Congratulations to Prof. Zheng Zijian on Appointment as Vice President (Knowledge Transfer)

Prof. Zheng is currently Director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices. As a leading scholar in manufacturing technology and materials science, Prof. Zheng has also founded several PolyU startups and brought substantial management experience in knowledge transfer and innovation.   In his new capacity, Prof. Zheng will steer the planning and implementation of the University’s strategic agenda in translational research, knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and stakeholder engagement. He will oversee the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office and the Mainland Research Units, and foster a dynamic ecosystem by deepening strategic partnerships with industry, government, academic and community stakeholders, particularly in the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area. In parallel, he will drive the University’s engagement and collaboration for knowledge transfer initiatives to further strengthen PolyU’s presence and competitiveness on the global stage.   We are immensely proud of Prof. Zheng’s new appointment and confident that his vision, expertise and dedication will elevate PolyU’s knowledge transfer endeavours to new heights!   Source: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/media/media-releases/2026/0326_polyu-appoints-professor-zijian-zheng-as-vice-president-knowledge-transfer/

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Partners with Zhongshan Municipal Government to Build a New Biomedical Talent Ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area

On March 30, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed an official cooperation agreement with the Zhongshan Municipal Government. Relying on the PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, PolyU will nurture about 200 high-quality master’s students in the biopharmaceutical field in 2026. Professor Cao Jiannong, Vice President of PolyU, stated that this collaboration is an important practice for PolyU to deepen industry-education integration in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Focusing on talent cultivation, cross-border mobility, research commercialisation and incubation, it will build a full-chain closed-loop ecosystem.   PolyU has launched Hong Kong’s first master’s programme in biopharmaceutical entrepreneurship — the Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Development and Commercialization (BDC Programme). Targeting the industry’s pain points of disconnection between scientific research and business, as well as the gap between R&D and industrialisation, the programme adopts an integrated science and business training system, covering core biopharmaceutical R&D content and key knowledge of industrial operation. It provides a full-process experience from research and development to large-scale production to meet the demand for interdisciplinary talents in the GBA. Outstanding applicants are eligible for entrance scholarships.   Going forward, PolyU will serve as a "super connector" through the PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, deeply connect with industrial resources in the Greater Bay Area, and promote the integration of "Hong Kong Research + Zhongshan Transformation". The University will encourage outstanding students to pursue careers and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area, continuously provide high-calibre interdisciplinary talents, and help the Greater Bay Area build a highland for biopharmaceutical technological innovation and industrial transformation.   Source: Nanfang Media Group

Awardees of the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025 from the ABCT Department

Congratulations to the awardees of the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025 from the ABCT Department: Individual Award (Knowledge Transfer: Industry): Prof. Zheng Zijian Team Award (Teaching): Led by Prof. Terence Lee, with team members: Prof. Clarence Wong, Prof. Mu Quanhua, Dr. Chartia Cheung, Dr. Clare Yan, and Dr. Wong Wai-ting. The President’s Awards recognize Prof. Zheng Zijian’s significant contributions and impact on knowledge transfer, Prof. Lee and his team’s remarkable efforts in instilling an innovative mindset in our students. Their guidance led to the students’ outstanding performance at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, earning a Silver Medal and an Impact Grant in 2023, followed by a Gold Medal and a Top 10 Undergraduate Team ranking worldwide in 2024. Their unwavering dedication to excellence in knowledge transfer and teaching is truly remarkable. Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to all our distinguished awardees from ABCT on their exceptional achievements! Source: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fs/news-and-events/awards-and-achievements/2026/the-presidents-awards-for-outstanding-achievement-2025/

