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About the Joint Laboratory
The HKUST–Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies is a strategic partnership between The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Li-Ning Group, established to accelerate the translation of sports science research into real-world application.
Mission and vision
Mission. To advance the science and technology of sport by integrating fundamental research with engineering application, and to translate that research into practice for athletes, coaches, sports organisations and the wider community.
Vision. To build an internationally competitive industry-academia-research collaboration platform that delivers sustained innovation for the sports industry, and breakthroughs in the application of sports science.
Establishment
HKUST has formed a strategic partnership with Li-Ning Group to establish the Joint Laboratory. Under the memorandum of understanding previously signed by both parties, HKUST fully leverages its research capabilities and talent strengths to drive research in areas such as sports equipment design, materials innovation and ergonomics, and integrates the resources and advantages of both parties to pursue in-depth collaboration.
The two parties also maintain a resource matching mechanism aligned with industry needs, strengthening research on core and common technologies and facilitating the application of sports science research outcomes. The Joint Laboratory is located on the HKUST campus.
The Laboratory was formally launched at a plaque unveiling ceremony held at HKUST, witnessed by President Prof. Nancy IP and Dr. LI Ning, Founder of the Li-Ning Brand and Chairman of the Li-Ning Group.
Laboratory direction
The Joint Laboratory is led by Prof. ZHANG Xin, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at HKUST, who also serves as Director of the Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility and of the HKUST Sports Science and Technology Research Center. Its work draws on the University's strength in mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Directory of members · Facilities that host the work
What the partnership aims to deliver
- Breakthroughs in the application of sports science, built on technological research and development.
- An internationally competitive industry–academia–research collaboration platform.
- The effective translation of research outcomes into sports practice, with tangible benefits for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
- Professional support for athletes, coaches and sports organisations worldwide, and a richer sports experience for the wider community.
- Sustained innovation across the sports industry.
Voices from the launch
The establishment of the Joint Laboratory provides a platform for closer research collaboration and will help advance research and technological development in areas such as mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. HKUST looks forward to achieving new breakthroughs in the application and translation of sports science.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST
The establishment of the Joint Laboratory will further enhance HKUST's research capabilities, drive sustained innovation and breakthroughs in sports technology, and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into industry.
Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development, HKUST
The spirit of openness, innovation, and excellence at HKUST aligns closely with the philosophy of Li-Ning Group. Building on our strengths in industrial practice, sports expertise, and market resources, Li-Ning Group will deepen its collaboration with HKUST through the Joint Laboratory.
Dr. LI Ning, Founder of the Li-Ning Brand and Chairman of the Li-Ning Group
Read more about the two founding partners on the Partners page.