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Let the city float: A hybrid floating structure solution for resilient, adaptable and sustainable urban development

Rising global sea levels, driven by the greenhouse effect, now pose an irreversible threat to coastal cities. Prof. Xiao Lin ZHAO, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and his research team have proposed a sustainable and smart floating structure solution, offering an affordable and eco-friendly approach to urban development in Hong Kong.  Floating structures—engineered platforms that rest on water bodies and support a variety of uses from housing to recreation—are no longer just futuristic visions. They are emerging as practical solutions to some of the most pressing urban challenges of our time, including rising sea levels, land scarcity and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.   Globally, floating structures have been deployed in diverse contexts from floating runways in Japan and performance stages in Singapore, to residential communities in the Netherlands and floating offices in Rotterdam. These projects demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of floating platforms, especially in regions where traditional land reclamation is either too costly, environmentally damaging or simply unfeasible.   As a city renowned for its dense urban fabric and limited land supply, Hong Kong is at the forefront of this trend. With a projected land shortage of approximately 3,000 hectares over the next 30 years and a coastline vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea level due to climate change, the City faces mounting pressure to find innovative ways to expand its habitable space. Traditional land reclamation, while historically significant, is increasingly criticised for its environmental impacts—disrupting marine ecosystems, degrading water quality and requiring vast quantities of fill material.    Against this backdrop, floating structures offer a compelling alternative. They can be deployed in suitable water depths around Hong Kong, providing flexible, modular and environmentally sensitive solutions for a range of urban needs.  At the heart of Hong Kong’s exploration into floating urbanism is the Sustainable and Smart Floating Structure Solution (S²FS²), a visionary approach championed by Prof. ZHAO and his research team at PolyU, in collaboration with Prof. CM Wang and Dr. B Wang at The University of Queensland in Australia, and Dr. R. de Graaf-van Dinther at Blue21 in the Netherlands. The project vision was presented at the Third World Conference on Floating Solutions (WCFS 2023) and the conference paper published in WCFS 2023 Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. S²FS² proposes a hybrid model that combines conventional land reclamation with advanced floating platforms, creating new urban spaces that are both adaptive and resilient.   The S²FS² concept envisions large-scale floating platforms, constructed from durable, lightweight and eco-friendly materials, supporting a variety of superstructures for recreation, community facilities and even housing. Unlike traditional land reclamation, S²FS² offers several distinct advantages: significantly shorter construction times, reduced environmental impact, flexibility in configuration and relocation, immunity to seismic activity, and resilience against flooding and sea level rise.   This hybrid approach is particularly well-suited to Hong Kong’s unique circumstances. For instance, the internal spaces of floating pontoons can be utilised for parking, storage or industrial activities, maximising the utility of every square metre. Floating structures can also serve as temporary disaster relief facilities, quarantine centres or emergency shelters, and can be relocated as needs evolve. Most importantly, by shifting non-essential functions onto water, S²FS² frees up precious land for high-rise residential development, directly addressing the City’s acute housing crisis. Despite its promise, the implementation of S²FS² is not without significant challenges. Hong Kong’s harsh marine environment demands construction materials that are strong, watertight and highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue. Traditional materials like steel-reinforced concrete are prone to deterioration, necessitating the development of new composites such as fibre-reinforced polymers and ultra-high-performance concrete.   Structurally, the modular nature of S²FS² requires innovative connector systems that can withstand dynamic loads from waves, wind and typhoons, while ensuring ease of assembly and long-term durability. When it comes to the shape of floating modules, although squares and pentagons are commonly adopted, 3D printing technology offers an opportunity for any shapes.    Construction logistics present another layer of complexity. Floating modules, often exceeding 50 metres in size, must be fabricated, transported and assembled with precision—often in challenging sea conditions. Automated construction technologies, drone-based photogrammetry and Building Information Modelling are essential tools for achieving the required accuracy and efficiency.   Stability and safety are paramount, especially in the face of extreme weather events. Floating breakwaters, both bottom-founded and floating, are critical for protecting assets from wave forces while minimising ecological disruption. Recent innovations include multi-use breakwaters that integrate renewable energy generation and green infrastructure.   Sustainability, including both environmental and social aspects, remains a central concern. The ecological impacts of large-scale floating developments—such as changes in water quality, light and noise pollution—must be carefully monitored and mitigated. At the same time, floating structures offer opportunities for green aquaculture, renewable energy integration and climate-resilient urbanism. Social acceptance, legal frameworks and governance models will play decisive roles in the successful adoption of floating communities.   From an economic perspective, S²FS² also shows promise. A preliminary cost analysis for the proposed Kau Yi Chau artificial island project suggests that a hybrid approach—combining 75% land reclamation with 25% floating structures—could yield cost savings of up to 16.5%, amounting to HK$27 billion for a 1,000-hectare development. These savings, coupled with the flexibility and resilience of floating solutions, make S²FS² an attractive proposition for policymakers and investors alike.   The momentum behind floating solutions in Hong Kong is further underscored by the recent success of the 4th International Conference on Floating Solutions (WCFS 2024) chaired by Prof. ZHAO. With the theme "Floating solutions for sustainable ocean development and blue economy", WCFS 2024 highlighted the strategic significance of developing sustainable floating structure technology—not only for Hong Kong but for coastal megacities worldwide facing the dual threats of sea level rise and overpopulation.   Source: Innovation Digest   