Prof. Zhao Qian Awarded HK$5.355 Million in RGC Research Impact Fund 2025/26

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Zhao Qian, Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), PolyU, has been awarded the Research Grants Council (RGC) Research Impact Fund 2025/26 for her project “Spatial and High-throughput Immunopeptidomics Enabled by Integrated Microfluidics and Proteogenomics (MAP)”. The project has received HK$5.355 million in funding for a period of 48 months.   By integrating proteogenomics, genomics and microfluidics, the project will develop an ultra‑sensitive technology to analyse tumor immunopeptides from minimal samples, thereby reducing tissue consumption and enabling parallel personalised analysis for cancer patients.   The research outcomes will be applied to cancer immunology research and treatment for mapping immune peptides and the cellular microenvironment, as well as high‑throughput analysis of brain tumour samples to identify tumor neoantigens. These results will enhance understanding of tumour‑immune interactions, identify novel therapeutic targets, and advance the development of cancer immunotherapy.   Please join us in congratulating Prof. Zhao Qian and her research team on this notable achievement!   Source: PolyU drives impactful and collaborative interdisciplinary research, with nine projects awarded over HK$50 million by Research Grants Council | Research and Innovation Office    

PolyU Science scholars received Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards 2025 from Ministry of Education

Congratulations to Prof. Zheng Zijian, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, for receiving the Second-Class Award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) from the Ministry of Education.   Prof. Zheng received this honor for his research project titled "Multiscale Coupling Regulation Mechanisms of Flexible Electronic Conductive Interfaces and Applications." His research group focuses on tailoring surface properties and functionalities by precisely manipulating surface topography and chemistry.   Please join us in congratulating Prof. Zheng Zijian and his group on this well-deserved recognition!   Source: PolyU Science scholars received Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards 2025 from Ministry of Education | Faculty of Science

PolyU ABCT PhD Student’s Green Startup Selected for Future Ecopreneur Programme

PolyU ABCT’s PhD student Ng Cheuk Hei (Jackie) and his start-up ReCherish Beans have been selected for the Future Ecopreneur Programme — a pioneering initiative that transforms coffee cherry by-products (the discarded pulp and skin from coffee production) into a new type of functional tea. This tea retains coffee’s energizing and antioxidant properties while repurposing waste that would otherwise go to landfills (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and boosting coffee farmers’ incomes. Supported by Hang Seng Bank, co-organized by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Wofoo Social Enterprises, the programme empowers local youth to drive sustainability and Greentech innovation — and Jackie’s project is a standout example of turning “trash” into high-value, eco-friendly products.  Join us in celebrating Jackie’s achievement — may his journey inspire more young talents to turn green ideas into action!  Learn more via media coverage: Ming Pao Daily News: https://polyu.me/4964jUJ Headline Daily: https://polyu.me/3Jsg51r Bastille Post: https://polyu.me/4hSlUSs *Photos from: Headline Daily  

Prof Wong Wai-yeung Raymond Elected as New Member of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

We are delighted to announce that Prof. Wong Wai-yeung, Raymond — Associate Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy, Chair Professor of Chemical Technology, and Clarea Au Professor in Energy — has been elected as a new member of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, joining the five distinguished new members of this term. This honour is a testament to his extraordinary academic achievements in scientific research and his profound contributions to social progress.  A preeminent scholar dedicated to the field of chemistry, Prof. Wong has long focused on the design and synthesis of molecular functional materials and one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) metallopolymers with photofunctional properties and energy applications. With a steadfast commitment to addressing global energy needs of the future, he and his research team have spared no effort in advancing sustainable energy development and upgrading energy conversion technologies, devoting themselves to building a cleaner and more resilient future for humanity.  We extend our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Prof. Wong on this well-deserved recognition!  Source: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fs/news-and-events/awards-and-achievements/2025/prof-wong-wai-yeung-raymond-was-elected-as-the-new-member-of-the-hong-kong-academy-of-sciences/   Online coverage: Bauhinia 港科院新增5院士 盧煜明盼鞏固港創科地位 12 December 2025 Wen Wei Po 港科院新增5院士 盧煜明盼鞏固港創科地位 11 December 2025 Bastille Post 港科院新增五位院士 涵蓋數學地理醫學化學及神經科學領域 11 December 2025  

PolyU ABCT 2025 Outstanding Alumni Scholarly and Professional Excellence

PolyU ABCT 2025 Outstanding Alumni: Scholarly & Professional Excellence The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s ABCT Department proudly honours two exceptional graduates—Prof. LEE Wang Fat (Scholarly Achievement) and Mr. CHENG Foon Yu (Professional Achievement)—for their impactful contributions to academia, healthcare, and community. Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2025 - Scholarly Achievement Prof. LEE Wang Fat (PolyU ABCT BSc (Hons) 2003, PhD 2008) A leader in environmental biochemistry, Prof. Lee (HKMU Professor cum Associate Dean) holds a perfect 4.0 PolyU undergrad GPA. He secured over HK$35M RGC research grants, published 35+ recent Q1 SCI papers, and founded HK/GBA’s first Metropolitan Algal Repository (MARS). He led the HK$37.7M Jockey Club STEAM Scheme (16k+ beneficiaries) and supported PolyU as an honorary fellow, PhD examiner, and alumni speaker—earning 8 consecutive “A” appraisals and two President’s Awards. Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2025 - Professional Achievement Mr. CHENG Foon Yu (PolyU ABCT BSc 2016) St James’ Settlement Pharmacy-in-charge, Mr. Cheng served as a 2020 COVID-19 testing frontliner (Appreciation Certificate). He’s an anti-drug training speaker (2024), community volunteer teacher (2022), and 2025 “Journey of Progress” judge (supporting single-parent children). He also holds roles as National Games Volunteer Leader and Hong Kong United Elite Assoc Medicine & Health Deputy Director, plus published a 2025 SCI paper and edited a 2024 pharmacy book. Please join us in congratulating Prof. LEE Wang Fat and Mr. CHENG Foon Yu on this well-deserved recognition! Their dedication to excellence and service truly embodies PolyU’s spirit!

Welcoming Sun Yat-sen University to PolyU ABCT

Recently, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) warmly welcomed a group of students from Sun Yat-Sen University. This two-day academic exchange aims to foster collaboration, promote cross-cultural learning, and strengthen ties between the two institutions. The event began with a lecture of ABCT1742 General Chemistry II delivered by Prof. Michael Yu and Dr Gary Cheung, followed by an engaging sharing session led by Dr Fortune Chan. This interactive lecture and sharing session provided the students with valuable insights into the exciting fields of Chemical technology, also providing a platform for discussing their academic journeys and research interests. The visit continued with a guided tour of our library, students explored our facilities, gaining insight into the university’s resources and learning environment. This enriching visit inspired curiosity and enthusiasm among the students, offering them meaningful insights into the academic and practical applications of chemical technology. Meanwhile, with networking dinner, further strengthening the bonds between PolyU ABCT and Sun Yat-Sen University. We hope this experience sparks their passion for these dynamic fields, and we look forward to welcoming more students from around the globe!

ABCT Postdoc Zhao Dawang and PhD Student Liu Qi from Prof. Zhao Xin’s Team Win Awards at the 2025 TERMIS-AP Conference

Zhao Dawang, a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Prof. ZHAO Xin, has been honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 2025 TERMIS-AP Conference for his project titled “Three-dimensional Coral-like Porous Structure Locoregionally Regulating Macrophage Immunosenescence Rejuvenates Aged Bone Repair”. His research addresses the challenges in regenerating and repairing bone defects, outlines future directions in bone immune regulation, and aims to promote bone tissue regeneration and repair in aging individuals by modulating the bone immune microenvironment.   Liu Qi, a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Zhao Xin, has been honored with the Best Poster Presentation Award for his project titled “Bone-on-leaf-chip for the Study of Lung Cancer Bone Metastasis”. His work details the fabrication of a leaf-inspired microfluidic chip and its application in investigating the mechanisms of lung cancer bone metastasis, with the goal of further developing it as a platform for personalized drug screening and mechanistic analysis.   The 2025 TERMIS-AP Conference is a prominent academic event in the fields of biomaterials, stem cells, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Centered on the theme “New Era for Regenerative Medicine Translation”, the conference explores a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics—including research innovations, industrial translation, regulatory decision-making, clinical applications, career development, and global collaboration. By uniting a diverse community of researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders, it provided an ideal platform for Zhao Dawang and Liu Qi to showcase their innovative work and contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine!