News

New joiner – Dr Weixin Liu

Dr Weixin Liu obtained his Ph.D. (Medical Sciences) degree (2023) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, M.Sc (Cell Biology) degree from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2018), and B.Sc. (Biotechnology) Degree from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (2015). Before joining PolyU as a Research Assistant Professor, Dr Liu had worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Medicine & Therapeutics of The Chinese University of Hong Kong for two years. Dr Liu’s research explores how microbiome-host interactions, especially concerning airborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and gut disorders, influence human health and disease, aiming to elucidate AMR dissemination pathways and identify preventive strategies. Dr Liu has joined on 1 Feb 2026.  

Research of Prof Tao Wang’s Team and Collaborators Published on Science Advances

A recent research article by Prof. Tao Wang’s team and collaborators has been published in Science Advances. The research, titled “Isotopic Constraints on The Origin of Reactive Chlorine in The Troposphere”, introduces an innovative method to track ocean influence on the inland atmosphere, marking a significant advancement in atmospheric science. Reactive chlorine from oceanic and human activities affects air quality and climate. This study utilizes chemical ionization mass spectrometry to analyze nitryl chloride (ClNO₂), revealing a wide range of isotopic values and significant distinctions between sources. The findings enhance our understanding of chlorine's role in air pollution. Prof. Tao Wang, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of CEE, has long been focused on uncovering the root causes of air pollution through both experimental and numerical approaches. His research has addressed critical gaps in knowledge regarding tropospheric ozone trends and their underlying drivers in East Asia, playing a key role in supporting air pollution mitigation strategies for the Hong Kong government and beyond. Science Advances is an open-access journal by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), publishing impactful research across all scientific fields. It aims to provide fair, fast peer review and freely available research. Led by esteemed scientists, it uses digital technologies to enhance communication and support major advancements in science and engineering for the benefit of humanity. Review the full article: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb5397   

New joiner – Dr Danning Li

Dr Danning Li received his Ph.D. degree from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU in 2024, after completing his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees at South China University of Technology (2019) and Guangzhou University (2016). He worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at PolyU before being appointed as a Research Assistant Professor. His research focuses on road materials and pavement design, including the development of sustainable and smart paving materials, life cycle analysis of road infrastructure, and artificial intelligence-aided design of bituminous materials. Dr Li has joined on 31 Jan 2026.  

New joiner – Dr Ho Yin Tse

Dr Ho Yin Tse received his B.Sc. degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 and his Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering from PolyU in 2022. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research at Yale University for two years as a Lee Hysan Foundation Scholar, and subsequently continued at Yale as a Postdoctoral Associate working with Prof. Paul Anastas and Prof. Julie Zimmerman, before joining PolyU as a Research Assistant Professor. His work is based on green chemistry principles and bio-based chemical building blocks, and integrates photochemical, electrochemical, and catalytic approaches to translate molecular-level understanding into engineering-relevant functional systems. Dr Tse has joined on 1 Feb 2026.  

Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung Wins Local Grand Prize at the CIC Construction Innovation Award 2025

Led by Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung, Research Professor of CEE and Former Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Steel), the project titled “Groundbreaking Application of Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel in Civil Infrastructure: Paving the Way for Hong Kong's Green Construction” has been awarded the Local Grand Prize at the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Construction Innovation Award 2025. The project, executed for the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), was led by AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. in collaboration with the Joint Venture of Daewoo E&C, Chun Wo C&E, and Kwan Lee Holding (DCK JV). The project was expected to be completed this summer. The Presentation Ceremony was held at the Zero Carbon Park of CIC on 21 January 2026, gathering around 150 construction professionals and engineers. The Ceremony was officiated by Ir Prof. Thomas Ho, Chairman of CIC, who welcomed all attendees, followed by Ir Ricky Chun-kit Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), HKSAR Government. who delivered the opening address and presented the award. Prof. Chung received the award alongside Ir Michael Fong Hok-shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development, representing a CEDD project. Under a MOU signed between CNERC-Steel and CEDD in June 2023, Prof. Chung has provided technical support to the innovative use of ultra-high strength S960 steel in construction as stiffened box sections for Footbridges F4 and F6 as replacements to in-site reinforced concrete box girders. This innovative approach resulted in significant savings in materials, construction costs, and time. The Judging Panel commended the winning project for being the world's first application of S960 steel to two pedestrian bridges in the Northern Metropolitan area, effectively reducing their structural self-weights and the number of piles, leading to lower carbon emissions. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the pioneering spirit and commitment to sustainability demonstrated by Prof. Chung and his team. Their groundbreaking work not only advances the construction industry in Hong Kong but also sets a benchmark for future innovations in green infrastructure.  

