News

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

PolyU and Beijing Sport University sign MoU to contribute to building a leading sports nation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), leveraging its strengths in sports technology research and advanced experience in nurturing sports talent, is actively expanding strategic collaborations with top sports institutions. On 29 September 2025, Dr Tai-fai LAM, Council Chairman of the PolyU Council, led a delegation to Beijing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Sport University (BSU). The two parties will collaborate in high-quality sports talent development and sports innovation technology, empowering talent cultivation through technology and contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s goal of becoming a leading sports nation. BSU, renowned as the “Cradle of Chinese Champions,” is affiliated with the General Administration of Sport of China and is a key university under the national “Project 211” and “Double First-Class” initiatives. The signing ceremony was held on the BSU campus, witnessed by Dr Tai-fai LAM, Council Chairman of the PolyU Council, and Mr. Jian ZHANG, President of BSU. The MoU was signed by signed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Mr. Ping HONG, Member of Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Beijing Sport University. PolyU has long contributed to national development through innovative sports technology. The University was designated by the Science and Education Department of Chinese Olympic Committee as a collaborative research partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporting national athletes with its strengths in physiotherapy, optometry, nursing, and other disciplines. This was later extended to become the partnership with China’s National Sports Training Centre (NSTC). To further lead the frontier of sports technology innovation, PolyU established the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) in 2022, focusing on interdisciplinary research in sports biomechanics, sports product design, sports measurement, and rehabilitation therapy, dedicated to enhancing athlete performance and promoting healthy living for all. PolyU and BSU will join hands in nurturing Postgraduate and Doctoral talents through collaborative education models and establish a “Collaborative Innovation Center” focusing on areas such as sports apparel, sports nutrition, and rehabilitation medicine, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and the fusion of sports engineering. The strong partnership between PolyU and BSU will drive breakthroughs in sports technology, injecting new momentum into the nation’s development as a leading sports nation. Media Release (Chinese only): https://polyu.hk/HEkFe

2025 PolyU Information Day

The 2025 PolyU Information Day will take place on 27 September 2025 (Saturday) at 10:00am-5:00pm. Department of Biomedical Engineering has prepared different activities for visitors to learn more about our Undergraduate Programmes: BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering and BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology. Info booth of BME: CF Wing (Zone Green) at 10:00am-5:00pm BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering (JS3150) programme seminar: room FJ304 at 11:00am-11:45am BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology programme seminar: room FJ304 at 12:00pm-12:45pm Open house lab visit (Human Locomotion Laboratory): room ST414 at 10:00am-5:00pm Guided tour (Common Biological Laboratory & Human Locomotion Laboratory): meeting at Zone Blue at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm Guided tour (Prosthetics & Orthotics Laboratory): meeting at Zone Blue at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm Come and be part of this event!   PolyU InfoDay campus map (BME's activities) PolyU BME's activities on 27 September 2025

Congratulations to the outstanding success of BME in this year’s PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2024

The Department of Biomedical Engineering has achieved outstanding success in this year's PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2024! This Award commends the outstanding achievements of PolyU departments and inventors in patent filing and knowledge transfer, across four distinguished categories: 🏆 Top Patents Filing Award 2024 🏆 Most Active Patents Filing Award in the Year 2024 🏆 Most Active IP Commercialisation in the Year 2024 🏆 Outstanding IP Commercialisation Award 2024 The Department of BME has received the Top Patents Filing Award 2024 (Department), as well as the Most Active IP Commercialisation in the Year 2024 (Department); whereas Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has received the Outstanding IP Commercialisation Award 2024 (Individual Category). This recognition highlights both the collective achievements of BME in advancing PolyU’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and the exceptional contributions of Ir Prof. ZHENG in driving innovation and impact. Congratulations!

Congratulations to the winners of the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

We are proud to announce that two of our professors have been honoured with the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025. Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has received the Outstanding Award in Knowledge Transfer: Industry. Prof. Youhua TAN, Programme Leader (MSc in BME) and Associate Professor, has received the Merit Award in Research and Scholarly Activities: Outstanding Researcher. The winners of the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement are chosen by a Faculty Assessment Panel, comprising the Heads (or their delegates) and chaired by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering (FENG), from amongst a pool of well-qualified nominees put forward by individual departments under FENG. The selection is made with reference to the indicative criteria for assessment as laid down by the University for the exercise. Congratulations to Ir Prof. ZHENG and Prof. TAN!

PolyU and Li Ning Group jointly establish sports science research centre to advance sports science and industry innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd (Li Ning Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre aims to conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, drive innovative design and optimisation of high-performance sports products, nurture talent in sports science and technology, and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, thereby enhancing technological application and promoting industrial transformation within the sports and health sector. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Ning LI, Founder of the Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Yuru HONG, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group, officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”. Jointly operated by PolyU RISports and Li Ning Group, the Centre aims to contribute to the Healthy China Initiative and foster innovation in the sports industry. The inaugural centre coordinators are Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, and Prof. Ye TIAN, from Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center.   Media Release: https://polyu.hk/pLCNw

International Society of Sports Science and Technology (ISSST) Announces Formation of Inaugural Council, Headquartered at PolyU

The International Society of Sports Science and Technology (ISSST) is proud to announce the formation of its inaugural council, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of global sports science and technology. With its headquartered established at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), ISSST unites leading academics, practitioners, and industry experts worldwide to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote cutting-edge research, and drive innovation in athletic performance, health, and well-being. With its headquarters established at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), ISSST brings together leading academics, practitioners, and industry experts from around the world to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote cutting-edge research, and drive innovation in athletic performance, health, and well-being. Professor Ming ZHANG, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, has been elected as the first Council President of ISSST. Internationally renowned for his pioneering work in sports biomechanics and technology, Professor ZHANG – together with the newly formed council – will lead ISSST in its mission to promote excellence and innovation in the field. PolyU’s commitment to sports science and technology is demonstrated through the establishment of RISports in 2022, the launch of academic programmes such as the MSc in Sports Technology and Management, and the upcoming BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology under Department of Biomedical Engineering. PolyU also offers custom-designed curricula and scholarships for elite athletes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, empowering them to excel both academically and athletically, and to contribute to the advancement of sports science and technology. Together with ISSST, PolyU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports science and technology on a global scale.

PolyU BME signs the collaborative agreement with Beihang University to advance in education and research

Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Beihang University have formed a partnership by signing a collaborative agreement on 25 August 2025 to propel research and innovation in biomedical engineering, and nurture high-tech professionals in meeting the evolving demands of technological advancements in the field. The signing ceremony was held at PolyU on 25 August 2025. Witnessed by Prof. Cheng DONG, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Prof. Weisheng ZHAO, Vice President of Beihang University, the collaborative agreement was signed by Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Delegate from The School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering at Beihang University. 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.

Congratulations to Prof. Lei SUN on being awarded the fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) 2025/26

Congratulations to Prof. Lei SUN on being awarded the fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) 2025/26, in recognition of his outstanding research achievements in the field of biomedical engineering. SRFS aims to provide sustained support to exceptionally outstanding researchers at the University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong. In each round of the yearly exercise, SRFS provides ten places encompassing all academic disciplines. As one of the ten SRFS awardees, Prof. Lei SUN led the SRFS project “Development of sonogenetics for non-human primates”, which is aimed at developing a new version of sonogenetics specifically for non-human primates and to investigate its performance in terms of cellular specificity, spatial accuracy and penetration capability. This non-invasive method for modulating specific brain regions has the potential to open a new dimension for ultrasound stimulation, offering a ground-breaking and critical approach to non-invasive, precise brain stimulation with deep brain penetration. This new sonogentics may lead to the dissection of global neural network connections, a better understanding of the circuits underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, and ultimately serve as a valuable therapeutic tool. Congratulations once again to Prof. SUN on his exceptional research achievement!

The 6th Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (FUN25) Conference

Presented by iTRUSST and hosted by PolyU BME, the 6th Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (FUN25) Conference cultivates the exchange of ideas within the field of Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS)   The 6th Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (FUN25) Conference took place on 9-11 July, 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Presented by the International Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation Safety and Standards Consortium (iTRUSST), hosted by the Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univeristy (PolyU BME), and co-hosted by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) of PolyU and Zhuhai Society for Neuroscience, FUN25 showcased the latest research on Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) through inspiring talks and poster presentations, engaging discussions and education workshops, as well as dynamic industry exhibitions.   The three-day conference commenced with an opening ceremony, featuring an opening speech by Prof. Lei SUN, General Chair of FUN25 and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (photo 1), followed by a welcome address from Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (photo 2), and Prof. Kim Butts PAULY from Stanford University (photo 3).  (Photo 1)  (Photo 2)  (Photo 3)   The program was packed with plenary, invited, and short talks delivered by distinguished speakers from around the globe. The conference was held in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation, allowing those passionate about exploring and advancing ultrasound neuromodulation to join virtually if they could not attend in person. (From top to bottom on the left: Plenary Talks by Prof. Hairong ZHENG via online, Prof. Elisa E. KONOFAGOU, Prof. Elsa FOURAGNAN and Prof. Jean-François AUBRY; from top to bottom on the right: Plenary Talks by Prof. Robert CHEN, Prof. Jürgen Götz and Prof. Kullervo HYNYNEN, and delegates listen attentively at the scientific sessions)   In addition to the scientific sessions, FUN25 included poster presentations and a poster pitch competition, exhibitions by commercial stakeholders and sponsors, as well as educational sessions, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. (Delegates engage in lively discussions and present their research findings during the poster sessions) (Delegates connect with sponsors to explore the latest commercial advancements and innovations of TUS)   The conference recognized and encouraged outstanding research with Best Poster Awards presented during the Poster Pitch session. At the closing ceremony, Prof. Lei Sun reflected on the enthusiastic participation and collaborative spirit at FUN25. The scientific sessions were then formally concluded with insightful closing remarks from Prof. Lennart Verhagen of Radboud University and Prof. Jean-François Aubry of France’s National Center for Scientific Research.   To conclude FUN25, the conference saw robust participation, with 161 delegates attending the scientific sessions and 22 joining the educational sessions. The conference also welcomed 23 online participants. 107 delegates were from Asia, highlighting the region’s active engagement and indicating that the research in ultrasound neuromodulation is thriving across the globe. Additionally, 15 sponsored exhibition booths showcased the latest commercial advancements in TUS, with 48 representatives engaging with attendees throughout the conference.   🙏 Thank you for all the speakers, presenters, sponsors and delegates who made this event unforgettable. Let's continue shaping the future of ultrasound neuromodulation with our passion and dedication!