I. Application

Who may apply?
  • Aged 35 or below
  • PhD Graduates, Postgraduates (Master / PhD), Undergraduates in Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, Mathematical Sciences or other closely related subjects in any country / region may apply for the Hong Kong Laureate Forum. Young scientists with the above-mentioned qualifications who are not affiliated to universities or institutions may also apply.
When to apply?

13 January – 31 March 2025

How to apply?

To apply on a designated online platform (details to be announced, please stay tuned)

Is there a fee required for the application?

No application fee is required.

Which language can be used in application?

The Forum will be conducted in English, and the application only accepts English. If any supporting documents are in a language other than English, both the original documents and their English translations must be uploaded.

What should be put as the recognised "Academic Level" in the application?

Please specify the recognised academic level at the time of application. For the final 200 young scientists, if there are any updates regarding their academic levels prior to the Forum, please inform the HKLF Office by email.

How will the participants be selected?

The 200 young scientists will be selected by a two-tier Scientific Review Panel, consisting of both local and non-local academics. In the first tier of the Panel, the Scientific Review Committees, under the three disciplines namely Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, will review all valid applications. Each application will be reviewed by at least two members of the relevant Committee. In the second tier, the Scientific Review Board will make the final selection of the 200 young scientists to participate in the Forum.

Composition of this Scientific Review Panel – to be announced.



II. Forum-related Information

What do participants need to bring for registration for the Forum?

Please bring along the participation confirmation email issued by the HKLF Office to collect participants’ exclusive welcome kit on 4 November 2025.

What is the dress code throughout the Forum?

The general recommended attire is smart casual. However, for certain social events and dinners, it is suggested to wear more appropriate attire (e.g., at the Forum's Gala Dinner, participants are encouraged to wear cocktail attire OR outfits that represent their culture, ethnicity, or region). Participants can refer to our programme details, which will be announced in due course, for further guidance.

What are the meal arrangements?

Meals and refreshments will be provided during the Forum's official programmes and activities. Participants can refer to the programme details, which will be announced in due course, for further information. The HKLF Office will collect any special dietary request(s) from individual participants through email and will make every effort to accommodate them as far as possible.

How can participants get to the Forum venues?

Shuttle bus transfers for Forum’s official programmes and activities will be arranged by the HKLF Office as follows:

  • From official hotel to Forum venues#
  • From Forum venues to official hotel#
  • Travelling between Forum's official programmes and activities

Details will be available closer to the Forum.

# Available only to participants who are staying in the official hotel
Will there be an Alumni Network?

Forum participants will become members of the "HKLF Alumni Community" after the Forum.

Communications and exclusive events will be organised to bring together the new generation of scientific research talents, allowing them to share and exchange views on various scientific topics.

How can participants obtain latest information about the Forum?
How does the HKLF Office manage and protect submitted personal data?

The HKLF Office is committed to ensuring that all personal data received are handled in accordance with the relevant principles and requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance under Legislation Publication Ordinance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

Please refer to the Personal Information Collection Statement and Privacy Policy Statement of the HKLF for details.

Will participants be covered by insurance?

All participants joining the Forum's official programmes and activities will be covered by Group Personal Accident Insurance.

In-bound participants are recommended to purchase travel insurance on their own prior to departure from their own home country / region.



III. For Inbound Participants

Will travel support be provided?

Non-Hong Kong Permanent Resident
Non-Hong Kong permanent residents residing outside Hong Kong are required to arrange round-trip transportation ticket at their own expense. Participants who face financial difficulties in travelling to Hong Kong should first seek funding support from their affiliated institutions and / or organisations. If their applications for travel funding are rejected with written and traceable reason(s), they may apply for a Travel Grant* from the HKLF Office. Details to be announced.


Hong Kong Permanent Resident
Travel Grant* is available for Hong Kong permanent residents outside Hong Kong who do not require hotel accommodation provided by the HKLF Office. The Travel Grant will cover part of the round-trip transportation cost. Details to be announced.


Please contact the HKLF Office for details and application procedures regarding the Travel Grant.

*Subject to terms and conditions and it is at the sole discretion of the HKLF Office.

