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PolyU’s AI and medicine-engineering integration empowers a new era of medical excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to harnessingmedicine-engineering integration and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to drive innovations and translation of research outcomes into real-world solutions. These efforts support the development of precision medicine, preventive medicine, and primary healthcare, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), while also contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub. PolyU has established a strong foundation in medical and health research, supported by key infrastructure, including seven relevant research institutes and centres under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, 19 university-level research institutes and centres, and four University Research Facilities. By integrating expertise from engineering, medicine, and public health, these facilities drive the development of innovative solutions to advance healthcare in Hong Kong and beyond. PolyU encourages interdisciplinary research that combines healthcare with AI, engineering, and data science. The newly-established PolyU Academy for AI empowers researchers to conduct research that integrates medicine and engineering. This initiative accelerates the deep integration of AI across key fields, including drug discovery, mental health, medical imaging, radiotherapy, Chinese medicine, biomedical engineering and cell immunotherapy. PolyU continues to attract world-class scholars to spearhead interdisciplinary research at the convergence of medicine, AI, engineering, and data science, pioneering a new era of healthcare innovation. The University has achieved notable success in securing funding for health and medical research, ranking first in Hong Kong for both the number of projects and the amount of funding received from the Collaborative Research Fund under the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), with 14 projects in the 2024/25 exercise. PolyU also ranked second among local tertiary institutions in terms of total RGC funding in 2023/24. Over the past five years, several of PolyU’s health and medical research projects have received RGC funding. Between 2018 and 2022, the University also ranks third among local tertiary institutions in terms of average funding secured from the HKSAR Government’s Health and Medical Research Fund. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) said, “PolyU adheres to a patient-centred approach, leveraging our strengths in medicine-engineering integration and AI-driven healthcare to advance medical innovation and knowledge transfer. With our world-renowned researchers, state-of-the-art research facilities, and extensive experience in medical education – particularly in training allied healthcare professionals – PolyU is confident in its ability to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. We look forward to cultivating the next generation of clinician-scientists who will pioneer medical breakthroughs, ultimately contributing to the global vision of ‘Health for All’.” PolyU today showcased four outstanding research projects. AI-assisted radiotherapy support system to enhance treatment outcomes through precision medicine Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Hong Kong and worldwide, and radiotherapy is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment. A team led by Prof. CAI Jing, Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics has developed an AI-assisted lung radiotherapy support system that can automatically analyse patients’ CT scan images and create lung ventilation and perfusion maps without the need for contrast agents. It distinguishes the functions of different lung regions for designing optimal personalised radiotherapy plans through an innovative “function-guided” approach. This method avoids high-functioning lung areas and reduces radiation damage to the patient’s lungs, thereby improving post-operative quality of life. The team collected CT scan images from over a hundred lung cancer patients to train the AI model and employed cutting-edge image processing algorithms to ensure high accuracy and consistency. The system featured a user-friendly interface and a powerful backend and is compatible with major hospital operating systems. The team is currently collaborating with several local and mainland hospitals for clinical trials. They also plan to develop AI models for “function-guided” radiotherapy for liver and brain cancers. This innovation won a Silver Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Prof. Cai Jing and his team have developed an AI-assisted lung radiotherapy support system that can automatically analyse patients’ CT scan images and create lung ventilation and perfusion maps without the need for contrast agents. It helps design personalised optimal radiotherapy plans that avoid high-functioning lung areas and reduce radiation damage to the patient’s lungs. AI-assisted non-invasive angiography to help overcome the bottleneck of traditional diagnostic approach Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness globally. The traditional diagnostic approach relies on fluorescein angiography, which is invasive, expensive and causes patient discomfort, putting constraints on primary healthcare screening capacity. A team led by Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the PolyU School of Optometry, Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision and Global STEM Scholar, has leveraged Generative AI technology to facilitate the diagnosis of eye diseases. Their innovation marks three significant breakthroughs. Firstly, it converts fundus photographs to high-precision angiographic images and dynamic videos within a couple seconds, eliminating the risks associated with traditional dye injections. Secondly, its smart diagnostic system enables early detection of pathological changes on the retina such as microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages, with a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 91.8%. Thirdly, by incorporating ultra-widefield imaging technology, it expands the detection area by 300%. The innovation has already secured five different international patents and is now undergoing multi-centre clinical trials in top medical institutions in GBA. Its teleconsultation system also enables patients in remote areas to receive ophthalmic diagnostic services. This breakthrough research won the Special Merit Award from French Inventors Federation and Europe-France Inventors and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Prof. He and his team have leveraged Generative AI technology to facilitate the diagnosis of eye diseases. It converts fundus photographs to high-precision angiographic images and dynamic videos within couple seconds, enables early detection of pathological changes on the retina such as microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages, and expands the detection area by incorporating the ultra-widefield imaging technology. Embodied intelligent ankle rehabilitation robot to assist stroke patients with home-based rehabilitation Strokes pose a significant health challenge in an aging society, particularly for patients with mobility difficulties and those bedridden for extended periods. These patients require ongoing and repetitive rehabilitation training to prevent joint contractures and excessive muscle atrophy. A team led by Prof. ZHANG Dan, Director of the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute, and the Consortium for Intelligent Robotics Research, and Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, has developed a first-of-its-kind robot product with three degrees of freedom (3-DoF) to provide comprehensive ankle rehabilitation. The robot assists patients with restricted ankle joints in home-based rehabilitation and aids in post-operative ankle joint functional rehabilitation for patients with cerebral hemiplegia and stroke. By integrating embodied intelligence technology and 3-DoF design, the robot can meet the rehabilitation exercise needs of different patients at different stages of rehabilitation. It uses sensors to track and adjust the ankle position for rehabilitation training and simulates natural movements such as dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion, and internal/external rotation according to different scenarios. In addition, the robot can collect muscle activity data through electromyography signals, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of speed and force to tailor the training intensity and mode. The team is currently conducting clinical trials in collaboration with Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and plans to apply AI to offer personalised training for patients. This innovation holds significant potential for rehabilitation of the shoulder joint or hand. Prof. Zhang Dan and his team have developed the first-of-its-kind robot product with 3-DoF to provide comprehensive ankle rehabilitation. The robot assists patients with restricted ankle joints in home-based rehabilitation, and aids in post-operative ankle joint functional rehabilitation for patients with cerebral hemiplegia and stroke. Ultrafine high-sensitivity optical fibre sensor to enhance precision of cochlear implantation surgery The World Report on Hearing from the World Health Organisation indicates that hearing impairment affects over 1.5 billion people globally. However, due to the complexity of cochlear implantation surgery, only 1.5 million such procedures have been performed during the past 45 years. A team led by Prof. TAM Haw Yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Associate Director of the Photonics Research Institute has overcome the technical bottleneck of excessive rigidity in traditional glass optical fibres. The team developed an ultrafine, biocompatible plastic optical fibre sensor and integrated it into the cochlear implant electrode arrays to enhance surgical navigation and reduce trauma during cochlear implantation procedures. As the electrode arraymust be precisely inserted into the scala tympaniof the human ear, the integrated optical fibre sensors help guide the electrode array and monitor contact force during the implantation process. By integrating the novel fibre sensor into commercial electrode arrays, real-time adjustments to the electrode array’s bending angle can be made to further minimise tissue damage. With the technology patents filed, the team is collaborating with the renowned implantable hearing solutions company Cochlear Limited, the University of Melbourne, and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital to advance its clinical trials and commercialisation. The team also plans to develop an AI model to enable robots to perform hearing restoration procedures, further enhancing their efficiency, safety, and precision. This invention won the Thailand Award for the Best International Invention and Innovation and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of Juryat the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Prof. Tam Haw Yaw and his team have developed an ultrafine, biocompatible plastic optical fibre sensor and integrated it into the cochlear implant electrode arrays to enhance surgical navigation and reduce trauma during cochlear implantation procedures. Dr Cui Jingxian (pictured) who participated in the research introduced the project details.

