Two scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) were honoured with 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 underscore 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 Hua, Herman Hu Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, is the Laureate of STIP2024 in New Materials and New Energy. Professor Wang Cong, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Computer Science in the College of Computing, is the Laureate of STIP2024 in FinTech. They were recognised for their contributions to the design and development of efficient catalysts, as well as research and development in data security and AI security technologies.

Both outstanding CityUHK scholars are listed among “World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists” by Stanford University. Ranked by overall score, Professor Zhang has the highest global ranking among scientists in Hong Kong. He was also 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 Academy of Materials.

With the global rise in demand for sustainable development and clean energy, Professor Zhang’s research is particularly significant. Traditional materials science faces challenges in efficiency and cost in terms of environmental protection and energy transition. To address these issues, Professor Zhang proposed the concept of “Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials (PEN)”, developing a series of unconventional phase nanomaterials that offer new solutions to 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 nurturing the next generation of materials scientists.

Professor Wang’s research covers data security, AI system security and blockchain application security. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a Founding Member of the Young Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong. Professor Wang has proposed solutions for data security and developed innovative systems, including encrypted databases and privacy-preserving data analysis platforms, significantly advancing the field.

With the rise of AI technology, Professor Wang has expanded his research to AI security, systematically identifying and mitigating potential threats throughout its lifecycle. His work enhances the integrity and robustness of AI systems in financial technology, critically impacting the continuity of industry operations and laying a robust foundation for the next generation of smart FinTech applications.

Professor Anderson Shum, Vice-President (Research) of CityUHK, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the two awardees. He said, “The recognition of these award-winning scholars highlights the innovative research at CityUHK and emphasises our commitment to advancing knowledge and technology. Their exceptional contributions to advancing science and technology have brought immense pride to the University.”