The Inaugural International Forum on Interdisciplinary Education (the Forum), organized by the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was successfully held on November 16, 2024 on the Clear Water Bay campus. The Forum brought together university leaders from around the globe to exchange innovative practices in interdisciplinary education and foster collaboration across diverse fields of study. 

Featuring three panel discussions and four parallel sessions, the Forum attracted a diverse audience of nearly 200 academics, industry practitioners in the education sector, and students. The one-day program covered various topics on interdisciplinary education, namely “Linking Interdisciplinary Research and Education to Tackle Societal Questions”, “Interdisciplinary Education at the Interface of Innovation, Arts and Design”, and “Innovative Pedagogy and Cutting-Edge Technology: Shaping Future Education”.

HKUST Provost Prof. GUO Yike delivered welcoming remarks at the Forum, said “The development of interdisciplinary education aligns with one of the five objectives of the HKUST Strategic Plan 2031, in which HKUST aspires to take a leadership role in driving positive changes in education and research. Expanding our academic horizons and capabilities allows us to pursue the next level of teaching excellence. By unveiling discoveries and applications in essential and emerging areas, HKUST will create new frontiers of knowledge.”

HKUST Dean of AIS Prof. QU Huamin said, “The Forum celebrates the establishment of AIS in 2023 as the fifth School at HKUST, officially constituted by the University Council. It also reflects on the vital role that AIS has played in advancing interdisciplinary education and research within our university and beyond, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Our commitment to breaking down traditional academic silos has empowered both students and faculty to explore innovative solutions to complex problems that transcend disciplinary boundaries.”

The speakers included scholars and educators from renowned universities worldwide such as Arizona State University, Olin College, Royal College of Art, Tsinghua University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), University of Bristol, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, University of Macau, University of Sussex, and Washington University in St. Louise.¹

The forum offered a valuable platform for university leaders to exchange ideas, celebrate the successes of AIS, and envision the future of interdisciplinary education within HKUST and the wider academic community. AIS hopes that the success of the inaugural Forum will continue to fulfil its mission – explore innovative practices in interdisciplinary education and spark collaboration across diverse fields of study.