News

AMA Secures RGC Funding for 20 Research Projects in 2026/27 Round

The Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA) has achieved a highly successful funding round, securing HKD 14.5 million across 20 research projects in the latest Research Grants Council (RGC) exercise. Following the announcement of the General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS) results for the 2026/27 academic year, AMA has once again demonstrated its academic strength. As these RGC schemes are highly competitive, our strong showing in this round underscores our department's commitment to research excellence and our continuous contributions to the field of applied mathematics. With this vital support, AMA is well-positioned to drive impactful research that delivers meaningful benefits to society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated faculty members, whose hard work, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity have made this accomplishment possible. Warmest congratulations to the following colleagues whose projects have been awarded funding in this round:   Prof. CAO Xinlin Prof. CHEN Kexin Prof. CHEN Xiaojun Prof. CUI Jianbo Prof. HE Daihai Prof. HU Xianpeng Prof. JIANG Zhaoli Prof. LI Buyang Prof. LI Xun Prof. LIN Yanping Prof. PONG Ting Kei Prof. QIAO Zhonghua Prof. SHEN Guohao Prof. SUN Defeng Prof. WANG Zhian Prof. Alex WONG Prof. ZHANG Zhu Prof. ZHAO Xingqiu Prof. ZHOU Zhi Dr LIU Wei

Warm Welcome to Dynamic Young Scholars Joining AMA

To foster a vibrant academic culture and continuously drive innovation, the Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA) is dedicated to bringing in passionate, early-career researchers who represent the future of the field. We are delighted to welcome three young scholars to the AMA family this summer. As forward-thinking minds working on the cutting edge of modern mathematics, their fresh energy and innovative approaches to research will undoubtedly inspire our students and invigorate our academic community. Prof. Tang Rong | Assistant Professor Prof. Tang Rong joined the Department on 1 May 2026, bringing fresh perspectives to our computational mathematics group. She recently completed her PhD in Mathematics at Johns Hopkins University, following her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Science and Technology of China. Prof. Tang is passionate about exploring new frontiers in numerical analysis and scientific computing, and her youthful drive will be asset to both our research initiatives and classroom teaching. Prof. Huang Yilie | Assistant Professor Prof. Huang Yilie joined us on 1 June 2026. He earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, along with a Master of Science in Operations Research, from Columbia University, after completing his undergraduate studies at Zhejiang University. Prof. Huang's research operates at the highly modern intersection of reinforcement learning, generative AI diffusion models, stochastic control, and financial engineering. By developing advanced model-free algorithms and continuous-time learning methods to solve real-world uncertainties, he represents the new generation of scholars driving AI-integrated mathematical research. Dr Wang Qi | Research Assistant Professor Dr Wang Qi joined the department on 8 June 2026, bringing modern computational insights to energy research. He received his PhD from Tsinghua University. Dr. Wang's research is highly forward-looking, focusing on optimization algorithms for large-scale power systems. In particular, he is developing innovative methodologies that integrate machine learning with traditional optimization techniques, aiming to solve complex, real-world problems in modern, sustainable energy systems. We warmly welcome Prof. Tang, Prof. Huang, and Dr. Wang to the AMA family. We are excited to see how these bright, young minds will shape the future of our department, inspire our students, and contribute to the next wave of mathematical breakthroughs.

Recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award

We are pleased to announce that the Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2026 (Professional Achievement) has been awarded to Dr Elvis Wong Hoi Shun, our 2010 graduate of BSc (Hons) in Investment Science programme with First Class Honours. This award recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who have demonstrated significant professional achievements, exemplary leadership, and a meaningful impact on their industry. Elvis’s impressive career path in the financial sector, combined with his continuous academic pursuits and ongoing support for his alma mater, led to his selection for this prestigious honor. As the Sales Team Head and Investment Advisor at Standard Chartered Bank, Elvis leads the sales strategy and business development for the Investment and Wealth Management division in Hong Kong. He previously built a distinguished career in wealth management at other top-tier institutions, including J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Julius Baer, and HSBC. His professional excellence has been recognized through numerous industry accolades, including the Gold and Silver Outstanding Financial Management Awards from the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, and multiple top-performer awards at Standard Chartered Bank. Alongside his career, Elvis has maintained a strong commitment to academic and professional excellence. Following his studies at PolyU, he earned an MSc in Risk Management Science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2013) and a Doctor of Finance from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (2025). To complement his academic achievements, he has also attained several of the industry's most prestigious professional credentials, including the CFA, FRM, CFP, and CIWM designations. Despite his demanding career, Elvis has dedicated over fifteen years to supporting the PolyU community as an alumnus mentor, promotional ambassador, and frequent guest speaker. Currently, he translates his real-world expertise into academic impact as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, teaching finance-related subjects to students in the Investment Science and Finance Analytics stream. We congratulate Elvis on his outstanding professional accomplishments and express our sincere appreciation for his continued service and dedication to the university and our students.   To learn more about our previous awardee, please visit our Alumni Corner. *** END***

PolyU Mathematics Secures National Top Spot in Research.com 2026

Mathematics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reached a significant milestone in academic excellence, ranking No. 1 nationwide and 72nd globally in the 2026 edition of the Best Mathematics Universities by Research.com. This recognition underscores the Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA)’s growing influence in the global scientific community and its commitment to driving innovation through mathematical research. The ranking is determined by the Discipline H-index (D-index), which evaluates a combination of publication and citation data to identify the world’s leading researchers and institutions. The top national ranking places AMA at the forefront of mathematical sciences in China, reflecting the Department’s dedication to fostering a robust research environment. By securing the 72nd position worldwide, AMA continues to demonstrate its competitiveness against long-standing international institutions, particularly in fields such as applied mathematics, computational methodolgy, and data science. Research.com’s ranking is highly regarded for its focus on the actual research output and impact of scholars within the discipline. This latest accolade highlights AMA’s success in attracting top-tier academic talent and producing impactful research that addresses complex global challenges in engineering, technology, and the social sciences.

Online Booking for Exam Paper Review, 8 - 11 May 2026

The online registration for exam paper review would be scheduled between 8 - 11 May 2026. Make appointment here

PolyU Statistics & Operational Research and Mathematics Named Among the QS World Top 100 in 2026

We’re pleased to announce PolyU’s outstanding performance in Mathematics and Statistics & Operational Research in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This year, Statistics & Operational Research is ranked 40, while Mathematics is ranked 68. Notably, Statistics & Operational Research has been ranked within the world’s Top 50, while Mathematics remains among the world’s Top 100—both for the second consecutive year. These results demonstrate the Department’s sustained strength in research-led learning. Backed by our faculty’s expertise and powered by our students’ determination, PolyU continues to translate academic capability into visible global impact. As we build on this progress, we remain focused on strengthening our programmes, deepening interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding partnerships beyond the classroom. With an emphasis on rigorous training and real-world relevance, the Department is committed to preparing graduates to meet the demands of an increasingly data-driven world.

AMA Students Honoured with Prestigious Awards for Leadership and Excellence 2025/26

We are proud to announce the remarkable achievements of our AMA students, who have been recognised with two distinguished awards for the 2025/26 academic year: the Presidential Student Leadership Award from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and the Outstanding Student Award from the Department of Applied Mathematics. Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 Mr. YAN Yau Chun, Reg, a Year 2 student in BSc (Hons) Investment Science and Finance Analytics with a Secondary Major in AIDA, was presented with the Presidential Student Leadership Award. Reg currently serves as General Secretary of the 33rd AMA Student Association and previously held the position of Financial Secretary in the 32nd Association. Beyond PolyU, Reg is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with various organisations. He has been a member of the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade Youth Command since 2019 and was promoted to Cadet Corporal in 2021. “PolyU has supported me through diverse learning opportunities and practical expenses, helped me developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.” Reg said. Outstanding Student Award of the Department of Applied Mathematics 2025/26 Miss Xie Mengyu, a final-year student in BSc (Hons) Investment Science and Finance Analytics, was selected for the Outstanding Student Award of the Department of Applied Mathematics. Mengyu shared, “I feel deeply honoured and grateful to be selected as this year’s awardees. This award not only recognises my personal effort but also reflects the remarkable support provided by the University.” The Outstanding Student Award Scheme (OSA), organised annually by PolyU, honours full-time final-year students who excel academically and in non-academic pursuits, demonstrating leadership, strong personal qualities, active involvement in extra-curricular activities and community service, and a global outlook. The Presidential Student Leadership Award (PSLA), established in 2022/23, recognises student leaders who demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities and skills, providing them with opportunities to further contribute to society and the global community. Both awards were presented at the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award Presentation Ceremony 2025/26, held on 19 March 2026 at Hotel ICON, where a total of 57 PolyU students were honoured for their exceptional achievements in academic excellence and leadership. Congratulations to Reg and Mengyu for their outstanding accomplishments and valuable contributions to the AMA community!

