HKU Professors receive the 10th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award from the Ministry of Education

Professor Cecilia Chan, Faculty of Education and Professor Michael Ng, Associate Dean (Research and Institutional Advancement), Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), have been awarded the 10th Outstanding Achievement Award in Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Professor Chan received the third-class award in the category of Educational Science Research. Her awarded paper, A comprehensive AI policy education framework for university teaching and learning, employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research to gather data from students, faculty, and staff across various disciplines in Hong Kong universities. The study proposes an AI ecosystem education policy framework encompassing teaching, governance, and operations, offering valuable insights into the impact of AI integration within academic environments for stakeholders.

Professor Ng received the Popular Science Publication Award in the Law category. His work involves decrypting confidential documents, including classified communications between London and Hong Kong. His award-winning publication, Political Censorship in British Hong Kong: Freedom of Expression and the Law (1842–1997), reveals that Hong Kong’s freedom of speech and judicial independence are not rooted in British legal traditions but are instead products of specific historical circumstances shaped by British policies towards China during the colonial era.

Prof Chan says, “I am honoured to receive this award and grateful to MoE for recognising this research. At a time when AI brings both excitement and uncertainty, education must help shape its future. This research offers institutions a framework to move forward with confidence, ensuring that innovation goes hand in hand with trust, accountability and meaningful learning.”

Prof Ng says, "I am truly delighted that this legal history research, grounded in declassified records, has been embraced by the public and honoured with this award. Law and history share a core commitment to factual evidence; uncovering the past is essential for us to understand today and guide our future."

The Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) were established by the MoE in 1995 to recognise outstanding research projects in the disciplines of humanities and social sciences at tertiary institutions in the Chinese Mainland.  Subsequently, Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions have also been included in the scheme.  It is the most reputable and influential accolade in the field of social sciences in the nation, signifying the awardees' remarkable contributions to advancing research and development in higher education.