Shared Heart, New Journey: A Glimpse into the 2026 New Faculty Induction Programme (NFIP) at HKUST(GZ)
The 2026 New Faculty Induction Programme (NFIP) of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), also known as HKUST(GZ), was held on Sept 10, which also marked the Teachers’ Day. The Department of Academic Personnel Administration (APA) organized the NFIP, with participation from University leadership and colleagues from relevant departments. Combining thematic presentations with a campus tour, the NFIP aimed to help new faculty develop a comprehensive understanding of the University's development, its teaching and research systems, and campus resources, enabling them to integrate into the academic community more quickly and laying a solid foundation for their teaching and research endeavors at HKUST(GZ).
On the morning of the event, new faculty members gathered to register and settle in, marking the start of their induction journey.
Professor Lionel M. NI, President of HKUST(GZ), gave a "University Overview" presentation, introducing the University's development history and founding philosophy, expounding on the idea of "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses," and outlining the University's organizational and governance structure and distinctive development path. He also detailed the Substantiation & Promotion Review mechanisms, emphasizing the University’s impact-centered evaluation framework, which values multiple dimensions such as teaching effectiveness, student development, research impact, and interdisciplinary engagement. Professor NI encouraged new faculty to actively engage in teaching innovation on this vibrant ground of education so that they can grow together with the University.
Professor Ting Chuen PONG, Vice-President (Administration & Business), and Professor Ricky Shi-Wei LEE, Vice-President (Research), presented on "University Teaching & Learning". Professor PONG systematically outlined the university's interdisciplinary "Hub–Thrust" structure, its "2+2" broad-based admissions and staged training model, and its diversified, integrated pathways spanning undergraduate and postgraduate studies, helping new faculty understand the University's student-centered educational approach, which breaks down disciplinary boundaries. Professor LEE introduced the Red Bird MPhil Program's interdisciplinary talent development model, along with the University's teaching support and regulatory mechanisms, including the New Faculty Teaching Programme (NFTP), classroom observation, and teaching load. He stressed that teaching quality is closely tied to faculty career development.
Professor LEE then presented on "University Research", systematically introducing the University's overall research framework, research platforms at various levels, project-support policies, and research programs for undergraduate students. He encouraged new faculty to pursue cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with support from the University's platforms and resources, and to actively engage with the science and technology innovation ecosystem of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. He also reminded the new faculty that research integrity and laboratory safety are bottom lines that must never be compromised.
Professor PONG then presented on "Campus Development and Administrative Resources", covering the objectives and progress of Phase II construction, as well as the layout and service arrangements for supporting facilities including teaching amenities, residential facilities, and IT services.
The afternoon campus tour was another highlight of the NFIP, with new faculty members visiting the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Communication, Sensing and Computation for Ubiquitous Internet of Things (ICSC IoT), the Computational Media and Arts Lab (CMA Lab), and the Library and Visitor Information Center. They also experienced an educational VR game on national defense, developed under the leadership of the Centre for Ethics Education and Contemporary China Studies (EECCS).
APA also prepared a leaflet titled “New Faculty Campus Services and Contacts Guide” for new faculty members, covering the core functions of units across the University, points of contact, office locations, websites, and document-sharing platforms, helping new faculty smoothly integrate into campus life.
From the University's educational philosophy and teaching standards to research resources and on-site visits, the NFIP aims to help new faculty build a pathway toward a well-rounded understanding of the campus and rapid integration into the University. We look forward to seeing our new faculty break new ground in their teaching practice, push the frontiers of research, and pool their strengths through collaboration — moving forward and growing together with HKUST(GZ) as we jointly write a new chapter in the University's educational development.