The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) will restructure its research centers and implement projects focusing on education in the mainland, the institute's new president, Anthony Cheung said yesterday.

Cheung told reporters after being officially installed as the institute's president that the HKIEd has launched a global recruitment for professors and chair professors who will help strengthen its research capabilities.

He said more than 130 applications for the posts were received, and the institute would kick off the selection process in the coming months.

Cheung added that the institute's 11 research centers will be restructured, and new research projects will be initiated.

The institute's acting vice president, Cheng Yin-cheong said a research center on governance and citizenship will be established. He said staff focusing on research will be recruited, and the existing teaching staff will be seconded to the research centers.

He said regional cooperation with other Asian countries will be stepped up.

Cheung will participate in the American Educational Research Association annual meeting in New York, which will be attended by 16,000 scholars, in the coming days.

The institute will also collaborate with the Institute of Education, University of London to launch a joint Doctor of Education programme, and staff and students exchange schemes.

Cheung also expressed confidence in gaining a university title for the institute.

The University Grants Committee has set up a team studying the issue, and will make recommendations by the end of the year.

Cheung added that the institute has already given the necessary information to the committee.

(HK Edition 03/27/2008 page1)