The hongkong prize is one of the region’s premier writing competitions, drawing thousands of participants annually. Winners receive monetary prizes and book vouchers, as well as the chance to attend an awards ceremony that can help them advance in their careers. But, before you submit your entry, it’s important to read the rules and regulations thoroughly. Doing so can prevent costly mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of winning! The prize is open to researchers from all over the world. In addition to the monetary award, winners also have the opportunity to conduct their research at Hong Kong universities and laboratories. This can help them expand their knowledge and make connections with international experts in their field. In addition to science, the prize also celebrates research with a social impact. Previous winners have included journalists exposing human rights abuses and activists fighting for democracy in their countries. Scientists seeking the hongkong prize must submit an original article that meets certain criteria. This can include clinical research, observational epidemiological studies or basic science research published in an academic journal. Scientific research with a social impact must be objective, independent and free of sponsorship or personal interests. The selection process is free from conflicts of interest and judges are free to make their decisions based on merit alone. Applicants must also have a strong connection with Hong Kong and a desire to share their work in the city. In the past, this has included research into Hong Kong’s relationship with China and Asia, new theories in studying Hong Kong history, and new concepts and perspectives in exploring Hong Kong culture and society. Winners are selected based on the quality of their submission, and a panel of experts free from any financial or personal interests will judge each entry. This year’s shortlisted projects included a study on the molecular mechanisms of aging and a study on the genetic underpinnings of the development of cancer. The HK$2 million prize is sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The winners of this year’s hongkong prize were announced on Sunday at a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong. The grand prize went to Pakistani artist Sameen Agha, whose sculpture A Home Is Terrible Place to Love featured a home collapsing like a cardboard box. Her piece was made out of red marble. Other winners included Noormah Jamal, whose acrylic-on-canvas painting showed two people holding potted plants and sitting with vacant expressions. Proceeds from the auction will bolster SAF’s Make It Better program, which has been offering expressive arts workshops to children in disadvantaged communities since 2013.