Energy transition scientist Chen Peipei leaves Cambridge for Hong Kong lab at City University

Energy transition scientist Chen Peipei has left the University of Cambridge to join City University of Hong Kong as a presidential assistant professor. She cited better research funding and PhD recruitment support as key reasons for the move, noting that UK universities often lack start-up grants for early-career faculty. Her work focuses on energy transition, which includes renewables and low-carbon technologies. This move highlights a growing trend of top climate researchers relocating to regions with stronger institutional backing for young scientists. For those tracking global decarbonization talent flows, it signals that Hong Kong is positioning itself as a hub for energy transition research. The shift could accelerate local R&D in areas like grid decarbonization and green energy.