Director's Message

Over the past several years, the Hong Kong Office has grown steadily with the strong support of our partners and collaborators. From its origins as the Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), it has evolved into the Hong Kong Office for UN Decade Programmes of Guangzhou Marine Laboratory. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners and staff members. Through your dedication and collective efforts, the Office has achieved significant accomplishments in marine science research, international collaboration, and talent development.

Today, the world faces major challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Addressing these global issues requires broader and deeper international cooperation. As an important bridge between Mainland China and the international scientific community, the Hong Kong Office is committed to bringing together scientists, research institutions, international organizations, and industry partners from around the world to advance marine science innovation and sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the Office will focus on supporting and advancing three international large-scale science programmes: Global Climate Impacts of Methane Seeps (CliMetS) , Mysteries of Ocean Cold Seep Interfaces (MOCSI) and Digital DeEP-sea Typical Habitats (Digital DEPTH). Through interdisciplinary, cross-regional, and cross-institutional collaboration, we will continue to strengthen international exchange and knowledge sharing, promote scientific discovery and technological innovation, and contribute to global ocean governance, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development.

At the same time, the Office will actively support initiatives under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), further expand international partnerships, and strive to build a globally influential platform for marine science collaboration and exchange. Together, we aim to foster an open and collaborative global marine science community and contribute to a sustainable future for our ocean.

Prof. Pei-Yuan Qian

David von Hansemann Professor of Science
Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Science
Chair Professor, Division of Life Science
Chair Professor, Biomedical and Bioengineering Thrust, HKUST (GZ), Nansha, Guangzhou
Director, Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)
Deputy Director, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou