News

Prof. Emma Shujun WANG’s research on “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness” published in Nature Communications

Research paper titled “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness”, with Professor Emma Shujun WANG as one of the corresponding authors, was recently published in Nature Communications, an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences.   “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness” Yanyan Huang, Weiqin Zhao, Zhengyu Zhang, Yihang Chen, Yu Fu, Feng Wu, Yuming Jiang, Li Liang*, Shujun Wang* and Lequan Yu* Nature Communications 16: 11485 (2025). doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66300-y   Abstract Foundation models in computational pathology suffer from site-specific and demographic biases, which compromise their generalizability and fairness. We introduce FLEX, a framework that employs a task-specific information bottleneck, guided by visual and textual domain knowledge, to disentangle robust pathological features from these artifacts. Using three large cohorts (The Cancer Genome Atlas, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, and an in-house dataset) across 16 clinical tasks, totaling over 9,900 slides, we demonstrate that FLEX achieves superior zero-shot generalization to unseen external cohorts, significantly outperforming baselines and narrowing the performance gap between seen and unseen domains. A comprehensive fairness analysis confirms that FLEX also effectively mitigates disparities across demographic groups. Furthermore, its versatility and scalability are proven through compatibility with various foundation models and multiple-instance learning architectures. Our work establishes FLEX as a promising solution for developing more generalizable and equitable pathology AI for diverse clinical settings.

PolyU BME welcomes new Professor Prof. Nanguang CHEN

PolyU BME warmly welcomes Prof. Nanguang CHEN, our new Professor! Prof. CHEN received his BEng in Electromagnetic Measurement and Instrumentation from Hunan University in 1988, MSc in Theoretical Physic from Peking University in 1994, and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2000. His research interests include deep learning approach to inverse problem/image reconstruction, AI assisted resolution enhancement, laser speckling imaging, lightsheet microscopy, optical coherence tomography, microcirculation imaging, diffuse optical tomography for breast cancer detection, functional near-infrared spectroscopy for mental disease diagnosis/staging, and portable/wearable optical spectroscopy/imaging devices.

Congratulations to Prof. Chunyi WEN for receiving the 2025/26 RGC Collaborative Research Project Grant (CRPG)

Hong Kong's Research Grants Council (RGC) has recently announced the funding results of the Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) in 2025/26, including Collaborative Research Project Grant (CRPG), Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG) and Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG). PolyU has three CRPG, two CREG and two YCRG full proposals supported by RGC in the 2025/26 exercise. One of the three CRPG funded projects is Prof. Chunyi WEN's proposal titled "Endothelins in mechanoaging and osteoarthritis: biomarker discovery and drug development",  Congratulations to Prof. WEN!   About the Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) The Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) aims to encourage research groups in UGC-funded universities to engage in collaborative research across disciplines and across universities, with a view to enhancing the research output of universities in terms of the level of attainment, quantity, dimensions and/or impact. In assessing proposals, the Research Grants Council (RGC) puts emphasis on capacity building and the potential of a proposal to develop into an area of research strength.

Prof. Puxiang LAI’s research on “Speckle-Driven Single-Shot Orbital Angular Momentum Recognition with Ultra-Low Sampling Density” published in Nature Communications

