The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is destined to be one of the world's leading intellectual centers, said the university president Prof. Paul Chu Friday.

The IAS is a key initiative outlined in the university's Strategic Plan 2005-2020 with the mission to drive major scientific and technological advances, as well as to nurture young talents as innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

Prof. Chu, IAS's Founding Director, said, "As the academic mecca of Hong Kong, IAS will place Hong Kong firmly on the world map, on a par with the top research institutes in the world.

"We're now actively recruiting the permanent faculty members who will form the backbone of the Institute."

The Institute will provide a home for internationally renowned scholars, who will work in close partnership with local academics in advancing the frontiers of knowledge and making scientific breakthroughs.

They will also teach and mentor gifted students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, give public lectures and promote popular science.

According to Prof. Chu, IAS will focus on selected high-impact study areas including nano-science and nano-technology, biological sciences and biotechnology, information technology, and the environment and sustainable development.

Source: Xinhua