History

The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience (SKLMN), formerly named as Partner State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, was established in 2009 at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with approval of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) to build upon an existing foundation of excellence in molecular neuroscience at the University.  SKLMN is the first laboratory focusing on molecular neuroscience research in Hong Kong as well as the first state key laboratory at HKUST.  

The crucial groundwork for establishing SKLMN was laid through the establishment of the Molecular Neuroscience Center in 1999, which successfully assembled a core team of talented researchers to push the frontiers of neuroscience research.  The solid foundation led to HKUST being awarded the Area of Excellence in molecular neuroscience by the University Grants Committee in 2001 and 2007.  The project yielded significant breakthroughs that were published in prestigious international journals, further affirming the world-class standing of our research.  In parallel, generous support from the Innovation Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust allowed us to set up a world-class research infrastructure for drug discovery, which led to the successful identification of promising drug leads for neurological disorders.  SKLMN capitalizes on these strengths and has become an important neuroscience research center in the region.  The Partner State Key Laboratory was renamed as SKLMN with more flexibility to collaborate with different research and development institutions on 20 September 2018.