Prof. Kira MATUS, Professor in the Division of Public Policy (PPOL) and the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), has been appointed as the Head of PPOL effective November 1, 2026.

Prof. Matus is an accomplished scholar specializing in the intersection of innovation, sustainability science, and public policy, with a core focus on sustainable production-consumption systems. Her research investigates green materials and building technologies, sustainable innovation in circular economies, and the regulation of emerging technologies such as machine learning and AI ethics, with prominent publications in journals including PNAS, Research Policy, Environmental Science & Technology, and Regulation & Governance.

Prof. Matus received her PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University in 2009. She joined HKUST as an Associate Professor of PPOL, ENVR, and the Division of Social Science in 2017, prior to her promotion to full Professor in July 2022. Before her appointment as Head of PPOL, she served as Associate Dean (Taught Postgraduate Studies) of the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies from 2023 to 2025, and as Acting Head of PPOL beginning in September 2025.

As a founding member of PPOL, her research vision for the Division centers on establishing it as a leading regional policy center by leveraging the University’s strengths in AI and medical technology to translate research into actionable policy, aiming to compete with top global institutions. Prof. Matus possesses extensive administrative experience, having served on key committees such as the HKUST Senate and various working groups. Her sustained commitment to institutional excellence and strategic planning makes her exceptionally well prepared to lead the Division.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Matus as she takes on this role!