The Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science demonstrates the ambition of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to steer an ever-challenging research area – advanced development in data science – in which we have strong potential to become world-class. On behalf of HKU, I would like to thank the Musketeers Education and Culture Charitable Foundation Ltd for the substantial donation to support this novel research institute.  We aim to build a technological hub at our future research landmark here in Hong Kong, as well as at our Shenzhen campus, to further our education and research goals, starting with data science and followed by institutes in other niche areas.

The Institute will draw on strengths from different disciplines, along with focused investment and resources, to deliver impactful research for the benefit of society in Hong Kong and around the world.  I have had the privilege of orchestrating the Institute’s set up since January 2021, with valuable support from, inter alia, the University, the Departments and Faculties involved in the recruitment exercise, our Development and Alumni Affairs Office, and an Advisory Board comprising international experts from leading universities.  With the injection of funding from both the University through its global recruitment exercise and the Musketeers Foundation through the generous donation, we believe the new Institute is set for success in its research and educational work.

The very generous support of our donor, the Musketeers Foundation, highlights not only aspirations for developing novel research, but also foresight in providing the next generation of young researchers with a platform to pursue their dreams of creating a better world through scientific advancement in the use of data.  The University will dedicate its efforts to developing this relatively new but potentially highly rewarding area, delivering world-class data science research with an educational mission and a sense of social responsibility.  In the coming years, we will rely on our scholars and students, collaborators, industrial partners, the government, and all stakeholders to work together to push the frontiers of data science. 

Professor Max Shen
Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)