Events

Seminar on "Homogeneity-Based Design of High-Order Sliding Mode Observers for MEMS Resonators" by Prof. Alexander Triana

Date: 27 February 2026, Friday Time: 04:30 PM Venue: FYW-3316, Fong Yun Wah Building, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 859 8869 4437 Password: 123456 Speaker: Prof. Alexander Triana, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia Homogeneity-Based Design of High-Order Sliding Mode Observers for MEMS Resonators Prof. Alexander Triana, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia Abstract: This talk presents a robust observer-design framework for MEMS resonators based on high-order sliding modes (HOSM), emphasizing homogeneity as the central tool for both analysis and synthesis. The motivation arises from the well-known limitations of classical first-order sliding mode methods, which, despite their robustness, suffer from chattering, sensitivity to measurement noise, and relative-degree restrictions. The main contribution of the talk is to show how homogeneity provides a unifying framework for HOSM observer design by linking classical, weighted, and geometric homogeneity with finite-time stability analysis of discontinuous systems through homogeneous vector fields and their Filippov regularizations. This perspective is further connected to finite-time and fixed-time stability, as well as robustness properties of ISS/iISS type, highlighting why homogeneity is especially effective for observer synthesis in nonlinear uncertain systems. Overall, the talk argues that homogeneity is not only a theoretical concept, but a practical design principle for constructing finite-time, robust, and implementable observers for MEMS resonator applications. Speaker’s Bio: Alexander Jiménez Triana is a Professor and Researcher with more than twenty years of academic and scientific experience in nonlinear systems and robust control, with a strong emphasis on sliding mode control and active disturbance rejection control. He holds Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal (Canada) and Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), and he is currently a full-time professor at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. He has also held international positions, including a Research Fellow appointment at City University of Hong Kong and an invited professorship at École Polytechnique de Montréal. His work includes peer-reviewed publications, international conference participation, and leadership of research projects in robust control and related engineering applications.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/ https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/centre-seminars.htm

Seminar on "Graph Learning for Network Robustness: Analysis and Optimization" by Dr Yang Lou

Date: 6 February 2026, Friday Time: 04:30 PM Venue: FYW-3316, Fong Yun Wah Building, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 859 8869 4437 Password: 123456 Speaker: Dr Yang Lou, Hiroshima University, Japan  Graph Learning for Network Robustness: Analysis and Optimization Dr Yang Lou, Hiroshima University, Japan  Abstract: Maintaining and restoring network functionality under structural disturbances or malicious attacks represents a core challenge in network science and graph learning. This capability, known as network robustness, is critical for systems such as transportation, power grids, and biological networks, where failures can lead to severe consequences. Research in this area focuses on developing robustness metrics, performing vulnerability analysis, and designing optimization strategies to enhance resilience. Graph learning plays a pivotal role by enabling data-driven approaches that complement analytical and statistical methods. This talk presents our recent state-of-the-art advances in measuring, analyzing, and optimizing network robustness through graph-based techniques, demonstrating their effectiveness in improving reliability and adaptability in complex systems. Speaker’s Bio: Dr. Yang Lou is currently an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Japan. He received his B.E. degree in Electronic and Information Engineering from Xidian University, China, in 2008, and his Ph.D. degree from the Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China, in 2017. From 2017 to 2025, he held research and academic positions at City University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, The University of Osaka (Japan), and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (Taiwan, China). He has authored more than forty peer reviewed papers in leading IEEE magazines (CIM, CSM) and transactions (TCYB, TNNLS, TNSE, TCASI/II), as well as in international conferences such as ICLR, GECCO, and IJCNN. His h-index is 21 according to Google Scholar. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research interests include network science, graph learning, and optimization.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/ https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/centre-seminars.htm

Seminar on "Distributed Optimization Frameworks for Large-Scale Nonlinear Programming in Power Systems " by Dr Xinliang Dai

Date: 3 February 2026, Tuesday Time: 10:00 am Venue: CF303,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Speaker: Dr Xinliang Dai

Seminar on "Approaches to modelling and analysis of sustainable, power electronics rich, power networks" by Prof. Jovica V Milanović

Date: 2 February 2026, Monday Time: 3:30 pm Venue: CD301,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Speaker: Prof. Jovica V Milanović

Seminar on "Cooperative eco-driving system for mixed traffic on urban roads" by Dr Zhiwei Yang