Three Research Projects Secure Environment and Conservation Fund 2025

We are proud to announce that three research projects led by Prof. Zhen Leng, Professor of CEE, Prof. Wai Ma, Associate Professor of CEE, and Prof. Tao Liu, Assistant Professor of CEE, have received support from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) 2025 under the funding scheme “Environmental Research, Technology Demonstration and Conference Projects”. This remarkable accomplishment underscores the contributions of CEE scholars in advancing carbon neutrality and pursuing innovative solutions for environmental preservation in Hong Kong. Name of PC: Prof. Zhen Leng Proposal Title: Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion Funding Amount: HK$1,316,000 Name of PC: Prof. Wei Ma Proposal Title: EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong Funding Amount: HK$500,000 Name of PC: Prof. Tao Liu Proposal Title: Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways Funding Amount: HK$500,000 In this exercise, PolyU submitted 84 ECF applications and 8 of them are supported by the funding body with a total awarded amount of $6,451,600. CEE received HK$2,316,000, representing one-third of PolyU’s total funding.  This achievement highlights the research excellence and technological advancements of CEE scholars in enhancing Hong Kong’s local environment. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Leng, Prof. Ma and Prof. Liu, and we look forward to the impactful contributions their outstanding research will make to the society. More information about the ECF, please refer to: https://www.ecf.gov.hk/en/about-us/index.html.  

Prof. Chi Sun Poon and Team Secure Silver Award at the 2024 Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards

We are pleased to announce that a research project led by Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Distinguished Research Professor of CEE, along with team members, Dr Jian-Xin Lu, Research Assistant Professor of CEE, Mr Chunpeng Zhang and Mr Dingqiang Fan, CEE PhD students, has received the Silver Award at the 2024 Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards (HKGIA). This prestigious award recognizes the team's exceptional contributions to green innovation. The awarded project, titled “Sustainable High-Strength Lightweight Concrete: Reshaping the Future of Modular Construction”, focuses on the development of advanced lightweight concrete solutions for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). The research includes two key innovations: a core–shell lightweight aggregate concrete designed for load-bearing structural elements, which significantly reduces structural weight while maintaining high strength, and a CO2 foamed concrete developed for non-load-bearing components, which enables carbon utilization and storage during material production and curing. Together, these complementary materials address both structural performance and environmental sustainability. The technologies have progressed beyond laboratory research and have been successfully applied in real construction projects in Hong Kong, demonstrating their practical feasibility and readiness for industry adoption. The Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in green innovation and sustainable development. This recognition highlights PolyU’s commitment to translating research excellence into impactful solutions that support the construction industry’s transition toward low-carbon and sustainable building practices. We extend our sincere congratulations to Prof. Poon and his team on this notable achievement.  

Dr Muhammad Riaz Ahmad Receives The 2026 Gustavo Colonnetti Medal

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Muhammad Riaz Ahmad, Research Assistant Professor at CEE, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Gustavo Colonnetti Medal by the RILEM Association. This international and prestigious honor, established in 2016, is awarded annually to only two researchers worldwide under the age of 35 who have made transformative scientific contributions to construction materials and structures.  Dr Ahmad's research focuses on Innovative and Sustainable Concrete Technologies. This award recognizes his exceptional scientific contributions to innovative concrete technologies, including alkali-activated materials, ultra-low clinker cements, magnesium phosphate cements and bio-based building materials. By advancing these innovative technologies, Dr Ahmad’s work aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the global construction industry.  Congratulations to Dr Ahmad on this incredible international achievement!  More information about the award: https://www.rilem.net/news/rilem-2026-medal-awardees-731   

Prof. Ling Jin Receives The Asian Young Aerosol Scientist Award 2025

Congratulations to Prof. Ling Jin, Assistant Professor of CEE, on being awarded The Asian Young Aerosol Scientist Award (AYASA) 2025. This prestigious award recognizes Prof. Jin’s significant contributions in advancing mixture-toxicity modeling and uncovering chemical-microbial drivers of PM2.5 health risks. The AYASA, established by the Asian Aerosol Research Assembly and TSI Incorporated, recognizes young scientists in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Aerosol Science and Technology. The award aims to promote research and development in this critical area, encouraging the efforts of young scientists and researchers across the region. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Jin on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to seeing his research continue to make a positive impact on society, contributing to improved air quality and public health for communities around the world. More information about AYASA: https://www.asianaerosol.org/awards  

Prof. Yuhong Wang Receives 2025 Ministry of Education Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award

We are proud to announce that a research project led by Prof. Yuhong Wang, Professor of CEE, has bestowed the 2025 Ministry of Education Outstanding (MoE) Scientific Research Achievement Award (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology). A First-class award in Natural Science Research Achievement has been presented to the awarded project, titled “Pavement Forward and Backward Analysis Theory and Life-cycle Evolution Modeling”, focuses on developing analytical methods to calculate fundamental pavement behaviors and performance under traffic loads and to back-calculate pavement material/structural states from collected pavement responses induced by artificial loads. The research also investigates the lifecycle evolution of pavement materials and structures, offering insights for developing long-life pavements. The Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award is established by the MoE to recognize researchers who have achieved outstanding results and significant successes in natural science research and engineering technology innovation, and have made contributions to the cultivation of innovative talents. Once again, congratulations to Prof. Wang on this remarkable achievement and we wish him continued success in his future research endeavors.