Six EdUHK Scholars Awarded RGC Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme Funding
Hong Kong’s Second Largest Cohort by Awardees and Funding Secured
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is pleased to announce that six of its scholars have been awarded funding under the inaugural Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme (ORFS) of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), with a total funding exceeding HK$2.01 million. EdUHK ranks second among all local universities in both the number of awardees and the amount of funding received, testifying to the outstanding academic accomplishments and relentless efforts of the University’s research team.
EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development), Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, extended his congratulations to the awarded scholars. “It is particularly meaningful to receive this recognition as EdUHK celebrates the 10th anniversary of its retitling as a university. Over the past decade, we have diversified our academic and research portfolio to generate impact for society. Our researchers selected under this Scheme represent a wide spectrum of disciplines - from special education, English language education and psychology to environmental science, mathematics and information technology - demonstrating EdUHK’s robust interdisciplinary research capabilities and fruitful academic outcomes,” he said.
“Upholding the core value of ‘Education Futures, Diverse Talents’, EdUHK will continue to provide full support for our scholars to pursue forward-looking research and international academic exchanges across disciplines, foster academic innovation and knowledge advancement, and deliver impactful research outputs for the betterment of society,” Professor Chan added.
The ORFS is a new pilot initiative launched by the RGC for three academic years from 2026/27 to 2028/29, with 40 awards granted annually. The Scheme supports Hong Kong scholars to undertake immersive international collaboration and professional training at leading overseas universities and research institutions. It aims to broaden the global perspectives of local academics, deepen cross-regional research exchange, and enhance the international visibility and impact of Hong Kong’s higher education and research sector.
Profiles of EdUHK Awardees (in alphabetical order by surname):
- Professor Esther Lau Yuet-ying, Department of Psychology
As a registered clinical psychologist and clinical scientist, Professor Lau specialises in sleep and circadian rhythms, neurocognitive-affective functioning, spirituality, and mental health, with the aim of promoting human flourishing. Her projects, funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund and the RGC’s General Research Fund, investigate the impact of daytime and night-time sleep on neurocognitive and emotional functioning. Her work also explores beliefs, values, meaning, and character development to deepen an integrative understanding of human flourishing. - Dr Lee Ju Seong, Associate Head, Department of English Language Education
Dr Lee pioneered the concept of Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE), highlighting how students in the digital and AI era can learn English autonomously through everyday digital activities. Since 2020, he has worked with Indonesian educators to launch an IDLE learning programme that has benefited more than 2,800 students. Building on this work, he plans to expand the initiative to West, Central, and East Java as well as Vietnam, while also conducting large-scale data analysis in collaboration with partners in Australia. - Dr Leung Chi-fai, Associate Head, Department of Science and Environmental Studies
Dr Leung’s expertise spans photochemical solar energy conversion, photochemical and photophysical properties of transition-metal compounds, metal-ligand multiple bonds, and chemical degradation of persistent organic pollutants. His current research focuses on solar-to-fuel technologies for carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen peroxide generation, two-photon excitation, and anticancer metallodrugs, contributing to both environmental science and biomedical innovation. - Professor Song Yanjie, Department of Mathematics and Information Technology
Professor Song is listed among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in education, according to Stanford University. Her research covers artificial intelligence and the metaverse (AR, VR and MR) in education, augmented reality, multimodal learning analytics, and innovative pedagogical design. Her team has secured multiple patents, including “EmoCare: An AI-powered Application to Foster Emotional Well-being,” which received the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in 2026. - Dr Tsang Yiu-fai, Associate Professor, Department of Science and Environmental Studies
Dr Tsang is a researcher in environmental engineering and his research interests include wastewater and sludge treatment, biodegradable plastics and microplastics, resource recovery, bioremediation, microbial CO2 fixation, and odour pollution control. Currently, he is the Editor-in-Chief of Energy & Environment and Editor of Chemical Engineering Journal. He received a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury and two Silver Medals from The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in 2023, 2021, and 2026, respectively. He has been listed among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in Biotechnology/Environmental Science since 2020. - Dr Wang Hui, Associate Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling
Dr Wang’s research centres on educational psychology, with a particular focus on teacher motivation, emotion, and emotion regulation, and how these factors shape teacher well-being, teaching quality, and student learning outcomes. Her research projects have been frequently funded by the University Grants Committee and the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit. Furthermore, Dr Wang has developed an AI-powered metaverse classroom simulation platform designed to provide immersive training, thereby enhancing pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and instructional quality. Dr Wang is a recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in both Research and Teaching.
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