Nurdaulet Nazarbay achieves Second Prize in Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025

We are proud to announce that Nurdaulet NAZARBAY, a Year 2 student pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Physics with a secondary major in AIDA, has teamed up with Li Yunze and Hanxi Li from other departments to secure the second prize in the cloud track of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025 Hong Kong. The Huawei ICT Competition has been held in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, organized with the support of the government's Digital Policy Office and in collaboration with 13 local higher education institutions. This year, over 900 participants competed, showcasing exceptional talent and innovation. Congratulations to Nurdaulet Nazarbay and his team! Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily  ICT大賽助培育創科人才 吸引逾900大專生參與 10 December 2024 Headline Daily  ICT大賽助培育創科人才 吸引逾900大專生參與 10 December 2024 Wen Wei Po 華為ICT大賽獲近千名青年創科人才參與 提升香港數字競爭力 9 December 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 華為ICT大賽2024-2025香港站成功舉辦 本港近千名青年創科人才參與 9 December 2024

5 AP Academics were listed as the World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers

5 AP scholars have been recognized as the world’s most highly cited researchers in 2024 by Clarivate Analytics.  This honour certainly served as an acknowledgment of their significant research impact, which is demonstrated by their publication of multiple papers that have been frequently cited by fellow academics. With respect to the production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science citation index over the last 11 years, the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” is a well-known indicator to identify the most influential scholars from around the world. Congratulations to Prof. Kian Ping LOH, Prof. Tom Tao WU and Prof. YAN Feng, Prof. Yang CHAI and Prof. Haitao HUANG for their contributions to society and the world! 

Leung Man Tai Oscar as a Youth Representative of CarbonCare InnoLab at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)

LEUNG Man Tai Oscar, a final-year undergraduate student in Engineering Physics at the Department of Applied Physics, recently attended the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a youth representative for CarbonCare InnoLab. He authored an article in Ming Pao Weekly, sharing his experiences and highlighting the vital contributions of young climate advocates in global discussions. Oscar actively engaged in negotiations surrounding climate adaptation, highlighting the pressing need for a human-centered approach in climate resilience strategies. He pointed out the gaps in Hong Kong's climate policies, which focus heavily on infrastructure rather than addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. During the conference, Oscar collaborated with international youth groups to draft a position paper in the preparation phase and actively participated in negotiations. The youth representatives from various countries offered encouragement and shared their experiences, significantly broadening his horizons.   Online coverage: Ming Pao Weekly 從COP29看香港青年如何推動國際氣候談判 30 November 2024

AP 12 Scholars ranked The World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists by Stanford University

12 PolyU Science Scholars are ranked as the World's Top 2% most-cited scientists for 2024 by Stanford University.   Using the Scopus author profiles as of 16 September 2024, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 7) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  Download the latest database (version 7):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7 Congratulations to our top scientists!     Name of Researcher Subject Field  Prof. Lau Shuping  Applied Physics  Prof. Chai Yang  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Hao Jianhua  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Loh Kian Ping  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Wu Tao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Tsang Shik Chi Edman  Organic Chemistry  Prof. Yan Feng  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Huang Haitao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Yu Siu Fung  Optoelectronics & Photonics  Prof. Tsang Yuen Hong  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Dr Zhang Biao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Dr Yin Jun  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Prof. Daniel LAU pioneers Hong Kong's First Reusable Experimental Payload for the Shijian-19 Satellite Project

Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, has played a pivotal role in the Shijian-19 satellite project, which is the nation’s first reusable and returnable satellite. This satellite successfully conducted multiple experiments in Low Earth Orbit before being retrieved and returned to Earth. Notably, it carried an innovative in-orbit material experiment testbed developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), marking a significant milestone as Hong Kong’s first reusable experimental payload to return from space. Led by Prof. Lau who is also a member of the University’s Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), this project was a collaborative effort with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, with the testbed designed and manufactured at PolyU’s Industrial Centre. The research and production processes were entirely conducted on campus. This initiative aims to explore the effects of microgravity, vacuum, and radiation on high-performance catalysts, laying the groundwork for catalyst materials that can produce fuels, oxygen, and specific chemicals in space.  Building on his prior research in carbon dioxide electroreduction, Prof. Lau’s work underscores the potential of novel catalyst materials for space applications. The Shijian-19 project not only highlights PolyU’s dedication to space exploration but also establishes the university as a vital contributor to national space missions. The retrieved testbed will undergo further analysis at PolyU, offering valuable insights for future deep space missions. PolyU AP committed to fostering advancements in technology and contributing to global aerospace leadership.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Mirage News    PolyU Completes Catalyst Tests in Space Testbed      29 October 2024 Hong Kong Economic Journal 理大催化劑材料裝置 太空完成試驗 (subscription required) 30 October 2024 Sing Tao Headline  理大製催化劑材料裝置 完成太空低軌道試驗 30 October 2024 Ta Kung Pao 理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置 於太空低軌道完成試驗  29 October 2024 Wen Wei Po 港理大研催化劑作用 助力國家深空探測 30 October 2024 Dot Dot News 理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置 於太空低軌道完成試驗 29 October 2024 Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre 理大出席實踐十九號衛星載荷交付儀式 28 October 2024 Sohu 港理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置，隨「實踐十九號」完成空間試驗 29 October 2024 Nanfang Daily 港理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置，隨「實踐十九號」完成空間試驗 29 October 2024

Prof. Daniel LAU featured on RTHK’s radio programmes “Under the Sun” and “Infinite Future”

