Media Releases

AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness

Loneliness has a critical impact on the mental health of citizens, particularly among the elderly. Robots capable of perceiving and responding to human emotions can serve as heart-warming companions to help lift the spirits. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has discovered that the combined power of music and empathetic speech in robots with artificial intelligence (AI) could foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. These findings underscore the importance of a multimodal approach in designing empathetic robots, offering significant implications for their application in health support, elder care, education and beyond. The research project, A Talking Musical Robot over Multiple Interactions, was led by Prof. Johan HOORN, Interfaculty Full Professor of Social Robotics of the School of Design and the Department of Computing at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Ivy HUANG at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The study investigated how music and empathetic speech could enhance the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, revealing that music can act as a powerful adjunct to empathetic speech. As part of the study, the team examined how Cantonese-speaking participants interacted with empathetic robots across three interactive sessions. The findings showed that combining music and speech significantly increased the participants’ perceived empathy of the machines. “Our data indicate that the presence of music continued to enhance the robot’s resemblance to humans in later sessions,” explained Prof. Hoorn. “One interpretation is that music made the interaction feel more like a real conversation with a personality, something human counsellors might do by playing music to comfort their clients, which in turn made the robot seem more lifelike or socially present.” However, the research pointed out that the impact of music could diminish over time when the participants became attuned to the music after repeated sessions, highlighting the importance of tailoring interaction strategies to individual users’ needs to sustain effective human-robot interaction. The study suggested that empathetic robots should be designed to adapt their responses to user feedback and context, for example, by adjusting various musical elements or gradually personalising dialogue content to maintain sustained relevance of empathy. Prof. Hoorn emphasised: “Our research points to the significance of multimodal communication encompassing music, speech and more through empathetic robots. It holds considerable promise for application in real-world settings, particularly in the fields of mental health support and elderly care. The integration of empathetic robots capable of delivering tailored musical experiences and engaging in sensitive conversation could provide meaningful companionship and emotional support to individuals who may experience loneliness or social isolation.” Prof. Hoorn is leading another project, “Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population”, which has received funding of over HK$40 million from the Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme. Concurrently serving as Associate Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology, Prof. Hoorn is set to explore quantum-inspired models of human affect to better capture and respond to the inherent vagueness and ambiguity of emotional experience. Unlike traditional computational systems that struggle with the fluid and context-dependent nature of affective responses, quantum models can represent emotional states as probabilistic superpositions, reflecting the genuine uncertainty and complexity of human feelings. “What excites me the most is the possibility of developing social robots that not only recognise the complexity of human affect but also embrace it. These robots could offer support that is adaptable, open-ended and compassionate, similar to the individuals they are designed to help,” added Prof. Hoorn. The study has been published in ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, a leading peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal in the field. ***END***

PolyU collaborates with University of Toronto to explore establishment of joint research centre, driving gerontechnology innovation in response to ageing population

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond. Held on the PolyU campus, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. ZHANG Ming, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering. The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of the University of Toronto. Under the MoU, the PolyU’s Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU is firmly committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, with population ageing being one of the most pressing issues of our time. By joining forces with the University of Toronto – a global leader in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology – we aim to co-develop solutions that have real-world impact, enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This collaboration will not only drive technological breakthroughs but also foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Toronto in advancing smart ageing, creating an influential international innovation platform.” Prof. Alex Mihailidis said, “The University of Toronto, together with AGE-WELL, has long been dedicated to developing technologies that enable older adults to age well and with dignity. This MoU with PolyU marks an important step towards a truly global ecosystem for gerontechnology innovation. By combining our complementary strengths in biomedical engineering, clinical research and community-based innovation, we will be able to accelerate the development, evaluation and deployment of technologies that support better care, independence and quality of life for diverse older populations – including Cantonese-speaking communities in both cities.” PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields. In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a “HAPPI” life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent.   ***END***  

