Croucher News

July 2025

The happy marriage between liquid crystal order and topological order of electrons in 2D flat-band system 31 July 2025

University of Hong Kong researchers used quantum many-body computation to identify novel electronic phases in 2D flat-band materials. These materials will be the focus of a forthcoming Croucher Advanced Study Institute.

Welcome Party for 2025 winners of Croucher scholarships, fellowships, and innovation awards 30 July 2025

This year, the Foundation awarded 37 brilliant young scientists with scholarship and fellowship opportunities and 4 innovation awards across diverse disciplines and prestigious institutions.

Predicting a landslide 29 July 2025

Hong Kong researchers develop PUA-DEM model integrating particle, air, and water dynamics to predict landslides and optimise industrial applications.

From microbial research to restoration of marine habitats: the varied work of SWIMS 28 July 2025

Part 2 of our interview with Professor David Baker, interim director of SWIMS, looks at the institute’s research into the global marine sediment microbiome and its marine ecosystem restoration efforts.

Hong Kong’s Antarctic pioneers—a visit to the front line of climate change 25 July 2025

Hong Kong researchers on China's 41st Antarctic expedition discovered unexpected vegetation growth and pollution levels, as well as international collaboration opportunities, while studying climate change.

New membrane turns oxygen into powerful wastewater cleanser 24 July 2025

Hong Kong scientists create an oxygen-driven membrane that rapidly removes persistent phenolic pollutants, offering a safer, energy-free water purification method.

Gene behind fat buildup in liver cancer identified 23 July 2025

Hong Kong researchers discover overactive protein disrupts normal liver fat processing, allowing cancer cells to use accumulated fat for rapid growth.

Moon jellyfish 23 July 2025

The first of twelve immersive explorations of jellyfish in Hong Kong waters.

Croucher announces the start of Jellyfish July 22 July 2025

A monthly series of posts aims not only to inspire awareness about jellyfish and their crucial role in the seas around us, but also appreciation for their otherworldly beauty.

The search for a deeper understanding of ocean biodiversity 21 July 2025

Part 1 of our interview with Professor David Baker, interim director of SWIMS, looks at the institute's efforts to monitor the effects of climate change and human activity on Hong Kong’s biodiversity.

Researchers harness phenomenon first described in the 19th century for efficient heat-pumping technology 18 July 2025

The technology could reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining efficiency comparable to existing commercial systems without requiring problematic refrigerants.

Inspired by birds 17 July 2025

University of Hong Kong creates bird-inspired drone achieving 45mph through unmapped forests using LIDAR sensors and dual-trajectory safety systems.

Rising soil emissions worsen global ozone pollution 16 July 2025

Research reveals soil nitrous acid emissions have increased 22% since 1980, accelerating ozone pollution and affecting crop production worldwide.

Ancient genes reveal new avenues for stem cell research 14 July 2025

New findings show that fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology predate the evolution of multicellular organisms.

Looking beyond nature’s “big or cute” 11 July 2025

University’s biodiversity museum champions overlooked species, challenging research bias favouring charismatic vertebrates while showcasing Hong Kong's rich but understudied wildlife diversity.

Young Hong Kong researchers meet Nobel laureates at Lindau 9 July 2025

The young scientists had a special opportunity to talk in depth with Sir Gregory Winter, 2018 Nobel Prize winner for chemistry and chairman of Noel Croucher Foundation.

Hong Kong researchers develop blood-based robots for brain tumour treatment 8 July 2025

Magnetic robots created from patients' blood to deliver chemotherapy directly to inaccessible brain tumours.

Hong Kong Grouper fished towards local extinction 7 July 2025

Around 15 species of groupers are found around Hong Kong, but eDNA sampling fails to confirm the presence of the once abundant Hong Kong Grouper.

From detection to prevention: a new approach to earthquake monitoring in shale gas fields 4 July 2025

Scientists have identified precursor signals occurring months before major earthquakes in shale gas fields, enabling prevention strategies for human-induced seismic activity.

The new magnetism 3 July 2025

Scientists have observed the first room-temperature two-dimensional altermagnet, advancing quantum materials research for next-generation electronics applications.

Stay in the loop!

Subscribe to keep up with the latest from Croucher Foundation.

Passionate about science?

Subscribe now and stay informed about Hong Kong's dynamic scientific landscape.