Date: 30 January 2026, Friday Time: 4:30PM Venue: Online Only Zoom Meeting ID: 383 735 6917 Password: 270831 Cooperative eco-driving system for mixed traffic on urban roads Dr Zhiwei Yang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen   Abstract: Signalized arterials cause stop-and-go traffic, leading to collisions, delays, energy waste, and discomfort. Connected automated vehicles (CAVs) offer a solution through cooperative eco-driving, but mixed traffic complicates implementation. In this presentation, we introduce rule-based, optimization-based, and reinforcement learning (RL)-based eco-driving systems for CAVs on signalized arterials, balancing safety, efficiency, energy saving, and comfort. These methods include eco-GLOSA, eco-ACC (DDPG, PPO, SAC), and eco-CACC (MADDPG, MASAC). Evaluations use naturalistic pNEUMA trajectory data, benchmarking against human-driven and car-following (CF) models in diverse scenarios. The study comprehensively assesses method effectiveness, platoon stability, and key influencing factors in real-world-inspired conditions, thus delivering actionable and transferable solutions for implementing cooperative automated systems in mixed traffic with current and near-future infrastructure. Speaker’s Bio: Zhiwei Yang is a Postdoctoral Researcher at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. She received her PhD degree from The University of Queensland in 2025. Her research focuses on intelligent transport systems, urban mobility, reinforcement learning applications for motion control, and High-speed Rail. She has authored multiple papers in Transportation Research Part A, C, and D, Transport Policy, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meetings, the IEEE Intelligent Vehicle Symposium (IV), the Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF), and the International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies (HKSTS). She also serves as a reviewer for journals such as IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems (TITS), Transportation Research Part C and TRB.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/ https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/centre-seminars.htm

WIEEE Industry Visit to CLP Power Shatin Centre

On January 30, WIEEE organized a technical visit to the CLP Power Shatin Centre for a delegation of female EEE students and faculty. Led by CLP engineers and PolyU alumni, participants gained firsthand insights into power operations through tours of the Testing and Transformer departments and a demonstration of the Grid-v system. The visit concluded with an inspiring career sharing session by a female engineer, offering valuable mentorship to the next generation of women in the field. We sincerely thank CLP for this rewarding experience, which successfully bridged academic learning with industry practice and further motivated our students toward professional engineering careers.

Seminar on "Challenges and Opportunities for LVDC and MVDC in the Energy Transition" by Prof. Johan Driesen

Date: 22 January 2026, Thursday Time: 2:30 PM Venue: FYW-3316, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 859 8869 4437 Password: 123456 Speaker: Prof. Johan Driesen, KU Leuven, Belgium Abstract: The ongoing energy transition is increasingly enabled by advances in batteries, information and communication technologies, and power electronics. Power electronics in particular has emerged as a key enabler, acting as a game changer for electromobility, the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, grid-connected battery storage, and the reliable operation of energy-intensive infrastructures such as data centres. As electrification scales up, conventional AC-based architectures face limitations in terms of efficiency, controllability, and flexibility. In this context, low-voltage and medium-voltage direct current (LVDC and MVDC) systems are gaining attention as promising alternatives to further support sustainable electrification. By reducing conversion stages and enabling more controllable power flows, DC systems offer opportunities for more flexible yet reliable operation, particularly at higher power levels. This seminar discusses the potential of LVDC and MVDC technologies, as well as the associated technical and operational challenges, drawing on research conducted at KU Leuven and the EnergyVille research centre in Belgium. Specific use cases, including high-power charging infrastructure for electric trucks and the powering of data centres, are presented to illustrate the opportunities and remaining hurdles for DC-based power systems in the energy transition. Speaker’s Bio: Johan Driesen received the MSc degree in 1996 as Electrical Engineer from the KU Leuven, Belgium. He received the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering at KU Leuven in 2000. In 2000-2001 he was a visiting researcher in the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK. In 2002 he was working at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. Currently, he is a full professor at the KU Leuven and teaches power electronics, renewables, drives and electromobility. He conducts research on distributed energy resources, including renewable energy systems, low-voltage DC-systems, power electronics and its applications, for instance in renewable energy, storage and electric vehicles. Within EnergyVille, the research collaboration specializing in energy in smart cities and buildings, in cooperation with VITO and Imec, Johan Driesen is involved in the programmes on power electronics, power systems and distributed energy sources. Currently he serves as the director of the KU Leuven Institute of Energy and Society. In 2026, he became an IEEE fellow for “contributions to the integration of renewables and electric vehicles in the electricity grid”. WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/ https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/centre-seminars.htm

Seminar on "Challenges Posed by the Oversupply of Inverter-Based Resources and Hybrid AC/DC Transmission in the Brazilian Interconnected Power System" by Prof. Glauco Taranto

Date: 22 January 2026, Thursday Time: 11:30 am Venue: FJ303,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Speaker: Prof. Glauco Taranto

EEE Career Talks - 2025/26 academic year

A series of EEE Career Talks were organized from October to mid-November 2025 during the 2025/26 academic year, providing an invaluable platform for students to explore future career paths. Building on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous years, the talks featured enthusiastic employers from leading organizations. They shared valuable insights into their companys’ backgrounds, available job opportunities, and graduate trainee or internship programs, along with potential progression path. The sessions were valuable for both final-year students and year-3 students seeking internship opportunities. We were grateful for the participation of the following organizations: Airport Authority Hong Kong CLP Holdings Limited Electrical and Mechanical Services Department HK Electric Co., Ltd. Jardine Engineering Corporation The event received excellent engagement from our students, who gained advice on job applications, recruitment processes and timelines, as well as critical industry knowledge and networking opportunities. We extend our sincere thanks to all participating organizations and look forward to building on this success in the future.

Seminar on "New Frontiers in One-Bit Signal Processing: From Sample Abundance to Efficient Intelligence at Scale" by Prof. Mojtaba Soltanalian

Date: 8 January 2026, Thursday Time: 2:00 pm Venue: DE306,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Speaker: Prof. Mojtaba Soltanalian