Dr. Kam Wing Fung has obtained grant from the General Research Fund (2013 – 14) for his project Imperial Patronage and Transfer of Islamic Astronomical- astrological knowledge in Ming China (1368 – 1644). The grant, valued at HK$ 774,710 over two years, is funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC).

Abstract of Research:

The aim of this project is to study the relationship between the “imperial patronage” and the advancement of exact science (astronomy in particular) in Ming Dynasty before the coming of the Jesuits in the late 16th century. Special cases demonstrating knowledge transfer, for instances, translation endeavor of Islamic astronomical-astrological literature in early Ming, making of Islamic astronomical-astrological-horological instruments in early-and-mid Ming, and knowledge dissemination of Islamic astronomy amongst Chinese Muslim-Confucian groups in mid Ming will be investigated comprehensively. Besides, scientific lineage of Chinese and non-Chinese astronomical officials (Islamic inclusive) in Ming period will also be added. With the aid of the latest computer technologies, searchable full-text Chinese databases and instrument display gallery for fundamental research of the history of Chinese science and technology will be created.