60^th Anniversary e-Newsletter            Nov 2025

As the Faculty of Education celebrates its 60th anniversary, I am deeply honored to have served as Dean over the past five years. The 60th anniversary milestone reflects the Faculty’s enduring commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. Throughout these decades, our Faculty has made a significant impact on the Hong Kong education community and has earned a high level of international recognition.

As I prepare to pass the deanship baton, I extend my warmest congratulations to all colleagues, students, and alumni for the Faculty’s outstanding accomplishments! May the Faculty continue to empower future generations, foster innovation through cutting-edge research, and transform education to address both present and future challenges!

Happy 60th anniversary!

Fan Xitao
Dean, Faculty of Education

Prof. Lo Nai Kwai Leslie – Founding Dean, Faculty of Education

“My best wishes to all in the Faculty, and hope that we shall continue to teach with wisdom, nurture with love, serve with humility, and grow with the humble understanding that the reason for the Faculty's existence has always been for the enhancement of learning and living for our children and their families.”

Group photo of the Founding Dean (mid of 1st row) and Faculty staff members.

Prof. Lee Chi Kin John, JP – Former Dean, Faculty of Education

Prof. John Lee (L3) at the launching ceremony of the walkathon celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Faculty.

Prof. Leung Seung Ming Alvin – Former Dean, Faculty of Education

「香港中文大學教育學院是一個卓越的培訓和科研中心，培育了很多充滿使命感的教育工作者。在60周年院慶的大日子，祝願教育學院繼續領航教育，透過培訓、服務、和科研，讓教育能迎向快速轉變的未來。」

Prof. Alvin Leung (mid) at the 50^th anniversary banquet of the Faculty.

The latest database of “Top 2% Scientists” compiled by a research team from Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier, has recently been released and now includes data up to the end of 2024. This comprehensive resource features two categories: researchers ranked among the top 2% worldwide based on their citation impact in the past year (“Single Year”, using 2024 citation data), and those ranked by career-long citation impact (“Career”, with data accumulated from 1960 to 2024). These categories recognise both recent research excellence and lifelong scholarship achievement.

The rankings are based on a well-documented methodology, which incorporates multiple indicators such as citation counts, research output and authorship order, as well as a composite citation impact metric. More than 100,000 top scientists have been identified globally across 22 disciplines (such as “social science”) and 174 sub-fields (including “education” within “social science”).

In this year’s release of “Top 2% Scientists” database, the Faculty of Education has achieved its highest-ever number of faculty members recognised as “Top 2% Scientists”. Across the Faculty’s four departments, a total of 18 faculty members—including one adjunct professor —are listed in the 2024 “Single Year Top 2% Scientists” database (see table below). Of these 18, 11 (marked with an *) are also included in the “Career Top 2% Scientists” database.

With just over 50 professoriate appointments in the Faculty, this recognition accounts for a substantial proportion of our academic staff. This accomplishment is a testament to the Faculty’s exceptional research strength and ongoing dedication to scholarly excellence. Of particular note, several junior assistant professors have been identified as “Single Year Top 2% Scientists” for 2024 —an impressive achievement early in their careers. Even more remarkable, some assistant and associate professors have qualified as “Career Top 2% Scientists”, highlighting an extraordinary level of scholarship impact by these junior and mid-career faculty members!

With the Faculty’s continuing momentum in research, we are highly optimistic that even more of our colleagues will be recognised for their outstanding scholarly contributions in the years ahead.

Congratulations to all!

Fan Xitao
Dean, Faculty of Education

As we continue our series commemorating the Faculty’s 60th anniversary, we are pleased to highlight the EdData^x Research Centre — a leading force in educational research, data analytics, and international consultancy. The Centre exemplifies our commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation within the field of education.

EdData^x Research Centre: Advancing Educational Excellence through Data and Innovation

For more than two decades, EdData^x has made a significant and lasting impact both locally and globally, shaping education policy and practice through rigorous research and strategic partnerships.

The Centre has established a strong reputation for its leadership in large-scale international and local assessments. Our team has played a pivotal role in major projects such as the Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) from 2015 to 2023, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018 and 2022, and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in 2023. Currently, we are collaborating with the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority on the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2026 and the TIMSS 2027, further strengthening our contribution to literacy and educational research. Our active participation in expert panels, including questionnaire design and technical advisory groups — underscores the depth of our expertise and reinforces our role as a trusted voice in the field.

In the realm of research, EdData^x has secured over HK$40 million in competitive research grants in the past five years alone. These projects have not only expanded academic knowledge, but also provided practical solutions to pressing educational challenges.

A particular point of pride has been our achievements in knowledge transfer. EdData^x  has played a key role in developing and refining self-evaluation tools for schools, such as Assessment Programme for Affective and Social Outcomes (APASO) for both primary and secondary levels. These tools empower schools to conduct meaningful self-assessments, leading to enhanced teaching strategies and improved student learning outcomes. This work highlights our commitment to supporting schools directly — not only at the policy level, but also at the classroom level, where meaningful change truly begins.

