According to the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results released by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in May 2021, the overall quality of research work of The Education University of Hong Kong was rated 3-star (i.e. internationally excellent) in the assessment unit of earth sciences (including oceanography, meteorology) and other physical sciences (including environmental science).

In this assessment exercise, the novel treatment technologies for removing emerging pollutants from wastewater developed and transferred in an impact case study by Dr Tsang Yiu-fai, Associate Professor at Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES), was considered by the RAE panel as “internationally excellent”. Dr Tsang’s work has received five international awards, and was awarded a HK$1 million competitive grant by the Environment and Conservation Fund in 2021. This was followed by a HK$1.2 million consultancy project awarded by the Water Supplies Department to recycle and recover waterworks sludge as eco-resources.

Professor Eric Tsang Po-keung, Head of SES, attributed this to the “great efforts and hard work of department colleagues”. 

Professor Tsang said: “We are very pleased that our research was recognised in the RAE exercise as internationally excellent. This encouragement will enable us to focus more closely on our existing strength in this promising area in the coming years, by providing stronger support for staff members to achieve higher quality research and promoting research impacts with broader social relevance and important economic and social benefits.”

Professor Tsang added, “Environmental Health had been designated as one of the two strategic research themes in SES to embrace the research landscape in Hong Kong and beyond, including future funding opportunities, anticipated research needs, our competitive advantages, and the existing strengths of our colleagues, as well as our alignment with the mission of the University.

SES will continue to build on our core capability in this recognised area, nurture a research culture, and encourage international collaboration to scale new heights in the coming years.”