Celebrating Excellence: CBE Student Guimei LIU Awarded the 2025 Steven Ying PhD Research Prize
Ms. Guimei LIU, a Year 4 PhD student from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE), has been named one of two recipients of the prestigious 2025 Steven Ying PhD Research Prize. Her exceptional research earned her a one-off HK$50,000 award, presented during a ceremony held on 6 June 2025.
Established by the HKUST Energy Institute (EI) with a generous donation from the Foundation for Amazing Potentials, the “The Steven Ying PhD Award 應琦泓先生博士生傑出研究獎” (the “Award”) aims to recognize and reward PhD students who demonstrate outstanding research performance in sustainability, environmental studies, energy technology, green technology, or related disciplines.
Among 23 applications, Ms. Liu was selected alongside Mr. Chen ZHAO, a Year 3 PhD student from the Department of Ocean Science. The awards were presented by Mr. Steven YING, Director of the Foundation for Amazing Potentials, and Professor Minhua SHAO, Director of the HKUST Energy Institute, Cheong Ying Chan Professor of Energy Engineering and Environment, and Head and Chair Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
At the ceremony, Prof. Shao expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ying and the Foundation for Amazing Potentials for their generous donation to establish the Steven Ying PhD Research Award, noting how the award supports the university’s commitment to sustainability and international academic exchange. Mr. Ying addressed the audience by reflecting on the Chinese philosophical principles of 天時 (timing), 地利 (place), and 人和 (talent), encouraging students to embrace their potential in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI and technological change.
The awardees Ms. Liu and Mr. Zhao presented their research work and extended sincere thanks to Mr. Ying, the Energy Institute and their supervisors Prof. Ding HE, Prof. Minhua SHAO for supporting their research journey.
Congratulations to Ms. Guimei LIU and Mr. Chen ZHAO!
Source: Steven Ying PhD Research Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 | HKUST ENERGY INSTITUTE
