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Distinguished Lecture "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years" by Professor Walter HERZOG

Distinguished Lecture "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years" by Professor Walter HERZOG   Date: 14 May 2026 (Thursday) Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (HK Time) Speaker: Professor Walter HERZOG   Professor   Faulty of Kinesiology   University of Calgary, Canada Venue: Room HJ305, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (face-to-face only) Registration: https://polyu.hk/Jrghd   About the speaker Co-Director of the Human Performance Lab, and the Benno Nigg Chair in Biomechanics, Mobility and Longevity of University of Calgary 2025 Wartenweiler Memorial Keynote Lectore 2024 Top 10 Research Advances (Based on Abughazaleh et al 2024) 2023 CY Frank Legacy Award, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health 2023 The McKeith Basic Science Award , American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Dr. Herzog's research is focused on the neuro-biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system with emphasis on mechanisms of muscle contraction focusing on the role of the structural protein titin, and the biomechanics of joints focusing on mechanisms of onset and progression of osteoarthritis. Expertise is in the area of growth, healing, and adaptation of soft (ligament, tendon, muscle, and articular cartilage) and hard (bone) tissues. Within this area he works experimentally and theoretically on the molecular/cellular, in vitro, in situ, and in vivo level. It also includes cell manipulation and mechanical testing and finite element modeling, continuum mechanics, simulations and theories of growth and adaptation. Dr. Herzog has more than 700 publications in scientific refereed journals, as well as author/editor of six books, more than 50 book chapters, and more than 1,000 refereed conference proceedings.  

Distinguished Lecture "AI and the Future of Sports Medicine and Bioengineering" by Professor Savio L-Y. WOO

Distinguished Lecture "AI and the Future of Sports Medicine and Bioengineering" by Professor Savio L-Y. WOO   Date: 6 May 2026 (Wednesday) Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm (HK Time) Speaker: Professor Savio L-Y. WOO   Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Eng.   Distinguished University Professor Emeritus   University of Pittsburgh, U.S.A. Venue: Room GH201, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zoom: https://polyu.hk/UGDUP ((Meeting ID: 831 3879 3048  ;  Passcode: 818794)   Abstract Purpose: To date, the words AI has the highest worldwide search frequency – almost twice that of ‘OK’ and ‘Love’ and over four times that of ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ – and continues to trend exponentially upwards. The growth of the AI industry has mirrored this rapid rise. For those of us engaged in sports science, technology, and medicine, we have also found it necessary to learn, to understand, and to integrate AI into our daily activities. Thus, it is timely to share what this lecturer has studied and learned with you! Background: In 2020, it was said that new medical knowledge was doubling every 73 days! As such, generative AI (GenAI) became well suited to harvest this voluminous amount of data, together with its intelligent algorithms and phenomenal speed of floating-point calculation (upwards of 1012 to 1015 per second or teraflops and petaflops, respectively) to digest these findings, to generate new ideas, and to reach better solutions. Neural Network models and Large Language models are currently used by many large companies (ChatGPT, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Gemini, Llama, and so on) for deep learning and training tasks. Content: This lecture will cover how AI will revolutionize many areas of sports, bioengineering and medicine. Specifically, ACL and ACL reconstruction will be used to demonstrate how a systematic, sound engineering analyses together with rigorous laboratory and clinical data, and the help of AI could lead to better management decisions to improve patient outcome. Outlook: In a GenAI, Agentic AI and Technical (Robotic) AI dominated world, there will be numerous challenges and concerns on societal transformation. This lecturer has chosen to present a more optimistic outlook on what AIs will bring based on his experience and acquired philosophy of life!   About the speaker Professor Woo is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. After a 20-year tenure at the University of California in San Diego, he moved to the University of Pittsburgh and founded the world-renowned Musculoskeletal Research Center (MSRC) for diverse, multidisciplinary research and education in the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. Professor Woo’s 50+ years of translational research in orthopaedics has led to improvements in healing and repair of tissues. Over 645 bioengineering students, orthopaedic residents, postdoctoral fellows plus many junior faculty members have studied and worked with him. The novel concepts of functional treatment and “controlled motion is good” have significantly impacted the management of ligament, tendon and sports related injuries – clinical paradigm shifts to improved patient outcome. Professor Woo has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Engineering and Academia Sinica (Taiwan). In 1998, he received the Olympic Prize for Sports Medicine from the International Olympic Committee and the first Olympic Gold Medal at the Nagano Games in Japan.  