PolyU hosts International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, gathering global leaders from government, industry, academia and research to power development of low-altitude economy ecosystem

Organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA), the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) was held today at PolyU. The Summit brought together local, Chinese Mainland and overseas representatives from government, industry, academia and research sectors to share forward-looking insights into a range of key topics, that spanned low-altitude airspace management policies, research and development of innovative technologies, industry development models and urban applications, while also showcasing numerous innovations in related technologies. The full-day event attracted over 1,200 government and business leaders, scholars, industry experts and public, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique strengths in standards, regulation, and alignment with international practices. The opening took place at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, and was attended by Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Legislative Council Member of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Mr Arthur LEE, Treasurer of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of PolyU.  In his opening address, Mr Michael Wong said, “The development of the low-altitude economy requires not only government effort but also the support of partners from various sectors. I am very pleased that PolyU is a close collaborator in this regard. The government is rapidly advancing the development of the low-altitude economy. Among the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced, and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. In addition, next year, the advanced ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ pilot projects will be introduced, covering more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and low-altitude passenger aircraft. The government will continue to refine the civil aviation legislation and regulatory framework while actively promoting the development of related infrastructure.” Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “PolyU has been working hand-in-hand with the government and industry to promote the development of the regional low-altitude economy and to accelerate the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as an aviation and logistics hub. This Summit provides an excellent opportunity for in-depth exchanges among experts from the government, industry and academia across different regions. As an emerging industry strongly promoted at the national level, the low-altitude economy is regarded as a key driver for developing new quality productive forces. In light of this, PolyU earlier submitted recommendations for the Policy Address which proposed advancing Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy through measures in areas such as infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and civil service training. Leveraging our strengths in interdisciplinary research and higher education, PolyU will continue to work collaboratively with various sectors to help Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area seize the opportunities in this emerging field.” The Hon Elizabeth Quat said, “The low-altitude economy will bring revolutionary changes to transportation, logistics, public services, and different industries, creating numerous job opportunities and new direction for the younger generation. These changes will also bring the public an unprecedented level of convenience and efficiency. However, we still need joint efforts from the government and all sectors of society to safely develop the low-altitude economy. Collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors is essential to drive breakthroughs and promote innovation in policies, systems, regulations, and technology. The LAEA will continue to work together with cities across the Greater Bay Area and different stakeholders to help the region become a global pioneer and demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy. It will also play the roles of both ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, supporting the nation’s low-altitude economy in reaching out to the world.” The first highlight of the Summit was a keynote speech by Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, with the theme “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy.” It was followed by two fireside chats. The first, moderated by Mr Kevin Choi, gathered officials from the Chinese Mainland, the European Union and Singapore, together with international enterprise representative to explore the policies and regulatory regime that support the low-altitude economy; the second, hosted by Prof. Christopher Chao and attended by scholars and industry leaders—including leading electric vertical take-off and landing and low-altitude systems developers—discussed how collaborative innovation across industry and academia can drive breakthroughs in and the translation of low-altitude flying and related technologies. Dr Bi Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, delivered a keynote speech, “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy”. In the afternoon, the Summit featured four thematic parallel sessions. “Sandbox Project Progress Sharing” showcased the progress of ongoing Sandbox projects and highlighted the pilot outcomes, key challenges and policy recommendations. “UTM and UAV Technology” spotlighted research on infrastructure design for unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM), integration with manned airspace, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and related safety mechanisms in the Greater Bay Area. “Policy and Regulation” discussed policy frameworks that foster low-altitude economy development, covering public–private collaboration models and regional integration. “Industry Forum” presented UAV innovations in hardware, software and systems, with live demonstrations and video showcases of their applications in public services. Another highlight of the Summit, an Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged, where nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented edge-cutting technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. These included a sentry drone system for early warning of GNSS interference, 5G-connected drone technology, a 5G drone integrated management cloud platform, an AI-powered aerial intelligence drone platform, an advanced wireless charger for drones, an integrated real-time precise point positioning-real-time kinematic infrastructure for cross-border low-altitude positioning and navigation in the Greater Bay Area, and drone-assisted urban logistics systems. An Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged during the Summit. Nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented cutting-edge technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and a core member Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU, introduced some of the University’s innovations. Providing all-round support for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy development  PolyU is committed to providing comprehensive support for low-altitude economy development in Hong Kong—from technology innovation, knowledge transfer and policy recommendations to talent cultivation. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The University last year established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) to advance interdisciplinary research that drives technological advancements in the field, while its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology has made policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government on various topics related to low-altitude economy. Meanwhile, PolyU is actively expanding its industry collaboration network, driving innovation and knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy. PolyU also this year launched a MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy to cultivate a variant talent pool for the sector.” Prof. Christopher Chao (centre), The Hon Elizabeth Quat (left) and Prof. CHEN Wen-hua, Interim Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous System , and Director of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU (right), attended the media briefing session. Prof. Christopher Chao shared key PolyU initiatives and plans to help promote the low-altitude economy. The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit demonstrated PolyU’s strong research capabilities, cross-sector collaboration network and advantages in knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy field. It also showcased the thriving low-altitude economy ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, enhanced Hong Kong’s international influence in this field and gathered expert insights on multiple critical topics—making a significant step towards the vision of propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.   

PolyU researchers uncover target and mechanism of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine, paving the way for new treatments for viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease

Tetrandrine, a compound isolated from the root of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Stephania tetrandra, has shown promise in combating Ebola virus infection in previous studies. Its precise mechanism of action, however, had remained unclear. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting the calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Tetrandrine is known for its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated calcium efflux, thereby suppressing the activity of the Ebola virus. Scientists have long believed that tetrandrine elicits its pharmacological activity by directly blocking calcium channels and their release of calcium, which is a key regulator of cellular function and physiology including immune response, metabolism, brain and neuron functions, and viral replication. Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has led his research team in using a specially designed photoaffinity probe alongside other advanced tools to visualise tetrandrine’s cellular target. They discovered that, instead of directly targeting the calcium channels, tetrandrine binds to the lysosomal integral membrane protein type-2 (LIMP-2) on the lysosome – the metabolic hub of the cell – and blocks the discharge of sphingosine from it. The team further found that it is the amount of cellular sphingosine that controls the activity of calcium channels: the less sphingosine released, the less calcium that can enter the cells. With this ground-breaking discovery, the researchers propose that tetrandrine can be used to disrupt processes critical to the survival and replication of viruses, such as Ebola and COVID-19, by targeting LIMP-2 to alter lysosomal calcium release. Importantly, these findings highlight lysosome-related mechanisms as a new frontier for drug discovery, offering novel strategies for treating diseases caused by calcium imbalance, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as certain metastatic cancers. Prof. Ko said, “This is the first time a function of LIMP-2 in calcium signalling has been uncovered. From a cell biology perspective, our study has revealed a completely new pathway for NAADP-regulated calcium signalling, through LIMP-2 and sphingosine. From an anti-viral treatment perspective, the study has identified LIMP-2 as a key target of tetrandrine for the treatment of Ebola virus infection, with broader applications in other antiviral therapies.” While illuminating tetrandrine’s biological mechanism, the research team has developed a technology platform that combines photoaffinity probe and multi-omics analysis. This platform not only facilitates studies of natural product biology, but also enables researchers to identify the molecular targets of other natural compounds, particularly those derived from TCM. By integrating modern analytical techniques with TCM, it modernises the use of natural products and expands their therapeutic potential in the fight against the most challenging diseases, supporting the development of innovative drugs. The research redefines how natural compounds, such as tetrandrine can be applied in modern therapeutic strategies. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Tetrandrine regulates NAADP-mediated calcium signaling through a LIMP-2-dependent and sphingosine-mediated mechanism.”  

Advanced cobalt-based catalysts boost efficiency in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and cut costs

With the rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles have attracted growing interest. Prof. Molly Mengjung Li, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to researching ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and has recently developed a highly efficient, low-cost catalyst, helping to advance the practical adoption of hydrogen vehicles.  The global transition towards sustainable energy has placed hydrogen-powered vehicles at the forefront of clean transportation solutions. As governments and industries strive to decarbonise mobility, the acceptance of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is gaining momentum due to their high energy efficiency and zero-emission credentials. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy vehicles hinges not only on the development of fuel cell technology but also on the safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage and release of hydrogen itself. Prof. Li, and her research team are investigating the possibility of using ammonia as a hydrogen fuel carrier and studying the stability of hydrogen energy storage in order to promote the popularisation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Their study, published in Advanced Materials, introduces an efficient and cheap catalyst to facilitate the hydrogen energy generation reaction.  Hydrogen (H2), when used in fuel cells, reacts with oxygen (O2) to generate electricity, emitting only water (H2O) as a by-product. This reaction offers a compelling alternative to fossil fuel combustion, promising both environmental and operational advantages. However, hydrogen’s low volumetric density and the challenges associated with its storage and transport have long been recognised as significant barriers to its practical deployment. Among the various strategies proposed, chemical carriers such as ammonia (NH3) have emerged as promising solutions. NH3 boasts a well-established production and distribution infrastructure, a high hydrogen density and the ability to release hydrogen without generating carbon oxides. The decomposition of NH3 into N2 and H2 is thus a critical reaction for on-board hydrogen generation in fuel cell vehicles. Despite its promise, the practical implementation of NH3 cracking technology faces a major hurdle—the reliance on ruthenium (Ru)-based catalysts. Ru catalysts are highly effective for low-temperature NH3 decomposition but their scarcity and high cost impede large-scale adoption. This has spurred a global research effort to identify alternative catalysts based on earth-abundant, non-noble metals.  Cobalt (Co) has emerged as a particularly attractive candidate, given its favourable nitrogen binding energy and lower susceptibility to catalyst poisoning compared to other transition metals. However, conventional Co-based catalysts typically require high temperatures (600°C) to achieve satisfactory hydrogen yields, limiting their utility for mobile applications where energy efficiency and compact reactor design are paramount considerations. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on innovative catalyst design strategies that can enhance the low-temperature activity of Co-based systems. One such approach is the engineering of lattice strain at the catalyst-support interface, which can modulate the electronic structure of active sites and thereby optimise their interaction with reactants. Drawing inspiration from advances in strain engineering in other catalytic systems, Prof. Li’s research team has developed a new class of core@shell catalysts, exemplified by the Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ heterostructure. Performance testing of the Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ catalyst reveals remarkable activity for NH3 decomposition at moderate temperatures. Under high space velocity conditions, the catalyst achieves a hydrogen production rate of 64.6 mmol H₂ gcat-1 min-1 and maintains nearly complete NH3 conversion between 475°C and 575°C. These results are on par with, or even surpass, those of many Ru-based catalysts, but without the associated cost and supply constraints. Advanced characterisation techniques, including synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electron microscopy, confirm the formation of a well-defined core@shell structure and the presence of nitrogen species at the interface after reaction, highlighting the critical role of the heterostructure in facilitating the catalytic process. To further elucidate the advantages of the core@shell design, a comparative study was conducted with a conventional supported catalyst, Co/BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ, which lacks the encapsulating shell. Both catalysts were prepared with similar cobalt nanoparticle sizes to ensure a fair comparison. The results are striking: while both systems exhibit increasing NH3 conversion with temperature, the core@shell Co@BaAl₂O₄₋ₓ catalyst demonstrates a significantly lower onset temperature for activity (200°C versus 250°C) and achieves near-complete conversion at 500°C, compared to even higher temperature for the supported analogue. Moreover, the core@shell structure exhibits superior stability under high flow rates, whereas the supported catalyst suffers from a sharp decline in performance.  The development of the Co@BaAl2O4-x core@shell catalyst represents a significant advance in the quest for efficient, Ru-free catalysts for ammonia cracking in hydrogen energy vehicles. By leveraging lattice strain engineering and strong metal-support interactions, this system achieves low-temperature activity and stability previously attainable only with precious metals. The mechanistic insights gained from this work not only inform the design of next-generation catalysts for clean energy applications but also underscore the transformative potential of interface engineering in heterogeneous catalysis. As the hydrogen economy continues to evolve, such innovations will be pivotal in realising the full potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for the future of mobility. Source: Innovation Digest  

Chang’e-6 team wins IAF World Space Award with PolyU-developed space payloads supporting lunar far side sampling mission

