Prof. YU Jianzhen, Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability and the Department of Chemistry, has been selected for the 2025/26 Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Senior Research Fellow Scheme in recognition of her distinguished research achievement.

Prof. Yu was honored for her research focusing on atmospheric analytical chemistry, and will receive a fellowship grant of around HK$8.2 million in funding to facilitate and advance her project titled “Analytical Chemistry of Multi-level Chemical Speciation of C, N, and S in Atmospheric Aerosol Samples”

Quantifying the different chemical forms of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur in atmospheric aerosols is essential for tracing pollution sources, tracking particle evolution, and assessing environmental and health risks. Prof. Yu's project employs advanced mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis to develop an integrated, multi-level chemical speciation framework that offers unprecedented insights into aerosol chemical composition. This approach aims to uncover previously undetected molecular species and make significant contributions to accurately predicting the effects of these pollutants on the environment and human health, as well as inform mitigation strategies.

As a leading atmospheric chemist with over 25 years at HKUST, Prof. Yu specializes in analytical methods for airborne organic compounds, aerosol characterization, and atmospheric reaction modeling. Her lab provides key analytical support for the Hong Kong’s PM2.5 monitoring network, operated by the Environmental Protection Department. Recently, she has secured HK$53.29 million under the RGC’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26 to advance public health and promote sustainable development of the atmospheric environment in the Greater Bay Area.

Read HKUST’s announcement here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/two-hkust-faculty-members-conferred-rgcs-senior-research-fellow-and-research-fellow