HONG KONG - The University Grants Committee of Hong Kong has endorsed 248 million HK dollars (about $31.84 million) for six academic research proposals, the committee's Council Chairman Roland Chin said on Wednesday.

Chin said that the objective of the Theme-based Research Scheme is to focus some of the academic research efforts of UGC-funded institutions on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong.

"Research will focus on themes deemed to be most beneficial to Hong Kong's strategic development and where our academia have a competitive advantage," he added.

The current themes are Promoting Good Health, Developing a Sustainable Environment and Enhancing Hong Kong's Strategic Position as a Regional and International Business Center.

Under these themes, 11 grand challenge topics were identified for invitation of research proposals. Eighty-nine preliminary proposals were received and 15 were invited for selection interviews. Six were awarded funding. ($1 equals 7.79 HK dollars)