At The University of Hong Kong (HKU), our Central Facilities are dedicated to advancing science and engineering research through cutting-edge resources and collaborative spaces. We provide an environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, students, and faculty.

Our facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest technology, enabling groundbreaking research in various fields such as materials science, biomedical engineering, and environmental studies. With access to advanced equipment and resources, researchers can conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop solutions to complex challenges.

At HKU, we are committed to supporting your research journey. Explore our Central Facilities and discover how we can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Together, let’s push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in science and engineering! For more information, please visit our website or reach out to our team. We look forward to supporting your research endeavors!

About Us

HKU University Central Facilities provides advanced, shared infrastructure and technical support to researchers across the University and comprises three coexisting divisions: Electron Microscope Unit (EMU), Central Fabrication Laboratory (CFL), Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL), and HKU Data Centre (coming soon). Together these divisions deliver state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation, expert technical assistance, and training to enable high‑quality research and innovation across disciplines, offering a single point of access to cutting‑edge tools and skilled staff that accelerate discovery and translate ideas into outcomes.

Electron Microscope Unit traces its origins to the installation of the first electron microscope in the Pathology Department of Queen Mary Hospital in 1968; in 1969 Professor James Gibson established EMU to centralize this essential equipment within the University. Over the past five decades the EMU has evolved into a full electron microscopy laboratory, providing high‑resolution imaging, elemental & structural analysis, and sample preparation services to researchers across HKU and to other institutions throughout the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In line with the University’s commitment to innovation and growth, EMU is expanding from a microscopy laboratory into a centralized facility at HKU. With the forthcoming completion of its new location at the HKU Tech Landmark, EMU will integrate closely with Central Fabrication Laboratory, which provides micro‑ and nano‑fabrication facilities, cleanroom access, and process development for device prototyping, MEMS, and semiconductor research and Materials Characterization Laboratory, which offers X‑ray diffraction, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing. This integration will create a comprehensive hub that streamlines workflows from fabrication to high‑resolution characterization and materials analysis, supporting multidisciplinary projects and accelerating translational research.

Our facilities are continually enhanced through generous grants from The University of Hong Kong, the Research Grants Council, the Croucher Foundation, and the Jockey Club. Each year more than 600 registered users benefit from the EMU alone, and this number continues to grow as the University strengthens its research initiatives. Researchers, students, and collaborators can rely on the Central Facilities for access to advanced equipment, expert technical support, and training programs that help turn ideas into impactful outcomes.

Mission

To maintain an up-to-date variety of electron microscopes in a centralized facility aiming at producing high-quality research and to make this as accessible as possible to our users, whether they are experienced or not.