Eight PolyU research projects receive support from Environment and Conservation Fund, driving sustainable development through interdisciplinary collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing interdisciplinary research and translating research outcomes into innovative, impactful solutions that foster sustainable development. Eight PolyU projects have received support under the first-round funding exercise of the 2025/26 Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). These projects cover areas including low-carbon construction materials, wastewater treatment, electric vehicle infrastructure, greenhouse gas monitoring, air quality assessment, coral reef restoration and eco-cultural tourism, with total funding of approximately HK$6.45 million. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the research teams and said, “We sincerely thank the ECF for supporting and recognising PolyU’s interdisciplinary research efforts. PolyU is committed to tackling climate change, achieving carbon neutrality and promoting sustainable development through education, research and policy studies. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to address global challenges with world-leading research and innovation, contributing to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong.” Funded PolyU projects: Principal Investigator Research Project Awarded Amount (HKD) Faculty of Construction and Environment Prof. Joseph AWANGE Professor Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics AI-powered Sky Scans: Revolutionising Hong Kong’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with GNSS-RO 348,000 Prof. LENG Zhen Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering   Associate Director Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion 1,316,000 Prof. LIU Tao Assistant Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways 500,000 Prof. MA Wei Associate Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong 500,000 Prof. Charles WONG Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) Faculty of Construction and Environment   Professor Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics   Associate Director Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development Unravelling City-wide Vertical Aerosol and Particulate Matter, a Remote Sensing Study in Hong Kong 600,000 Faculty of Engineering Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Next-generation ChaoJi Chargers and AI driven Intelligent Infrastructure Siting Strategy for Electric Vehicles 1,000,000 Faculty of Science Prof. James FANG Associate Professor Department of Food Science and Nutrition 3D-printed Artificial Reefs from Oyster Shell Waste for Coral Restoration: Technology Demonstration and Community Education 1,593,200 School of Design Prof. WANG Xiaolu Assistant Professor School of Design Commons-based Smart Ecological Stewardship in Mirs Bay: Integrating Technology, Eco-cultural Tourism, and Community Governance 594,400 The ECF was set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China to provide funding support for educational, research and other projects and activities in relation to environmental protection and nature conservation matters. It aims to encourage the public to change their behaviour and lifestyle to achieve sustainable development, and to develop or introduce innovative technologies and practices to improve the environment and conserve resources. ***END***

PolyU develops novel antibody targeting fat cell protein, offering new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the three deadliest cancers worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction-related cases have become increasingly common in recent years. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has identified a protein secreted by fat cells that promotes cancer growth and has successfully developed a novel antibody that neutralises this protein, marking a significant breakthrough in impeding the progression of liver cancer. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, currently affects around a quarter of the global population and is an important risk factor for liver cancer. In affected individuals, fat cells induce insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. This ultimately impairs liver function and may progress to liver cancer. Treatment options for MASLD-induced liver cancer remain limited and the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is suboptimal. A breakthrough study led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team has revealed that an adipocyte-derived protein, known as fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a key driver that accelerates tumour growth. Through mass spectrometry, the team confirmed that patients with MASLD-induced liver cancer had markedly elevated FABP4 levels in their serum. Further investigations showed that FABP4 activates a series of pro-proliferative signalling pathways within cells, causing cancer cells to multiply and grow more rapidly. Prof. Lee’s team has successfully developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises FABP4. This antibody not only inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, but also enhances the ability of immune cells to combat cancer. Prof. Lee said, “This neutralising antibody against FABP4 demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumour growth and activating immune cells, providing a complementary approach to current immunotherapy strategies. Our findings highlight that targeting adipocyte-derived FABP4 holds promise for treating MASLD-induced liver cancer.” Prof. Lee added that gaining deeper insights into how adipocyte-derived FABP4 affects liver cancer cells helps to explicate the disease mechanisms of liver cancer, particularly in obese individuals. Intervening in the relevant signalling pathways could provide effective methods to combat this aggressive malignancy. Prof. Lee believes that, as this adipocyte-targeted immunotherapy continues to mature, it will bring more treatment options to MASLD patients. He remarked, “If its efficacy can be proven in clinical trials, it could offer new hope to many affected individuals.” The research is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU has filed a non-provisional patent for the developed antibody and is continuing to optimise its binding affinity to facilitate future clinical applications. ***END***

