All UGC-funded universities are eligible to make nomination for the fellowship in support of full-time employment of PdF for research project(s) / activities. Each university may nominate up to 15 PdF candidates (JRFS nominees).

To qualify for the fellowship, the JRFS nominee must:

• obtain a legal right to work and reside in Hong Kong during the fellowship period;
• have obtained / been conferred a PhD degree or an equivalent qualification on or after 1 January 2021 (i.e. not more than three years before 2024), or will complete the requirement of a PhD degree or an equivalent qualification by 31 August 2025; and
• be supported by a UGC-funded university at which he / she wishes to hold the fellowship

The JRFS nominee should be a graduate in the relevant field of the research project(s) / activities to which he / she is to be assigned.

Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• record of academic excellence;
• research ability and track record to date;
• leadership experience;
• merit of the proposed research project(s) / activities;
• potential impact of the proposed research project(s) / activities; and
• university’s support.

The two selection panels are formed under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and JRFS, i.e. Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies Selection Panel (H-Panel) and Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology Selection Panel (S-Panel). Panel members will undertake assessment of nominations and selection of awardees under the JRFS with respect to the two broad academic streams respectively.

https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/jrfs/how_to_apply.html