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PolyU establishes eight JC STEM Labs to attract outstanding R&D talent and support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a generous donation of over HKD 74 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust) to establish eight Jockey Club (JC) STEM Labs. Spearheaded by distinguished PolyU scholars selected for the HKSAR Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme, these JC STEM Labs aspire to advance innovative research in the fields of machine learning and computer vision, healthy built environment, innovative light therapy for eye diseases, quantum technology, 2D quantum materials, earth observations, digital oncology care enhancement and genomics in healthcare. PolyU held an inauguration ceremony for the JC STEM Labs yesterday to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Trust. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; and Ms Elsie TSANG, Executive Manager, Charities (Talent & Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, together with eight JC STEM Lab Directors. Prof. Wing-tak Wong remarked, “We would like to express our immense gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their generous support in establishing the state-of-the-art JC STEM Labs. These advanced labs will spearhead research across a range of innovative fields, reinforcing Hong Kong’s standing as an international innovation and technology hub. As PolyU commemorates its 30th anniversary of achieving university status, these new facilities not only represent a pivotal milestone in the University’s development but also underscore our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement.” Ms Elsie Tsang said, “By investing in the research endeavours of these JC STEM Labs, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust aims to assist in the creation of an enabling environment that supports the development of STEM talents and strengthens their capacity in applied research and knowledge transfer. Our commitment to this initiative underscores the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society.” The eight JC STEM Lab Directors also presented their Labs’ founding objectives, research areas, key projects and anticipated outcomes, with the aim to create a positive impact on Hong Kong and the world. A brief introduction to the JC STEM Labs is featured below: Lab Lab Director Research focus JC STEM Lab of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Prof. CHAU Lap-pui Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Explore key technologies in 3D vision, general world models, spatial intelligence, trustworthy AI and robotics, as well as advancing innovations in AI perception, to empower smart manufacturing, mobility, education, entertainment and community wellness. JC STEM Lab of Healthy Built Environment Prof. CHEN Qing-yan Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary; and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Develop innovative solutionstoevaluate and design healthy and energy-efficient environments, with applications in airborne infectious disease control and thermal comfort in buildings, transportation and urban areas, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable urban development on a global scale. JC STEM Lab of Innovative Light Therapy for Eye Diseases Prof. HE Mingguang Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health; and Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision, PolyU Transform the treatment landscape for ocular diseases, including theenhancement ofinvasive Repeated Low-Level Red-Lighttechnology by refining light intensity, duration and delivery mechanisms, and extending indications beyond myopia to other eye conditions. JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology Prof. LIU Ai-Qun Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science; and Director, Research Institute for Quantum Technology, PolyU Develop the quantum computers, quantum communication networks, quantum algorithms and software, quantum machine learning, as well as metrology and quantum sensing. The quantum computing microprocessors “HK-o1”, demonstrated by PolyU, is the first quantum computer in Hong Kong that is making a significant impact on the city. JC STEM Lab of 2D Quantum Materials Prof. LOH Kian-ping Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU Develop new 2D quantum materials that can reduce energy consumption in spintronic devices, paving the way for faster and more efficient computers and memory storage devices. This will help underpin the rapid progress of information and communication technology. JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations Prof. WENG Qi-hao Associate Director, Research Institute for Land and Space; and Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, PolyU Advance Earth Observation technologies by integrating space-air-ground sensing, AI-powered image processing and urban sensor networks. The labis pioneering geomatics solutions that revolutionise urban monitoring and environmental management. JC STEM Lab of Digital Oncology Care Enhancement Prof. Janelle YORKE Head, School of Nursing; Angel S. P. Chan Lau Professor in Health and Longevity; and Chair Professor of Nursing, PolyU     Develop a platform for a virtual oncology hospital to enable real-time monitoring of cancer patients’ symptoms related to treatment toxicities, including those from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to facilitate effective clinical decision-making. This can improve patient outcomes and experiences, increase treatment completion rates, enhance survival rates, and lead to significant efficiencies in healthcare. JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare Prof. ZHANG Weixiong Associate Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research; and Chair Professor in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Develop innovative AI and genomic technologies, including the creation of foundational models,for studying diseases andidentifyingdiagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targetsfor disease diagnosis and management. This will help revolutionise personalised diagnosis and therapy for cancers and psychiatric disorders, advancing medical care for all. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust established the JC STEM Lab Initiative in 2021 to support the laboratory set-up for scholars selected for the Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme. The initiative aims to nurture STEM talent in Hong Kong and promote the translation of new science and technology to social impact. The JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology showcased Hong Kong’s first quantum computer called “HK-o1”. This groundbreaking technology is set to make a significant impact in the field of quantum computing. Besides, the JC STEM Lab is actively engaged in quantum research, including quantum communication chips and quantum sensors and more. Ms Elsie Tsang (5th from right, front row), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Laura Lo (5th from left, front row), PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement)visited the lab. Prof. Zhang Weixiong, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare introduced projects that combine artificial intelligence computing, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology to study the mechanisms of depression and develop treatment solutions. Ms Elsie Tsang (right), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club visited The JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare.

