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Two generous donations
from the community have made possible the establishment of two
new research centers at UST, testifying once again to the University's
deserved reputation as a leading proponent of research culture
in Hong Kong. The Croucher Laboratory on Multiscale Modeling
and Simulation has been sponsored by The Croucher Foundation
and the Center on China's Transnational Relations by the Chan
Tseng Hsi Foundation. |
The Laboratory, established with a HK$1 million donation from The
Croucher Foundation, will conduct cutting-edge research and develop
high-level computational methods in multiscale modeling.
Multiscale phenomena occur in diverse scientific and
engineering problems ranging from vortical structures in the atmosphere
to the dynamics of microcrack in a fracture. The inter-disciplinary
nature of multiscale modeling as well as its real-life applications
have made it one of the most exciting emerging fields in science
and technology. Disciplines such as computer science and nanoscience
can greatly benefit from advanced research in multiscale modeling
and computations.
UST faculty members have already undertaken considerable
cross-disciplinary research in multiscale modeling and outstanding
achievements have been accomplished, auguring well for the Laboratory's
future development. The Mathematics and Physics Departments recently
solved the Moving-Contact-Line Problem, a phenomenon that has a
bearing on our everyday life and industrial processes, such as the
spreading of lubricants and coatings.
The Croucher Foundation, founded by the late entrepreneur
and philanthropist Mr Noel Croucher, aims to promote advanced research
in science and technology in Hong Kong. The Foundation has already
donated about HK$37 million to UST.
This Fall also saw the opening of another research center. A HK$1
million donation from the Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation has enabled
the Division of Social Science to institute the new Center on China's
Transnational Relations, whose mission is to conduct and support
high-quality research on issues in China that transcend the country's
borders, such as migration, foreign direct investment, trade, and
technology transfer, as well as China's regional and global influence.
China's growing political and economic ascendancy
has raised the nation's profile as a leading player in the international
arena — a trend that necessitates vigorous scholarship
in the field. UST's strengths in China studies and social science,
as well as Hong Kong's unique role in Greater China, will help position
the Center as an academic point of contact for scholars and students
in China studies.
Research and teaching programs offered by the Center
are wide ranging and include: international conferences, policy
workshops and seminars, sponsorship of student research awards and
fellowships, and organizing a summer institute. Members from the
business sector and consular staff will be invited to share their
views with academics on issues relating to China's transnational
relations.
The inauguration ceremony of the Center was graced
by the presence of Prof Kenneth Lieberthal of Michigan University,
former Special Assistant to the President of the United States for
National Security Affairs and Senior Director for Asia on the National
Security Council. He delivered an inauguration lecture entitled
"Hu in Command: Now Come the Political and Economic Challenges".
Donations for both Centers were matched by government
grants on a dollar-for-dollar basis. 
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