News

PolyU multimodal robot for post-stroke ankle-foot rehabilitation wins CES 2025 Innovation Award

PolyU is dedicated to pursuing pioneering research in frontier areas and to embracing a strong culture of knowledge transfer, as well as making a positive impact for societal benefits. The “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton”, the first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation developed by a research team led by Dr Xiaoling HU, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been named as an Honouree in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards. Following triumph in winning a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April, the innovation has once again been recognized for its effectiveness in helping stroke patients with hemiplegia to improve the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. It is for the second consecutive year that PolyU has been honoured in the Accessibility & Aging Tech category — the only university in Hong Kong to receive the recognition of this consumer technology award - reaffirming the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. Congratulations to Dr Hu and the research team for another exceptional achievement! More: https://polyu.hk/MynAo

RISports and BME host symposium to promote talent cultivation and industry development

The Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the Department of BME of PolyU joined hands with the Samaranch Foundation and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group to co-organise the 2024 Symposium on Sports Science and Technology from 30 November to 2 December. Attracting more than two hundred students, researchers and industry professionals, the event featured a number of Olympic and world champions, scholars and industry leaders from around the world to share their latest research outcomes and experiences in the field of sports technology. The forum on sports technology talent and industry development took place on the first day of the Symposium, where six former Olympic or world champion athletes from the Hong Kong, China team, and national teams shared their experiences as athletes, the applications of sports technology, and their personal and professional development after retirement. During the second and third days, scholars and experts from PolyU and academic institutions in Mainland China, the United States, France and the UK shared the latest research outcomes and products in sports science and technology and discussed how to integrate innovative technologies to enhance training effectiveness. At the swimming forum hosted by Prof. LU Yifan, Professor of sport medicine of the School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Beijing Sport University, representatives from the national swimming team shared insights into the training systems, while former Olympic champions introduced their doctoral research work. Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of PolyU RISports, also announced the establishment of the International Society of Sports Science and Technology, aimed at promoting exchange and collaboration between academic and industry sports institutions in the Greater Bay Area, Greater China and around the world. To further cultivate talents in sports technology, RISports and Department of BME will collaborate to launch the new “MSc in Sports Technology and Management” programme in 2025, whereas the Department’s BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biomedical Engineering will also incorporate a new stream in Sports Science and Technology, injecting fresh energy into the sports sectors both in Hong Kong and internationally.

PolyU BME delegates visit Sun Yat-sen University

PolyU BME and the School of Biomedical Engineering at the Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) jointly organised a two-day PolyU-SYSU Joint Biomedical Engineering Symposium on August 26 and 30. Ir Prof. Ming Zhang, Head of BME, and Prof. Mo Yang, Associate Head (Research) of BME, visited SYSU on August 26 to explore the potential biomedical engineering collaborations between the two departments. On August 29, five more BME colleagues joined Prof. Mo Yang to visit SYSU, including Dr Sharon Ruan, Dr Xiaoling Hu, Dr Youhua Tan, Dr Puxiang Lai and Dr Chunyi Wen. The main purpose of the visit was to conduct research presentations and discussions, which were beneficial to the research development of both departments. PolyU BME looks forward to future collaborations with SYSU to contribute to the research excellence in the field of biomedical engineering.

PolyU BME welcomes new Associate Professor Dr Elmer Ker

PolyU BME warmly welcomes Dr Elmer Ker, our new Associate Professor! Dr Ker completed his B.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Sydney, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, and postdoctoral training in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University. Dr Ker’s research interests include biomaterial development and computer vision-based cell tracking. His work has been published in prestigious journals such as Advanced Functional Materials, Acta Biomaterialia, Bioactive Materials, Biomaterials, Medical Image Analysis, NPG Asia Materials, Scientific Data, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, and Science.