Media interview: PolyU develops AI platform to preserve and promote Cantonese Porcelain art

As the number of people learning the art of Cantonese porcelain diminishes, a research team led by Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) and Professor of the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has developed a creative painting platform named “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain.” It seamlessly blends the essence of traditional Cantonese porcelain art with cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI), forging new pathways for preserving and promoting this precious intangible cultural heritage. “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain” leverages generative AI to precisely control creative details, significantly reducing the time and effort traditionally required for creating Cantonese porcelain. In a recent media interview, Prof. Duh shared that the platform provides real-time evaluation and targeted guidance through a large AI model. This interactive and personalised feedback enhances users’ skills, makes the art form more accessible, and encourages creative expression, all while supporting the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage. Generative AI has not only revolutionised traditional art teaching methodologies but has also dramatically improved the efficiency of cultural transmission, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for artistic creation. Prof. Duh highlighted that collaborations with museums and cultural preservation organisations will further refine and validate the platform’s innovative approach, extending its benefits to a wider range of intangible cultural heritage.   

PolyU develops innovative Language Model Linguistic Personality Assessment system, advancing AI for diverse applications in manufacturing, business and education

Large language models (LLMs) are at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and have been widely used for conversational interactions. However, assessing the personality of a given LLM remains a significant challenge. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed an AI-driven assessment system, the Language Model Linguistic Personality Assessment (LMLPA), with capabilities to quantitatively measure the personality traits of LLMs through linguistic analysis. This innovative interdisciplinary research in AI and computational linguistics has led to the development of robust, data-driven AI tools for evaluating nuanced LLM personality traits and behaviours. The LMLPA system represents a critical step forward in understanding LLMs and developing them to be more aligned with human values and needs. Led by Prof. Lik-Hang LEE, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the research has been published in Computational Linguistics. LMLPA is designed to evaluate and characterise the personalities of LLMs by examining the linguistic patterns, style and other language-related features in their outputs. The system comprises two main components: the Adapted Big Five Inventory (Adapted BFI) and the AI rater. LMLPA first administers the Adapted-BFI, which is derived from previous language-based personality assessment theories, to LLMs. The AI rater then evaluates the responses, converting the textual answers into quantifiable numerical values representing personality traits. This innovative technology not only advances human-centred AI and computational linguistics by providing a robust framework for refining AI personality assessments, but also applications in various fields, including education and manufacturing, as well as in business such as by helping companies with compliance requirements and Environmental, Social and Governance reporting. It also supports sustainable development goals and the enhancement of legal services. Prof. Lee said, “In addressing the limitation of LLMs in capturing the cognitive and affective dimensions of human personality, our team has successfully developed novel assessment tools to evaluate LLM personalities in linguistic terms, aligning with their functional capabilities and operational paradigms.” The research opens up new possibilities of understanding and interacting with AI. By quantifying LLM personalities, their communication styles for specific applications can be tailored, paving the way for more personalised interactions between humans and machines. Prof. Lee has translated the technological foundations of his research to create an AI-driven business compliance platform. Leveraging natural language processing, the platform can analyse and interpret large volumes of textual data and reports, including those generated by LLMs. AI technology is used to perform automated data collection, analysis and insight generation, significantly streamlining the business compliance and reporting process. The integration of LMLPA highlights AI’s nuanced capabilities in assessing language-based personality traits, suggesting potential applications in the analysis of qualitative business and human data.

