News & Stories

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today held the “Materials Forum 2026 cum Establishment Ceremony of the Department of Materials (MAT)”. As the first flagship academic event following the department's inception, the forum brought together distinguished scholars and researchers from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, the United States, Korea, and other regions. The event not only marked the establishment of MAT but also provided a platform for discussing emerging frontiers and future opportunities in materials science.

An international interdisciplinary research team led by Prof. Richard GU Hongri, Assistant Professor of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges a centuries-old understanding of friction. For over 300 years, scientists have adhered to Amontons’ law, which posits that friction increases monotonically with the load pressing two surfaces together. However, this new study reveals that friction can manifest even without physical contact, opening avenues for the development of wear-free technologies and reshaping our comprehension of this fundamental rule that governs everyday activities from walking to braking a car.

A research team, led by Prof. XU Qin from the Department of Physics (PHYS) and Prof. HU Wenqi from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has developed soft composite systems with highly programmable, asymmetric mechanical responses. By integrating “shear-jamming transitions” into compliant polymeric solids, this innovative work enhances key material functionalities essential for engineering mechano-intelligent systems— a major step toward the development of next-generation smart materials and devices.  

Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a novel elastic alloy called Ti₇₈Nb₂₂, which achieves remarkable efficiency for solid-state heat pumping and exhibits a reversible temperature change (ΔT) ability that is 20 times greater than that of conventional metals when stretched or compressed, offering a promising green alternative to traditional vapor-compression heating and cooling technologies.

In a significant advancement for boosting renewable energy generation development, the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has taken the lead in breaking through studies of the nanoscale properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This initiative has resulted in the development of more efficient and durable cells, poised to substantially diminish costs and broaden applications, thereby connecting scientific research with the needs of the business community.

For many, remaining within the familiar confines of our expertise, or let’s say comfort zone, is the norm, even momentous goals have been achieved. But it is not the case for Professor ZHOU Yuanyuan. He refuses to rest on his laurels and is working hard to expand his research scope. In the face of the challenges of commercializing the promising solar technology, he is never a quitter.In his newly rebuilt laboratory on the HKUST campus, Prof. Zhou, Associate Professor of HKUST’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, who joined the University under the prestigious “30 for 30” talent acquisition campaign, has been leading his team to research new materials, making steady strides towards his goal of popularizing the use of sustainable energy in our daily life.

Liquid Crystals (LC) are widely deployed in display technology and optical fibres. From smartphones in your pockets to large screen TVs, LCs are everywhere, as this special state of matter has been found in colorful soap bubbles as well as certain living tissues.

Prof. MAI Yiu-Wing shares with us his four decades of research on fracture and composite mechanics.