Asian Science Camp 2026 officially kicked off at The University of Hong Kong on Monday, marking the first time the prestigious annual forum for young scientists is held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The week-long event, which runs through Saturday, gathers more than 300 pre-collegiate and university students from nearly 30 countries and regions for plenary lectures, hands-on workshops, and direct engagement with Nobel laureates and leading researchers.

In his opening address, HKU President Zhang Xiang said science has no borders. He hopes students would not only learn from the lectures but also challenge themselves and build friendships.

Citing climate change and geopolitical tensions facing the current generation, he highlighted the need for multidisciplinary solutions, stressing that Hong Kong, as a world capital of culture, economics and technology, is determined to pursue collective efforts and welcome global collaboration.

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He urged students to treat the information from their lecturers as a starting point, and not an endpoint. “If our Nobel laureates tell you, ‘this is the way we did it 20 years ago’, challenge that,” he said, pointing to the fast-changing world.

Zhang also called for adopting a “look beyond science” itself attitude, urging the young prodigies to embrace the humanities and arts.

“Looking beyond science and humanity is very critical,” he said. “Not all solutions come from invention -- capacity also comes from human refraction. Work with cross boundaries. Bring down the silos. That’s what we need for tomorrow’s science.”

Jay Siegel, vice-president of HKU, said the camp is an incredibly important event as it “brings young scientists together, gives them a chance to get to know each other, and build bonds that will ultimately last a lifetime”.

He called the event the “seeds of the trees” that will one day form part of Hong Kong’s international talent and higher education hubs -- a vision that aligns with the HKSAR government’s goal of transforming the city into a global magnet for both.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com