News

Prof. Shipeng Zhang Received RGC Early Career Award 2025/26

The Research Grants Council (RGC) held an award presentation ceremony on 3 November 2025 to honor 98 academics from the eight UGC-funded universities for their distinguished research accomplishments and significant contributions to the higher education sector. We are proud to announce that Prof. Shipeng Zhang, Assistant Professor of CEE, has won the Early Career Award 2025/26 in recognition of his achievements in research. Prof. Zhang’s research, titled “Development of Lightweight Water-foamed Concrete with Ultrafine Pores using Ultrasonic Carbonation” employs ultrasound-assisted carbonation technology to engineer the flocculation structure of cement paste and develop water-foamed concrete that achieves carbon sequestration. The project has been granted HKD$931,084 under the RGC Early Career Scheme (ECS) 2025/26 exercise. Among the 195 projects funded by the ECS in 2025/26, eight early-career scholars received the Early Career Awards, and Prof. Zhang is one of them. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Zhang for this accomplishment. This recognition underscores Prof. Zhang's dedication to advancing sustainable technologies in construction and highlights the importance of innovative research in addressing environmental challenges. His work contributes significantly to both academic knowledge and practical solutions in the field, paving the way for a more sustainable future.  Official Announcement by UGC: https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/ugc/about/press_speech_other/press/2025/pr20251103.html Interview by Headline Daily: https://www.stheadline.com/ad-edu/3516900/%E5%82%91%E5%87%BA%E9%9D%92%E5%B9%B4%E5%AD%B8%E8%80%85%E8%A8%88%E5%8A%83%E5%8F%8A%E4%BA%BA%E6%96%87%E5%AD%B8%E5%8F%8A%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E7%A7%91%E5%AD%B8%E5%82%91%E5%87%BA%E5%AD%B8%E8%80%85%E8%A8%88%E5%8A%83-%E6%8E%A8%E5%8B%95%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E7%99%BC%E5%B1%95-%E5%A3%AF%E5%A4%A7%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%BA%BA%E6%89%8D%E5%BA%AB  

2025 International Joint VOCs Conference

The 12th Annual National Conference on the Prevention and Control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the 5th International Symposium on Catalytic Science and Technology in Sustainable Energy and Environment (5th EECAT), and the 2025 International Expert Symposium on Volatile Organic Compounds (collectively referred to as the 2025 Joint VOCs Conference) were successfully held from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Guangzhou. The event was co-organized by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Jinan University, South China University of Technology, and the VOCs Pollution Prevention and Control Committee of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences. Nearly 600 experts, scholars, industry professionals, and research students from over ten countries and regions attended the conference. Initiated by Prof. Hai Guo, Professor of CEE in November 2023, the first International Expert Symposium on Volatile Organic Compounds was successfully held at PolyU. As the second international expert seminar on volatile organic compounds, this conference was jointly organized with domestic VOCs-related conferences, aiming to extend its international influence while deepening academic exchange within China. The conference featured 10 plenary speeches delivered by leading VOCs experts, including Prof. Donald R. Blake from the University of California, Irvine, and Prof. Mathew Evans from the University of York, UK. As one of the five co-chairs of the organizing committee, Prof. Guo delivered keynote speeches in two sessions, focusing on indoor VOCs and VOCs impacts across different bay areas. The conference recognized outstanding student research, with Dr Enyu Xiong, PhD graduate supervised by Prof. Guo, receiving the Outstanding Student Presentation Award. Participants shared cutting-edge research findings and strategic insights on VOCs pollution mechanisms, monitoring technologies, and control strategies etc. The event provided a high-level platform for academic exchange and aimed to advance VOCs pollution control technologies and global air quality management.  

