GlobaLinks September 2023 (Issue 57)

SURP empowers future researchers

This year’s SURP welcomes a diverse cohort of some 100 students.

This year’s SURP welcomes a diverse cohort of some 100 students.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) successfully hosted some 100 students from over 40 overseas institutions across eight countries from late June to mid-August. The students spent eight weeks undertaking research projects under the supervision of CUHK supervisors. The programme has resumed face-to-face this year, offering students a supportive learning environment to explore various academic disciplines while fostering their intellectual growth.

A series of enriching workshops on a research career, innovation and entrepreneurship, and research communication were conducted, improving students’ research skills and allowing them to consider their future development in a better light. Students were also immersed in the local culture through social activities such as city tours and Chinese painting classes. SURP concluded with a poster presentation showcasing the students’ research achievements.

Prof. Jerome Hui of the School of Life Sciences hosts a genome sequencing workshop.

Prof. Jerome Hui (1st left) of the School of Life Sciences hosts a genome sequencing workshop.

This year’s programme also hosted students as part of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Pacific Rim Biodiversity and Sustainability Programme (APRU Biodiversity Programme) co-led by Prof. Jerome Hui of the School of Life Sciences, a platform that aims to tackle the challenges of biodiversity loss, protect ecosystems and combat the impacts of climate change. Five students from five APRU member institutions pursued research projects under the supervision of academics from CUHK’s School of Life Sciences. A series of enrichment activities including a genome sequencing workshop and several field trips were tailored for the group.

Students of SURP x APRU Biodiversity take part in field trips to study the ecosystems.

SURP students join field trips to study the ecosystems under the APRU Biodiversity Programme.

SURP plays a key role in grooming future researchers and attracting students to return to CUHK in the future, whether it be for graduate studies, employment, or research collaboration. CUHK faculty members interested in serving as host supervisors are welcome to contact the Office of Academic Links.