Integrity and high ethical standards are key to earning the credibility and respect of peers and the public. In turn, such conduct translates into better opportunities for research collaboration and funding support. Adherence to a high standard of research ethics is crucial for your studies and career. In this part of the program, awareness and sensitivity toward ethical considerations are studied and discussed.

The ability and assurance to communicate verbally and in writing with different audiences is essential for today’s research students and graduates. Such skills ensure clear and effective delivery of pedagogy, classroom management and interaction; enhance discussions with peers and professors to conceptualize questions for research studies; enable articulation of original results to people both inside and outside your field of study; and build trust when liaising with stakeholders and project sponsors.

Research competency development involves core training on the necessary and important skills for conducting graduate research and also for pursuing career in academia after graduation. Training topics span from literature search to research publishing matters, from basic research tools to research management tips. As a whole this theme offers useful tips for students to prepare and best showcase their research.

Having the understanding and confidence to start your own business can enable you to translate your research into new products and services to advance people’s way of life. At HKUST, we place emphasis on support and training that inspires students to explore their potential, encourages the development of original ideas, and fosters a proactive entrepreneurial spirit. Talks on innovation, entrepreneurship, technology start-ups, entrepreneurship workshops, and expert advice are among the practical opportunities offered to boost your entrepreneurial skills and mindset.

Everyone has a different mix of personal and professional goals to fulfill; finding the proper work-life balance that can successfully integrate these needs is essential. These activities help you learn how such a balance enhances productivity, motivation, and quality of life, and how healthy eating, sleep, exercise, and stress management can assist in achieving this.

Career development workshops are specially designed to empower you to prepare for careers in and out of academia. These activities enable you to find out more about what future employers are looking for, and allow you to start planning at an early stage.