CityU sees research as one of the key elements in its strategy to become a leading university in the region. The University concentrates its resources to achieve excellence in selected areas of research, and focuses on applied research with direct local and regional relevance.

Promoting Research Excellence

In pursuant of the policy of funding selectivity, the University supported the establishment of Research Centres to provide the focus for interdisciplinary research in selected areas with the capacity and potential for international competitiveness. 

The CityU Centre for Marine Environmental Research and Innovative Technology was established with Government funding under the Areas of Excellence (AoE) scheme. The AoE scheme is an initiative launched by the University Grants Committee (UGC) with the objective of providing a platform to encourage and bolster research collaboration across the higher education sector in the interests of creating critical mass to achieve international excellence.

Knowledge Transfer and Innovation

The University places heavy emphasis on applied research, and uses the results of such work to directly benefit Hong Kong and beyond. Transferring applied research outcomes to industry is pursued through the Applied Strategic Development Centres which foster university-industry partnership, facilitate technology transfer and promote commercialization of results of applied R&D. Applied R & D Centres across the border in Shenzhen have also been set up to focus on mid-stream, market–driven research with direct applications to industry, commerce and the community.

Research Support

The Research Grants & Contracts Office provides services for the administration of research activities and supports the formulation of research policies and strategic planning. It is responsible for research grants and contracts administration, and maintains two online systems for project management and output reporting. The Knowledge Transfer Office is responsible for commercial exploitation of technology through licensing and business incubation; provision of consultancy and professional services; protection and management of intellectual property and administration of research projects and research centres in Shenzhen. To facilitate research management and knowledge transfer, the following database systems have been developed:

- Directory of Professional Expertise
- Applied Research Gallery
- Patent Database
- Internet-based Research Information System (IRIS)
- CityU Research Online