The Physical Society of Hong Kong (PSHK), together with the Institute of Physics (IOP), successfully launched the inaugural IOP–Hong Kong Frontiers of Science Annual Lectures on 12 May 2026 at City University of Hong Kong. The inaugural theme, Quantum Physics for Real-World Problems, highlighted the rapidly growing impact of quantum science on modern technology and society.

The event was established to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the physics communities of Hong Kong and the UK & Ireland, while creating a sustained platform for future bilateral scientific collaboration. According to the joint proposal by PSHK and IOP, the annual lecture series will alternate between Hong Kong and the UK & Ireland in future years, focusing on frontier topics of major importance in physics.

The one-day conference brought together leading scientists, academic leaders, publishers, and policymakers from the UK and Ireland, Hong Kong, and Chinese mainland. Topics ranged from quantum information processing and AI-assisted quantum technologies to quantum materials, energy systems, and scientific publishing in the AI era.

Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from CityUHK, PSHK, the British Consulate, and the IOP. In his welcoming speech, PSHK President Prof. Wei Bao emphasized that the annual lecture series reflects a shared commitment to strengthening scientific exchange, fostering international partnerships, and promoting the development of frontier physics research for societal benefit.

The programme featured internationally recognized speakers including Prof. Mauro Paternostro (Queen’s University Belfast), Prof. Giulio Chiribella (HKU), Prof. Oscar Dahlsten (CityUHK), Prof. Guangcun Shan (Beihang University), Prof. Xiao Li (CityUHK), Prof. Sunny Xin Wang (CityUHK), and representatives from IOP and IOP Publishing.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PSHK and IOP, establishing a long-term framework for annual lectures, scientific exchanges, and broader community engagement between Hong Kong and the UK & Ireland.

Through this inaugural initiative, PSHK continues to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international center for frontier physics research and global scientific exchange.