Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2002

Research and Service Dr. Choh-Ming Li The Emerging University 1970-1974 ‘ ... society invests and puts its faith in a university because it is an instrument of national development. The direct pay-off is, of course, the fulfilment of the manpower needs of society. Another form of dividend is service through applied research. Scholars and scientists owe it to society to apply their knowledge to every conceivable problem. It is their mission to utilize their special expertise and freedom of enquiry to solve society's problems in all areas, be they scientific, technological, social or economic. This is the point where research and service converge. Prof. Charles K. Kao ‘On the Development of CUHK', the first open letter to all staff and students on 8th April 1989 ... The Un i v e r s i ty is funded by the community. The [research] institutes are the direct links to community and form an additional dimension to the role of the University in society. ... Prof. Charles K. Kao Vice-Chancellor's Report 1987-90 Results of some research activities undertaken by University staff members may benefit mankind and can have commercial value. The University has made l i c e n s i ng a r r a n g eme n ts w i t h commercial firms that will package and market certain inventions with potential commercial value. Examples include computer software and biotech inventions. It is hoped that income from royalties will in the long run fund further research and provide additional incentive for researchers to be even more productive. Prof. Arthur K.C. Li 'Vice-Chancellor's Review' CUHK Annual Report 1998-99 ‘ ...To the University, technology transfer is a form of service to the community and a way to contribute to high-tech and high-value added industries in Hong Kong. Recent successes have also brought recognition to many outstanding researchers, provided incentive for them to work on topics of relevance to society, ... .’ 2 2 Chinese University Bulletin Autumn • Winter 2002