Welcome to HKU Mechanical Engineering!

We trace our roots back to 1912, when the first professor of this University, Professor C.A. Middleton-Smith, a mechanical engineer, was appointed. I am very proud of what our faculty, students, technical and support staff, and alumni have accomplished in this great Department, established in 1958.

This is an exciting time for the Department, as we reflect on our part of history in the University Centenary Celebration and look ahead to the new opportunities and challenges from the rapid engineering development in China and the region.

We have attracted the best local and international students to join our undergraduate programmes. In our innovative and engaging curriculum, we attempt to integrate the latest advances in bio-nano-technology, energy and environment, sustainability and IT; we engage our young able students with their passion, creativity, curiosity and dreams. Our students have an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of mechanical engineering foundation; a broad understanding of major areas of traditional and modern mechanical engineering; and their professional skills through applied research and hands-on design projects. The long held open-door tradition allows students to talk to any professors any time. We are looking forward to the exciting new 4-Year Undergraduate Curriculum in 2012.

My academic colleagues who graduated from world renowned universities excel in their research, teaching and community service. Our faculty and research students grow our leading-edge research programs in biomechanical engineering, nano-materials, energy and environmental engineering, mechanics, thermo fluids, design and manufacturing, and dynamics, acoustics and control etc. We participate in 4 of the 19 strategic research themes of this University. We establish multi-disciplinary collaboration with our sister faculties such as medicine, science, architecture etc.; and develop collaboration with industry and government, and integrate research and teaching. Excitingly, 7 new faculty joined us in the past 3 years to strengthen our teaching and research in energy engineering, biomedical engineering etc.

Mechanical engineers develop innovative technologies and break-through solutions for people. New challenges in energy, environment, resources, rapid urbanization and rapid knowledge expansion suggest the growing needs for knowledge of mechanical engineers. We will continue to improve our curriculum, learning and research environment to attract the best and brightest young students to explore the amazing world of mechanical engineering with us.

As the new Head of Department from July 1, 2011, I welcome suggestions and comments from our alumni, local and international community. Please contact me at liyg@hku.hk.

Yuguo Li
Head of Department