PolyU is dedicated to enhancing sports technology research and nurturing talents

By Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG Head of Department, Chair Professor of Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology   Athletes from China Mainland and Hong Kong have achieved remarkable success at the Paris Olympic Games. The achievement is not only due to the athletes’ relentless dedication but also a result of the advancement in sports science and technology. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long been committed to enhancing research in sports technology and nurturing talents in related fields, aiming to elevate Hong Kong’s standing on the global sports stage and meet the growing demands for sports development on both social and professional levels. To this end, PolyU has established an interdisciplinary research institute—the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports). The institute seeks to integrate the university’s research output, academic resources, and industry network to contribute to sporting events, athlete development, and consolidating Hong Kong’s reputation and performance on the international sports scene. RISports will inject new vitality into the sports technology industry, benefiting not only Hong Kong but also broader regions, and providing critical technical support to the field. PolyU places great emphasis on cultivating talents in sports technology. As a result, RISports will collaborate with the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) to launch a new program MSc in Sports Technology and Management (Programme Code: 47005) next year. Additionally, the existing BSc Scheme in Biomedical Engineering (Programme Code: JS3150) will incorporate a new stream in Sports Science and Technology. The curriculum not only covers cutting-edge sports technology theories and the fundamentals of human biomechanics but also emphasizes practical application. PolyU strives to provide students with a comprehensive professional education that will enable them to excel in their future careers. Through these academic programs, PolyU anticipates to train and deliver hundreds of high-caliber sports professionals every year, injecting fresh energy into both Hong Kong’s and the international sports sectors. Academic collaboration and talent development with sports elites are also PolyU's key focuses. The university provides numerous scholarships to support elite athletes in pursuing bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. PolyU is exploring tailor-made programs to accommodate their unique needs. Through these collaborations, PolyU not only offers a platform for scientific learning to athletic elites but also leverages their social influence and reputation to further raise public awareness and interest in sports. This effort will help more people recognize the importance of sports technology and attract more young talents to this vibrant and promising field.

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024

The results of the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching, Research and Scholarly Activities, Knowledge Transfer and Services 2023 were announced on 13 August 2024. BME is proud that Associate Professor Dr Xiaoling HU had been awarded the Outstanding Individual Award - Knowledge Transfer: Industry! Dr Hu is the founder of Thecon Technology HK Ltd. (a PolyU academic-led startup). The “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” developed by the research team led by Dr HU had recently won the Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. All winners were chosen by a Faculty Assessment Panel, comprising Heads (or their delegates) and chaired by the Dean of Engineering, from amongst a pool of well-qualified nominees put forward by individual departments. The selection was made with reference to the indicative criteria for assessment as laid down by the University for the exercise. Dr Hu will receive a Certificate of Award, a cash prize and a teaching grant of HK$100,000. The Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Faculty will be held in February/March 2025. Congratulations to Dr Hu for her exceptional achievement!

PolyU BME hosts 11th WACBE World Congress on Bioengineering to gather biomedical engineering community across the world

The Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) hosts the 11th WACBE World Congress on Bioengineering (WACBE 2024) on 4-7 August 2024 on PolyU campus. The Congress, organised by the World Association for Chinese Biomedical Engineers (WACBE), and hosted by PolyU BME, gathers over 470 Chinese biomedical engineers from around the world, to have in-depth discussion on the topics of Biotechnology, Medical, Biomedical, Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering. The opening ceremony on 5 August officially kick-started the congress. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU graced the ceremony with his presence as the Guest of Honour. The other esteemed officiating guests were Dr Savio WOO, Founding President of WACBE and Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh; Prof. Edward X GUO, President of WACBE and Chair and Stanley Dicker Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Columbia University; and Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of BME and Chairman of WACBE 2024 Organising Committee. In addition to the inspiring speeches from the guests, a Lion Dance Performance and Eye Dotting Ceremony were arranged to bring good luck, prosperity and happiness to the Congress and its participants. The four officiating guests were invited to perform the eye-dotting ritual which marked the end of the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony was followed by the “Savio Woo Distinguished Lecture” delivered by Prof. Joyce Y. Wong, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at the Boston University. WACBE 2024 aims to promote academic exchanges at an international level and to stimulate the interests of biomedical engineers. The Congress covers all related areas in bioengineering and special symposiums were arranged in the hot themes. This year, it had received about 700 abstract submissions which was a record-breaking number. Throughout 5-7 August, the Congress has 688 presentations in total, including 10 plenary speeches, 47 keynote speeches, 320 oral presentations in six parallel sessions, and 311 posters. Special sessions such as Distinguished Lecture by Dr Savio Woo, Meet Journal Editors, Meet Industry, Round Table Discussions, etc. are also available. Furthermore, 30 Young Investigator Awards are set up to recognise the contributions of the young investigators, which had attracted over 300 applications to compete for the awards. For more information about WACBE 2024, please visit https://www.wacbe2024.org/.