Fostering innovation through a collaborative culture and advanced research facilities

Originally from Nigeria, Dr Increase Onwachukwu, Lecturer of the School of Accounting and Finance at PolyU, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for research in international trade, environmental economics, and health economics. His work focuses on the intersection of global trade policies, environmental sustainability, and public health outcomes, aiming to develop informed policies that promote both economic growth and environmental protection. Currently, he is exploring the impact of trade on worsening health outcomes in developing countries and examining the drivers of the gender gap in healthcare utilisation. Dr Onwachukwu was attracted to PolyU due to its alignment with his values and professional goals. He values the university's commitment to academic excellence, as well as its collaborative and inclusive environment. Since joining PolyU, Dr Onwachukwu has found inspiration in the collaborative culture and access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enriching his research perspectives. He believes that diversity within academia encompasses various dimensions, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, and is essential for fostering innovation and impactful research.

PolyU excels in blockchain research resolving pressing challenges and advancing Web3 development

Blockchain is transforming industries with its decentralised, secure and transparent system, embracing nearly every facet of modern life. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) excels in blockchain research, driving the evolution of Web3 development and enhancing the security and efficiency of blockchain ecosystems.  Spearheaded by research of Prof. Allen Man Ho AU, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of Department of Computing at PolyU and Prof. Daniel Xiapu LUO, Professor of Department of Computing and Director of The Research Centre for Blockchain Technology (RCBT) at PolyU, the university is at the forefront of shaping the future of blockchain and Web3 development with notable social and economic impacts.  Prof. Au said, “Looking back at the past 15 years, during which blockchain grew from its early association with cryptocurrency to global adoption across industries. We anticipate the next 15 years with great optimism.” Prof. Luo said, “In addition to research efforts, PolyU is dedicated to nurturing blockchain talents through its Master of Science in Blockchain Technology programme, shaping future experts to propel the advancement of this transformative technology.” As blockchain expands beyond cryptocurrency to encompass various industries and underpins key aspects of Web3, the requirements for security, privacy, interoperability, and efficiency have significantly increased. The initial blockchain systems, designed to secure decentralised currency transactions, now face the challenge of supporting much more complex and sensitive applications. Enhancing security to align with current needs stands as another vital concern. Despite blockchain’s lauded security stemming from its decentralised nature, vulnerabilities persist, especially within smart contracts.  Turning ZKP into action  Prof. Au’s research team innovatively uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) to addresses privacy concerns and maintain data integrity in transactions. ZKPs, a key Privacy-Enhancing Technology (PET), allow for  privacy-preserving transactions and ensure data integrity without disclosing any transaction details. This is essential for industries where confidentiality is critical. While ZKP has been around for some time, its practical application is now gaining momentum as researchers strive to solve real-world problems.  Prof. Au’s research aims to expedite ZKP generation and verification, reducing transaction times while maintaining privacy. Their approach accelerates digital signatures verification multiple times faster than existing methods, ensuring private transactions without compromising speed. These advancements make ZKP practical for widespread blockchain adoption. Building a strong defense Blockchain adoption has extended into various sectors, including healthcare and supply chain management. In the financial field, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) now adopt blockchain-based solutions. Over 100 countries have actively developed their own CBCSs, leveraging blockchain technology or its associated innovations. In environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, the World Bank, has explored using blockchain platforms to support emissions reduction project reporting and carbon offsets trading.  Security is vital for safeguarding the Web3 and blockchain ecosystems. Prof. Luo’s research team innovate methodologies and practical tools to identify vulnerabilities in core blockchain ecosystem components, assist developers in resolving these security issues, and defend against various attacks. The team has uncovered many severe vulnerabilities in blockchain infrastructures, third-party services, and smart contracts, many of which are previously unknown to developers. They also develop new methods to accelerate the detection of known vulnerabilities in blockchain ecosystems. Their findings are reported to developers, assisting in resolving the issues, all of which are acknowledged by the developers.  With a proactive defense approach, the team has developed innovative methods to analyse malicious programmes, such as smart contracts and apps, detect attacks on blockchain ecosystems, trace attackers, and safeguard victims. Their research has revealed many malicious activities within blockchain ecosystems.   