At the opening ceremony of the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, the China National Space Administration’s Chang’e-6 team was awarded the prestigious World Space Award 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed critical engineering payloads for the Nation’s Chang’e-6 mission, contributing to the world’s first lunar far side sampling. As part of the team, the University is deeply honoured to have been instrumental in this historic achievement. PolyU was also recognised with the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award, becoming the first higher education institution in China and the East Asia region to receive this distinction—underscoring its achievements in fostering diversity and inclusion in the aerospace sector. The World Space Award is one of the highest honours in the field of international astronautics, often regarded as the “Oscar of Space”. Previously, China’s Chang’e-4 mission team and the Tianwen-1 probe development team received the same award in 2020 and 2022, respectively. This award to the Chang’e-6 mission team once again signifies China’s leading position in space exploration. Led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the PolyU research team collaborated closely with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop the “Surface Sampling and Packaging System” for the Chang’e-6 mission, and was involved in the design and manufacturing of key instruments. PolyU was the only Hong Kong university to have its in-house critical payloads aboard Chang’e-6. The System successfully soft-landed on the far side of the moon in 2024 and completed fully automated surface sampling and packaging tasks, achieving the historic feat of collecting samples from the lunar far side for the first time. Meanwhile, the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award conferred upon PolyU recognises the University’s commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its outstanding performance in promoting geography, generation and gender diversity within the aerospace sector. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU takes great pride in supporting the national aerospace team in achieving international accolades, and we are honoured to have received the 3G+ Diversity Award. This not only affirms the University’s research capabilities but also recognises its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. PolyU will continue to dedicate itself to innovative research and nurturing diverse talents, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the global community.” PolyU has actively participated in the national space exploration programme since 2010, providing key technologies for the Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and Chang’e-6 lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. In recent years, PolyU established the "Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations" to further advance space research. Since joining IAF in 2023, PolyU has been an active contributor to the International Astronautical Congress. This year, the University proudly presented nine cutting-edge space research projects, spanning low-Earth orbit navigation, planetary remote sensing, spacecraft fire suppression systems, advanced spacesuit design, and an AI-driven satellite imagery localization start-up founded by two of our international undergraduate students. PolyU remains committed to aerospace research and innovation, with the aim of contributing to national space exploration and development.  

PolyU scholar named the Structural Health Monitoring Person of the Year

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) leads global innovation in structural health monitoring to strengthen infrastructure safety. Prof. XIA Yong, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Dean of Graduate School, and Director of Joint Research Centre of Marine Infrastructure, has been named the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Person of the Year, making him the third PolyU scholar to receive this esteemed award over the years. The SHM Person of the Year Award recognises individuals worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to structural health monitoring for the benefit of society. It honours excellence in theory, analysis, applications, education, or other advancements within the field, with a focus on achievements in recent years. PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong to receive this prestigious honour and shares the global lead for the highest number of recipients since the award was established more than twenty years ago. Prof. XIA is honoured for his transformative contributions to structural health monitoring. His pioneering research includes the development of vibration-based damage detection methods, numerical and analytical solutions for bridge responses under thermal loads, and substructuring techniques for monitoring large-scale structures. These advancements have shaped design standards and textbooks, making a global impact on education and engineering. His research has been applied to major local and national projects, including the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Canton Tower and the Shanghai Tower, as well as internationally to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan and the Humber Bridge in the UK. As a leader in the field, he has established several research centres, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Marine Infrastructure, demonstrating his commitment to collaboration and innovation. Moreover, he has developed unique educational systems, such as the Benchmark Problem for SHM of High-rise Structures and the real-time PolyU Footbridge Digital Twin System, significantly advancing global SHM practices. For more of Prof. XIA’s achievements: PolyU scholar awarded ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal 2025 Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges Digital Twin-based Long-span Bridge Health Monitoring PolyU Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure Sponsored by SAGE Publishing, a leading international academic and professional publisher, the award is selected by the editorial board of the Structural Health Monitoring journal and presented annually at the International Workshop on SHM in Stanford, California, USA. Learn more: Professor Xia Yong named SHM Person of the Year, solidifying PolyU’s leadership in structural health monitoring (Pulse@PolyU)

PolyU researchers develop underground utilities inspection technologies to locate invisible water pipe leakages and voids