Internationally, EdData^x has provided consultancy and strategic support to education systems in Brunei, Taipei, Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and the Chinese Ministry of Education. Our data-driven insights have shaped quality assurance frameworks and educational reforms across Asia, contributing to the broader global dialogue on education improvement.

We are also committed to bridging the gap between research and practice. Over the years, we have hosted more than 30 seminars and workshops for local primary and secondary schools, sharing insights, tools, and strategies that enable educators to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

At its core, EdData^x is dedicated to using data to make a difference — whether informing policy, supporting schools, or contributing to international research initiatives. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and positive impact.

Here’s to 60 years of excellence — and to many more years of empowering education through research.

Notable publications produced by the EdData^x Research Centre.

Professor Hau Kit-tai delivering remarks at the PISA 2022 Result Release Press Conference.

Over 300 educators participated in our seminar focused on leveraging data for school improvement.

The Faculty of Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is pleased to introduce two innovative academic programmes that are setting new standards for excellence in education and health sciences. Now in their inaugural year, the Master of Education Degree Programme in Teaching in Key Subject Areas—part of the National Excellent Teacher Training Initiative—is designed to cultivate skilled educators in core disciplines. Alongside it, the Bachelor of Science (Human Movement Science and Health Studies) Programme offers students a unique interdisciplinary pathway into the fields of human movement, health, and wellness. With growing interest and promising potential, both programmes reflect our commitment to innovation, academic advancement, and societal contribution.

New Master of Education Programme to Train Outstanding Teachers for Key Subject Areas on Chinese Mainland

The Faculty of Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is proud to announce the launch of a new Master of Education Degree (MEd) Programme in Teaching in Key Subject Areas under the National Excellent Teacher Training Initiative (NETTI), commencing in 2025/26 academic year.

This two-year, full-time programme is specifically designed to address the increasing demand for high-quality science and mathematics teachers on Chinese Mainland. It aims to equip future educators with advanced pedagogical, research, and practical skills necessary for teaching key science and mathematics subjects at the primary or secondary levels, meeting the needs of the Chinese Mainland’s dynamic education landscape.

As one of only two pilot universities in Hong Kong selected for the second cohort of the Chinese Mainland’s NETTI scheme, CUHK offers graduates of this programme significant advantages under the current Mainland education policies. Graduates will be exempted from the national primary and secondary school teacher qualification examination, providing them with a direct pathway to teaching positions in Mainland schools.

The programme provides comprehensive cross-border and cross-institutional learning experiences. In the first year, students will complete their coursework at CUHK in Hong Kong, taking required courses in curriculum design, educational policy, inclusive education for students with special needs, research methodology and electives tailored to current educational trends.  The second year will be held at CUHK-Shenzhen, where the curriculum focuses on key subject courses in mathematics, physics or chemistry.

In addition to coursework, students are required to complete two teaching practicums—each lasting four weeks—in designated Mainland schools, providing valuable hands-on teaching experience and a deeper understanding of the Chinese Mainland education environment. By the end of the programme, students will also be expected to complete summarise their academic or professional research through a capstone project.

By integrating advanced academic training, practical teaching experience, and unique policy advantages, the MEd NETTI programme prepares graduates to make significant contributions to the development of science education on Chinese Mainland. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open. Aspiring educators interested in this prestigious initiative are encouraged to seize this opportunity to enhance their professional expertise and advance their careers.

Advisory Meeting for Students.

Student Sharing: A New Chapter in Education

CHEN Xiaoyang

Year 1 student, Master of Education Degree Programme in Teaching in Key Subject Areas

As a student of the inaugural cohort of the Master of Education in Teaching in Key Subject Areas (National Excellent Teacher Training Initiative) at the Faculty of Education, I am honored to begin my academic journey in the year of the Faculty's 60th anniversary.

Since childhood, I have regarded education as a noble and meaningful pursuit. Driven by a passion to contribute to society, I have devoted myself to studying advanced technologies, aspiring to integrate scientific innovation into the classroom. This programme immediately capture my interest with its unique combination of educational theory and scientific training. I applied without hesitation and am grateful to have been admitted.

Campus life has been truly enriching. Our professors, such as the Graduate Division Head, Prof. Chai Ching Sing, and the Programme Director, Prof. Yin Hongbiao, along with other dedicated teachers and a diverse group of peers, foster a highly supportive community. In just two weeks, I have been immersed in a wide range of knowledge and ideas. As Prof. Yin emphasised, as the first cohort in Hong Kong, we carry the responsibility to reimagine education. Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence inspires us to learn from the Faculty’s legacy and contribute our unique strengths to shaping the future of education.