PolyU Mathematics and AI Ranked No.1 in Hong Kong!

We are proud to share that The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been ranked 1st among all universities in Hong Kong in both Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence by ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025. PolyU’s Mathematics is also ranked among the world’s top 101–150, while our Statistics has achieved a global ranking in the 151–200 band. These outstanding achievements reflect the dedication and excellence of our faculty, students, and staff. Congratulations to everyone in the PolyU mathematics and AI community for these remarkable recognitions! For more information about the ShanghaiRanking, please visit https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2025

AMA Young Scholar Prof. Zhou Zhi Named Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2025

We are proud to announce that our Associate Professor, Zhou Zhi, has been named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to mathematics and his global impact on academic research. The Highly Cited Researchers list, compiled annually by Clarivate, identifies scientists and scholars who have demonstrated significant influence through the publication of multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field and year in the Web of Science™. Prof. Zhou’s research excellence has earned him this prestigious distinction, placing him among the world’s most influential researchers. Prof. Zhou joined PolyU AMA as an Assistant Professor in 2017 and currently serves as an Associate Professor. His research interests include numerical analysis of PDEs, scientific computing, and inverse problems. His work is widely recognized for its innovation and impact, as evidenced by his impressive citation record and numerous publications in top-tier international journals. In addition to this latest honor, Prof. Zhou has received several other prestigious awards, including the NSFC Excellent Young Scientist Fund (国家自然科学基金优秀青年科学基金项目) in 2024, the Frontiers of Science Award at the International Congress of Basic Science in 2024, and the RGC Early Career Award in 2018/19. These recognitions underscore his exceptional contributions to advancing mathematical sciences and his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This achievement not only showcases Prof. Zhou’s remarkable contributions to the field, but also reflects AMA’s commitment to fostering world-class research and nurturing young talent. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Zhou Zhi on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to his continued contributions to the academic community. For the full list and further details about the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers for 2025, please visit  https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/.

Professor Sun Defeng Named 2026 Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

We are proud to announce that Chair Professor Sun Defeng, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) for 2026. Professor Sun joins a distinguished group of forty mathematicians from around the world who have been selected for this honor in the program’s fourteenth year. The AMS Fellows program recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics. Being elected as an AMS Fellow is an acknowledgement of Professor Sun’s excellence and leadership in the mathematical sciences, as well as his significant impact on the profession. Professor Sun is internationally renowned for his research in optimization, operations research, and numerical analysis. He has made pioneering contributions to the theory and algorithms for large-scale optimization problems, including semidefinite programming, conic programming, and matrix completion. His work has been widely published in top-tier journals and has had a profound influence on both theoretical developments and practical applications in areas such as data science, engineering, and finance. In addition to the AMS Fellowship, Professor Sun’s outstanding achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors. He was elected Fellow of the Operations Research Society of China (ORSC) in 2024, and named Fellow of both the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and the China Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (CSIAM) in 2020. He received the RGC Senior Research Fellow Award for 2022/23, and was honored with the Beale–Orchard-Hays Prize for Excellence in Computational Mathematical Programming by the Mathematical Optimization Society in 2018. This prestigious recognition is awarded by peers in the international mathematical community, highlighting Professor Sun’s dedication and achievements in advancing mathematics. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Sun Defeng on this remarkable accomplishment. To view the names and institutions of the full 2026 Class of AMS Fellows, please visit the AMS Fellows webpage.