The International Research Enrichment (IRE) program is what makes HKUST science stand out from the science programs offered in Hong Kong. As early as in our first year, we were given the chance to learn about the research of different professors. The ‘guided study on research’ course series enables us to explore our interests and develop basic research knowledge and techniques progressively. For me, the most rewarding part is the school-sponsored overseas summer research experience, which is exclusive to IRE students. Not only did I gain extremely precious research experience in an overseas university, but it was also crucial for my graduate school application because we built our connections outside of Hong Kong. The professors in HKUST are very helpful, apart from providing us with valuable guidance during our research projects, they also make use of their connections to introduce overseas research opportunities to us. The IRE program is a truly research-oriented program designed for students like me. Now I have received satisfying Ph.D. offers and will do research in condensed matter physics at UIUC in the future.

IRE program provides the opportunity for students eager to learn or even generate knowledge to gather and exchange ideas. It allows students who love academic topics to socialize and have fun. One highlight of IRE is the summer international internship experience, from which students may experience the work ethics of research teams from other countries. I went to Germany and witnessed the stronger focus on a work-life balance there. I also experienced the noticeable team spirit and mutual support among the research team members. The internship let me see the communicative side of research and work in general. Apart from the internship, IRE students are often exposed to many research opportunities, helping them develop their soft skills such as academic logic, various basic technical skills in the process of addressing research questions, such as statistical analysis in my case, and familiarizing them with the entire process of research.

Studying in HKUST allows me to obtain the latest information in many research fields from experts all around the world. My major in Biotechnology gives me the chance to find out the demand for healthcare products by visiting different groups of society. By applying what we learnt, for example the characteristics of different bacteria, we can make our own products through trial and error. 

What’s even more exciting is the co-curricular activities that I have participated in. Throughout these years, I have joined various programs held by HKUST. The most remarkable one is the exchange program during Year 3 fall semester, in which I have been staying in the US for half a year. By interacting with the students in US, you will realize how amazing this world can be. Such experience does not only widen your vision, but also goes far beyond your imagination. Besides, being an executive committee member of a society, joining leadership and volunteers' program, speaking in front of 400 people as a student ambassador, living in a student residence hall, running on the fields in a sunny day as a sport team member - all of these should be on the “must-do list” for every university student. Of course, they are not everything; there is so much more left for you to discover.

Majoring in Chemistry is like exploring the realm beyond our sight as we get to learn the mechanisms beneath physical matter. I personally enjoyed performing experiments and visiting advanced labs. I love the professors, teaching assistants and staff who are always passionate and helpful to guide us through when we have struggles. University life is always more than its academics. The School of Science has not only provided me platforms to meet friends from other countries, but also job opportunities to develop skills and learn about myself. I am proud to say I have grown a lot with the education at HKUST.

After one-year of exploration of various science subjects, I chose Mathematics & Economics as my major and started the research with my supervisor through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). With both quantitative and analytical skills as well as a business background, my major equips me well for further postgraduate study.

Except for the all-rounded academic training, there are numerous activities such as CEOs talks, career advising and trainings from both the School of Science and School of Business. I participated in the MenTernship and HeadStart Program and was eventually given an Internship in Shanghai last summer. Moreover, the School of Science offers plenty of enrichment opportunities. I am more familiar with the actual world and my passion for conducting further research on development economics is aroused through joining the SCI/NUCLEUS Social Service Team.

Last year, I was offered an Exchange Program at the University of California, Berkeley and it allowed me to exchange ideas with top scholars and students. It was amazing! The School of Science definitely provides us with a platform to explore the world! Keep open-minded and passionate, grab the chance and enjoy your study and life!

It is a really fabulous experience. Studying at HKUST provides a unique environment to concentrate and relax. When I face problems, sitting near the seafront can always give me a sign of relief.

To be concise, studying mathematics at HKUST is a good place because of the Maths Support Center (MSC). I always go to MSC to ask questions and they will explain in detail, which helps me to consolidate my knowledge.

It is not only about studying. Frankly, there are ranges of different activities. Particularly, I enjoy going on exchange. Both HKUST and the School of Science will provide different opportunities to exchange. No matter if I'm choosing the same academic field or not, I can learn something new from others. And most importantly, it gives me a chance to get used to independence.

Thanks to the IRE program, I met many faculty and researchers who are devoting to scientific research and they let me see that pursuing a research career in Hong Kong is actually possible. I started working on a research project in Year 2, where I gained hands-on experience in doing literature reviews and designing, conducting and evaluating the experiments. The project let me get the first taste of satisfaction of doing research. 

In my overseas research internship, I worked as a full-time researcher in an organic synthesis research group in Japan. Though the experimental techniques are similar, the research culture and approach are different. My classmates who are also passionate about science always support me to keep trying when there is a bottleneck in my research project. The many research opportunities and supports built my confidence in being a researcher.

Coming to HKUST is the best choice I have ever made. The amazing faculties here are not only good for doing great sciences but are also dedicated to nurturing the students. The tremendous opportunities for joining laboratories, UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program), independent study courses, etc., allowed me to immerse myself in scientific research as early as a freshman. The professors, no matter in lectures or as mentors, are always very approachable and supportive and offered me invaluable guidance on my career path development. I always felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and dare to try the impossible – this is how I became the first science student to graduate with double majors in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Computer Science. I could never have done it in four years' time without their enormous support and encouragement. 

It was more than just knowledge that I learnt from my undergraduate studies, my experiences in laboratories, interdisciplinary courses and exchange in Cornell University broadened my horizons, trained my logical thinking and prepared me for a PhD study at Johns Hopkins Medical School – something I would never have imagined without HKUST. Besides, I love the diversity of students and faculty composition that HKUST always tried to keep – it is quite hard to foresee who I would have become if I had not been surrounded by friends from all over the world. I am so thankful that they made me an open-minded person and made my four-year university life so enjoyable.

HKUST Chemistry – where future world-class scientists are born! I am so honored to be a member at HKUST Science. The Department of Chemistry provides unlimited opportunities and resources for us to unveil secrets in this universe and the professors have built a positive and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Apart from consolidating theories in lectures, we were also trained to be professional in the fully equipped laboratories.

In one of the semesters, I was nominated as an exchange student to America by the School of Science. That was my first time to study overseas, to meet buddies from the other continents and to explore the natural beauty of the United States. Another experience worth mentioning was my summer intern as a laboratory assistant in a local food company in Hong Kong. I was given a chance to handle advanced analytical instruments, which we can just see in the pictures in our lecture notes. After this real working experience, it confirms to me to become an analytical chemist in the future.

I have always been passionate about looking for creative solutions to solve different problems. Starting my business is like a science experiment - you identify a problem, construct a hypothesis and experiment with different possibilities. You must have perseverance to strive for the best solution!