Even though the city has prioritised economic development for decades, the changing needs as a result of the pandemic mean Hong Kong should strengthen its policy on science by establishing a high-level Science and Development Office The persistence of the Covid-19 global crisis has highlighted the importance of scientific research. Healthcare, vaccination, testing and protective equipment are all about science, while there is increasing reliance on communication technology as a result of social distancing. The recently inaugurated American President Joe Biden made fighting the disease the top priority. Demonstrating the importance of science to the new administration, Biden nominated the renowned geneticist Eric Lander to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the White House, as well as Science Advisor to the President, a position which has been elevated to Cabinet level.