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More than 20 secondary school students from different backgrounds had a taste of being a university student at the Rising STARs Science Camp 2026, a 5-day summer programme organised by the College of Science (CSCI) from 20 to 24 July.
The camp’s name contained the word “STARs”, which stands for Science, Technology, AI, Research and Sharing. The camp aimed to spark curiosity and interest in science, especially the three disciplines within the CSCI: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Through a combination of academic learning, hands-on laboratory activities, and residential experience, these secondary school students gained intensive and inspiring exposure to university study within 5 days.
Professor Xin Wang, Dean of CSCI, warmly greeted the students at the first day’s welcoming ceremony and encouraged them to experience the excitement of scientific discovery, “I hope the Rising STARs Science Camp inspires you to explore the wonders of science and to pursue your aspirations with confidence and determination.”
On the first day of their journey, after a round of orientation games and a welcome lunch, mentors showed the students around the campus, in preparation for the next day’s “Science Discovery Hunt”. Along the way, they also visited two exhibitions: “The Power of Play” and “Story of the Ocean Giants: Cetaceans and Sea Turtles”. And their first day ended with a fun pickleball contest at the brand new CityUHK Sports Centre.
On the second day, the students attended a morning lecture on cryptography, delivered by Professor Jon Lo from the Department of Mathematics. They learnt how to decode ciphered texts, a skill to be applied in the afternoon’s “Science Discovery Hunt”. Professor Lo and the student mentors have set up 8 checkpoints on campus, each with a hint containing a secret code that guides them to the next checkpoint. One group of students successfully cracked all the codes, showcasing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
On Day three, the students attended two lectures in the morning and gained a genuine taste of university classes. The first one is about microplastic pollution and how it affects the marine environment of Hong Kong, presented by Professor Siu Gin Cheung from the Department of Chemistry. After that, Professor Sam Wong from the Department of Physics gave a lecture about Einstein's theory of special relativity.
In the afternoon, the group had an off-campus visit to the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works, the Hong Kong’s largest secondary sewage treatment works. It produces 260,000 cubic metres of sewage per day.
On Day four, the students had a busy day. It started with Professor Brian Kot’s lecture about the power of forensic imaging. With help of his teammate in the Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab and using VR equipment, the students had hands-on experience in performing 3D imaging and “scanning” the virtual remains of a dolphin or sea turtle, to determine the cause of death.
In the afternoon, they first tried to light LED bulbs with the button batteries they assembled. And then, they headed to the Chemistry laboratory to make a bottle of hand cream with marine or rose flavour. After dinner, the group headed to the Roof Garden of the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre for stargazing. Professor Sam Wong and the student mentors have set up telescopes so students can get a clearer look at the moon and the stars up there.
That night, the students even experienced residential hall life as they stayed overnight at the CityUHK Student Residence (Kowloon Tong Compound). That would be the last puzzle to complete their university experience at CityUHK.
Last day of their camp began with an AI workshop conducted by Professor Condon Lau from the Department of Physics. His advice to the students was to remain critical of the answers provided by AI platforms and to treat them more as references than as final answers.
The 5-day camp ended with a closing banquet held at the Faculty Lounge. Every student and mentor was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Professor Xin Wang, the CSCI Dean. Everyone shared their most unforgettable moment over the past 5 days and the parts they enjoyed most.
While 5 days are not enough to explore all scientific possibilities, the College of Science hopes participants will stay inspired and consider continuing their journey with CityUHK as future students.