關於《2026年度北京市科學技術獎》擬提名公示

关于《2026年度北京市科学技术奖》拟提名公示   根据 《关于启动2026年度北京市科学技术奖提名工作的通知》的通知要求，现对我单位拟作为共同申报单位的项目情况进行公示。 公示期限：2026年3月24日-2026年3月30日（7个自然日）。 公式期间，如有异议，请以书面方式向香港理工大学生物医学工程学系反映，并提供必要的证据材料。提出异议者请提供联系电话等有效联系方式。 具体公示项目名称：首都中小学生脊柱侧弯无辐射智能筛查-诊疗体系构建与应用 项目详细情况见附件。 附件：北京预防医学会科学技术奖推荐项目公示-主要内容   联系人：谢小姐 联系电邮：kidith.tse@polyu.edu.hk 联系电话：+852 2766 7660 香港理工大学生物医学工程学系 2026年3月24日

Call for Nomination: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering 2026

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is now calling for nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering until 20 April 2026, 11:59pm HKT. Nomination form: download link (send the completed form to bme.info@polyu.edu.hk along with all required supplementary documents)   Selection Criteria The selection of the Award considers two criteria: Support and Contribution to PolyU: This criterion considers nominee’s extent of support and contribution to PolyU. Achievement Areas: Three achievement areas serve as a framework for assessing nominee’s achievements in the concerned areas. They include Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Scholarly Achievement: Professional Achievement Recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession / industry / society. Entrepreneurial Achievement Recognises alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact. Scholarly Achievement Recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field. Candidates who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award.   Eligibility The nominated candidate must be graduate who has successfully completed full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) which led to academic award accredited by the respective Institution. The proposer can be PolyU graduate, Honorary Graduate, University Fellow, PolyU staff, PolyU Council and Court member and Advisory Committee member. There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer. However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself / herself.   Nomination and Selection Schedule The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is now inviting nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department (BME). Please download the Nomination Form and return it to bme.info@polyu.edu.hk with all required supplementary documents on or before 20 April 2026, 11:59pm HKT. Selection for Department Award will be conducted in May 2026.   Selection Committee Selection Committee of the Department will examine the nominations and assess candidates’ qualifications and performance for the award.   Confidentiality All information submitted on this nomination form will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by the Selection Committee for the purpose of the selection process.   Enquiries Department of Biomedical Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom, Kowloon Email:  bme.info@polyu.edu.hk Tel:     2766 7660  

PolyU BME welcomes new Research Assistant Professor Dr Yanhuan HUANG

PolyU BME warmly welcomes Dr Yanhuan HUANG, our new Research Assistant Professor! Dr HUANG obtained her BSc in Nursing from Fudan University and both her MSc and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from PolyU. Drawing on her clinical background and engineering expertise, her research focuses on brain-machine interface (BMI), flexible bioelectronics, neuroengineering, and robotic rehabilitation. She has extensive experience in robot-assisted randomized controlled trials, biosignal processing, and clinical translation of rehabilitation technologies. Her recent work emphasizes the development of mobile BMI systems and multifunctional hybrid soft electrodes for neural interfacing and rehabilitation.

The All‑Acoustics Brain‑Computer Interface (BCI) System, developed by Prof. Lei SUN and his team, forges new paths for Parkinson’s disease therapy through precise ultrasound neuromodulation

An ageing population is often accompanied by an increase in age‑related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that impairs body movement and which is mainly alleviated by medicines or surgical procedures. The PolyU research team, led by Prof. Lei SUN, Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Non-invasive Brain Computer Interface at PolyU; and Prof. Zhihai QIU, a PhD graduate of the department, has developed the next‑generation "All‑Acoustics Brain‑Computer Interface (BCI) System", leveraging "transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation" to deliver fully non‑invasive, deep‑brain and high‑precision neural modulation with ultrasound. The system presents a promising new therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neurological and psychiatric disorders. The team has begun clinical research in collaboration with Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. The two existing BCI technologies in the market have their own constraints, whereas the PolyU "All‑Acoustics Brain‑Computer Interface (BCI) System" modulates brain cells by utilising ultrasound to achieve non‑invasive treatment for relieving Parkinsonian symptoms with the PolyU-developed helmet-shaped gear, at the same time significantly enhances precision with sonogenetics technology. This All-Acoustics BCI System represents a significant breakthrough in the field of biomedical engineering, and contributes to medical technology innovation and the wellbeing of our Nation via collaboration with leading hospitals in Mainland China. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, the team is testing transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation for treating depression, weight control and sleep regulation. Devoted to the study of sonogenetics for a decade, Prof. SUN’s team has achieved remarkable results, filing more than ten patents for various technical approaches while receiving total research funding of over HK$76 million from the Innovation and Technology Fund, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other sources. Prof. SUN has also been named a Senior Research Fellow in 2025/26 by the Research Grants Council for his research in sonogenetics. More: https://polyu.hk/elzHR Press coverage: NOW, RTHK, Sing Tao Headline, TVB News, Wen Wei Po

PolyU collaborates with University of Toronto to explore establishment of joint research centre, driving gerontechnology innovation in response to ageing population