Six BME academic staff obtained 2024/25 RGC General Research Fund (GRF)

Six BME academic staff were successful in obtaining the 2024-2025 General Research Fund (GRF) by Hong Kong's Research Grants Council (RGC).  The GRF aims to supplement universities’ own research support to researchers who have achieved or have the potential to achieve excellence. Congratulations to all colleagues who demonstrated the research excellence of BME! The details of the funded BME projects are as follows:

PolyU BME PhD student Huang Lai wins First Runner-up at PolyU 3MT® Final Competition

After winning the First Runner-up at the Faculty of Engineering Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®), BME PhD student Huang LAI, Cheron advanced to the PolyU Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final Competition and won the First Runner-up at the competition on 3 July 2024, with his research topic “Droplet Microfluidics for Single-T-cell Activation in situ Analysis”. Eight finalists pitched their research significance to the wide audience at the Final Competition, which commenced with the opening speeches of the Dean of Graduate School, Professor Cao Jiannong and the Vice President (Research and Innovation), Professor Christopher Chao. Unveiling the competition, the eight finalists expressed their charisma and professionally pitched their research using only one static slide within three minutes. “This is a value-adding experience to develop transferable skills for the infinite future, be it in academia, industry or entrepreneurship. Students are encouraged to proactively seize opportunities to strengthen their skillsets through development activities and research collaborations”, highlighting the importance of 3MT by Professor Cao Jiannong. Professor Christopher Chao emphasised the strategic direction of PolyU to “propel research innovation and research excellence. With the highly-demanded skillsets in effective pitching and communications, grasping and communicating the main idea for support is becoming increasingly essential”. The eight finalists came from diverse disciplines of civil and environmental engineering, building and real estate, English and communication, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and food science and nutrition. Their research topics are testaments of the niche expertise of PolyU research postgraduate studies. The winners were highly-commended for their displayed concise communications, effective storytelling, influential public speaking and interactive audience engagement. Towards the end, all finalists were appreciated for their focused hard work, perseverance and confidence. Arranged refreshments and networking opportunity wrapped up the PolyU 3MT competition. Learn more about Huang LAI’s performance: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/3mt/hall-of-fame/2024/#first_runner_up

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering 2024

We are pleased to present the Outstanding Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering 2024 to Mr Chapman Lee, in recognition of his demonstration of outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as his technology venture with impact. The Award also recognises Mr Lee’s active support to the Department, PolyU and the community. Mr Lee obtained the BSc (Hons) in Health Technology in 2005 from PolyU. He is the Director of the Imsight Technology Co. Limited focused in developing AI deep learning technology for cancer diagnosis in medical imaging. Based in Hong Kong Science Park, the company had a valuation of 50 million USD in 2022 and has branches in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Guiyang. It has long-term research collaborations with medical universities locally and over 50 hospitals in mainland China. He led the team to get four Hong Kong ICT Awards -Smart Healthcare in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Mr Lee is focused on applying big data analytics to medical imaging, aiming to deliver AI-driven solutions to address key pain points in medical services across various specialties, including dental, pathology, ophthalmology, and radiology. Through his determined and innovative leadership, he has pioneered the region's first AI cancer screening service, specifically targeting lung cancer—the most prevalent cancer in Hong Kong. His visionary approach underscores the potential for sensitive medical data to be collaboratively utilized between private companies and public hospitals. This initiative has been recognized and supported by governmental funds through public sector trial schemes in both 2021 and 2024. These achievements highlight his crucial role in advancing AI technologies to enhance public healthcare services. Congratulations to Mr Lee!