THEi awarded HK$23 million by Research Grants Council for applied researches on sustainable living
The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), has been awarded funding of about HK$23 million by the Research Grants Council (RGC) for 14 research projects as part of the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-Financing Degree Sector in 2016/17. THEi is the institution awarded the highest amount of funding from the Schemes. In line with the strategic mission of THEi in promoting researches on “sustainable living”, the funds will be devoted to enhancing the research capability of THEi, hosting an international conference on urban greening, and setting up the Centre for Sustainable Design & Environment to spearhead applied researches on environmental protection.Environmental protection and sustainable development are pressing global issues in 21st century. In response, THEi has adopted “Sustainable Living” as a five-year strategic research theme to formulate solutions to improving the environment. With funding from RGC to boost the Institute’s capacity in conducting researches on sustainable innovation and living, the Faculty of Design and Environment of THEi will set up the Centre for Sustainable Design & Environment in 2017 under which two research laboratories will be established, namely the Sustainable Innovation & Development Lab and the Sustainable Living & Environment Lab. These labs will be equipped with cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D printer, 3D body scanning system, and satellite image processing and analysing software. Focussing on the specialisms of fashion and product innovation, urban greening, tree management and landscape architecture, the Centre will lead applied research into sustainable living and community promotion schemes. At the same time, academic exchanges and knowledge transfer with education institutes around the globe will be deepened, facilitating education and training work. Together with the Research Centre for Waste and Resource Management to be opened shortly, the two centres will create synergy in furthering research on environmental studies.
THEi will also organise an international conference on urban greening infrastructure in 2017-18 on topics like biodiversity, planting and landscape design, and urban greening and optimisation technologies. Distinguished overseas academics will be invited to share their experience and ideas, which will broaden the horizons of local teachers and students. With RGC funding, THEi academics will carry out high-quality researches in their speciality areas including design, horticulture, biology & medicine, engineering, language and sociology in the coming three years.
The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is a member of VTC Group. It offers vocationally-oriented degree programmes across three faculties: Design and Environment, Management and Hospitality, and Science and Technology. The programmes are offered in areas where the VTC has strengths, and which are also growth industries not only in Hong Kong but also across the region. They feature the synthesis of knowledge acquisition and practical applications that enable students to grow into professionally-competent graduates. With its strong links with industry partners, THEi provides students with a vital platform for enhanced development.
Website: www.thei.edu.hk
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