Established in 2020 within the Function Hub of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), the Advanced Materials Thrust (AMAT) stands as a pioneering force in advancing world-class education and research in materials science at HKUST(GZ). AMAT is dedicated to uncovering innovative insights that deepen our understanding of structure-property relationships in materials and their diverse applications, and is aimed to nurturing the future leaders of materials science through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training approach spanning materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and computer science. At HKUST(GZ), AMAT plays a central role, serving as the primary host for instructors offering fundamental courses of the undergraduate program in hard- core sciences, underscoring its pivotal contribution to shaping the academic foundation of the university.
AMAT has a current faculty size of 18 members, including 3 chair professors, 1 professor, 11 assistant professors and 3 adjunct professors. The faculty includes 1 academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Distinguished Young Scholar (Overseas), and 2 Guangdong “Zhujiang” scholars. Each academic faculty member, enriched with overseas study or work experience, serves as a principal investigator, leading their respective independent research groups. Aligned with the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of HKUST(GZ), AMAT's research directions span a broad spectrum, including materials informatics, polymer materials, metamaterials, biomaterials, optoelectronic materials, quantum materials, and materials modeling and computation. These research directions underscore the thrust's commitment to exploring cutting-edge research developments across multiple disciplines within the advanced materials field, bridging the theoretical to the experimental aspects.
AMAT has leaded two theme-based research laboratories at HKUST(GZ): the Green e Materials Lab and the Quantum Science and Technology Center. These laboratories provide substantial support for both fundamental education and cutting-edge research in materials science and related disciplines on GZ campus. AMAT's interdisciplinary research approach fosters strong connections with other thrusts across the university. Furthermore, AMAT actively engages in wide-ranging collaborations with external entities, including other universities, research institutions, and industrial partners. These partnerships offer students at AMAT valuable opportunities for further education and career development, enhancing their academic experience and preparing them for impactful contributions to the field of advanced materials.
As the inaugural thrust at HKUST(GZ), AMAT is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of achievements by embracing the cutting-edge technologies and methodologies of materials science, providing students with multidisciplinary training programs that dynamically adapt to the evolving landscape of materials science, and contributing to fostering a strong collaborative network within HKUST(GZ) and beyond in advancing the frontiers of materials science.
Research Directions
Soft Matter
Soft matter is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of materials, including polymers, colloids, surfactants, and liquid crystals.
Quantum Matter
Quantum matter refers to materials and systems that exhibit quantum mechanical behavior at themacroscopic scale.
AI Matter
Artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used to accelerate the discovery and design of new materials.
Theme Based Labs lead by AMAT
Green e Materials
The Green e-Materials Theme-based Laboratory is a research platform dedicated to addressing material challenges in green technology through interdisciplinary collaboration between basic science and engineering. The laboratory has a total area of approximately 1100 square meters and includes the following specialized labs: chemical synthesis lab, semiconductor materials and device fabrication lab, bio-materials development lab, structured and characterization lab for lightweight/mesoporous materials, ultrafast spectroscopy characterization lab, molecular structure characterization lab, in-situ catalytic reaction and characterization lab, and polymer upgrading and recycling lab. The first phase of the platform's equipment investment reaches 80 millions, including equipment such as femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, femtosecond transient fluorescence spectroscopy, femtosecond mid-infrared spectroscopy, stimulated Raman spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy, two-dimensional microscopy, in-situ atomic force microscopy, MIST-CVD, Flash DSC, high-temperature to room-temperature GPC, and capillary rheometer.
Quantum Science and Technology Center
The Center for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) theme lab is a platform to place HKUST (GZ) at the frontier of quantum technology research, education, and entrepreneurship at the international level. The Center will bring together existing faculties who are experts in quantum materials, quantum optics, atomic physics and quantum information to work together to develop new quantum technologies focusing on quantum materials, quantum devices, quantum control and quantum software The Center also brings the new knowledge to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to nurture the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Our goals include:
To develop next generation technology in quantum materials, devices, control and software.
To train the next generation quantum scientists and entrepreneurs who have comprehensive understanding about quantum materials, quantum devices, quantum control and quantum software.
