The Research Grants Council (RGC) has been regularly organising public lectures since 2009, featuring various distinguished local scholars as speakers. These lectures aim to disseminate research knowledge in Hong Kong's tertiary institutions and to raise public awareness of the significance and values of local research work.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and its Development

19.10.2024 (Saturday)
2:30pm – 3:30pm

Dr. CHEUNG Ka-chun, Charles (Adjunct Associate Professor of Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong Baptist University)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become indispensable in our lives. Through examples of computer vision, natural language processing and robotics, this lecture will discuss the development of AI in the past decades and how AI will change human life in the future.

Soaring into the Bluer Sky: Climate Change and Green Aviation

19.10.2024 (Saturday)
3:30pm – 4:30pm

Dr. NG Kam-hung (Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

The aviation sector is experiencing significant growth in traffic and connectivity, resulting in increased emissions of carbon, non-carbon and contrails. The Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and International Air Transport Association are promoting the "Fly Net-Zero" initiative. This initiative includes considering policies aimed at reducing aviation's carbon footprint, and the elimination of short-haul flights to promote sustainability. Aircraft manufacturers are investing in eco-friendly designs and propulsion systems to meet net-zero targets. This lecture highlights these innovations in sustainable aviation and the industry's commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions.

Combating Obesity: Our Current Understanding and Challenges

26.10.2024 (Saturday)
2:30pm – 3:30pm

Prof. CHAN Chi-bun (Associate Professor of School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong)

Obesity is a widespread metabolic disorder with increasing prevalence across the globe. In Hong Kong, the incidence of obese adults in the population has surged from 21% in 2003 to 33% in 2020. Given the strong correlation between obesity and numerous diseases, including stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, and even cancer, the mounting number of obesity cases could significantly strain the healthcare and economic system. This lecture will discuss the biological and social causes of obesity, its detrimental impact on health, and the latest research on preventive and therapeutic methods to combat obesity.

Novel Ultra-Precision Machining Technology Enters Innovation, Technology and Life

26.10.2024 (Saturday)
3:30pm – 4:30pm

Ir Prof. CHEUNG Chi-fai, Benny (Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Ultra-precision machining is a kind of advanced manufacturing technology that is critical for many industries, including biomedical, semiconductor, optometry, etc. The lecture discusses the development and application of ultra-precision nano-multi-ring machining technology to the development of a novel and high-efficacy nano-multi-ring defocus incorporated spectacle lens for myopia control, which benefits the shortsighted population. This research application demonstrates how technological innovations are transformed through interdisciplinary research and industrial collaboration for the betterment and lasting impact of human life.



Jointly organised by the Research Grants Council and the Hong Kong Science Museum