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Professor Lam Hon-Ming, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Life Sciences and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and his team, in collaboration with the China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology and Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group, have sent samples of rhizobia (soybean nitrogen fixing bacteria) into space on the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft that launched on 10 May and has now arrived at the Chinese space station Tiangong. It is the first Hong Kong agricultural research project to be launched to the space. It is a great honour to CUHK’s research projects have the opportunity to participate in the national space programme, opening a new chapter for the integration of aerospace and agricultural technology.

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology (CRRIST) and Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group (SBG) have signed an agreement today (2 May) to cooperate on space-related scientific experiments. The parties jointly support university research participation in the national space programme, promoting national scientific endeavours and transforming outcomes to benefit society.

Witnessed by CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan, Assistant General Manager of China Resources Group, Chairman and CEO of China Resources Enterprise Mr Chen Ying and SBG Chairlady Ms Zhou Hong, the cooperation agreement was signed by CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Chan Wai-yee, Vice President of China Resources Enterprise and Vice Dean of CRRIST Mr Li Nan, and Vice President of China Resources Enterprise and General Manager of SBG Mr Zhi Zhe. The agreement lasts for five years. Its goal is to support CUHK-related experimental projects, take them to space and conduct experiments. After samples are returned to Earth, the research team will conduct follow-up research.

CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan remarked, “Our country prioritises space technology development, and CUHK’s participation in the national space experiment project will not only benefit from the extensive research capabilities of the university’s internationally renowned professors, but also enables CUHK to contribute to the country’s major research topics and innovative technologies, deepen understanding of the challenges of cutting-edge space technology, and further integrate into the overall development of national science and technology, enhancing CUHK’s reputation for international scientific and technological innovation. CUHK will actively leverage its university role, turning the experience into teaching content and attracting more young students to participate in scientific and technological innovation, contribute to the country and assist in promoting Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub.”

Chairman and CEO of China Resources Enterprise Mr Chen Ying remarked: “CRRIST, SBG, and CUHK will establish a mechanism for long-term cooperation. We will fully leverage the advantages of all parties through cross-disciplinary cooperation and use the space station as a scientific exploration platform. We aim to integrate different technologies into space science solutions or products, and combine industry with research and development, empowering CUHK’s high-quality scientific and technological innovation projects, and accelerating the growth of scientific research. In the future, CR Enterprise, CRRIST and SBG will base their activities on national strategic needs, allocating resources appropriately from the perspective of technology and industry integration, and exploring industry-university cooperation in areas such as training, sharing of achievements and complementary resources. Collaborative research innovation models help Hong Kong’s innovation and technology industry integrate into the national development, and actively explore the huge opportunities brought by the dual circulation economy of domestic and international markets.”

General Manager of SBG Mr Zhi Zhe remarked, “This collaboration effectively leverages the brand effect of space technology and the space biological experiment service platform to help enhance the strength and influence of innovative technology projects at CUHK. It also uses the advantages of space biology in return satellite and space carrying resources, as well as innovative capabilities in space microbial fermentation technology. Together, we will develop new products, promote high-quality economic development and help China’s biotechnology innovation enter a new stage of development.”