Proper maintenance of underground infrastructure is crucial for a city’s sustainable development. However, with its high-density underground utilities, such maintenance work is particularly challenging in Hong Kong. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has leveraged advanced underground exploration technologies to develop underground utilities inspection systems that support early detection of urban infrastructure anomalies, including voids and pipe leakages, for enhanced urban management. Underground utilities are essential for providing water, energy and communication services. As the infrastructure ages and deteriorates, it becomes prone to cracks, leakages and even road subsidence, leading to service disruptions and road accidents. Developed by Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, and his research team, their technologies help accurately pinpoint the source of leakages and indicate their severity through analysis of underground images and leak noises. Addressing the complexity of Hong Kong’s underground pipeline network, these technologies can serve as safeguards against related urban risks. Multi-channel and vehicle-towed GPR technology supports large-scale inspection In the construction sector, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology is often used to investigate underground anomalies by scanning and imaging underground structures. The researchers utilised advanced multi-channel and vehicle-towed GPR that allows large-area scanning. From the images generated of underground pipes, they successfully decoded water leakage signatures in utilities surrounded by soil, and established a set of quantitative benchmarks for determining where there is leakage and assessing how serious it is. With this technology, researchers can uncover potential underground cavities and pipeline leakages before they actually occur, and examine changes in time-lapse radar data for ongoing detection. One of the critical aspects of the project is the introduction of a unified framework for producing consistent and quantitatively interpretable GPR images. Prof. Lai said, “Traditionally, GPR technology is used for subjective near-surface geophysical mapping and prospecting. Our research presents a significant advancement in using it as an objective measurement and a diagnostic tool to identify and locate hazards, and assess their severity, further advancing the application of GPR.” Another side of the coin: Leak noise analysis also helps locate leakage source When pipe leakage is detected in a particular region by GPR, it is important to locate the leakage for subsequent repair. Repair work relies on precise positioning for excavation, and this is where another technology comes into play—distinction of leak noise and its positioning. The researchers conducted analysis to understand the characteristics of such sounds for years, specifically examining the amplitude and magnitude of sounds distant from and at the leakage point. They further found that leakage caused by different factors, such as pipe cracks or valve leaks, and on different levels of severity produces noise with different patterns. Supported by these findings, through studying the sound data the researchers are able to discover the source of the leakage and distinguish between different leakage scenarios. Currently, with the help of ground microphones and leak noise correlators, technicians in the industry collect leak noise at fixed points, including suspected leak points and high-risk locations like areas near valves. These tools are, however, prone to interference from environmental noise like traffic, making it hard to accurately identify the source and condition of the leak in many occasions. The team is now exploring the use of robots equipped with acoustic hydrophones that can go deep into underground pipelines to collect sound data directly for more precise locating of the leak source and arrangement for immediate repair. Integrating AI and robotics technologies for future application At the forefront of research on underground pipeline inspection for decades, Prof. Lai’s projects have received support from the government and industrial institutions. Among these is the Water Supplies Department (WSD), which collaborated with Prof. Lai’s team to launch the underground water mains leak detection training centre, Q-Leak, in 2021 to advance leak detection technology. The two parties earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co. Ltd to jointly establish the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, focusing on developing pipeline robotics technologies. In addition, making use of the GPR images and leak noise previously collected, the research team is working with the Government and industry partners to establish a database and develop an AI model that enables efficient comparison and analysis of substantial underground pipeline images and sound data, while also generating more accurate and reliable assessment results. The team envisions that this initiative will facilitate large-scale inspection of underground pipelines in Hong Kong and beyond. Prof. Lai remarked, “WSD aims to reduce the rate of water leakage from 13.4% to less than 10% before 2030. Meanwhile, the Highways Department reported 52 cases of road subsidence between 2021 and 2023, many caused by leakage in high-pressure underground water pipelines. By harnessing a range of advanced technologies, we aim to develop a data-driven warning system and surveillance plan, along with a risk-based asset management strategy, for detecting underground leakage and voids with improved accuracy and efficiency, and providing scientific support to relevant policy decisions.”

