News

New joiner – Dr Dong Liao

Dr Dong Liao obtained his B.E. degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2017 and his Ph.D. degree from Zhejiang University in 2022. He served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at PolyU before being appointed as a Research Assistant Professor. Dr Liao’s research primarily focuses on constitutive modelling of soil behaviour, discrete element investigation of particulate mechanics, and numerical analysis of geotechnical engineering problems. Dr Liao has joined us on 1 August 2025.  

Prof. Ling Jin’s Collaborative Team Received Best Paper Award by The Innovation

We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Ling Jin, Assistant Professor of CEE, and his collaborative team have been awarded the Best Paper Award 2024-2025 by The Innovation, a leading interdisciplinary journal under Cell Press dedicated to promoting scientific application through cutting-edge research and high-quality reviews. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Dr Changchao Li, the first author and a postdoctoral fellow (Awardee of RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme) supervised by Prof. Jin, as this is the second consecutive year that the paper titled “Ecology and Risks of the Global Plastisphere as a Newly Expanding Microbial Habitat” is honored by The Innovation. Last year, their work was recognized as Most Popular (2020–2024). The rise of plastic waste has led to the emergence of a new habitat for microorganisms known as the plastisphere. The study analyzes plastisphere samples from various ecosystems, revealing unique, diverse microbial communities. These communities can break down organic compounds and disrupt the nitrogen cycle, increasing harmful substances and pathogens. The study warns that if plastic emissions continue to rise, the expanding plastisphere could pose serious global health risks. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Jin, Dr Li and all team members. This award highlights their continued commitment to groundbreaking research and scientific excellence. For original article, please refer to: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100543.  

PolyU Summer Institute 2025

The PolyU Summer Institute 2025 was successfully held on 21-25 July 2025. CEE welcomed 48 high school students across 9 countries to engage in a series of fun-filled activities including hands-on workshop and company visit. Hosted by Prof. Andy Y.F. Leung, Associate Head of CEE, students were introduced to the academic programmes offered by the Department and gained insights into the field of civil engineering. One of the highlights was the Tower Challenge: Engineering with Straws, Tape, and Imagination, where the students were tasked with building the tallest possible tower using only a limited number of straws and tape. The challenge required both creativity and engineering skills to construct a tall yet stable free-standing tower. Remarkably, one of the winning teams achieved an impressive height of 111cm, breaking CEE’s previous record of 92 cm. Some of the students also had the opportunity to join the company visit to ARUP, a renowned consulting firm in civil engineering. During the visit, they learned about the industry developments, upcoming construction projects and career prospects in Hong Kong through interactive games and alumni sharing session. Ir Dr Goman Ho, Arup Fellow and President of the PolyU Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association (CEEAA), hosted the visit and shared his expertise with the students. We hope all participants enjoyed the programmes and discovered their interests while gaining valuable experience in PolyU CEE.  

CEE PhD Students Won Student Benchmark Competition at CICE 2025

Congratulations to Mr Zeyu Gao, Ms Yifei Wang and Ms Yanran Meng, CEE PhD students supervised by Prof. Tao Yu, for winning first place in the Student Benchmark Competition (Analytical Model Category) at the 12th International Conference on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering (CICE 2025). The conference was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 14 - 16 July 2025, as a joint national initiative organized by the University of Lisbon, the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, and the University of Minho. Students from around the globe participated in the Student Benchmark Competition, where they were being challenged to predict the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with NSM-CFRP laminates under serviceability and ultimate limit states. This year, submissions came from universities worldwide, and after a rigorous selection process, the best predictions were awarded in each category (analytical models and finite element models). Once again, congratulations to our talented PhD students on this remarkable achievement!  

CEE Member Awarded Humboldt Research Fellowship

We are delighted to announce that Dr Lu Zhu, CEE Postdoctoral Fellow supervised by Prof. Chi Sun Poon and Prof. Shipeng Zhang, has been awarded the 2025 Humboldt Research Fellowship. This accolade recognizes the innovative impact of Dr Zhu’s proposed project titled "Novel Ultrahigh-temperature High-Entropy Ceramic Coatings", which aims to develop a greener and more sustainable future. The Humboldt Research Fellowship, granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany, is recognized as one of the most prestigious international honours for researchers. This highly competitive fellowship provides outstanding scientists with a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research in Germany, fostering academic exchange and innovation on a global scale. Dr Zhu’s achievement reflects CEE’s commitment to conducting impactful and innovative research that addresses pressing global needs. His pioneering work on durable coatings holds great promise for advancing civilian industries and promoting environmental sustainability. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Zhu for these remarkable achievements. His success not only showcases his dedication and excellence but also underscores the continued prominence of our department on the global research stage. We look forward to his future contributions to the field and the positive impact of his research on global sustainable development.  

Prof. Tony Sze Featured on Metro Radio Programme

Prof. Tony Sze, Associate Professor of CEE, was featured on Metro Finance’s “Good Sunday Talks” (新城財經台《香港有偈傾》) on 20 July 2025. The segment addressed the increasingly relevant topic of online ride-hailing services in Hong Kong. Prof. Sze presented a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong’s regulatory framework for these services, emphasizing the importance of balancing the needs of passengers, drivers, the taxi industry and platform operators. He also elaborated how emerging driving and smart mobility technology can help mitigate human errors and resolve disputes between passengers and drivers. Full Version of the Radio Broadcast (Starting from 9:50):  https://www.metroradio.com.hk/MetroFinance/Multimedia/wmpopup_archive2.asp?https://arch.metroradio.hk/104/20250720/104_202507201900.mp3     

Prof. Shipeng Zhang Featured on Asian Power

Prof. Shipeng Zhang, Assistant Professor of CEE, was recently invited by Asian Power, a quarterly publication for the power generation, transmission and distribution industry in the Asia Pacific region, for an online interview. The discussion focused on the significance of waste-to-energy technologies in Hong Kong, including current government policies and regulations. The article titled “Waste-to-energy ties with mainland key to Hong Kong's green goals”, was published on 8 July 2025. Prof. Zhang emphasized how collaboration with Mainland China’s waste-to-energy incinerators can support Hong Kong in achieving its zero-waste goal. As the city aims to phase out landfills by 2035, leveraging these facilities is crucial for a sustainable future. For a recap of Prof. Zhang’s insights, please visit:  https://hongkongbusiness.hk/exclusive/waste-energy-ties-mainland-key-hong-kongs-green-goals  

Research Centre for Design for Safety – Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Construction Safety

The Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS) Workshop themed “Artificial Intelligence in Construction Safety: Design and Practical Applications” was successfully held on 11 July 2025 (Friday). The event attracted over 50 participants including CEE students, alumni, and industry partners. It was sponsored by the Construction Industry Council, and supported by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Safety Specialist Committee), Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Hong Kong Federation of Occupational Safety and Health Associations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Industrial Centre Safety Course Alumni Association, Hong Kong Association of Risk Management and Safety and the Society of Registered Safety Officers. Hosted by Ir Dr Nicole Yiu, Director of RCDfS, the workshop explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming construction by enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity. Ir Dr Yiu introduced several AI tools, such as project management software and safety monitoring systems, and showcased real-world examples that highlighted how AI improves site inspections and operational effectiveness. To further connect CEE students with industry partners, two CEE students studying Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH), Mr Harry Lau and Mr Leo Sham, shared their academic projects and perspective on real-life safety practices during the workshop. This workshop offered a glimpse into a future where technology and innovation drive safer and more efficient construction practices. By leveraging AI's potential, we look forward to fostering a culture of safety and paving the way for a safer construction environment.  

CEE Members Received HKIE Geotechnical Division Prizes

HKIE Geotechnical Division Prize Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 were successfully held on 3 July 2025. We are proud to announce that 5 CEE members have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the AECOM Prize, Geotechnical Contractors Scholarship, Ringo Yu Prize for Best PhD Thesis in Geotechnical Studies and Fugro Prize established by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Geotechnical Division). These achievements highlight the dedication and passion of our students and scholars in the field of geotechnical engineering. AECOM Prize for Best Students of the Year Awardee: Mr Pui Yam Mang, CEE Graduate Geotechnical Contractors Scholarship Scheme Awardee: Ms Tsz Tung Chan, CEE Student Ringo Yu Prize for Best PhD Thesis in Geotechnical Studies  Awardee: Dr Lujia Yu, CEE Postdoctoral Fellow supervised by Prof. Zhenyu Yin Fugro Prize Awardee: Dr Ze-Jian Chen & Dr Pei-Chen Wu, CEE Research Assistant Professors Award: 1st Runner-Up Title of Paper: Reclamation and Settlement Prediction of Hong Kong Marine Deposits with Horizontal Drains We sincerely congratulate Mr Mang, Ms Chan, Dr Yu, Dr Chen and Dr Wu on this outstanding accomplishment. Their success underscores CEE’s ongoing commitment to excellence in geotechnical engineering. We eagerly anticipate their future contributions to the field and their positive influence on global environment.  

Thirteen CEE Project Secured General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS) 2025/26

We are pleased to share that 13 CEE projects have been awarded a total grant of HK$15 million from the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS) 2025/2026. Remarkably, CEE accounts for 11 projects among 38 funded PolyU projects from GRF under the field of “Civil Engineering, Surveying, Building & Construction”, amounting to HK$13.1 million.  The General Research Fund (GRF) and the Early Career Scheme (ECS) are both competitive funding programs administered by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in Hong Kong. They share the common goal of supporting high-quality academic research across a wide range of disciplines in local universities. Both schemes use a rigorous, peer-reviewed selection process to ensure the excellence of funded projects. By providing financial support for research, the GRF and ECS aim to promote academic excellence and advance knowledge within Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Congratulations to all CEE scholars whose dedication to research excellence has made this milestone possible. Looking ahead, CEE remains committed to conducting high-quality research and making meaningful contributions to the society.