Eight top research academics from four local universities were presented Senior Research Fellowship of the Croucher Foundation Wednesday.

Awards were presented by Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Andrew K N Li to the eight distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding research.

Of the eight recipients of the fellowships awarded this year, three academics are from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), two from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), two from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and one from the City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

The Croucher Senior Research Fellowships scheme was first introduced in 1997/98 academic year. It is awarded to local academics who have excelled in scientific research work.

In recognition of their success and to encourage their further achievement in their given fields, funds will be awarded to the respective institutions for recruiting an academic to take over the fellow's duties for the period of the fellowship.