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From Research to Real-World Impact
Empowering STEM talent, accelerating breakthroughs, and inspiring collaborative solutions that benefit society

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Jockey Club STEM Initiatives

STEM is a driving force for progress. Through empowering the next generation of STEM innovators, investing in world-class infrastructure, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, our initiatives aim to transform scientific excellence into lasting social impact for Hong Kong.

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Become the Next JC STEM Fellow

Join a community of emerging research leaders driving innovation with purpose by becoming a JC STEM Early Career Research Fellows—receiving support to accelerate your work, grow professionally, and create real-world impact.
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Event Highlights

Selected highlights from recent gatherings, showcasing keynote speeches, thematic workshops, and opportunities for networking and cross-sector dialogue.
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Frequently Asked Questions

JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship for Translation and Application (“the Fellowship”) is a strategic initiative designed to nurture a pool of promising STEM postdoctoral researchers who aspire to translate scientific research into industry applications. The Fellowship provides comprehensive support and a unique opportunity to help them develop their research and innovation careers, expand their professional networks, and create social impact.

Eligible nominees must fulfil the following criteria:
a. (i) have obtained/ been conferred the first PhD degree or an equivalent qualification in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines on or after 1 June 2022; OR (ii) will complete the required qualification on or before 31 December 2025. (If the nominee’s conferment date is after 31 December 2025, they must provide supporting documents that they have completed the required qualification and will be awarded a PhD degree by their university);
b. be legally permitted to work in Hong Kong; and
c. be supported by the nominating University Grants Committee (“UGC”)-funded university at which they wish to hold the Fellowship.

Each of the eight UGC-funded universities may nominate up to ten candidates for the Fellowship. A candidate can only be nominated by one UGC-funded university.  

 

For details regarding internal application deadlines and university contacts, please consult the Application Guidelines.

 

Duly completed nominations, endorsed by the Head of the University, must be submitted by the Nominating University's designated office to the Trust by 5 p.m. on October 24, 2025.

Applicants must submit a completed Application Form through the university where they intend to hold the Fellowship. A University Nomination Form, endorsed by the Head of the University (or designated Vice-President), together with a university cover letter, will be prepared by the nominating university and submitted to the Trust. For more details on the application procedure, please refer to the Application Guidelines.

Applications are evaluated through a peer-review process based on three key criteria: the applicant's academic and research record, the scientific merit and translational impact of their proposed research, and the level of guidance and support provided by the university. A selection committee of internationally renowned experts conducts the assessment and makes final selection recommendations to the Trust for endorsement.

All selection criteria are important and considered holistically, but applicants should especially demonstrate translational impact, as particular emphasis is placed on the potential for tangible real-world application.

Each fellowship provides an annual stipend of up to HK$530,000 for three years, along with a 15% gratuity upon completion. Additionally, it includes an academic development allowance of up to HK$30,600 per year for three years, research seed funding of up to HK$300,000, and an optional industry attachment program. Through this program, the Trust contributes up to 50% of the salary (maximum HK$30,000 per month) for up to 12 months to facilitate Fellows in gaining commercial experience and building industry connections.

Each fellowship will have a maximum duration of four years.

Please contact the research office or the designated fellowship coordinator at your nominating university. A complete list of contact persons is provided in Annex A of the Application Guidelines.

Applicants who are not selected for nomination by the university will not receive a notification. If your application is successful, the university will contact you directly to schedule an interview. For the final selection, the university will reach out to invite shortlisted candidates for an interview with our International Expert Review Panel.