Announcement of second round results of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2023-24

     The Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU) announced today (November 22) the results of the second round of applications to the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) in 2023-24.
 
      The PPRFS is a government-financed funding scheme dedicated to supporting evidence-based local public policy research by higher education institutions and think tanks in Hong Kong. The CEPU is its Secretariat. As the Government's internal research unit, the CEPU is set up to enhance the Government's capabilities in research and advocacy on long-term and strategic issues. One of its tasks is to build up an external policy research capacity through measures including administering the PPRFS. This will be conducive to the achievement of the CEPU's objectives, including to advocate for and assist in the formulation of long-term and strategic policies from a forward-thinking perspective; to keep abreast of national development and analyse and suggest areas of significance in the integration into national development; to examine international relations and situations, and analyse opportunities and risks; and to grasp the sentiments of Hong Kong citizens to understand the general direction and focus of their concerns.
 
     A total of 27 applications were received under the second round exercise in 2023-24. On the advice of the Assessment Panel, the CEPU has supported five projects with a total funding of about $3.4 million. The five funded projects cover research areas relating to innovation and technology, livelihood issues, environmental sustainability, etc.  
   
     Applications to the PPRFS are accepted throughout the year and assessed by the Assessment Panel which comprises scholars with ample experience. Research quality and the relevance of the proposal to the public policy development needs of Hong Kong are the principal criteria of assessment. The Assessment Panel will also take into account comments of outside reviewers who are experienced scholars and experts during the assessment process, and suggestions and views of relevant government bureaux/departments. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.

     Details of the funded projects have been uploaded onto the CEPU's webpage (www.cepu.gov.hk/en/PRFS/ppr-granted.html).