In March 2011, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) School of Engineering and Princeton University School of Engineering and Applied Science have formed a partnership to launch a research-based undergraduate summer exchange program.

HKUST is the first university in Asia to enter into an undergraduate summer research exchange partnership with Princeton in engineering. The program, combining hands-on research experience with international exchange, aims to provide engineering students with an international research experience of the highest standard, a global outlook, and an all-round education.

Participating students will not only conduct academic research in an international setting, but will also gain invaluable cultural exposure through staying abroad and interacting with people with diverse backgrounds. The new program will also be another option to further enrich undergraduate research learning experience in highly-ranked universities in engineering and technology.

Within this program, and for a period of 8 weeks, HKUST students will engage in research with Princeton's faculty members on designated research projects, whereas Princeton students will undertake research in collaboration with HKUST's faculty members as well as the professional research teams from The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI).

Prof Khaled Ben Letaief, HKUST Dean of Engineering, said, "HKUST School of Engineering is committed to producing global citizens with an excellent undergraduate education. We are therefore very excited about this initiative which will not only allow our students to acquire an international outlook but would further develop their appreciation of research. Besides, this unique program will create a close partnership between the world-class faculties at Princeton and HKUST with industries and undergraduate students."

Prof H. Vincent Poor, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science of Princeton University, said, "Princeton and HKUST are both world-renowned research universities with strong commitments to undergraduate education. We are very pleased to establish a partnership with the HKUST Engineering School to jointly advance the levels of distinction in discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding through this research exchange program. This program will surely offer our engineering students an excellent enrichment experience."

Program participants during their summer exchange at Princeton: Ming JIN (2nd from right), Jueru WANG (1st from right) and Xinwei WAN (3rd from left) Summer Internship Report - Ming JIN, BEng (ELEC)-HR I completed a two-month summer internship in 2011, at the Imaging and Analysis Center (IAC) in Princeton University. The Imaging and Analysis Center (IAC) implements high-end, state-of-the-art instrumentation for imaging and analysis to stimulate materials research and education at Princeton. My job as a research assistant at IAC was enriching and challenging. I was assigned with a project to characterize the electrical properties of nickel nanowires. To carry out the task, I was trained to use high-tech and complex equipment, through training and hands-on operation. I am very grateful for the generous help and instructions from my supervisors. It was a most enriching experience.