PolyU and HKSH Medical Group forge strategic collaboration to cultivate new generation of dietetic professionals, providing clinical placements for master’s students in dietetics

In response to the growing demand amid Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population for healthcare professionals such as dietitians, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the Master of Science (MSc) in Dietetics programme in the 2025/26 academic year to nurture a new generation of dietetic professionals. PolyU today signed a collaborative agreement with HKSH Medical Group to provide clinical placement opportunities for students of the programme. This collaboration marks a significant step for both parties in nurturing dietetic professionals equipped with both specialised expertise and practical experience for the local healthcare, food industry, research, education and public health sectors, benefiting the community. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Daniel SHEK, PolyU Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme); Prof. WONG Man-kin, Associate Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Science; Dr Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, and Director of HKSH Institute for Innovation and Professional Development; and Dr CHOW Shew Ping, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. The agreement was signed by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and Dr Walton LI, Chief Executive Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. Prof. Daniel Shek remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing professional talents, and continues to enhance its curriculum to best meet the needs of society and the industry. As the first local university to offer a MSc in Dietetics, PolyU pledges to provide students with diverse placement experiences. This close collaboration brings together PolyU’s academic excellence and HKSH’s clinical expertise to further optimise the programme design, setting a new benchmark for nutrition education in Hong Kong.” Dr Walton Li stated, “HKSH and PolyU have jointly offered Hong Kong’s first Master of Nursing programme since 2008, providing theoretical teaching and clinical placement opportunities. Today, the collaboration between HKSH and PolyU will extend to the allied health field of dietetics, offering clinical placements for the first local MSc in Dietetics programme. This marks a more comprehensive step forward in our joint efforts to promote the development of healthcare professionals and cultivate a new generation of outstanding dietetic talents for the continuous enhancement of healthcare services.” Dr Joseph Chan said, “HKSH endeavours to apply numerous advanced technologies in clinical practice, which requires substantial research work and talent training as support. With HKSH Institute for Innovation and Professional Development being one of the training hubs for local medical talents, we believe that this collaboration with PolyU can provide dietetics students with a unique platform for practice and research, helping them master cutting-edge knowledge and skills, and making substantial contributions to the long-term development of the nutrition profession in Hong Kong.” Beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, HKSH will offer students from the PolyU MSc in Dietetics programme exceptional hands-on professional training opportunities in a leading private clinical setting. Through structured clinical placements at HKSH, students will be able to apply their academic knowledge. Direct mentorship from experienced dietitians at HKSH will provide invaluable guided exposure to advanced dietetic practice. This will include participating in nutrition screening and consultations for inpatients and outpatients, allergy testing, health assessment, and in the provision of personalised nutritional advice before and after treatment for patients undergoing various cancer therapies, further honing their professional competence. In addition, registered dietitians from HKSH will serve as mentors for students completing their capstone projects, and provide guidance in research and clinical audit to help lay a solid foundation for students to pursue careers in the local medical and healthcare industry.   ***END***

PolyU develops Hong Kong’s first cross-border legal AI agent system, bringing together government, business and academia to launch new era of legal digital intelligence

Hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-organised by PolyU startup WiseLaw Digital Technology (WiseLaw), the “Next Generation Legal AI Agent System: PolyU Legal AI Showcase” was held today on the PolyU campus. The event gathered over a hundred leaders from the government, business and academic sectors and demonstrated PolyU’s deep research translation in the field of legal AI. Showcasing four core products designed to empower the digital and intelligent transformation of legal services, the event addressed the Nation’s urgent need for high-level legal protection for enterprises “going global”. Dr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), officiated and delivered addresses at the event. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes the global landscape of rule of law governance, Hong Kong is actively establishing itself as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. PolyU is committed to advancing world-class innovative research and contributing to the Nation’s development, and remains at the forefront of integrating industry, academia and research in the field of legal technology. The PolyU Legal AI Showcase exemplifies the model of industry-academia-research collaboration under the dual strategic guidance of the Government of the HKSAR’s promotion of legal technology and the construction of an “International Innovation and Technology Centre”. In his welcoming address, Prof. Christopher Chao stated, “Hong Kong enjoys the backing of the Motherland while remaining connected to the rest of the world, possessing the unique advantages of the common law system. With the power of technology, Hong Kong has the potential to play a significant role in cross-border legal technology innovation. As a prime example of the industry-academia-research model nurtured by the PolyVentures ecosystem, WiseLaw demonstrates how cutting-edge academic research can be transformed into practical tools that safeguard enterprises venturing overseas. This vividly embodies the integration of PolyU’s innovative culture into the construction of the rule of law.” Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan emphasised in his speech that, under the national strategy of high-level opening up, Hong Kong’s legal sector must harness the power of technology to enhance the efficiency and quality of cross-border legal services. He affirmed the efforts and breakthroughs made by PolyU and WiseLaw in promoting legal technology and expressed his anticipation for more original legal tech achievements from Hong Kong that will serve the Greater Bay Area and the world. Founded in 2024 by Prof. LU Haitian, Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor at PolyU, WiseLaw is Hong Kong’s first innovative technology enterprise applying cross-border legal and compliance large-model intelligent agents. Dedicated to the deep integration of AI technology with expert knowledge in legal compliance, WiseLaw is supported by the PolyU Angel Fund (TSSSU+) and the PolyVentures startup ecosystem. It has successfully entered programmes such as the Cyberport Incubation Programme, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub’s Dream Accelerator, and the NVIDIA Inception Program. During the event, Prof. Lu Haitian highlighted the four core products of the “Next Generation Legal Service AI Agent System”, each precisely targeting pain points in legal practice: WiseChat: Integrating a professional legal knowledge base, this system acts as a “Super Legal Assistant”. With high precision and logical reasoning capabilities for handling complex cross-border compliance consultations, it can improve the work efficiency of legal practitioners by up to 80%. WiseTools: Featuring efficient contract review functions, it identifies risky clauses and provides suggestions for modification within minutes, significantly enhancing the efficiency and security of legal work. WiseSearch: Achieving “One-Stop Intelligent Retrieval” for Hong Kong stock prospectuses, announcements and Hong Kong legislation, it can quickly extract key points from massive amounts of data. WiseCourse: This “AI Tutor” system is already in use at PolyU and City University of Hong Kong. It not only assists students with personalised learning and guides correct AI usage habits, but also helps teachers establish a scientific educational feedback mechanism, laying the foundation for cultivating the next generation of tech-savvy legal talent in Hong Kong. From cross-border legal ascertainment to complex contract reviews, these scientific breakthroughs greatly reduce the burden of onerous legal documentation work. Prof. Lu emphasised, “Our goal is not to replace lawyers, but to empower legal services to be more precise, efficient and accessible through artificial intelligence. We hope this event not only showcases PolyU’s strength in computational law but also injects strong momentum into the digital and intelligent transformation of Hong Kong’s legal services industry.” In two roundtable forums, industry leaders shared the value of applying AI in real-world business scenarios. The first forum focused on “Compliance Challenges for Enterprises Going Global and New Paths for AI Empowerment”. Mr LIU Peiwen, Director of the Digital Technology Department at China Mobile International, shared how to use digital intelligence tools to manage regulatory differences across jurisdictions in multinational operations. Ms Ellen NG, Director of Business Development, Global Expansion Platform at Vistra, explored the cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancement roles of AI in cross-border corporate structuring and compliance management. The guests agreed that in a complex geopolitical environment, AI technology is key for enterprises to build a dynamic compliance protection. The second forum explored “How Legal AI Professional Tools Reshape Value Creation”. Ms GUAN Yue, Chief Compliance Officer of Xiaohongshu, and Ms ZHAO Tong, Chief Compliance Officer of Guotai Junan International, analysed corporate expectations for external counsel using AI tools from a client perspective. Ms YEUNG Cheung Ying, former Chair of the Greater China Practice at Latham & Watkins, pointed out that the adept use of AI tools will become key for the core competitiveness of future legal talent, enabling lawyers to extract key information from massive data-sets more quickly and provide legal opinions with greater commercial insight. Additionally, PolyU and Hong Kong Generative AI Research Development Center (HKGAI) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. WiseLaw also signed strategic memoranda of understanding with several partners, including CMA Testing, CITIC Telecom, iFlytek, the Asia Pacific International Arbitration Chamber and the Jiangsu (Nanjing) Cross-Border Legal Service Center. This marks the formal formation of a cross-border legal AI ecosystem integrating research, industry and legal services, which will also help propel Hong Kong into a leading position in global legal technology innovation.   (From left) Dr Lei Zhen, COO of WiseLaw; Mr Liu Peiwen, Director of the Digital Technology Department at China Mobile International; Ms Ellen Ng, Director of Business Development, GEP at Vistra; Dr Yeung Wai Yuen, Assistant to the Co-Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Centre, Asia Pacific Institute of International Arbitration; Dr Lin Weixing, Chairman of Sailglobal Success HR Group; and Mr Liu Gang, CEO of Veritas eProp (Hong Kong) Technology Co., Ltd., engage in in-depth discussion on the topic “Compliance Challenges for Enterprises Going Global and New Paths for AI Empowerment”. The event brought together over 100 government officials, leading scholars, and industry leaders to explore how AI empowers the legal industry and reshapes value creation. ***END***

Innovate to benefit society: Clarivate validates PolyU’s research excellence– achieving outstanding growth in research output and global leadership in engineering and AI-medical research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday unveiled the PolyU Research Excellence Report at a high-profile forum co-hosted with Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. The landmark report provides a comprehensive evaluation of PolyU research achievements and impact, reaffirming the University’s position as a global innovation powerhouse. The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. According to Clarivate, PolyU achieved a remarkable 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers from 2020 to 2024, and led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in research publications in 2024, underscoring its position at the forefront of Hong Kong’s academic excellence. The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks. Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub. Recognising PolyU's outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, "In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU's international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership."  Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 - 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.” Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage. PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields. Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration. Moderated by Mr Sherif EL Shamy, Vice President, Consulting, Academia and Government, Clarivate (1st from left), the Impact Forum panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation” featured Prof. Jianguo Dai, Chair Professor of Structural Engineering and Head of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong (2nd from left); Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation, PolyU (1st from right); and Prof. Marco Pang, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU (2nd from right), who shared insights on research evaluation, collaboration and societal impact. “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact” drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. The PolyU Research Excellence Report is now available on the PolyU website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ipao/institutional-performance/research-excellence-report/ Highlights from the report: Engineering Leadership: Ranked 6th globally in Engineering and 2nd in Civil Engineering (Subject Rankings of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026), with research supporting Hong Kong’s Cross Bay Link project and national space missions. PolyU engineering publications grew by 68% between 2020-2024, with 38% of Hong Kong’s engineering publications affiliated with the University in 2024. AI-driven Medical Innovations: 261 patents in Computing and Control solutions, including LungRT Pro (a radiotherapy support system), Scolioscan® (radiation-free scoliosis diagnosis) and STARS (a smartphone-based vision screening tool for children). These life‑changing innovations demonstrate PolyU’s strong interdisciplinary integration across computer science, optometry, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences and nursing. Unique Disciplines: Global top rankings in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Textile Science and Engineering (1st and 5th respectively in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), as well as Art and Design (22nd in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Groundbreaking work includes smart wearables for stroke patients, AI-powered tourism demand forecasting platforms and sustainable community design projects. Collaborative Impact: Over 600 international collaboration agreements with 390+ institutions across 45 countries and regions, and 3,100+ collaborative projects in the Chinese Mainland. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of its high-quality research publications were co-authored with international institutions. PolyU Unicorn startups have created over 5,000 international job opportunities and generated significant economic value. ***END***

PolyU drives impactful and collaborative interdisciplinary research, with nine projects awarded over HK$50 million by Research Grants Council

