The Review 2005

1 7 T HE R E V I EW 2 0 0 5 At The University of Hong Kong, we recognise that research needs to be multi-disciplinary and international to address some of the great concerns of today, such as sustainable development and the use of genetic research to develop new drugs and medical treatments. Scholars need to learn from others outside their field, and from colleagues outside their institutions. To this end, the University established eight Strategic Research Areas in the 2004-05 academic year, providing a focus for the cross-fertilisation of expertise. The eight areas were identified based on our strengths or niche areas with recognised potential for development, as well as consultations with academic staff. They encompass biotechnology and drug development; built and natural environments; China studies; communications; computational sciences and technology; human health and development; nanoscience and nanotechnology; and public law and public policy. Each area has been provided with seed funding of up to $1 million and several research postgraduate places to support the development of research proposals. Twenty-one Research by its nature is a collaborative process. The sharing of information and opinions has always been essential to the advancement of knowledge. Now, in the 21st century, the scope of scholarly collaboration is changing. In the wake of globalisation, universities are breaking down barriers, physically and figuratively, globally and locally, to meet significant new challenges. project themes have resulted and these will be a major focus of research over the next few years. Many include opportunities for training young scientists, a key requirement for developing and retaining academic talent at the University. Scholars doing multi-disciplinary work outside the eight Strategic Research Areas will, of course, continue to be encouraged. During the year, researchers from the Department of Music and the Department of Linguistics completed a study on tonal language and music for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Another pair, from the Department of History and the Department of Earth Sciences, explained the origins of the unusual orientation of 18th century English churches and their findings were covered in Nature . The establishment of the eight Strategic Research Areas provides structure and formal support for cross-disciplinary activities, but we will continue to welcome and value new areas of investigation. Collaboration and Discovery