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 February 2026 to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond. Held on the PolyU campus, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering. The MoU was signed by Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of the University of Toronto. Under the MoU, the PolyU’s Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families. Prof. Christopher CHAO remarked, “PolyU is firmly committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, with population ageing being one of the most pressing issues of our time. By joining forces with the University of Toronto – a global leader in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology – we aim to co-develop solutions that have real-world impact, enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This collaboration will not only drive technological breakthroughs but also foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Toronto in advancing smart ageing, creating an influential international innovation platform.” Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS said, “The University of Toronto, together with AGE-WELL, has long been dedicated to developing technologies that enable older adults to age well and with dignity. This MoU with PolyU marks an important step towards a truly global ecosystem for gerontechnology innovation. By combining our complementary strengths in biomedical engineering, clinical research and community-based innovation, we will be able to accelerate the development, evaluation and deployment of technologies that support better care, independence and quality of life for diverse older populations – including Cantonese-speaking communities in both cities.” PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields. In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a “HAPPI” life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent.

The project "Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft" of Prof. Elmer KER's research team has been awarded the Bronze Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won a total of 36 accolades at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention. This remarkable achievement highlights the University’s strong research capabilities and commitment to innovation on the global stage. 33 PolyU innovations seized 36 accolades, including 2 Special Prizes, 10 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 8 Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals, 4 Bronze Medals and 1 Special Merit Award. Led by Prof. Elmer KER, Associate Professor of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Dr Chenyang WANG, Postdoctoral Fellow of PolyU translational startup programme, the project "Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft" won the Bronze Medal at the Expo. Congratulations to Prof. KER's research team on this innovation breakthrough! Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft is a bone-tendon graft that combines a suture anchor and tendon graft to restore biomechanical function. Its simple approach uses a single stem or progenitor cell treated with the same biochemical cues to simultaneously generate fibrocartilage and tendon, thereby enhancing biological healing. This invention aims to revolutionise the century-old practice of using separate devices for bone-tendon repair, such as suture anchors for bone fixation and tendon grafts for tendon replacement. It shows promise for improving rotator cuff repair. More about this invention: https://polyu.hk/LQPsd   Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “I am immensely proud of PolyU’s remarkable achievements at this year’s Exhibition. These projects exemplify PolyU’s research and entrepreneurial strength across diverse disciplines and demonstrate how our researchers combine visionary thinking with cutting-edge technologies to shine on the international stage. Their accomplishments reinforce our commitment to translating innovative knowledge into impactful solutions and motivates us to pursue further breakthroughs for the betterment of society and humanity more broadly.”   More about Geneva Inventions Expo Established in 1973, the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo) is the largest global exhibition devoted exclusively to inventions. Industrial and commercial companies, universities, inventors and researchers, associations, private and state organizations and institutions present their inventions, the results of their research and their new products.

Prof. Xiaoling HU’s research on “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke” published in Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Research paper titled “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke”, with Professor Xiaoling HU as the corresponding author, was recently published in Cyborg and Bionic Systems, an open access journal, published in association with BIT, that promotes the knowledge interchange and hybrid system codesign between living beings and robotic systems.   “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke” Legeng Lin, Yanhuan Huang, Wanyi Qing, Man-Ting Kuet, Hengtian Zhao, Fuqiang Ye, Wei Rong, Waiming Li, and Xiaoling Hu* Cyborg and Bionic Systems. Vol 7. Article ID: 0507. doi: 10.34133/cbsystems.050   Abstract Restoring precise muscular control in the poststroke wrist/hand (W/H) demands sensorimotor integration to correct compensatory neuroplasticity. However, current rehabilitation robots inadequately modulate ascending somatosensory pathways from specific muscles. This study developed an electromyography (EMG)-driven soft robot with electro-vibro-feedback (EVF-robot) for targeted somatosensory priming in W/H muscles. This system integrates (a) focal vibratory stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation for recruiting the somatosensory pathways of the targeted W/H flexors and extensors; (b) an EMG-driven control algorithm for strengthening the voluntary motor control of a driving muscle; and (c) robot assistance to achieve coordinated joint extension and flexion. In a single-arm trial with 20 sessions, 15 chronic stroke participants assisted by the system achieved significant improvements in voluntary W/H behavioral control, somatosensory feedback, and intermuscular coordination in the paretic upper limb (P

PolyU and The Beijing Institute of Technology sign MoU on 22 January 2026

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on propelling research and innovation in biomedical engineering, and nurturing talents in the field. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Lan JIANG, President of BIT, the MoU was signed by Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Prof. Duanduan CHEN, Director of BIT Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs on 22 January 2026 at PolyU. This partnership is of great significance, as it not only catalyses the education and research development, but also fosters the international competitiveness by integrating the strengths of both parties to open a new chapter in biomedical engineering advancements.