Media

In partnership with Clarivate, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held an awards ceremony on March 14, 2024, to honour 51 of the University’s scholars named Highly Cited Researchers™ for 2023.

Such a record high number of academics named to the Clarivate list of Highly Cited Researchers in 2023 places HKU 13th in the world by that ranking which also contributes to Hong Kong’s ascent into the Top 10 nations and regions in 2023. 

Highly Cited Researchers are selected for their exceptional research performance, demonstrated by producing multiple Highly Cited Papers™ ranking in the top 1% by citations within their field and publication year in the Web of Science™ over the past decade. Their work has been widely cited by international peers, highlighting their academic influence.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, who is also an award recipient in the field of Physics, congratulated the Highly Cited Researchers for their academic achievements.

“As a scientist myself, I know first-hand the complete commitment our fellow researchers make to push forward the frontiers in our respective fields. The worldwide recognition for the University is the result of the tremendous efforts and success of our HKU scholars in pursuing excellence over the years.

“HKU will continue to play an important role in addressing global issues through our scientific research and leadership. Through our pursuit of truth and knowledge, we are a leading university in Asia, and we strive to be a great university of the world.” Professor Zhang said.

Ms Priscilla Wong, Council Chairman of HKU, delivered closing remarks. She expressed gratitude to the scholars for their dedication, hard work and invaluable contribution to the University and society.

"The value of research is not measured in dollars and cents. Its real value is in serving human kind, saving lives, improving the world, often via a multi-disciplinary approach. We have witnessed our researchers on our very own campus - from Medicine, Engineering, Science, Business and Social Sciences contribute timely and innovative solutions for overcoming huge and immediate challenges of which COVID is a recent and very apt example." Ms Wong said, adding that she was deeply impressed by the magnitude of talent and research impact present at HKU, which demonstrates the breadth and depth of the research excellence at the University. 

Mr Osher Gilinsky, Vice President, Academia and Government, Asia Pacific, Clarivate, presented Highly Cited Researcher certificates to the researchers and said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Hong Kong whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community and innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and more secure. Their contributions resonate far beyond their individual achievements, strengthening the foundation of excellence and innovation in research.” 

Ms Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian, HKU said the award is a testament to the University’s success and achievements in teaching and learning, and research. 

“HKU is committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and impact, and to enhancing our Teaching and Learning foundation. We will continue to support and facilitate our researchers to pursue their passions and interests, and to address the challenges and opportunities of our times. Together, we will continue to make HKU a leading global university with impact,” said Ms Ng.    

The 2023 list of Highly Cited Researchers contains about 3,800 researchers in 20 fields of the sciences and social sciences and about 3,300 researchers identified as having exceptional performance across several fields.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communication and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Ms Jaymee Ng (Tel: 3910 3612 / Email: ngjaymee@hku.hk)
Mr Kenneth Choi (Tel: 2859 2607 / Email: khkchoi@hku.hk)