Research paper titled “Speckle-driven single-shot orbital angular momentum recognition with ultra-low sampling density”, with Professor Puxiang LAI as one of the corresponding authors, was recently published in Nature Communications, an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences.   “Speckle-driven single-shot orbital angular momentum recognition with ultra-low sampling density” [Zhiyuan Wang, Haoran Li], Tianting Zhong, Qi Zhao, Vinu R. V, Huanhao Li, Zhipeng Yu, Jixiong Pu, Ziyang Chen*, Xiaocong Yuan*, and Puxiang Lai* Nature Communications 16(1): 11097 (2025). doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66074-3   Abstract Recognizing orbital angular momentum (OAM) of vortex beams is essential for optical communications and quantum technologies, yet conventional methods struggle in scattering environments and rely on high-resolution sensors. In this study, we propose a speckle-driven OAM recognition technique termed spatially multiplexed points detection (SMPD), which transforms scattering media into efficient encoders. By extracting intensity information from only 16 spatially distributed points in a speckle plane, SMPD achieves over 99% recognition accuracy with a sampling density as low as 0.024%—4096 times lower than conventional imaging-based approaches. The method also demonstrates versatility in spatiotemporally interleaved vortex beam decoding, high-capacity OAM-multiplexed communication, and classification tasks such as MNIST and Fashion-MNIST. This work establishes a scalable, resource-efficient strategy for optical information processing and sensing in complex scattering environments. Eight vortex beams with different OAM values are sequentially transmitted through the MMF. The charge couple device (CCD) camera records a single speckle image, representing the spatiotemporally superposition of all beams, synchronized with a digital mirror device (DMD) and a function generator. A sampling mask is applied, and the sampled intensities are input into a modified ROAM-ANN to decode the OAM information.

Prof. Puxiang LAI’s research on “Quantum-inspired computational wavefront shaping enables turbulence-resilient distributed aperture synthesis imaging” published in Science Advances

Research paper titled “Quantum-inspired computational wavefront shaping enables turbulence-resilient distributed aperture synthesis imaging”, with Professor Puxiang LAI as one of the corresponding authors, was recently published in Science Advances, an open access, multidisciplinary journal from the Science family dedicated to publishing impactful research across the natural sciences.   “Quantum-inspired computational wavefront shaping enables turbulence-resilient distributed aperture synthesis imaging” Shuai Sun, Zhen-Wu Nie, Yao-Kun Xu, Chen Chang, Ping-Xing Chen, Pu-Xiang Lai* & Wei-Tao Liu* Science Advances 11, eaea4152 (2025). doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aea4152   Abstract Wavefront shaping is essential for optical imaging through aberrations, but conventional methods rely on physical modulators that hinder real-time operation in dynamic environments such as turbulence. Inspired by quantum nonlocal aberration cancellation, we propose a modulator-free, computational wavefront shaping technique termed quantum-inspired computational wavefront shaping (QICWS). By leveraging classical correlated illumination and single-pixel detection, QICWS corrects aberrations via virtual phase modulation in the computational domain, eliminating the need for physical spatial light modulators or array sensors. We validate this approach in distributed optical aperture synthesis imaging, where a phase-randomized laser array illuminates objects through turbulence. Despite unknown phase mismatches and turbulent distortions, we reconstruct diffraction-limited images of a 3-meter standoff object at the theoretical resolution limit of the synthetic aperture (0.157 mm experimentally, 97% of the 0.152-mm limit). This work transforms traditionally intractable hardware challenges into computationally solvable problems, enabling turbulence-resilient standoff imaging without adaptive optics. The principle of Quantum-inspired computational wavefront shaping (QiCWS) and its imaging application. (A) Quantum nonlocal wavefront shaping requires physical SLM. Aberrations on the signal photon disrupt entanglement, distorting the second-order coherence . Restoration of a single  peak requires physical phase modulation of the idler photon via an SLM. (B) Proposed QiCWS virtualizes aberration correction. The  correlation between an aberrated signal field and the computationally propagated reference field is restored using a virtual SLM, enabling aberration cancellation without physical modulators. (C) Imaging workflow with QiCWS. An object obscured by unknown aberrations is illuminated by a sequence of pseudothermal speckles. Reflected light is collected by a bucket detector. Initial reconstructions (via cross-correlation between computed reference patterns and bucket signals) are featureless because of aberrations. QiCWS iteratively optimizes a virtual SLM by maximizing image sharpness, recovering diffraction-limited resolution without physical modulators or prior knowledge of the aberrations.