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pursuing world-leading research and innovation, and driving impactful application and interdisciplinary collaboration for societal benefits. In the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s 2025/26 funding exercise, PolyU has secured funding for nine research projects under the Research Impact Fund and the Collaborative Research Fund. The projects span a wide range of fields, including health and biomedical sciences, engineering technology, Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), Web3, and environmental sustainability, with total funding awarded of approximately HK$50.92 million. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated the research teams and remarked, “We sincerely thank the RGC for its support and recognition of PolyU’s interdisciplinary research efforts. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is dedicated to pursuing excellence in scientific research and remains steadfast in its commitment. The University will continue to drive impactful research, striving for excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, and contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” PolyU has received approximately HK$13.2 million in funding for two research projects under the Research Impact Fund. The projects aim to provide valuable insights into cancer immunotherapy, and enhance the safety and efficiency of railway systems respectively. Brief descriptions of the funded projects are as follow: Project Title Project Coordinator Project Details Spatial and High-throughput Immunopeptidomics Enabled by Integrated Microfluidics and Proteogenomics (MAP) Prof. ZHAO Qian, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology By integrating proteomics, genomics and microfluidics, the project will enable ultra‑sensitive profiling of tumour peptides from minimal samples, thereby reducing tissue use and allowing parallel personalised analysis. The proposed technology will be applied to spatial immunopeptidomics for mapping immune peptides and cell niches, as well as high‑throughput immunopeptide profiling of glioblastoma to uncover tumour neoantigens. These outcomes will deepen understanding of tumour‑immune interactions and identify new targets for advancing cancer immunotherapy. Towards Life-Cycle Intelligent Predictive Maintenance for Railway Tracks: Advancing with Deep Learning Algorithms and Digital Twin Technology Prof. DONG You, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering This project will advance intelligent railway maintenance through the development of a collaborative health-monitoring and robotic system that integrates ultrasonic guided waves, vision systems, VLA (vision–language–action) models, and artificial intelligence (AI), together with the creation of a performance‑oriented life‑cycle management framework. A dynamic digital twin will combine real‑time data with AI models to enable predictive maintenance, reduce disruptions and extend service life, thereby delivering transformative impacts for modern rail systems and transportation globally. PolyU has also received approximately HK$37.72 million in funding for seven research projects under the Collaborative Research Fund. Of these, three projects were awarded a Collaborative Research Project Grant, two received a Collaborative Research Equipment Grant and two were supported by the Young Collaborative Research Grant. Brief descriptions of the funded projects are as follow: Project Title Project Coordinator Project Details Collaborative Research Project Grant AIoT-powered Multi-modality Underwater SOS System Prof. ZHENG Yuanqing Associate Professor of the Department of Computing (Collaborating universities: CityUHK, HKUST) The project will develop an innovative communication channel enabling swimmers to send SOS signals via waterproof smartwatches. By integrating multi-modal sensor data, such as motion and biosensors, along with hydrophones and cameras, this system strengthens situational awareness, improves detection rates and localisation accuracy, and empowers lifeguards to respond swiftly to potential drowning incidents. Privacy Infrastructure Design for Web3 Prof. XIAO Bin Professor of the Department of Computing (Collaborating universities: CUHK, HKUST) The project will pioneer user‑centric blockchain systems for secure data sharing and analytics. Fundamentally redefining data sovereignty in decentralised networks, it empowers users to retain full control while enabling reliable verification without exposing sensitive information. The research aims to rebuild digital trust, making privacy invisible yet unbreakable, and ensuring fraud prevention and effective regulatory enforcement. Endothelins in mechanoaging and osteoarthritis: biomarker discovery and drug development Prof. WEN Chunyi Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Collaborating universities: CUHK, HKU) The project aims to deepen understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) molecular endotypes and theratypes to advance novel disease‑modifying drug discovery. With the team’s recent breakthrough in identifying endothelin as one of the most upregulated genes in injured murine cartilage, this project explores endothelins as novel biomarkers of joint mechanoaging and investigates endothelin receptor targeting as a promising senotherapeutic strategy for OA. Collaborative Research Equipment Grant Advanced Single-Particle Mass Spectrometer to Uncover Hidden Aerosol Complexity Impacting Health and Climate Prof. JIN Ling Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics (Collaborating universities: CityUHK, HKBU, CUHK, HKUST) This project aims to develop a single‑particle mass spectrometry platform to precisely reveal the mixing state of aerosols at single‑particle resolution. It will generate new insights into how hazardous aerosol components influence health, toxicity, and climate impacts, addressing critical gaps left by conventional techniques and supporting more accurate predictions for policymaking. A trimodal PET/SPECT/CT animal imaging system for molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical research Prof. YOO Jung Sun Associate Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics (Collaborating universities: CityUHK, HKU) This project aims to establish Hong Kong’s first nuclear molecular imaging facility by acquiring a trimodal PET/SPECT/CT animal imager. It will accelerate new drug development through real‑time monitoring of biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, while serving as an indispensable tool to study in vivo whole‑body cellular and biochemical dynamics in impactful biomedical research. Young Collaborative Research Grant Smart Environment Engineering via Beyond Diagonal Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface for Future Wireless Networks Prof. ZHANG Shuowen Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Collaborating universities: CityUHK, CUHK) This project aims to advance BD‑RIS technology for the future wireless networks. It will characterize data rate limits, devise efficient channel state information acquisition schemes, and develop novel wireless sensing strategies, paving the way for large‑scale deployment of BD‑RIS in future networks. This will deliver enhanced wireless service at low cost and help narrow the “digital divide”. Digital Solutions to Manage the Risks of Electric Vehicle Batteries and A Deep Learning Based Index Insurance Contract Design Prof. WANG Qin Associate Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Collaborating universities: HKUST, HKU) This project aims to develop innovative digital solutions for assessing electric vehicle (EV) battery health without disassembly and to design deep learning‑based index insurance contracts. It will create AI‑powered diagnostic platforms, risk evaluation models, and insurance tools that enhance battery management, optimise EV operations, and support sustainable, risk‑averse adoption of EV technologies. The RGC Research Impact Fund aims to encourage local universities to undertake more impactful and translational research projects and a greater volume of collaborative research beyond academic, while the Collaborative Research Fund aims to support multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary projects in order to encourage more research groups to engage in creative and high-quality cross-disciplinary / cross-institutional projects. For further details, please refer to the lists of funded projects under the Research Impact Fund and the Collaborative Research Fund  published by the RGC. ***END***