PolyU and Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology sign MoU to explore the establishment of Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface, driving deployment scheme of intelligent prosthesis in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited (Qiangnao Technology) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Cyberport to explore the establishment of the “PolyU-Qiangnao Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface”. The two parties will also collaborate on promoting the deployment scheme of Qiangnao Technology’s intelligent bionic limbs in Hong Kong, accelerating the translation and application of medical technology, and benefitting people with disabilities.  Witnessed by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Mr Bicheng HAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology, the MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing of PolyU, and Ms Nyx HE, Partner of Qiangnao Technology.  “The landing of Qiangnao Technology in Hong Kong and its collaboration with PolyU mark a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem in the field of smart rehabilitation technology,” said Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. “For half a century, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 healthcare professionals. The University has long been dedicated to deepening medicine-engineering integration and advancing AI-empowered medical development, while actively promoting medical innovation. PolyU is now making every effort to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, further leveraging its strengths in research and talent development. PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering stands out as the only provider in Hong Kong offering undergraduate education and training Prosthetists and Orthotists accredited by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Since the graduation of the first cohort in 1999, we have consistently provided the local healthcare system with professionals equipped with both expertise and practical skills. This collaboration with Qiangnao Technology will align with the recent Policy Address, in which the Government announced plans to introduce a two-year scheme: through the Innovation and Technology Fund, it will grant full subsidies to amputees in Hong Kong for the configuration and use of high-tech prostheses free of charge. We will actively participate in this scheme, carrying out installation of intelligent bionic limbs and evaluation in line with professional standard, thereby enabling amputees to benefit from innovative rehabilitation technologies.”  Mr Bicheng Han said, “Qiangnao Technology is committed to developing non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) and intelligent prosthetic technologies. Our team developed the world’s first mass-produced intuitive-controlled intelligent prosthetic bionic hands, as well as innovative application solutions in rehabilitation, sports health, and education. We’re thrilled to partner with PolyU on this exciting initiative to expedite the validation and application of our technologies in clinical and real-life scenarios, enabling the technologies to serve the public. We hope to combine strengths from industry, academia, and research institutions to drive product innovation, industry standardisation, and internationalisation leveraging the platform of this research centre. Our ultimate goal is to provide a wider range of affordable, sustainable, and diverse innovative solutions for users in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and around the world.”  Founded in 2015, Qiangnao Technology is a leading technology company in the field of non-invasive BCI in China. As the first Chinese team selected by Harvard Innovation Lab and the first unicorn in the field of BCI in China, it has made numerous breakthroughs in the research and development of products such as intelligent prosthetic bionic hands. With a portfolio of over 420 patents, Qiangnao Technology has achieved notable progress in the fields of rehabilitation for the disabled and assistive therapeutic technology for patients suffering from brain diseases. Its technologies and products have been successfully launched in multiple markets around the world.  With PolyU’s academic excellence, professional talents and research capabilities and Qiangnao Technology’s expertise in product development, commercialisation, and cutting-edge technologies, the two parties will collaborate on research, development, application, clinical studies, and technology upgrade for BCI-related products, establishing the next generation BCI technology platform. The partnership will also encompass education and training initiatives, including curriculum design, student competitions for different age groups, and training facilities. This programme will be jointly executed by PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Qiangnao Technology in collaboration with other departments.  The PolyU team for this collaboration will be led by Prof. Zheng Yongping. With a long-standing focus on ultrasound imaging, medical-engineering integration, intelligent rehabilitation, and smart ageing technologies, Prof. Zheng’s team has pioneered novel BCI signalling technologies based on ultrasound imaging of the brain and muscles. In 2024, Prof. Zheng achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for ProRuka—a groundbreaking prosthetic hand controlled by sonomyography and AI algorithm developed by PolyU. As a seasoned expert in medical device invention and commercialisation, Prof. Zheng has successfully brought to market two ultrasound-based medical devices, namely Scolioscan (a device for scoliosis assessment) and Liverscan (a portable device for screening liver fibrosis and fatty liver). These solutions have been deployed in 15 countries and regions, providing services to more than 100,000 patients. Building on this success, Prof. Zheng will lead the establishment of a BCI platform for new generation research, development, application, evaluation and technology transfer in collaboration with Qiangnao Technology. The team will also coordinate clinical evaluation, installation, training, and follow-up assessment in relation to intelligent bionic limbs, as well as establish a standardised and scalable deployment systems.

Media interview: PolyU showcases latest space research excellence at IAC 2025

The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) is being held in Sydney, Australia, from 29 September to 3 October. With a deep foundation in aerospace research and practical experience in national space missions, PolyU is showcasing different space-related research projects at the Congress and fostered communication and technological exchanges between PolyU researchers, aerospace experts, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, has been interviewed by Phoenix TV about PolyU’s significant participation in the annual conference and the University’s ongoing contributions to China’s space missions. During the event, over ten PolyU professors and researchers are showcasing their innovative projects, demonstrating the University’s leading role in space technology development to international partners. PolyU actively promotes collaboration and idea-sharing across diverse backgrounds, ages, and experience levels. Upholding its commitment to diversity, inclusion and innovation, PolyU will continue to advance education, research, and knowledge transfer. These efforts support the internationalisation of China’s space endeavours and help position Hong Kong as an international hub for aerospace cooperation. Also, PolyU is honoured to receive the Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award (Internal 3G+ Impact) from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The Award recognises PolyU’s leadership and its contributions to fostering a more diverse and inclusive academic and research environment in the global aerospace sector.  

