Leading Interdisciplinary Research Solutions | PolyU | PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

About PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is a central research platform at PolyU dedicated to providing world-leading interdisciplinary solutions to significant societal challenges. PAIR facilitates interdisciplinary research, transfers knowledge and technologies, inspires innovations across disciplines, and collaborates with top research institutions in the world.

Achievements in 2024/25

Combined outputs of research institutes and research centres under PAIR (based on Annual Report 2025)

615M

External Research Grants / Donations* (HK$)

*Only external research grants and donations of $2 million or more are counted

263

Awards & Recognitions

1,846

Publications

Patents

PAIR Video is now online

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) leverages its world-class academic and research excellence to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable tomorrow. In July 2022, the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) was established as the University’s central research platform dedicated to providing world-leading interdisciplinary solutions to significant societal challenges.

Watch the video now to discover PAIR research units’ unwavering efforts in research and scholarship, knowledge transfer and collaboration, to develop impactful solutions that benefit Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world!

Transforming discoveries and scientific achievements into practical solutions

PAIR research and development endeavours focus on three core areas: advanced technologies and manufacturing, good health and well-being, and smart and sustainable cities.

The Academy pursues interdisciplinary research, works closely with other PolyU units in the patenting, licensing and commercialisation of research outputs by PAIR research units, and collaborates with extensive parties including governments, industry and businesses in enabling the translation and adoption of PAIR-led innovations.

Research Highlights

Driving professional exchange, knowledge transfer, and industry engagement

PAIR engages eminent scholars and industry leaders in fields relevant to the Academy’s strategic foci, for presentations and collaborative discussions. PAIR hosts diverse events and activities, including but not limited to:

• Distinguished Lectures
• Seminars and salons
• Conferences
• Incoming and outgoing visits

Events & Activities

20 research units bringing together over 600 senior researchers

PAIR has 12 Research Institutes (RIs) and 8 Research Centres (RCs), bringing together over 600 senior researchers from various disciplines.

The Academy leverages interdisciplinary expertise in bringing forth practical, impactful solutions to complex societal challenges that cannot be addressed through a single disciplinary approach.

PAIR members come from different PolyU faculties, schools and departments. They work together in applied research on diverse frontier areas that respond to Hong Kong’s development needs and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.

Interdisciplinary Expertise

20 research units bringing together over 600 senior researchers

What's New

NEWS

About PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

Achievements in 2024/25

What's New

Prof. Mike LAI urges Hong Kong to grow high-value maritime services to secure global shipping hub status

Prof. Mike LAI urges Hong Kong to grow high-value maritime services to secure global shipping hub status

Prof. MA Cong highlights emerging opportunities for medical AI in Hong Kong at Asia Healthcare Summit

Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN elected as Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Prof. MA Cong highlights emerging opportunities for medical AI in Hong Kong at Asia Healthcare Summit

PolyU research reveals hidden health risks from urban airborne microbes

Three PAIR members receive PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award 2026

Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN elected as Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Prof. Raymond WONG elected Fellow of Chinese Chemical Society

Internal and external collaboration in tandem: PolyU study identifies key drivers of sustainable hospitality

Useful Links

Useful Links

PAIR with Us

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