Two academics from the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have been awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (STIP2024) in recognition of their outstanding contributions in the fields of new materials, new energy and financial technology (FinTech). These accolades highlight CityUHK’s commitment to promoting innovative research and knowledge transfer, providing innovative solutions for the technological development of Hong Kong and the nation.
Professor Zhang HuaHerman Hu Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, Full Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, is the STIP2024 winner in new materials and new energies. Professor Wang Congprofessor and associate head of the Department of Computer Science at the College of Computing, is a STIP2024 winner in FinTech. They were recognized for their contributions to the design and development of effective enablers, as well as research and development in data security and AI security technologies.
Both of CityUHK’s outstanding academics are listed among the “top 2% of the world’s most cited scientists” by Stanford University. Ranked by overall score, Professor Zhang holds the highest global rank among Hong Kong scientists. He has also been listed as a “Highly Cited Researcher” from 2014 to 2024 by Clarivate Analytics for 11 consecutive years. He is a foreign member of the European Academy of Sciences and an academician of the Asia-Pacific Materials Academy.
With the global increase in demand for sustainability and clean energy, Professor Zhang’s research is of particular importance. Traditional materials science faces efficiency and cost challenges in terms of environmental protection and energy transition. To answer these questions, Professor Zhang proposed the concept of “Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials (PEN)”, developing a series of unconventional phased nanomaterials that offer new solutions to the current energy and environmental crises. His innovative achievements have had a profound impact on the international academic community and have played a crucial role in training the next generation of materials scientists.
Professor Wang’s research focuses on data security, AI system security, and blockchain application security. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a founding member of the Young Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong. Professor Wang has proposed solutions for data security and developed innovative systems, including encrypted databases and privacy-preserving data analysis platforms, thereby significantly advancing this field.
With the rise of AI technology, Professor Wang has expanded his research into AI security, systematically identifying and mitigating potential threats throughout its lifecycle. His work improves the integrity and robustness of AI systems in financial technology, having a crucial impact on the continuity of operations of the sector and establishing a solid foundation for the next generation of intelligent FinTech applications.
Professor Anderson Shumvice-president (research) of CityUHK, sent his sincere congratulations to the two winners. He said: “The recognition of these award-winning academics highlights CityUHK’s innovative research and underlines our commitment to advancing knowledge and technology. Their outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology have brought immense pride to the University.