PolyU develops novel AI graph neural network models to unravel interdisciplinary complexities in image recognition and neuroscience

As an emerging technology in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), graph neural networks (GNNs) are deep learning models designed to process graph-structured data. Currently, GNNs are effective at capturing relationships between nodes and edges in data, but often overlook higher-order, complex connections. To address this challenge, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a new heterogeneous graph attention network, revolutionising the modelling of complex relationships in graph-structured data. This innovation is poised to break through AI application limitations in fields such as neuroscience, logistics, computer vision and biology. In simple terms, traditional GNNs mainly consider pairwise relationships such as the connections of “A to B” and “B to C”, having difficulties in understanding group interactions among A, B and C. Developed by Prof. Anqi QIU, Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar, and her research team, the new “Hodge-Laplacian Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network” (HL-HGAT) can learn and analyse heterogeneous signals at different levels, capturing complex associations among various graph structures. Mathematically, k-simplices are fundamental elements of higher-dimensional geometry that capture higher-order relationships among multiple nodes: a 0-simplex is a single node, a 1-simplex is an edge connecting two nodes, a 2-simplex is a triangle formed by three nodes and so on. The HL-HGAT model interprets graphs as simplicial complexes, enabling it to simultaneously capture complex interactions among nodes, edges, triangles and other multi-level structures, greatly enhancing the model’s ability to understand intricate data relationships. At the core of HL-HGAT is the Hodge-Laplacian (HL) operator, which provides a mathematical framework for modelling and propagating signals on simplicial complexes. This allows the network to break through the limitations of pairwise relationships and construct more precise models for complex, multi-level interactions in structured data. In the field of dynamic graphs, HL-HGAT’s major breakthrough lies in its ability to extend high-order topological representations into the temporal domain, combining efficient HL filtering, adaptive attention mechanisms and heterogeneous signal decomposition to reveal complex time-varying motifs that traditional static GNNs cannot capture. Prof. Qiu said, “The HL-HGAT model demonstrates broad efficacy and versatility across diverse graph-based scenarios, from theoretical optimisation problems to real-world biomedical applications. It has been comprehensively evaluated across diverse graph applications, and the results demonstrate the model’s adaptability as a unified framework capable of handling optimisation, classification, regression and multimodal learning tasks across disciplines.” The research team conducted comprehensive tests in multiple fields. In logistics, HL-HGAT effectively solved the classic Travelling Salesman Problem (how to plan the shortest delivery route), helping logistics companies save significant time and costs. In computer vision, HL-HGAT analyses images by converting them into graph structures, outperforming traditional GNNs in the CIFAR-10 image classification task by capturing image details with greater precision. In chemistry, HL-HGAT has achieved superior accuracy in predicting molecular properties, accelerating the development of new drugs In neuroscience and medical diagnostics, HL-HGAT also demonstrates high application value. The team applied it to functional magnetic resonance imaging data analysis, accurately predicting intelligence and brain age, and even discovering abnormal “tripartite synapses” in the default mode and limbic networks of depression patients—subtle changes that traditional methods cannot detect. Additionally, HL-HGAT can identify early cortical thinning and disrupted neural connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease patients, enabling more timely detection of symptoms. This innovative HL-HGAT model not only achieves remarkable results in tackling complex graph-based tasks in scientific and industrial applications, but also marks a significant advancement in graph neural network technology. The research, in a paper titled “HL-HGAT: Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network via Hodge-Laplacian Operator”, has been published in IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. ***END***

