesia’s endangered species, study shows
Hong Kong’s wild yellow-crested cockatoos may possess genetic traits that could aid in saving the critically endangered species in Indonesia, according to a study published in the Evolutionary Applications journal. The research highlights the importance of preserving Hong Kong’s cockatoo population as a genetic 'backup' for the subspecies.
- 2 universities, HKU and CUHK, rank among world’s top 20 – a first for Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have both entered the world’s top 20 in a global ranking, marking the first time Hong Kong has achieved this. CUHK saw significant gains in employer reputation, and Hong Kong’s higher education system was named Asia’s most improved for the second consecutive year by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
- Hong Kong opens consultation on first 5-year plan that echoes mainland China’s playbook
Hong Kong launched a public consultation for its first five-year plan, aligning with mainland China’s 15th five-year plan for 2026–2030. The plan aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international financial hub and advance projects like the Northern Metropolis and Greater Bay Area while maintaining a free-market economy.
- Hong Kong proposes to let city leader decide what counts as national security offense
Hong Kong's government proposed legislation allowing the city leader to classify criminal acts as national security offenses, refining procedures for such designations. Critics argue this further erodes civil liberties, while authorities claim it is necessary for stability. The legislation does not create new powers but binds courts to the leader's security determinations.
- Can Mark Carney’s US-China juggling act keep Canada’s ‘primary relationship’ intact?
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Canada to strengthen economic ties while Prime Minister Mark Carney was in New York seeking investment. A professor noted the timing of Carney’s absence signals to Washington that Canada’s engagement with China does not undermine its primary relationship with the U.S.
- Flu cases on the rise in Hong Kong as immunity wanes, expert warns
Hong Kong is experiencing a rise in seasonal influenza cases, particularly among children and the elderly, due to waning vaccine protection and weakened community immunity. An infectious disease expert urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated to address the growing concern.
- Hong Kong’s first astronaut success is also a story of youth potential
Hong Kong's first astronaut, Dr. Lai Ka-Ying, who studied computer science at the University of Hong Kong, has become the fourth female astronaut from China. She will operate a greenhouse gas-tracking observatory designed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as a payload specialist.
- Lai Ka-ying is Hong Kong’s first astronaut. Her mentor saw her talent years ago
Lai Ka-ying is set to become Hong Kong’s first astronaut on a mission launching this weekend. Her mentor, Chow Kam-pui of the University of Hong Kong, praised her meticulousness, patience, and ability to communicate complex technical concepts.
- “Cannot be explained” – New ultra stainless steel stuns researchers
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong developed a new ultra stainless steel that can survive harsh conditions for making green hydrogen from seawater, using an unexpected double-protection mechanism to resist corrosion better than conventional stainless steel, potentially replacing costly titanium parts.