PolyU student project on sustainable transportation won first prize at the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition

A team of three PhD students from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with a student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has secured the first prize in the Northeast Asia division of the 2024 ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition for their innovative research on digital twin technology for sustainable transportation. The team named “Energy Victory” operates under the International Centre of Urban Energy Nexus (IUEX) of PolyU, which is led by Prof. Jerry YAN, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU. Supervised by Prof. YAN and Dr Ying DU, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, the talented students: Junxiang ZHANG, Shibo ZHU, Dayin CHEN, and Haolan CHEN (from Shanghai Jiao Tong University) developed an innovative project titled "Drawing the Blueprint of Traffic Electrification with Digital Twin." This awarded project aims to foster Sustainable Development Goals in the transportation sector, demonstrating the team's dedication to driving impactful change through advanced digital twin technology. The ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition is organised by the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The competition brought together young leaders from all over the world and attracted approximately 300 submissions from 77 teams across 37 countries. The triumph of the PolyU team underscores the university’s dedication to nurturing young student researchers and leadership in advocating for sustainable energy solutions. The award not only recognises the students’ effort but also demonstrates PolyU's standing as a leading institution for innovative research and collaborative endeavours in sustainability. Next, the PolyU team will compete in the Global Final Competition in Chengdu this November, representing PolyU at the United Nations ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok.  

PolyU and OPPO to establish Joint Innovative Research Centre on AI-driven computational mobile imaging

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a collaborative framework agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd (OPPO) to upgrade the existing “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” (former Joint Lab) into the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre” (Joint Innovation Research Centre), effective from January 2025. This new framework will not only continue present research on artificial intelligence (AI) driven computational imaging but will also conduct more comprehensive and in-depth research that will cover the applications of smartphone AI imaging at all levels. OPPO aims to provide total funding of no less than RMB 30 million to the Joint Innovation Research Centre over the next five years to support PolyU’s research and the Centre’s operation. PolyU and OPPO have successfully commercialised research outcomes and jointly nurtured a number of AI talents through their partnership over the past few years. PolyU PhD students who joined the former Joint Lab have been closely working with OPPO engineers and have developed sophisticated Generative AI algorithms, which can instantly process unclear pictures on smartphones, resulting in high-resolution and realistic pictures to the naked eye. This innovation has already been integrated into OPPO’s flagship smartphones. As the demand for mobile video filming and multimedia content creation continues to grow, the future research direction of the Joint Innovation Research Centre will extend to more complex areas, such as video algorithms, album editing and lightweight Generative AI models. The Centre aims to leverage AI technology for mobile devices while maintaining high-quality image output. Additionally, the Joint Innovation Research Centre will continue to foster talent cultivation, academia-industry cooperation and technological innovation development. The signing ceremony for the collaborative framework agreement took place last Friday (1 November) at the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Jason LIAO, President of the OPPO Research Institute. The agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Zheng QIN, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs of OPPO. Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing, PolyU, will serve as Director of the Joint Innovation Research Centre on behalf of the University. Prof. TENG remarked, “To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the University’s innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams, and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer.” Mr LIAO said, “In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab. Adhering to our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users.” About PolyU The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