CEE Members Secured Funding under NSFC/RGC Research Schemes 2025/26

Two CEE research projects have been awarded funding from the National Natural Science Foundation for China and the Research Grants Council (NSFC/RGC) Exercise in 2025/26. Prof. Tao Yu, Professor of CEE, was funded by the NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS), while Prof. Anthony Chen, Professor of CEE, has secured funding from the NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme (JRS). The two projects have garnered a total of HK$4.6 million, showcasing the exceptional research capabilities of CEE scholars and their commitment to fostering collaborative research between Hong Kong and the Mainland. The CRS and the JRS are two programs established to strengthen research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland. The CRS aims to support large-scale collaborative research projects across disciplines and/or across universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong, with the objective of increasing research output and impact. Meanwhile, the JRS is designed to encourage partnerships between individual researchers or research teams in Hong Kong and the Mainland on the basis of complementing the existing strengths of both sides. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Yu and Prof. Chen for their remarkable achievements. Their successful proposals reflect the dedication and hard work they have invested in their respective areas of study. We look forward to the positive societal contributions their innovative research will being to communities both locally and globally. Name of PC Proposal Title Funding Scheme Funding Amount Prof. Tao Yu FRP-Reinforced concrete structures for marine environments: material and structural innovations for ductility enhancement and prefabricated construction Collaborative Research Scheme HK$3,571,920 Prof. Anthony Chen Optimizing multi-modal coordination for urban rail network resilience Joint Research Scheme HK$1,182,527

CEE Field Study cum BBQ Gathering for UG Students

The CEE Field Study cum BBQ Gathering for UG students was successfully held on 7 November 2025 (Friday). The activity welcomed over 100 participants, including undergraduate students from diverse cultural background and academic staff. This highlighted the event's focus on promoting cultural exchange and collaboration, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged dialogue and mutual understanding among all attendees. The event featured an eco-tour led by Mr Hoi-yung Lin, CEE Instructor, who provided an insightful overview to the Lung Kwu Tan Chinese White Dolphin Outlook. He discussed key concepts such as rock disintegration and erosion, linking them to real-world implications and fostering a deeper understanding of the local environment. Following the educational segment, participants enjoyed a vibrant BBQ Gathering, where students and staff bonded over delicious food and meaningful conversations. This event not only emphasized the importance of environmental education but also celebrated the cultural diversity within our academic community, creating lasting memories for all who attended. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their active involvement and we look forward to organizing more events in the future to maintain connections within the CEE community.  

PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2025

We are proud to announce that Prof. Yuanfeng Duan, a distinguished PhD graduate of CEE, has been awarded the PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2025. Prof. Duan obtained his doctoral degree from CEE in 2004 under the supervision of Professors Jan-ming Ko, Yi-qing NI, and Shi-lin Dong. With his impactful research and contributions to the field of Health Monitoring and Vibration Control of Bridges and Structures, Prof. Duan has been appointed Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor in 2024 and is currently serving as Professor in Structural and Bridge Engineering at Guangxi University and Zhejiang University. His pioneering works have been applied to health monitoring or vibration control of more than 60 large-scale structures, including the Main Stadium of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, China Quanzhou Bay Bridge, Hong Kong's Tseung Kwan O Cross Bay Bridge and Taiwan’s Heart River Bridge, etc. Prof. Duan has also received the National Teaching Achievement Award and four science and technology awards at the provincial and ministerial levels. The PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award aims to recognize the achievement of research postgraduate (RPg) alumni and promote the excellence of research postgraduate education at PolyU. The award acknowledges distinctive individuals who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments to the academia, profession and research community. We sincerely congratulate Prof. Duan on receiving this well-deserved honor. We look forward to his continued dedication to research and innovation, and the lasting impact of his work on both academic and industry landscapes. For more details, please visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/news-and-events/outstanding-rpg-alumni-award-2025/.  

CEE Site Visit – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section

Led by Dr Nicole Yiu, Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Occupational Safety & Health, a group of CEE UG students embarked on an insightful site visit to Fanling North New Development Area, Phase 1: Fanling Bypass Eastern Section on 4 November 2025 (Tuesday). This visit provided a unique opportunity for them to explore the latest infrastructure developments in the new development area and the cutting-edge technologies utilized in bridge construction. The activity was kicked off with a sharing in the Fanling North Community Liaison Centre, where students learned about features of the Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section), a 4km dual two‐lane carriageway connecting the FLN NDA to Fanling Highway. The students were then guided through the site, allowing them to walk up to the bridge deck and observe the key components and the innovative construction techniques adopted in the project. We extend our gratitude to the Safety and Environmental Advisory Unit of the Civil Engineering and Development Department for their warm hospitality and informative guidance throughout the visit. This experience has undoubtedly contributed to the students' professional growth, preparing them for future development in the field.  

CEE Members Secured Innovation and Technology Fund

Congratulations to Prof. Zhen Leng, Professor of CEE, and Prof. Shipeng Zhang, Assistant Professor of CEE, for securing Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. These achievements affirm their dedication to driving technological innovation and their ongoing pursuit of research excellence. The Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) is designed to enhance the added value, productivity, and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s economic activities. Through the ITF, the Government seeks to encourage and support local companies in upgrading their technological capabilities and incorporating innovative ideas into their businesses. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Leng and Prof. Zhang. We look forward to the positive impacts their groundbreaking research will bring to the development of society.  Name of PC Proposal Title Funding Scheme Funding Amount Prof. Zhen Leng Intelligent Detection Technology of Concealed Defects in Asphalt Pavement Using Ground-Penetrating Radar Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme HK$2,244,110 Prof. Shipeng Zhang Upcycling the incineration fly ash into eco-friendly construction materials: a pathway development of detoxification, valorization, and prototyping Partnership Research Programme   HK$2,680,000    

Prof. Chi Sun Poon’s Eco-Blocks in Hongkong Land’s Green Renovation Initiative

CEE scholars continue to bridge the gap between academia and industry, striving to turn research into real-world applications. We are proud to highlight the recent collaboration between Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Distinguished Research Professor of CEE, and Hongkong Land in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving innovation in sustainable construction solutions. This partnership focuses on converting tempered and laminated glass waste into sustainable building materials, specifically the creation of low-carbon eco-blocks that can replace traditional cement in renovation projects. By utilizing recycled glass, this project not only reduces carbon emissions by 20-30% but also exemplifies how academic research can lead to practical applications that benefit the construction industry. Prof. Poon's expertise facilitates the transformation of construction waste into valuable resources, promoting environmentally friendly and efficient building practices. The eco-blocks match the weight and strength of traditional bricks while incorporating up to 30% recycled glass, represent a significant step toward achieving carbon neutrality in construction. This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, paving the way for a greener future. Prof. Poon’s research continues to connect academic insights with industrial needs, delivering impactful solutions that advance the environmental goals. We look forward to his ongoing efforts in creating a sustainable future. Full version of the press release is available at: https://webfile.hkland.com/assets/press-release/2025/en/hll_20251023.pdf  

New joiner – Dr Claire Jinhui Li

Dr Claire Jinhui Li obtained her Ph.D. degree (2019) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from The University of Hong Kong (joint Ph.D. at Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University), her M.Sc. (Master of Medicine) degree (2015) in Toxicology from Sun Yat-sen University, and her MBBS degree (2012) from Shanxi Medical University. Prior to joining PolyU as a Research Assistant Professor, she worked as an Assistant Professor (research-track) at School of Public Health, the University of Illinois Chicago, and as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr Li’s research centers on three interconnected areas: 1) environmental and cancer epidemiology; 2) environmental medicine and toxicology; and 3) environmental and occupational exposure–related mechanisms underlying chronic diseases. Dr Li has joined us on 3 November 2025.  

Prof. Tony Sze Featured on TVB News Programme

Prof. Tony Sze, Associate Professor of CEE, was featured on TVB News Programme, "A Closer Look (時事多面睇 - 指示不足)” (TVB News Ch.83), aired on 22 October 2025. The segment addresses the rising incidents of large vehicles colliding with overhead objects due to height restrictions. Prof. Sze shared expert insights on advanced driver warning systems using LiDAR sensors and high-speed cameras to detect over height vehicles, alerting drivers via variable message signs, and employing real-time monitoring to protect both road users and workers at road work sites.  A revisit of the interview can be found here (Starting from 9:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUpDA1c5ahA