The Review 2014

Marianna Giovanna Andrade Rojas from Mexico is a PhD candidate who chose HKU because of her programme – Innovation and Information Management – and the University’s international perspective. She has attended several international conferences and been able to take courses in other institutions in Hong Kong, helping her to build up her research network. She said: “The PhD programme here has enabled me to develop as a researcher and obtain the quantitative and qualitative training to conduct relevant research.” Diederick Niehorster received a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship, which is awarded by the Research Grants Council to attract top doctoral students from around the world. He is originally from the Netherlands and completed his doctorate in 2014 in the field of cognitive psychology and human vision. “The department staff were wonderful. They took the time to think with me to proactively find solutions. The library services were also very helpful in acquiring all kinds of obscure and old texts. I have been prepared well for my academic career and I am confident I will continue to collaborate with the people here in the years ahead.” Erick K’Omolo from Kenya came to HKU because he wanted to study beyond the traditional destinations of Europe and North America. Since arriving in 2011, he has pursued doctoral studies in law and development, and founded the Uwezo Pamoja Trust to recruit HKU students to do community service in his home village. “My greatest resource at HKU is my supervisor, who has been very helpful. I have also had an incomparable networking opportunity staying at Robert Black College,” he said. Su Meini was among the first graduates of HKU’s Joint PhD programme. She completed her doctorate in Civil Engineering under the joint supervision of HKU and Imperial College. “I previously studied at HKU, so this programme exposed me to a new research environment and methods, as well as academics with different perspectives. It was a valuable opportunity to study at two top universities and to develop networks in both places that will be helpful in my future career.” International Perspective Prepared for an Academic Career New Networks Two for One THE REVIEW 2014 ⎜ 27 Researchers: The Next Generation Research postgraduate students need single-minded determination to pursue their studies, but they also need to be able to function in an increasingly interconnected and interdisciplinary world. HKU’s Graduate School is preparing students for this challenge by encouraging them to think beyond their thesis. We admit a diverse intake of students – 30 per cent from Hong Kong, 57 per cent from Mainland China and the rest from elsewhere – and provide programmes that will broaden their perspectives. For example, an annual international research skills workshop organised with Imperial College London brings together students from different disciplines and countries; in 2014, it included students from HKU, Imperial College and the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. A Joint PhD programme with King’s College and Imperial College offers students the chance to earn their doctorate from two institutions, and in 2014 the first students graduated. Students also have opportunities to expand their exposure and experience by spending part of their study period in other institutions, including overseas, and pursuing interdisciplinary research where feasible. Research