Prof. Daniel AU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics, Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, Associate Director of the Photonics Research Institute, and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, was featured on RTHK’s radio programs “Under the Sun” and “Infinite Future”. He discussed the CO2 electroreduction system that transforms CO2 into ethylene for industrial applications, presenting a promising solution for mitigating CO2 emissions. Online coverage: Under the Sun 太陽底下新鮮事 Part 1(01:43 - 18:56) Part 2(03:21 - 22:43) 27 October 2024 Infinite Future 未來·無限(00:15 - 05:30) 26 October 2024

Prof. Yang CHAI Recognized Among Top Ten Winners of Prestigious Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs Award 2024

Prof. Yang CHAI, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been recognized as a 2024 Falling Walls Winner in Engineering & Technology. Prof. Chai's groundbreaking research in sensory artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on creating energy-efficient, low-latency, and memory-optimized AI systems vital for mobile devices, IoT sensors, and edge computing. He has also created novel hardware architectures and optimization techniques that facilitate the deployment of advanced sensory AI systems, transforming applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. By tackling key challenges related to power consumption and processing speed, his innovations significantly enhance decision-making and situational awareness across multiple industries. The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award, organized by the Berlin-based Falling Walls Foundation, honors significant scientific advancements globally. This year, a jury of experts evaluated over 1,000 submissions from 52 countries. In the Engineering & Technology category, 10 exceptional projects were shortlisted for the 2024 Science Breakthrough of the Year award, celebrating innovative research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and technology. Congratulations to Prof. Chai for the great achievement! Please visit here for Prof. Chai’s winner interview. Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: Dimsum Daily PolyU scientist wins 2024 Falling Walls award for breakthroughs in sensory AI technology 20 September 2024 Eurek Alert PolyU scientist awarded 2024 Falling Walls Winner for energy-efficient innovations in sensory AI systems 20 September 2024 Hong Kong Economic Times 本地科研｜理大教授膺十大科學家 研發高效創新的感應AI系統突破應用 20 September 2024 GBA Biz Tech Magazine 理大科學家研發的感應人工智能系統突破應用 21 September 2024  

PhD students, LIN Zezhou, GONG Xi and LIU Tiancheng of Prof. Huang's Team, win the First Prize in the 2024 China Mechanical Engineering Innovation Competition for University Students: “Bright Stone Cup” Micro-Nano Sensing Technology and Intelligent Application Competition

PhD students, LIN Zezhou, GONG Xi and LIU Tiancheng of Prof. Huang’s group, have been awarded the first prize at the 2024 China Mechanical Engineering Innovation and Creativity Competition for University Students - also known as the “Bright Stone Cup” Micro-Nano Sensing Technology and Intelligent Application Competition. Their innovative research on the “Application of High-Voltage Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathodes in High Energy Density Lithium Batteries” impressed judges. The “Bright Stone Cup” Competition sponsored by the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society took place between May and August. It is one of the 57 nationally recognized university student competition events approved by the Ministry of Education aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among university students. Since its inception in 2020, the competition has successfully showcased the talents of aspiring engineers and researchers for five consecutive years. This year's competition received registrations from 714 teams across 160 universities in 28 provinces, municipalities, and special administrative regions (including Hong Kong). After evaluations at the preliminary, provincial, and regional levels, a total of 309 entries (152 from post-graduate students, 151 from undergraduate students, and 6 from diploma students) advanced to the national finals. Prof. Huang and his team are proud to contribute to the cutting-edge field of high energy density lithium batteries, a vital component of modern energy solutions. Their research on high-voltage lithium cobalt oxide cathodes has the potential to enhance battery performance significantly, paving the way for more durable energy storage systems. Congratulations to Prof. Huang’s group on their outstanding achievement! 

AP and University of Waterloo partner to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology for advanced applications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has officially inaugurated the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) in collaboration with the University of Waterloo (UW), Canada’s largest nanotechnology institute. The launch ceremony took place on 3 September 2024, and featured key figures including Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Jianhua HAO, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of the RCNN; and Prof. Sushanta MITRA, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering of UW. This strategic partnership aims to advance interdisciplinary research in nanotechnology, addressing global challenges in areas such as functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, and biomedical technologies. The RCNN will serve as a platform for collaborative research, fostering knowledge transfer between PolyU and UW. During the ceremony, Prof. Chao emphasized the critical role of nanotechnology across various scientific domains, underlining the partnership’s potential to drive innovation. Prof. Hao emphasized the Centre’s commitment to tackling pressing issues through sustainable research initiatives, aiming for international recognition by publishing in esteemed journals and fostering knowledge exchange between academia and industry. Prof. Mitra from UW also highlighted that nanotechnology not only improves efficiency, strength, and cost-effectiveness but also opens new avenues for development. The event also included a Forum on Nano Research for Innovation, attracting over 80 scholars and industry professionals. Distinguished international speakers, including UW researchers, shared valuable insights into the transformative capabilities of nanotechnology. With extensive facilities and resources, the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at UW is integral to the development of advanced materials and energy systems, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts of the RCNN. This partnership represents a significant milestone in both institutions’ commitment to achieving scientific excellence and innovation in the field of nanoscience. Press release: English | Chinese Online coverage: Mirage  PolyU, Waterloo Launch Nanoscience Research Center  12 Sep 2024 The Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre  理大與滑鐵盧大學共同成立納米科技研究中心  13 Sep 2024 HKONG.HK  理大與滑鐵盧大學攜手成立納米科技研究中心  12 Sep 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily  理大與滑鐵盧大學攜手成立納米科技研究中心  12 Sep 2024

關於我校博士後鄭曉東博士參與2024年度河北省自然科學獎的公示