Policies & Guidelines
HKUST is committed to pursuing excellence in research and the advancement of knowledge, in accordance with the highest standards of integrity. Research and relevant activities at the University are governed by the following.
Research Units
The University's establishment, management, reporting and review of research institutes, centers and labs are governed by the Policy on the Establishment, Management, Reporting and Review of Research Institutes and Centers.
To establish or report on a research unit, please submit the relevant form to the Secretariat of the Committee on Research Infrastructure at corisec@ust.hk.
Research Conduct & Practice
At HKUST, we recognize that adherence to a code of professional conduct of research by our members is fundamental to building a foundation of trust between colleagues, collaborators, sponsors, and society at large.
The Policy on Research Conduct and Integrity is the University’s statement on our commitment to the responsible conduct of research. It is complemented by the following policies on research practices:
• Policy on the Care and Use of Animals in Teaching and Research
• Policy on the Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Human Participants
• Code of Practice for Research Involving Artefacts
• Safety and Environmental Protection Manual
Our research community has a collective responsibility to ensure that proper research practices are carried out in accordance with University standards and regulations at all times, to be vigilant in guarding against serious lapses, and to report violations if they occur. Our commitment includes adhering to international practices and complying with applicable laws and regulations to ensure the highest quality of our academic and research endeavors.
All research that involves animals, human participants, artefacts or safety hazards must be reviewed by the corresponding sub-committee of the Committee on Research Practices (CRP). The Research Compliance Review Procedures aim to guide researchers through the steps to take for obtaining ethics/safety approval. To make a protocol application, please visit the Tick@Lab platform.
Research Data & Output
We champion open access publishing and the responsible stewardship of research data in facilitating quality research.
• Open Access Policy
• Guides on Research Publication & Data Management
IP & Commercialization
The University supports its members in contributing to knowledge transfer under the following frameworks.
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Policy on Faculty Involvement in Commercial Pursuits
• Policy on Faculty Involvement in Start-up Companies and HKUST Faculty Entrepreneurship Program