Students presented their research findings. The young scientists demonstrated remarkable capability throughout the programme. Kylie Chang reflected, "This was my first time doing university-level research. The workload was challenging, but we encouraged each other and grew so much." Martin Cheung, who analysed over 2,000 Mercury craters, added, "We disciplined ourselves through the repetitive work and achieved more than we expected."

This was my first time doing university-level research. The workload was challenging, but we encouraged each other and grew so much.  

Kylie Chang ｜Year 10 Student

Dr Junjie Chen, HKU Research Assistant Professor, shared his thoughts with us. "YCIS students exceeded all expectations. When given open-ended tasks, they independently developed solutions using Python and AI tools - skills that even surprised our team,” he said. Dr Chen noted the students' exceptional time management skills, particularly highlighting how Castor Chan maintained rigorous academic performance while steadily advancing the research project during exam periods. “Denise, Mang Ka, Bob, and Castor are each developing distinct research competencies - from methodological rigour to innovative problem-solving - that demonstrate remarkable potential,” Dr Chen said. Mr Daniel Nyantakyi, YCIS Science Teacher, observed, "The professional research skills these students developed, while maintaining academic responsibilities, show what young scientists can achieve. Getting first-hand information or experience from the university inspired the students,” he said. The programme has built an essential bridge between secondary and university-level science.

YCIS students exceeded all expectations. When given open-ended tasks, they independently developed solutions using Python and AI tools - skills that even surprised our team.

Dr Junjie Chen ｜HKU Research Assistant Professor

The ceremony's MOU signing formalises this successful partnership, ensuring continued opportunities for young researchers under the guidance of the Department of Earth Science, HKU, including Prof Zhonghui Liu and Prof. Zhonghua Yao. The programme demonstrated how collaboration between academia and secondary education unlocks extraordinary potential in student researchers. 

As YCYW and HKU look to expand this initiative, the achievements of these young scientists stand as powerful evidence of what's possible when students are given authentic research opportunities. Their work has not only advanced their scientific understanding. It also contributes to ongoing university research, a testament to the programme's success in nurturing the next generation of scientific talent. 

With this partnership firmly established, both institutions look forward to creating more pathways for students to engage in meaningful scientific discovery, proving that age is no barrier to contributing valuable insights to planetary science.