Congratulations to the winners of the Faculty of Engineering Research Grant Achievement Award 2024

The results of the Faculty of Engineering Research Grant Achievement Award 2024 were announced on 15 December 2025. The Award recognises the outstanding performance of Faculty of Engineering academic staff members in securing external competitive research grants. Congratulations to the following winners from BME! Professor Mo YANG, Associate Head (Research), Director of Joint Research Center for Biosensing and Precision Theranostics, Chair Professor of Precision Theranostics Ir Professor Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering Professor Lei SUN, Professor Professor Chunyi WEN, Associate Professor

The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST 2025)

PolyU BME and RISports host The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology to advance sports science and technology   The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST) took place on 29 November - 2 December 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).   Organised by the International Society of Sports Science & Technology (ISSST), hosted by Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, WCSST 2025 aims to facilitate academic exchanges at an international level, bringing together leading researchers, practitioners, industry experts, and students from around the world to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of sports science and technology.   On the evening of 29 November, a pre-Congress Forum on Innovation and Technology for Sports Development (photo 1) was hosted, followed by a reception for WCSST later that night.  (Photo 1)   The Opening Session on 30 November morning officially kick-started the Congress, featuring an opening speech by Ir Professor Ming ZHANG, Congress Chairman of WCSST 2025, President of ISSST, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Chair Professor of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (photo 2). The Guest of Honour, Professor Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (photo 3), gave an inspiring opening remark, before the first scientific session began.  (Photo 2)  (Photo 3)   The programme featured a rich array of sessions, including plenary, keynote and industry lectures, oral/poster presentations, and exhibitions, offering insights into cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and real-world applications that are shaping the future of sports science and technology.   (Plenary speakers shared valuable insights during their speeches) (Delegates learned about the latest commercial advancements and innovations of sports science and technology at the trade exhibition area) (Delegates engaged in lively discussions and present their research findings during the poster sessions)   WCSST covers all related areas in sports science and technology, and a special symposium, receiving 575 abstract submissions. The 3-day Congress gathered over 690 engineers in the field from around the world, and featured 535 presentations in total, including 6 plenary speeches, 2 industry keynote speeches, 11 keynote speeches and 265 oral presentations in five parallel sessions, and 251 posters. To recognise future pioneers in sports science and technology, 7 Sponsored Awards and 21 Young Investigator Awards were established to honour the outstanding contributions of researchers and future pioneers in sports science and technology, which had attracted 376 applications to compete for the recognitions.   At the Closing Session, Ir Professor Ming ZHANG reflected on the active participation and collaborative spirit at WCSST. The Congress was then formally concluded with insightful closing remarks from Prof. Yaodong GU, Co-Chairman of WCSST 2025.   🙏 Thank you for all the speakers, presenters, sponsors and delegates who made this event unforgettable. Let us move forward in championing innovation and excellence in sports technology.  

The Forum on Innovation and Technology for Sports Development & Welcome Reception of The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST)

The Forum on Innovation and Technology for Sports Development & Welcome Reception of The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST)   The Forum on Innovation and Technology for Sports Development & Welcome Reception of The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST) was held on the evening of 29 November 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).   Organised by the International Society of Sports Science & Technology (ISSST), hosted by Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum on Innovation and Technology for Sports Development & Welcome Reception of WCSST featured distinguished guest speakers from the sports science and technology industry and Olympic Champions, who shared their insights and discussed current trends shaping the field.   Following the Forum, participants attended the Welcome Reception for The 1st World Congress on Sports Science and Technology (WCSST), which took place at PolyU from 29 November to 2 December 2025.   (Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Congress Chairman of WCSST 2025, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Chair Professor of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, welcomed the guests and participants at the Forum)   (Dr Raymond SO, Director of Elite Training Science and Technology Hong Kong Sports Institute, shared the application of technology in Elite Sports in Hong Kong)   (Mr Mike YANG, Founder & CEO of AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group, shared the trends & investments in U.S.-European sports tech)   (Mr Zhiliang BIAN, Founder & Chairman of Taishan Sports Industry Group)   (The sharing session by Ms Xin WANG, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in Synchronized 10m Platform Diving)   (The sharing session by Ms Junxia WANG, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist in the 5000m)

