A groundbreaking collaboration unveiled on 31 March by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the University of Cambridge spotlights a significant milestone towards more powerful global research. This partnership represents one of the most substantial collaborations at a postdoctoral level between Cambridge and an Asian university, with the goal of supporting 18 postdoctoral researchers in partnership with six departments across STEM and non-STEM fields in Cambridge and four Colleges in CityUHK. By harnessing the research strengths of both institutions, this collaboration aims to enhance research capacity and global impact for both universities.

For three years, 18 postdoctoral researchers will be based in Cambridge’s cutting-edge research environment, where they will have access to the university's world-class laboratories and resources, benefiting from the combined research assets of both institutions.  Principal Investigators from CityUHK will unite with their Cambridge counterparts to jointly supervise the postdocs, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative research experience. This collaborative approach will foster mobility and exchange among outstanding young scholars and nurture the world-class talent of tomorrow.

By integrating interdisciplinary expertise, this partnership seeks to drive advanced research and develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, including climate change, healthcare, materials science, and urban well-being. It underscores both universities' unwavering commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence while cultivating the next generation of global talent.

The Global Research Collaboration agreement was signed by Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, and Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

“This collaboration is a beacon of what can be achieved when leading institutions unite for a common cause. We are excited to see the transformative research and innovations that will emerge from this partnership,” said Mr Michael Ngai, Council Chairman of CityUHK.

With 10 scholars from the University of Cambridge participating in the “Distinguished Visiting Professors Scheme” set up in 2023 at CityUHK, the Global Research Collaboration initiative builds on a strong foundation of existing partnerships between CityUHK and various Colleges, schools, and departments at the University of Cambridge. It further demonstrates both institutions’ dedication to advancing research in the region for a better global future. It will enhance their research capacities and impact, providing a vibrant, multicultural environment for postdocs.

“Together, we strive to create impactful solutions that resonate on a global scale”, said President Boey. “This partnership with the University of Cambridge is a testament to our shared vision of fostering innovation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges”, he added.

Professor Prentice remarked, “As global universities, our mission and our responsibility are to foster close academic cooperation with international partners. Our positive relationship benefits not only our own institutions, but the entire international community impacted by our efforts, cooperation, and insights. I am delighted by the establishment of this important new collaboration.”