The Center for Applied Economic Social and Environmental Research (CAESER), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, formerly known as the Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER), was established in December 2009, with a primary mission to promote quantitative analysis of social and economic issues and their impacts on human welfare in both Hong Kong and mainland China. With the support from the RGC-CPU Strategic Public Policy Research (2009-2014), the Center has conducted the Hong Kong Panel Study of Social Dynamics (HK-PSSD), the first household panel survey in Hong Kong SAR.

CAESER employs a scientific approach to analyzing a wide spectrum of social and economic issues, ranging from education, employment, inequality and poverty, to immigration, health, and subjective wellbeing. Our empirical research brings together multidisciplinary perspectives, rigorous methodology, and international networks to address the most pressing issues concerned by the public in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Mission

• To monitor trends in social and economic changes and their impact on human welfare
• To provide easy access to customizable trend data in Hong Kong and/or Mainland China
• To support methodologically rigorous innovative research
• To develop policies, in partnership with government and/or NGOs
• To train a young generation of scholars and policy analysts
• To disseminate data, research and policy analysis to the public at large

Prof. Pengyu ZHU
Director of Center for Applied Economic Social and Environmental Research
HKUST