25 PolyU research projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund, driving healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge transfer

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary research, achieving significant breakthroughs in pioneering fields such as medicine, healthcare and AI-powered medical innovation, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions. In the latest round of funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund, 25 PolyU research projects secured a total of HK$22.91 million. The projects span areas including AI-powered medical technologies, primary healthcare, precision medicine and preventive medicine, underscoring the University’s strong interdisciplinary research capabilities in the healthcare sector.

The funded projects cover a wide range of topics, from advanced diagnostic technologies, rehabilitation training and management, and innovative mental health treatment solutions, to caregiver support and community-based care models. The research encompasses the disciplines of biomedical engineering, health technology and informatics, nursing, optometry, rehabilitation sciences, language science and technology, and food science and nutrition.

PolyU scholars are dedicated to applying advanced technologies to drive healthcare innovations. Examples include the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in single-cell monitoring in the early detection of infection-associated thrombosis, the use of immersive virtual reality in cognitive stimulation therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and the development of mobile health platforms to support postpartum depression and symptom management in paediatric patients.

Several PolyU research projects also focus on translational medicine applications. These include: the use of time-resolved magnetic resonance fingerprinting for liver cancer radiotherapy assessment; multi-omic investigation of a novel Bartonella bacterium identified in the human microbiome and originating from dermatophagoides farina; and personalised prediction of acute genitourinary toxicities. A number of other funded projects target chronic disease management and rehabilitation, offering innovative interventions for post-stroke fatigue, knee osteoarthritis and upper limb motor recovery.

Beyond clinical research, PolyU scholars are also dedicated to community well-being. Initiatives in this area have seen interventions to alleviate loneliness and support mental health among the elderly, creative arts therapy to enhance the mental health of prostate cancer patients, and the development of AI-powered interactive platforms for diabetes management. For further details on the 25 funded PolyU research projects, please refer to the appendix.

The Health and Medical Research Fund, administered by the Health Bureau, aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research. Its objectives are to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local health and medical research. 

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