PolyU x BOCHK launch space-themed programme 2025/26 to jointly nurture aerospace technology innovators in Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has played an active role in the Nation’s space missions and is committed to nurturing the next generation of space science and aerospace technology talent, contributing to the Nation’s space endeavours. This year, PolyU has once again launched its space-themed programme, “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”. An inaugural public lecture was held on 24 January on the PolyU campus to mark the launch of the programme. The event attracted over a hundred teachers and students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to attend in person, while it was simultaneously live-streamed on multiple social media platforms in Chinese Mainland, drawing nearly 8,000 online viewers and receiving an enthusiastic response. In her welcoming address, Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), said, “At PolyU, our commitment goes beyond education; we are deeply engaged in space research and missions. This strong research foundation enables us to engage you with authentic, cutting-edge topics such as robotic exploration, lunar mapping, surface operations, and planning for future facilities like the International Lunar Research Station. Through today’s lecture and the related competition, we hope you will discover how what you learn in school, such as physics, mathematics, computing, engineering and even design, can one day be applied to real missions in deep space exploration, contributing to humanity’s exploration of the universe.” The lecture, themed “Robotic Exploration at the Lunar South Pole”, was delivered by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at PolyU. Prof. Wu gave an accessible yet insightful presentation on the construction of a lunar research station and the development of space robotics, inspiring students’ interest in aerospace technology. The lecture sparked lively discussion during the Q&A session, showcasing students’ strong enthusiasm for space technology and their inquisitive spirit. This year’s space-themed programme is organised by PolyU and co-organised by the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), with support from the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. The programme aims to inspire students’ interest in space science, engineering and exploration on the lunar south pole while enhancing their understanding of the scientific and technological challenges associated with robotics on the lunar south pole. The programme also aims to foster innovative thinking and nurture future talent for the Nation’s space endeavours. In line with China’s plans for building the International Lunar Research Station as well as the upcoming Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions and aiming to foster innovation across STEM disciplines, the programme features a Lunar Robot Design Competition. Participating teams will be tasked with designing a robot capable of conducting research and exploration on the lunar south pole, with their designs supported by scientific research. Each team will be required to submit a written proposal comprising a conceptual design and technical drawings, followed by a prototype of their robot in 3D printed or digital model/animation format. Registration for the competition is now open. Student teams from Secondary 3–5/Gao 1–2/Grade 9–11 (US curriculum)/Year 10–12 (UK curriculum) from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are welcome to participate. Proposal submissions are due by 31 March 2026. An adjudication panel will shortlist 10 finalist teams. The shortlisted teams will be invited to visit the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and cash prizes will be awarded based on the final assessment results. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, while finalists will be invited to join the PolyU Summer Institute 2026. Should the students participating in the competition later apply for admission to PolyU through the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme, their outstanding performance in this competition will be recognised. For more information about the space-themed programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/polyu-space-themed-programme/ ***END***