Chances to Mingle with Top 2% of Senior Researchers as Named on Stanford University’s list
A series of informal gathering sessions on “Chances to Mingle with Top 2% of Senior Researchers as Named on Stanford University’s list – Learning beyond the researcher’s desk” is organized for research students starting from the 2020/21 academic year. In this series, different senior researchers who were named on Stanford University’s list of the top 2% most-cited scientists in various disciplines were / will be invited to share their research experiences. This provides a platform for intellectual exchanges and cultivates a rigorous and supportive research culture among research students.
1 June 2021 (Tuesday)
Speaker: Professor Rudolf Wu
- Advisor (Environmental Science) in Department of Science and Environmental Studies, EduHK;
- Director of the “Regional Centre of Excellence in Marine Pollution” of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia, United Nations
Topic: GOOD RESEARCH: Essential elements, approaches and common pitfalls
About the Seminar
Research involves collection, analysis and interpretation of data. While originality and novelty are fundamental for all types of research, GOOD research distinguished itself from mediocre research by its potential to (a) make generalization, prediction and application on a wide scale, and (2) produce significant scientific and/or socioeconomic impact.
Research may be classified into 4 different types (e.g. fishing expedition, discovery, technique development and hypothesis testing). In this seminar, Professor Rudolf Wu (bio) will share his research experience and discuss the merit, pros and cons of each type, and key processes involved in hypothesis formulation and testing. Common pitfall (e.g. sampling, sample size and data interpretation) in conducting research will also be highlighted.
11 March 2021 (Thursday)
Speaker: Professor WONG Ming Hung
- Advisor (Environmental Science), Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, EdUHK;
- Chang Jiang Chair Professor (Environmental Science and Engineering), Ministry of Education, China; and
- Editor-in-Chief, Environmental Geochemistry and Health (Springer Nature)
Topic: Writing Scientific Papers for Journal Publication
About the Seminar
Final year project students, research students and even junior scientists are faced with various difficulties in writing their scientific papers, and even more so when submitting their papers for journal publication. Research students in a substantial number of major mainland universities are required to publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, before graduation. Though not stipulated in any regulations, research students in Hong Kong are also encouraged to publish their results, while pursuing their studies. In this seminar, Professor Wong Ming Hung will share his research experience in writing scientific papers for journal publication, in the area of environmental sciences, starting from the preparation of a manuscript, to submission to an appropriate international peer-reviewed journal, and revising the manuscript according to reviewers’ comments. Common errors made by research students will be discussed.
20 November 2020
Speaker: Professor JIM Chi Yung, BH, JP.
- Research Chair Professor of Geography & Environmental Science
Topic: Dreaming up a fruitful and fulfilling academic voyage
About the Seminar
The professional life of an academic is full of challenges and surprises, characterised by continual kaleidoscopic changes. Probably, the only element of certainty is the starting point, which could be followed by wanderings in the wilderness. For an aspiring academic, the future seems rather unpredictable and unsettling. To avoid going astray and wasting precious time and effort, some introspection and visionary planning may alleviate the apprehension. It helps to understand some key traits and expectations, upon which a road map could be plotted to reach blissful destinations after destinations with efficacy and alacrity. Bon voyage!
7 October 2020 (Wednesday)
Speaker: Professor Stephen Y.L. Cheung, SBS, JP, Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques.
- President of EdUHK
- Chair Professor of Public Policy
About the Seminar
These series provide a platform to connect our senior and junior researchers in the University. Having the pleasure to invite the President, Prof Stephen Cheung, to be our first speaker, this gathering was organized successfully on 7 Oct 2020 (Wednesday), with both online and face-to-face modes to accommodate more than forty doctoral students from all around the world. During the event, the President shared his career of treachery from mathematics to statistics, finance, and education. He believes overcoming challenges is fun, and this has motivated him to keep transforming. Change is the only constant. Prof Cheung emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and always keeping an open mind. Prof Cheung also gave advice regarding how to maintain positive relationships with supervisors, how to apply research skills in different settings and how to maximize time efficiency as a researcher. Although the research field is challenging, he encouraged students to “work hard, and never say never”.