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"The quality of the bids was again very high," Professor Ko said: "Apart from those awarded funding, there were a further 216 fundable projects which could not be supported for lack of sufficient funding.
"The RGC was pleased to note the Government's approval earlier this year for further increases in the level of funding for academic research in 1996-97 and 1997-98 when some $330 million and nearly $400 million will be available respectively. This support is needed to strengthen further the research base in Hong Kong's higher education sector," he said.
Apart from disbursing and monitoring the use of Government funding for academic research, RGC is also responsible for advising the Government, through UGC, on the needs of the institutions of higher education in Hong Kong in the field of academic research in order that a research base adequate for the maintenance of academic vigour and pertinent to the needs of Hong Kong may be developed.
"A detailed report on the Council's operations and activities during the period January 1 to December 31, 1994, will be given in the RGC Annual Report 1994 to be published later this year," Professor Ko said.
"I should also like to take this opportunity to thank all the RGC/panel members for their assistance in making the work of the Council and its subject panels run smoothly and effectively," he added.