About HKUST(GZ)
Formally established in June 2022, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) is a cooperatively run higher education institution between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As a pioneering university, HKUST(GZ) is redefining cross-disciplinary education, advancing pedagogical innovation, and driving scientific research with real-world impact.
HKUST embraces a unified university system that leverages the strengths of both campuses (Nansha and Clear Water Bay) while maintaining distinct academic programs. Under the Unified HKUST-Complementary Campuses model, academic structures and degree offerings are designed to be complementary, eliminating redundancy.
At HKUST(GZ), a strong emphasis is placed on a cross-disciplinary approach that fosters creative thinking, empowers students to develop independent ideas, and enhances their ability to engage with society to identify and solve real-world challenges. Students and researchers benefit from access to courses, research facilities, and collaboration opportunities across both campuses. All research postgraduate students at HKUST(GZ) are required to have at least two supervisors from different disciplines, ensuring a cross-disciplinary perspective in their research. This structure strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration and enhances students’ research experience, preparing them to address complex global challenges.
To further its holistic and integrative vision, HKUST(GZ) adopts a unique Hub and Thrust structure that facilitates cross-disciplinary education, research, and knowledge transfer. Combining natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and management, the Guangzhou campus is structured around four non-traditional Hubs—Function, Information, Systems, and Society—each comprising multiple Thrust Areas. These Hubs transcend disciplinary and organizational boundaries, fostering synergy and interaction to create knowledge that goes beyond traditional academic silos.
About Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change (CNCC) Thrust
Human beings, together with their cultures and lifestyles, are facing unprecedented threats from fundamental changes in the global climate system. The CNCC Thrust aims to address the greatest challenge of our age while seizing the greatest opportunity for prosperity and sustainability of society. This thrust area addresses key global and national priorities, trains the next generation of leaders who face the global challenges of climate change, seize opportunities of the new industrial revolution, and develop technical, institutional, and policy solutions for a shared sustainable future.
Fields of Research:
• Temporal and spatial life cycle assessment and multi-objective optimization for carbon management and trading
• AI for sustainability, focusing on climate predictive modeling and digital twin applications in sustainable city development
• Decarbonization strategies and low-carbon policy planning across waste, energy, building, transportation, and agriculture sectors
Eligibility Requirements:
• Master’s degree in environmental engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, public policy, economics of sustainability, or a related discipline.
• Exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a good publication record may also be considered.
• Strong interest in addressing climate change and sustainability challenges through innovative solutions.
• Passion for interdisciplinary research (e.g., AI for climate change)
• Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, ArcGIS, GAMS, or SimaPro is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for presenting research findings and writing academic papers.
Practical Information:
• Position Available: 2-3 PhD students
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Financial support: PhD Program with a monthly allowance of RMB 15,000 (~USD 2,000)
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
• Letter of interest highlighting relevant background and experience
• Detailed CV
• Copies of university certificates and transcripts
• Names and contact details of two academic references
• Copy of Bachelor/Master thesis and/or academic papers (if applicable)
Submission Details:
Email your application to Prof Vincent Woon Kok Sin, koksinwoon@hkust-gz.edu.cn, with the subject line: “PhD Application – [Your Name]”
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.