The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) /RGC Joint Research Scheme

Full Job Description

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme (JRS) aims at fostering Singapore-Hong Kong research collaboration by funding joint integrated research projects collaboratively conducted by scholars and researchers at research institutes and universities in Singapore and Hong Kong.

There are three research areas under A*STAR/RGC JRS. They are as follows:

• Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities of Tomorrow;

• Science for Energy and Environmental Sustainability; and

• Translational Immunology and Emerging Diseases.

Two-phase approach will be adopted to encourage bold thinking and high-risk, high-reward ideas. A maximum of ten (10) proposals will be selected to test out their initial ideas during the 24-month Phase 1 with a maximum funding of HK$1 million. A joint review will be conducted by around the 21st month to select at most three (3) most promising projects for continuation of project for the further 36-months Phase 2 with additional funding of HK$1.8 million.

Hong Kong applicants should meet fully the requirements for applying for the RGC General Research Fund (GRF). Singapore applicants should check with the ASTAR for their eligibility requirements. Only applications that fully meet the requirements of both the RGC and the ASTAR would be accepted.

• innovativeness;

• potential for application / further follow-up, and impact of research outcomes of the project;

• relevance of the proposal to the specified research area;

• academic merit and scientific / technical quality of the proposed research; and

• the extent of strategic and operational synergies to be realised through collaboration.

Parallel submissions of the same proposal by the Singapore applicants (to the A*STAR) and the Hong Kong applicants of the project team are required. The application should be submitted to the UGC Secretariat through the research office of the coordinating university by 5:00 pm on 20 October 2026. There is a quota of five submissions for each UGC-funded university.

To view the call circular, please click here.

To download the application form, please click here.

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