PolyU project promotes multidimensional machine learning in geotechnical engineering supported by RGC via EU Co-funding Mechanism

Ensuring the resilience of geo-infrastructure is a critical global task amid the challenges brought about by climate change. A project led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance geotechnical engineering, positioning these technologies as next-generation tools to tackle complex challenges. The research has been supported via the European Union (EU) — Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the Research Grants Council (RGC) 2024/25. The joint project - “Geotechnical Resilience through Intelligent Design” - is led by Prof. Zhen-Yu YIN, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Enrico SORANZO, Deputy Head of the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering at BOKU University in Austria, and has been awarded HK$497,600 for a duration of 48 months. Geotechnical engineering faces inherent challenges due to the diverse compositions of geomaterials, complex geological processes and the nonlinear interactions among them. These challenges are further intensified by the impacts of climate change, with the attendant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events. This project aims to train the next generation of machine learning-savvy geotechnical engineers and assemble an interdisciplinary, intersectoral team that connects industry and academia. Together, the team will develop transformative approaches to infrastructure design, including for tunnels, tailing dams, artificial slopes and embankments, as well as geohazard monitoring and prediction through innovative data-driven methods. Key initiatives of the project include exploring advanced sensor technologies for on-site data acquisition, leveraging generative AI techniques to optimise design processes and implementing physics-informed neural networks to enhance the fidelity of geotechnical simulations by integrating physical principles into machine learning models. The project additionally focuses on designing customised solutions for specific challenges and tailoring machine learning approaches to address geotechnical issues encountered in the construction and management of geo-infrastructures, such as tunnels and tailing dams. It also aims to improve the monitoring and mitigation of geohazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in critical areas. Prof. Yin said, “By employing a multidimensional approach, the study aims not only to apply machine learning in geotechnical engineering but also to fundamentally transform the field, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability and resilience.” The European Union Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC aims to strengthen collaboration between European and Hong Kong research communities in areas of mutual interest in order to achieve world-class scientific results.