PolyU researchers pioneer 3D micro-printed sensors to advance on-chip biosensing for early disease detection

Early-stage disease diagnosis relies on the highly sensitive detection of biomarkers. Optical whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microcavity sensors have emerged as a highly promising technology for precise, label-free biosensing. However, major challenges remain in the rapid fabrication of large-scale arrayed WGM microcavity sensors and their integration into lab-on-a-chip devices for biomedical applications. In a noteworthy advance, researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a novel 3D micro-printed WGM microlaser sensor for highly sensitive on-chip biosensing. This innovation drives the development of next-generation biosensing tools, enabling direct, ultrasensitive and quantitative measurement of biomarkers for early disease detection. Prof. ZHANG A-ping, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, and his research team have invented the new sensor—a 3D micro-printed Limacon-shaped WGM microlaser sensor—by combining flexible 3D micro-printing technology with the optical advantages of WGM microlasers. This innovation achieves both easier light coupling and superior biosensing performance, paving the way for impactful on-chip biosensing applications. Prof. Zhang said, “In the future, these WGM microlaser sensors could be integrated into a microfluidic chip to enable a new generation of lab-on-a-chip devices for ultrasensitive, quantitative detection of multiple biomarkers. This technology could be used for the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancers and Alzheimer's disease, or for fighting major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.” The newly developed microlaser sensor design overcomes many challenges that have hindered the integration of such sensors into lab-on-a-chip systems for point-of-care medical diagnostics. The research further reveals that the microlaser sensor’s resonant nature and its very narrow linewidth of lasing peaks enable the detection of extremely small concentrations of human immunoglobulin G (IgG), a common antibody found in blood and other body fluids. Experimental results showed that the sensor can detect human IgG at a detection limit of approximately 70 ag/mL, highlighting its potential for ultralow-limit detection of biomarkers in early disease diagnosis. The research, “3D micro-printed polymer Limacon-shaped whispering-gallery-mode microlaser sensors for label-free biodetection,” has been published in Optics Letters, and highlighted with a news release by international optical society OPTICA. The state-of-art facilities at PolyU have played a crucial role in supporting the researchers’ groundbreaking innovations. Prof. Zhang remarked, “This innovative microlaser sensor was made possible by our in-house 3D micro-printing technology, which allowed for the rapid fabrication of the specially designed 3D WGM microcavity and high-precision trimming of its suspended microdisk.” Integrating photonic sensors onto a chip is critical for advancing high-performance biosensing technology. Optical WGM microlaser sensors operate by circulating light resonantly within tiny microcavities. When target molecules bind to the cavity’s surface, they induce slight changes in the laser’s wavelength, enabling highly sensitive detection of biological substances. However, one challenge in applying these sensors in real-life is the need to couple light entering and leaving them, which typically requires a tapered optical fibre with a diameter smaller than 2 microns. Such tiny fibres are not only difficult to align but also susceptible to various environmental disturbances. This limitation has hindered the integration of microlaser sensors into lab-on-a-chip devices for real-time, high-sensitivity detection of biomolecules. Using the light emitted directly from the microlaser sensor offers a promising alternative to using tapered optical fibres for light coupling. However, the circular microcavities of conventional WGM microlasers make efficient far-field light collection difficult, thereby limiting the readability of the sensor’s weak signal. To overcome this challenge, the research team designed a 3D WGM microlaser sensor featuring a Limacon-shaped suspended microdisk. This innovative design provides the sensor with both low lasing threshold and directional light emission, improving light coupling efficiency for practical on-chip integration. Leveraging their self-developed 3D micro-printing technology, which offers high resolution and flexibility, the team successfully fabricated the arrays of WGM microlaser biosensors at a remarkable speed. Experimental results showed that the microlaser biosensors exhibited a very low lasing threshold of 3.87 μJ/mm2 and a narrow lasing linewidth of about 30 pm. Notably, the sensors were capable of detecting IgG at a concentration as low as attograms per millilitre, highlighting their potential for ultrasensitive biomarkers detection in early disease diagnosis. Moving forward, Prof. Zhang plans to integrate the microlaser sensors into a microfluidic chip to develop optofluidic biochips for rapid, quantitative and simultaneous detection of multiple disease biomarkers.   *Notes: A lab-on-a-chip is a device that integrates one or several laboratory functions (e.g. chemical or biological analysis) on a single integrated circuit (commonly called a “chip”) of only millimetres to a few square centimetres to achieve automation and high-throughput screening.