New Frontiers in Human Movement: Bachelor of Science (Human Movement Science and Health Studies)

The Bachelor of Science (Human Movement Science and Health Studies) is a four-year full-time degree programme designed to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary learning experience to students passionate about the scientific and medical foundations of human movement, coaching, health and rehabilitation and research.

This dynamic programme is shaped by two closely interconnected fields. Human Movement Science focuses on the causes and effects of human movement across the lifespan, encompassing the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic movement disorders. Health Studies emphasises the development and application of exercise-based preventive interventions, management of health and well-being, and rehabilitation for individuals with injuries, disabilities, or chronic diseases.

Students in this programme explore human movement from multiple perspectives, including injury prevention, exercise rehabilitation, biomechanics, exercise physiology, health and fitness, motor control, and motor development. This breadth of study equips graduates with the advanced knowledge necessary to contribute to important medical advancements and to the development of more effective healthcare models. Graduates will be well prepared for professional careers in coaching, rehabilitation, sports therapy, health-related sector, and sport-related industrial, or exercise scientist.

Demonstration of motion analysis in the Biomechanics Laboratory.

The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education offers an exceptional opportunity for local students: the option to participate in a Dual Degree Programme (DDP) with Beijing Sports University (BSU). This unique programme leverages the strengths of both institutions. In addition to the education and research excellence provided by CUHK, students will gain distinctive experience by integrating Eastern and Western educational approaches, as well as benefiting from overseas exchange opportunities.

At BSU, students gain specialized knowledge in sports rehabilitation and national-level sports training using advanced facilities. Graduates from the DDP will possess comprehensive knowledge and skills in sport and exercise science at an international level, preparing them for careers in sports science research, sports training, physical education, health education and administration, and positions within sport-related industries and academic institutions.

Overall, this programme is a gateway to impactful careers in health, rehabilitation, sports, and research, equipping students to become leaders in the ever-evolving fields of human movement and health sciences.

Demonstration of motion analysis in the Biomechanics Laboratory.

The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education offers an exceptional opportunity for local students: the option to participate in a Dual Degree Programme (DDP) with Beijing Sports University (BSU). This unique programme leverages the strengths of both institutions. In addition to the education and research excellence provided by CUHK, students will gain distinctive experience by integrating Eastern and Western educational approaches, as well as benefiting from overseas exchange opportunities.

At BSU, students gain specialized knowledge in sports rehabilitation and national-level sports training using advanced facilities. Graduates from the DDP will possess comprehensive knowledge and skills in sport and exercise science at an international level, preparing them for careers in sports science research, sports training, physical education, health education and administration, and positions within sport-related industries and academic institutions.

Overall, this programme is a gateway to impactful careers in health, rehabilitation, sports, and research, equipping students to become leaders in the ever-evolving fields of human movement and health sciences.

Student Sharing: A Journey into Human Movement Science

LEUNG Chiu Yee

Year 1 student, Bachelor of Science (Human Movement Science and Health Studies) Programme

My name is Cherry Leung, and I am a first-year student in the Human Movement Science and Health Studies (HMSH) Programme. My passion for this field stems from my experiences as a student-athlete and a deep desire to understand the science behind human movement and injury mechanisms.

As an athlete, I know firsthand that performance and injury are significant concerns for those involved in sports. I have struggled with chronic knee pain that has not only affected my basketball performance but also impacted my daily life— an experience shared by many athletes. Additionally, I have witnessed friends sustain serious sport injuries, further fueling my interest in this field.

About a year ago, I participated in a Strength and Conditioning programme. Through rehabilitation exercises and strength training guided by professional coaches, I was able to improve both my knee condition and my overall performance. This positive outcome sparked my curiosity about the scientific principles underlying movement and injury. Previously, I thought movement science primarily focused on making athletes run faster and jump higher. Now, I realise the critical importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation —areas that often do not receive enough public attention. This realization is the main reason I chose to pursue this programme. I believe that with professional knowledge, I can help others avoid the same difficulties I have encountered.

Since joining this programme at CUHK, I have been introduced to new concepts such as human kinematics and kinetics —topics I had never studied before. I also have the opportunity to meet inspiring students from diverse sports teams and backgrounds. Although I am just beginning my journey in human movement science, I am truly excited about the opportunities and learning experiences that lie ahead.

17/11/2025
Symposium - Teacher Education in the AI Era

05-06/12/2025
CUHK China Education Forum - Educational Innovation and Transformation in the AI Era: Conference of the 60th Anniversary of CUHK Faculty of Education

08-12/12/2025
The ISSP 16th World Congress

第三屆粵港澳促進 STEAM 教育⼤會：AI 時代下的 STEAM 教育

The PECERA Annual Conference 2025 “Early Childhood Education in a New Era: Globalizing and Localizing Curriculum and Pedagogy”

The 9th HAAL Conference 2025

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