Campus Digest

Research Office hosts “Research Mixer” on research funding application experiences

Monday, 8 June 2026

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HKBU researchers attend the “Researcher Mixer” event.
Moderated by Professor Christy Cheung (1st left), the discussion features (from 2nd left) Professor Xu Jianliang, Professor Yang Chun, and Professor Zhu Furong.

 

The Research Office convened a session of its flagship Research Mixer series on 15 April to provide members of the HKBU research community with insights into the application processes and key points for the General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS).

The programme began with an informative briefing that outlined the GRF and ECS application frameworks, timelines and requirements, and highlighted essential “must-dos” to ensure a seamless start for prospective candidates. This was followed by presentations from Professor Xia Yiji, Chair Professor of the Department of Biology, and Professor Guo Meiyu, Assistant Professor of the Department of Geography, who shared their experiences drawn from both successful and unsuccessful submissions.

A panel discussion was also held to explore the robust institutional support available at both faculty and departmental levels. Moderated by Professor Christy Cheung, Director of the Research Office and Chair Professor of the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, the discussion featured Professor Xu Jianliang, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science; Professor Yang Chun, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Chair Professor of the Department of Geography; and Professor Zhu Furong, Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Studies) of the Faculty of Science and Chair Professor of the Department of Physics.

The panellists highlighted the comprehensive mentorship and formal proposal reviews by senior faculty members, which are critical resources that help applicants refine their research objectives. They also reflected on the transformative impact of these funds, noting how such support can serve as a catalyst for a researcher’s long-term academic trajectory.