PolyU researchers advance marine conservation and sustainable seafood research

Hong Kong’s unique marine environment, with its rich ecosystems, provides vital habitats and food sources for various marine species. However, rapid urbanisation and population growth pose significant challenges, including marine pollution, overfishing and climate change. A research team from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively addressing these sustainability challenges. Their focus is on innovative marine pollution monitoring technologies and sustainable seafood research, which includes assessing the impacts of microplastics on marine ecosystems and human health, and restoring pearl oyster reefs, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3 and 14. Monitoring of microplastics in seafood Plastic waste is pervasive, and microplastics are easily ingested by marine life, accumulating in their bodies and affecting other levels of the food chain and so posing a major threat to marine ecosystems. According to 2023 statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Hong Kong residents consume an average of 65 kilograms of seafood per person per year, which is over three times the global average of about 20 kilograms. Led by Dr James Kar-Hei FANG, Associate Professor of FSN, the research team employs automated mapping techniques using Raman microspectroscopy to extract and characterise microplastics accumulated in local seafood, such as green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis). The study revealed that each gram of fresh mussel meat contained 0.2 to 1.8 items of microplastics, ranging from 40 to 1,000 micrometres in length. It is estimated that each Hong Kong resident could ingest up to 10,380 microplastics annually through consumption of bivalve shellfish, a concerning figure. The research has been published in Journal of Hazardous Materials. To further confirm the potential ingestion of microplastics by humans, the team analysed the microplastic content in Hong Kong residents’ faeces. It is estimated that their intake rate of microplastics could be about five times higher than those observed in other Asian and European regions. The research has been published in Toxics. Based on these findings, the team is actively exploring the potential health consequences of microplastics on humans, and collaborating with other PolyU Departments to investigate methods such as bubble barriers and bacterial biofilms to remove microplastics from seawater. Dr Fang has recently received the 2024 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, one of the six global awardees and the sole awarded scientist from East Asia. He stated, “Our research findings continually inspire us to develop and apply advanced technologies to explore innovative solutions and strategies to address the microplastic issue, mitigate its impacts, protect precious marine ecosystems, and ensure the sustainability of marine food sources.” Restoration of pearl oyster reefs Dr Fang’s contributions to marine conservation extend to the restoration of pearl oyster reefs to improve marine environmental health and biodiversity, thereby benefiting local fishery resources. Historically, Hong Kong boasted rich pearl oyster reef ecosystems, providing habitats for other marine life and supporting a thriving pearl industry. However, over-exploitation and marine pollution have led to the degradation of pearl oyster populations, diminishing the surrounding ecosystem services. To enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, Dr Fang’s team has selected sites in Hong Kong’s Tolo Channel to restore pearl oyster reefs using cultured pearl oysters. They employ advanced 3D technologies to track and analyse the influences of these reefs on local biodiversity, and leverage the filter-feeding nature of pearl oysters as a biomonitoring tool to assess marine pollution and improve water quality. The team also collaborates with local fishermen on aquaculture technology to support sustainable fisheries development. Through pearl oyster aquaculture, Dr Fang aims to promote the econutrition concepts and revitalise the local pearl industry, benefiting both the environment and the community. His insights have been published in One Earth. While Hong Kong’s marine ecosystems face challenges, they also hold immense research potential and hope. Dr Fang remarked, “Past research by scientists and scholars has provided crucial scientific evidence and technical support for marine conservation and sustainable development. However, marine conservation represents a prolonged and rigorous task that requires the collective efforts of governments, academia, businesses and citizens. Through research innovation and community education, our goal is to raise conservation awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility within the community to protect the environment, contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s ecosystems.” For more details, please visit: https://polyu.me/3NLYGza

PolyU’s first in-orbit material experiment testbed completed catalyst material experiments in Low Earth Orbit

