Two PolyU research projects receive Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards from Ministry of Education

Two research projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the second-class award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) by the Ministry of Education. The accolades serve as recognition of the research teams’ breakthrough contributions in the frontier fields of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria and flexible electronics technology, affirming the University’s research strength in both fundamental research and technological innovation.

The two projects are: “Research on the Convergent Evolution and Mechanisms of Carbapenem Resistance and Hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae” led by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology at PolyU; and “Multiscale Coupling Regulation Mechanisms of Flexible Electronic Conductive Interfaces and Applications” led by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices at PolyU.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the two award-winning professors and their research teams, stating: “PolyU scholars are committed to pursuing research excellence, and the Awards represent the Nation’s recognition of the University’s strength in research innovation. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to strive for excellence in talent cultivation, scientific research, and knowledge transfer, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.”

Prof. Chen Sheng has closely collaborated with Prof. ZHANG Rong and Prof. DONG Ning from Zhejiang University, focusing on research in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The team successfully identified the molecular mechanisms underlying its antibiotic resistance and hypervirulence. This research is the first to confirm that carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence can converge through evolutionary pathways in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and it clarifies the molecular mechanisms that accelerate their evolution and transmission. The breakthrough discovery revolutionises academic theories on the co-evolution of resistance and virulence, providing important scientific evidence for the formulation of global public health policies and clinical practices with far-reaching impact.

Prof. Zheng Zijian led his research team in focusing on the multiscale coupling and regulation of conductive interfaces in flexible electronics, achieving multiple breakthroughs in metal-polymer interface engineering, porous conductive networks development and the design of fully flexible devices. The team established a collaborative framework that integrates molecular, micro-nano and macroscopic scales, successfully addressing core challenges such as electrical failure due to interfacial instability and limited device elasticity. Their research outcomes provide key theoretical foundations and technical support for the advancement of flexible electronic systems, driving innovation and application in related fields.

Established by the Ministry of Education, the Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) recognises educators, researchers and relevant units of higher education institutions who have achieved outstanding results and significant impact in natural science research and engineering technology innovation, and those with contributions to the cultivation of innovative talent.

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