Head's Welcome

Prof. Xiaoyu LI, Head of the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong is a renowned institution dedicated to excellence in both research and teaching. With a long history of distinguished achievements, we have established ourselves as a leader in the field, both regionally and globally. Our faculty members are not only dedicated researchers but also passionate educators, sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of chemists.

Research is at the heart of our department, and our faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of scientific discovery. With expertise in inorganic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, physical/computational chemistry, chemical biology, materials science, green energy, and interdisciplinary subjects related to chemistry, biology, engineering, biomedical sciences, we cover a wide range of research areas. Our commitment to knowledge sharing extends beyond the laboratory, as we actively engage in community outreach and strive to make a positive impact.

In recognition of our research prowess, we have received numerous accolades and international honours. In the 2020 Research Assessment Exercise, we were ranked first among all chemistry departments in Hong Kong, solidifying our reputation for excellence. Our faculty members have been recognized with prestigious memberships in esteemed organizations like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Sciences. We are also proud of our rising stars, with one faculty member being awarded an American Peptide Society lectureship and another one awarded with Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award (Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry).

In addition to our research endeavours, we place great emphasis on providing top-tier teaching to our students. Our undergraduate curriculum covers core courses in physical, inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry, providing students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals. We also offer elective courses in emerging areas such as chemical biology, computational chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, allowing students to explore their specific interests. Our undergraduate programs are designed to meet the highest standards and are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

For those interested in pursuing advanced degrees, we invite applications for our MPhil and PhD programs. As part of our commitment to fostering a vibrant research community, prospective students have the opportunity to explore our research offerings and connect with potential supervisors through our website. Current students will find valuable resources and a supportive network to help them thrive in their academic journey. We are launching a taught postgraduate program, Master of Science (MSc) in the field of Chemical Technologies for Health and Materials (CTHM), aiming to foster young professionals with practical training and knowledge in modern chemical sciences.

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our ongoing projects, past successes, and the vibrant community that makes up our department. Whether you are a prospective student, a researcher, or a member of the chemistry community, we welcome you to join us in our pursuit of scientific knowledge and the advancement of the field of chemistry. Together, let us continue to shape the future of chemistry through research, education, and collaboration.