The Nation’s first reusable and returnable satellite, Shijian-19,was successfully retrieved and returned to Earth after conducting multiple space experiments in Low Earth Orbit. Among the payloads was an in-orbit material experiment testbed developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), which is Hong Kong’s first reusable experimental payload to return from space. The China National Space Administration held the payloads handover ceremony for the Shijian-19 satellite in Beijing last Thursday (24 October), marking the successful completion of the satellite’s return mission. Led by Prof. DanielLAU, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU, who is also a member of the University’sResearch Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), the project was jointly developed with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the testbed was designed and manufactured at PolyU’s Industrial Centre. The entire research and production process was completed on the PolyU campus. This project aims to study the effects of microgravity, vacuum, and radiation on the effectiveness of high-performance catalysts, laying a foundation for space application catalyst materials for producing fuels, oxygen, and specific chemicals. The equipment design considered the averaging material’s radiation exposure rate and high penetrability to improve overall testing efficiency. The payload can be rapidly reused without replacing core components, significantly reducing the overall cost of future experiment opportunities through its reusability. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commended the research team on their outstanding achievement, and said, “PolyU has been actively contributing to various national space projects. We are thrilled to see PolyU’s independently developed and produced in-orbit material experiment testbed aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, demonstrating the University’s research strength in interdisciplinary fields that include deep space exploration, materials science, and engineering. We look forward to fostering further research innovation and contributing to the Nation’s goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace and technology.” The design of the catalyst material testing device is based on Prof. Lau’s earlier development of the APMA system for carbon dioxide electroreduction, which can convert carbon dioxide into ethylene for industrial purposes to provide an effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions. This research has already led to collaborations with an energy and chemical enterprise and received a gold medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland. At the time, PolyU won awards for 28 inventions, including the Mars Landing Surveillance Camera for the Tianwen-1 Mars Soft Landing Mission, developed by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of PolyU’s RCDSE. Prof. Lau recalled that the idea for this interdisciplinary collaboration originated at the award ceremony in Geneva, “Prof. Yung’s team suggested that my new catalyst could be applied to deep space exploration. We returned to the University and immediately began exploring the collaboration, conducting multiple tests on campus before the testbed was finally sent into space.” The in-orbit material experiment testbed has been retrieved and will be analysed in PolyU’s laboratory. Prof. Lau added, “The team hopes to explore the effects of space environments on different materials, which could provide new insights for future deep space exploration missions.” PolyU’s RCDSE  has already launched several fundamental research projects, including in materials science, microbiology, lunar base construction technologies, remote sensing technology, lunar regolith studies, and space resource utilisation. Additionally, the research centre is involved in the development of microsatellites and CubeSats, showcasing PolyU’s comprehensive strategy in deep space research. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to actively participate in major national space missions.

PolyU innovative project on osteoarthritis treatment supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme

Scientific research offers solutions to combat disease with novel treatment options. It is vital to the well-being of humanity, as advancements in medical technology have far-reaching impacts on global health. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received support from the French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche)/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme (ANR/RGC JRS) - 2024/25 Exercise to conduct an innovative project focused on Osteoarthritis treatment. The project, titled “Deciphering and Targeting Cholinergic Signaling to Treat Osteoarthritis,” is led by Dr WEN Chunyi, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU. It has been awarded approximately HK$2.27 million (Hong Kong) and €378,000 (France）under the ANR/RGC JRS for a duration of 36 months. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in older adults, characterised by the loss of articular cartilage that cushions the joint during movement. The funded project integrates collaborative research in rheumatology and biomedical engineering to advance osteoarthritis treatment. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Jeremie Sellam, Professor of the Department of Rheumatology of Sorbonne University in France. The project aims to investigate the role of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, as well as to dissect the intertwined neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic systems in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment. Additionally, it will evaluate the database and serum biobank from a randomised controlled trial on VNS treatment in patients with inflammatory hand osteoarthritis. Dr WEN and his team have established a long-standing collaboration with the French experts. Their collective expertise and pilot studies have addressed technical challenges related to vagus nerve stimulation in small animal models, the monitoring of in vivo cholinergic activity, and the interactions between acetylcholinesterase and the α7-nAChR. Dr WEN said, “We anticipate elucidating the interaction between neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic signalling proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory osteoarthritis, with the vision of developing a novel neuromodulation therapy.” The ANR/RGC JRS aims to strengthen the collaboration between French and Hong Kong research communities. Both basic and applied research proposals of high academic merits in all areas are invited under the scheme.

PolyU scholar attended Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite

Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honoured with an invitation to visit the China National Space Administration on October 24 to attend “The Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite”, which has recently completed a successful mission and returned from space.  The multidisciplinary research team of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU has developed a space catalyst material test device and completed the catalyst material test in low orbit in space. PolyU is very honoured to be able to carry the space catalyst material test device developed by the university into space aboard the SJ-19 satellite. In the ceremony, Prof. Wang said PolyU's involvement in the Nation's space exploration dates back to the 2010s, with active participation in landmark projects. The University is dedicated to research contributions in aerospace science and technologies.