Will accommodation arrangements be provided?
  • Yes, inbound participants (excluding Hong Kong permanent residents who will receive a Travel Grant from the HKLF) will be provided with single-room accommodation (including breakfast) during the Forum. Any additional cost for extras and hotel incidentals, such as phone charges, mini-bar consumption, pay-TV and similar items, etc., will be at the participants' own expense.
  • Five nights of hotel accommodation (with breakfast) will be provided by the Forum from 4-9 November 2025. Participants who wish to stay beyond these dates should arrange their own accommodation.
  • If inbound participants plan to arrange their own accommodation, they are required to inform the HKLF Office as soon as possible. Please note that the HKLF Office will not reimburse any expense for self-arranged accommodation. These participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Forum venues.
  • The HKLF Office will inform relevant young scientists regarding accommodation arrangement in due course.
  • Hotel to be arranged by the HKLF Office: To be announced
What are the travel documents required?
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond the last day of travel in Hong Kong.
  • A visa / an entry permit to travel to Hong Kong may be required by Hong Kong Immigration Department. Inbound participants are advised to check if they need to apply for it upon receiving the Forum confirmation notification and to proceed accordingly, as the application process may take some time. The HKLF Office will provide a Forum invitation letter as supporting document upon request.
  • Please visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website for details of visa / entry permit requirements whether a visa / an entry permit is required.
Can inbound participants bring accompanying person to the Forum?
  • Participants may bring their family members / partners / friends to Hong Kong at their own expense. However, please note that accompanying persons will not be permitted to attend any of the Forum's official programmes or activities. Additionally, any cost incurred by accompanying persons will not be covered by the HKLF.
  • While accompanying persons may share participants' hotel accommodation, it is the participants’ responsibility to check with the hotel in advance regarding availability, arrangements and any additional charges (such as for breakfast or an extra bed). Participants are also responsible for covering any extra costs.
How can participants access the internet or make calls in Hong Kong?

Free WiFi services are available in many locations across Hong Kong, including the Forum's main venue - Hong Kong Science Park. However, limitations and conditions may apply. Please visit Wi-Fi.HK for hotspot locations and further details.

  • For a more stable internet connection, it is recommended to purchase a pre-paid Hong Kong Data SIM card, either in home country / region or from outlets of mobile network service operators / convenience stores in Hong Kong.
  • For participants staying in the hotel arranged by the HKLF, telephone services are available in hotel rooms, however, charges may apply. Please check with the hotel for details. Any incidental charges incurred during the stay in the hotel will be at participants' own expense.

IV. General Tourist Information

What is the weather like in Hong Kong?

Weather in Hong Kong - Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, which tends to be temperate for nearly half the year. In November, you can expect pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperature, though occasional patches of rain may occur. The typical temperature in November ranges from 19°C to 24°C. For up-to-date weather information, please visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

What is the currency in Hong Kong?

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), which is pegged to the US dollar at around HK$7.80 to US$1. However, the exchange rate may fluctuate slightly. For more information on Hong Kong's currency, please visit the Hong Kong Monetary Authority website.

Bank notes are issued in denominations of HK$1000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50, HK$20 and HK$10, and coins are also in circulation. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels or currency exchangers.

How is the payment system in Hong Kong?

Most international credit cards, such as American Express, VISA, and MasterCard, are accepted at hotels, shops, and restaurants in Hong Kong. Additionally, some stores also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. You can find out which payment methods are accepted by checking the signs displayed at the entrance or cash register.

However, there are still some shops and restaurants in Hong Kong that only accept cash or Octopus cards. To avoid inconvenience, it is recommended to exchange some cash before venturing out. Alternatively, you can purchase or rent an Octopus card, or download the tourist version of the Octopus app on your mobile phone. Using an Octopus card or app will not only make it easy for you to use public transportation, but also enables you to make purchases at convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants with just a simple tap. For information on Octopus card, please click here.

Do participants need to bring along health-related items?

Participants may wish to bring along the following health-related items:

  • Personal first-aid item(s) and / or medicine(s).
  • Personal medical and vaccination record(s), if any, which might be useful in case medical consultation is required when staying in Hong Kong.
  • Participants may also wish to purchase their own travel insurance, if desired.
What is the voltage in Hong Kong?

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC at 50Hz. A voltage adapter may be needed for personal electronic device(s). Most electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug.

Is there Wi-Fi in Hong Kong?

Free WiFi services are available in many locations across Hong Kong, including the Forum's main venue - Hong Kong Science Park. However, limitations and conditions may apply. Visit Wi-Fi.HK for hotspot locations and details.

For a more stable internet connection, it is recommended to purchase a pre-paid Hong Kong Data SIM card, either in home country / region or from outlets of mobile network service operators / convenience stores in Hong Kong.

Is it easy to navigate Hong Kong by using local transport?

If participants plan to explore Hong Kong on their own beyond the Forum period, they will find that Hong Kong has an excellent public transport system. Depending on your destination, you can choose from a variety of options including MTR (subway and light rail), buses, trams, ferries and taxis. These clean and efficient options cover extensive areas of Hong Kong, with signs and announcements in both English and Chinese. See more details about Hong Kong's transportation here.

Where to get other tourist information resources?

Please visit Hong Kong Tourism Board website.

What should participants do in the event of an emergency?
  • In the event of an emergency at the venues during the Forum's official programmes and activities, participants should contact HKLF staff immediately for assistance.
  • If participants face an emergency at the hotel, please call the hotel's guest services hotline.
  • For emergencies in any other situation, participants are advised to dial the Hong Kong Emergency Number (999) for immediate help and to contact the HKLF Office.