The decision to pursue my studies in Hong Kong started from a desire to challenge myself, to learn in a dynamic international environment. PolyU, as one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious institutions, stood out as an ideal place for my next learning journey. Having studied at PolyU since my undergraduate years, where I pursued Applied Biology with Biotechnology (ABB) as my major, I developed a strong foundation in life sciences.  My passion for research was sparked during my final year project, where I had the opportunity to work in a liver cancer research lab under the guidance of Prof. Terence Lee. That experience deepened my passion for scientific discovery, leading me to continue my research journey under his mentorship.

Beginning as an MPhil student before transitioning to the PhD studies, a path that has shaped me profoundly, both professionally and personally. The research journey at PolyU is filled with its share of challenges and triumphs, much like any postgraduate journey. What has kept me motivated and resilient are the strong foundations around me: the supportive team at the TLEE Lab, my dedicated supervisor, and access to cutting-edge research facilities at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), which I’ve come to know well over the years. The department’s supportive ecosystem extends beyond research, with faculty and staff providing crucial guidance during teaching assignments and administrative processes. I was also honoured to serve as emcee for the ABCT Research Postgraduate Symposium in the Biology Discipline, an opportunity that strengthened my confidence in public engagement.

Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been encouraged to push my limits—presenting my work at international and local conferences and symposiums, broadening my perspective on the global research landscape. Our lab's emphasis on English communication during meetings also proved invaluable, transforming my ability to convey complex research to diverse audiences. These experiences have shaped my academic vision and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative and ever-evolving nature of science.

Looking back, my time at PolyU has been transformative, equipping me with the skills, resilience, and global perspective needed to thrive in research. I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next.

Hello! My name is Elena Bolonova and I’m originally from Russia. Currently I’m a year 1 PhD student at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

PolyU was my first choice for postgraduate studies because of its excellent research opportunities and international environment, which I believed would greatly facilitate knowledge sharing, research advancement and personal growth.

Research projects in PolyU, in particular those in the field of Biological Science and Chemical Technology, are of current importance and impactful. My current project aims to study β-lactamases, enzymes responsible for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin), and their inhibitor-resistant variants. Hopefully, our project outcomes can be applied to optimize the drug development in the future. Through various exposure at ABCT laboratory, we are able to equip ourselves with the knowledge, techniques, and problem-solving skills necessary for a successful career in chemistry and biotechnology. I found that working in the laboratory at ABCT actually motivates me to set my ultimate career goals; to make impact to the society, to contribute to the satisfaction of human needs and to improve our quality of life.

Besides professional growth, getting familiar with different cultures and languages while living in the campus and student hall is another unique and fruitful experience you can get in PolyU. Even though Hong Kong is in the heart of Asia, PolyU postgraduate students do not have to worry about the language barrier, as the postgraduate programme would be entirely in English. Throughout my time at PolyU, I have also received the warmest support and advice from my supervisor and fellow students.

HKPFS gives PhD students an amazing chance to pursue their academic and research goals, while enjoying multicultural atmosphere at the same time. I am thankful to the Research Grants Council, PolyU and ABCT for providing this opportunity to me, because without it I would not be able to start an amazing journey in Hong Kong!

Hello, I’m Ivan. I obtained my BSc degree from PolyU and am now pursuing my PhD at this wonderful university as well. The teaching environment and support at PolyU are excellent. There are numerous opportunities for exchanges and research that help me better understand myself and plan for my future. For example, the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) during my undergraduate studies sparked my interest in developing new methodologies in organic synthesis. Additionally, the rich research resources and support provided by the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) are very appealing as I begin my research here. Most importantly, over the past seven years, PolyU has continuously strengthened its competitive edge, which is evident in its rising QS ranking!

Sustainability is a major concern in modern development. My research project at PolyU is focused on developing a sustainable catalytic system for effectively producing unnatural chiral amino alcohols. Chiral amino alcohols are significant in various fields, including drug discovery, organic synthesis, and life sciences research. I aim to create unnatural amino alcohols with a wide range of bioactive groups to accelerate the development of next-generation peptide drugs for treating various diseases. This project is challenging and requires mastery of several analytical techniques, including EPR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and HPLC analysis. Fortunately,  equipment are readily available in our department. I would also like to express my gratitude to my research group; they are generous in sharing their knowledge and experience with junior researchers.

Apart from the study, I meet many friends from other cultures and nationalities in PolyU. Talking with them would let me know more about their culture and get inspired.

After studying in pharmacy for seven years, I was eager to explore how medicinal chemists in other regions approach drug discovery. Hong Kong, as a diverse and international city, seemed an ideal place to broaden my horizons and gain exposure to different academic cultures. Among the universities here, PolyU appealed to me because of its strong global reputation, particularly in applied sciences and technology-related disciplines. PolyU consistently ranks among the leading institutions worldwide and is recognized for its impactful research and excellent facilities, which I believed would benefit my professional development.

My experience conducting research at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) has been very rewarding. I was able to fully focus on my project while having access to extensive resources and advanced equipment. I did not have to worry about trivial matters because the staff in ABCT were always supportive and quick to help with any administrative issues. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including 400 MHz and 600 MHz NMR spectrometers, HRMS, and LC-MS systems, which were essential for moving my research forward.

Working in Prof. Ma Cong’s group was also a highlight. He is approachable and encouraging, and the lab environment is both friendly and motivating. At first, I found it challenging to report my work in English, but after multiple opportunities to present at group meetings, my confidence improved significantly. The department also organized seminars for PhD students, which provided valuable opportunities to practice academic communication and connect with researchers from other fields. Overall, studying at PolyU has been an enriching and transformative experience.