A strategic partnership between HKUST and Li‑Ning Group

HKUST – Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies

Advancing talent development and translational research in sports science and technology.

Explore our research About the Laboratory

Turning sports science research into practice

The Joint Laboratory was established by a strategic partnership between The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Li-Ning Group, with a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties.

It drives innovation in sports equipment design, materials science and human ergonomics, with the aim of accelerating the translation of sports science research into real-world applications while strengthening industry–academia–research collaboration with international impact.

The Laboratory is located on the HKUST campus and is led by Prof. ZHANG Xin, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who also serves as Director of the Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility and of the HKUST Sports Science and Technology Research Center.

The plaque of the HKUST – Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies
The Joint Laboratory plaque, unveiled at HKUST on 28 April 2026.

Where the work sits

The Joint Laboratory brings together strengths from all parties to drive technological research and development across four disciplines, with a view to achieving breakthroughs in the application of sports science.

  • Mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Materials science
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Data analytics

Key collaboration areas

The areas of work set out in the memorandum of understanding between HKUST and Li-Ning Group.

Building on our strengths in industrial practice, sports expertise and market resources, we will deepen our collaboration with HKUST to advance the integration of sports science research and technological innovation. Together, we aim to build an internationally competitive industry–academia–research collaboration platform.

Dr. LI Ning, Founder of the Li-Ning Brand and Chairman of the Li-Ning Group

Work with the Laboratory

The two parties maintain a resource matching mechanism aligned with industry needs, and welcome collaboration with athletes, coaches, sports organisations and industry partners.

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