PolyU presents "HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports"; A landmark celebration of fashion, sports and urban culture

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly presented “HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports” - a large-scale fashion-sports extravaganza jointly organised by its School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) - at the Central Square of Kai Tak Sports Park from 22 to 23 November. The two-day event transformed the City into a stage where fashion and creativity blend with the spirit of sports, showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic landscape and leadership in two vital industries: fashion and sports. HONG KONG FASYNATES represents a fusion of fashion, synergy with the suffix “-NATES”, emphasising how fashion creates synergy with other industries. Themed “Fashion x Sports”, the event has fostered collaboration among fashion and sportswear industry leaders, key brands and creative talents, building a dynamic ecosystem across different industries while energising the City with vibrant activities. On the opening day (22 November), the “Move to Light” digital illumination show - created by world-renowned lighting designer and winner of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, Mr Tino KWAN - wowed the audience. The illumination ceremony was officiated by Miss Rosanna LAW, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Miss Drew LAI, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of the Government of the HKSAR; Ms WANG Xin, former Olympic diving gold medalist and Sports Advisor of RISports; Dr Daniel LEE, Associate Director, Elite Training Science & Technology of the Hong Kong Sport Institute; Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of SFT; Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of Department of BME and Director of RISports; Tyson Yoshi, Founder of Triplet; Mr Joe WONG, Director of Open Dialogue, as well as sports brand representatives and a group of young local designers. Together, they activated the digital illumination installation, the glowing lights symbolising Hong Kong’s growing prominence in fashion-tech integration and urban lifestyle design. Following the illumination ceremony, five talented bachelor’s degree alumni from SFT presented a fashion show that merged sports aesthetics with high-end fashion. The evening concluded with the “Skate to Style” performance by the All Hong Kong Skateboarders Association (AHKSA). On 23 November, the “HONG KONG FASYNATES Bazaar” transformed Central Square into a vibrant playground for fashion and sports enthusiasts. BME, which currently offers the MSc in Sports Technology and Management programme and will launch the new BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology programme; together with RISports, which fosters scientific and engineering solutions for sports, are both dedicated to revolutionising sports performance and wellness through innovative solutions driven by academic studies and research. At the Bazaar, the BME/RISports booth promoted sports science and technology, featuring complimentary foot scans for visitors along with in-depth consultations based on the scan results. The Bazaar also featured booths hosted by 16 lifestyle and fashion brands, all contributing to a lively and inspiring marketplace atmosphere. Visitors also enjoyed the “PROFASHION Live Interviews”, featuring brand founders and company directors who discussed how design innovation and sustainability influence latest fashion and lifestyle trends. AHKSA also hosted skateboarding competitions and lessons, while a professional hair and makeup agency, a fashion brand and the online platform FASHIONALLY jointly led interactive Fashion Experience Workshops. The event concluded with dynamic performances by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club and dancers from ROSEMAESE and YouniverS, whose energetic rhythms and youthful vitality brought the event to a perfect close. Through an engaging mix of showcases, performances and interactive experiences, HONG KONG FASYNATES embodied the vitality, creativity and collaborative spirit of local fashion and sports industries, and reflected Hong Kong’s spirit of innovation and energy, redefining Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s creative capital.

Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025

PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), together with the University of Hong Kong, co-organised the Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025 on PolyU campus on 4 October 2025 (Saturday). Prof. Chunyi WEN, Associate Professor at BME, joined orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and biomedical engineering experts in providing the public with health education and the latest developments in screening techniques for osteoarthritis as well as joint care, management and treatment.   Online coverage (Chinese only): HK01 - https://polyu.me/4hfYGFH Orange News - https://polyu.me/4mUhGud