PolyU’s new Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) strives to promote educational and research development in the fields of medicine and health. Leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and strengths in interdisciplinary research, the University is committed to supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub by advancing precision medicine and personalised treatment. PolyU will actively promote precision and personalised medicine through the introduction of advanced therapy products (ATPs). This initiative will promote medical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerating the development of the local ATPs ecosystem while enhancing Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in biopharmaceuticals. The University is now planning to manufacture cell therapy products for spinal cord injuries, which will be further complemented by the post-surgery rehabilitation programme and utilise the expertise of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS), offering a one-stop approach from precision medicine to rehabilitation to bring new hope to hemiplegia and paralysis patients. The newly established PolyU Advanced Therapy Product (ATP) Laboratory is a Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme’s Good Manufacturing Practice (PIC/S GMP)-compliant facility, focusing on clinical research in immunotherapy, cell therapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Led by Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the team has made plans to collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry and will commence clinical trials once the Laboratory is granted the Licence for Manufacturer and the Certificate for Clinical Trial and Medicinal Test by the HKSAR Government’s Department of Health. Medical needs of spinal cord injury patients The spinal cord is an essential part of the central nervous system. Any damage to it may affect the function of the spinal nerves at and below the injury site. According to the World Health Organization, more than 15 million people are living with spinal cord injuries globally. Common symptoms include tetraplegia, paraplegia, loss of sensation, impaired bladder and bowel control, chronic pain, and movement disorders, which seriously affect patients’ physical and mental health. Currently, there is no effective cure for spinal cord injuries. The medical sector has, in recent years, endeavoured to develop technology for precision medicine, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, biomaterials and tissue engineering, and electrical stimulation therapy, to help repair the injured spinal nerves. Previous research has indicated that, nevertheless, advanced therapy alone is not effective enough for patients to fully regain their mobility. It has to be combined with cross-professional rehabilitation training to enhance the treatment outcomes. PolyU ATP Laboratory: A pioneer in precision medicine The Laboratory has been established with the grants provided by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and PolyU. Equipped with a Production Site, Quality Control Laboratory and Training Laboratory, it will serve as a robust platform for the development and clinical application of local ATPs. The ATP team, in collaboration with scientific research enterprises, the biopharmaceutical industry, and academic institutions, will focus on clinical trials for spinal cord injury patients during its first phase of work. It will make use of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched umbilical cord blood received from the industry partner to produce umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells. Quality control and product packaging procedures will also be performed. PIC/S GMP-compliant final products will then be sent to the hospitals for transplantation in patients. The project will also foster collaboration on neurological disorders research at PolyU, further unleashing the University’s interdisciplinary strengths across neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, biological engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and more. Interdisciplinary integration enables patient-centred care PolyU is the only local university that offers a one-stop solution from treatment to rehabilitation. It has been nurturing numerous allied health professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists who work with medical teams to provide extended care through rehabilitation and the application of technology-assisted diagnosis. With the ATP Laboratory concentrating on advanced therapy and RS providing physiotherapy and other relevant allied health services, patients will be able to receive comprehensive care. During spinal cord injury treatment, for instance, the injured tissue of the patients can be repaired by stem cell transplantation, and their muscle strength and mobility can be retrained through a rehabilitation programme. Prof. Larry Chow said, “There is significant potential for growth in the production of advanced therapy products in Hong Kong nowadays. The ATP Laboratory at PolyU aligns with the international good manufacturing practices, and will contribute to nurturing more biopharmaceutical talents in the region. Through collaboration with industry partners, we aim to achieve breakthroughs in cell therapy and immunotherapy, translating the research outcomes of the University by facilitating cutting-edge medical research and clinical trials, thereby advancing Hong Kong’s medical technology development.” PolyU has submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of the third medical school in Hong Kong. Capitalising on its research strengths in health technologies, engineering and artificial intelligence, as well as its experience in training allied health professionals over the past half-century, the University is confident in its ability to nurture interdisciplinary medical leaders and foster the development of Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

Delegation from Keqiao District, Shaoxing visits PolyU to strengthen collaboration in technology and  research

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PolyU and Shaoxing government host global innovation and entrepreneurship contest to foster tech talent and innovation transfer

The 10th Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest of High-Level Talents, Shaoxing 2025  (Hong Kong Division Competition) was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 22 April. Focusing on cutting-edge technology such as new materials and pan-semiconductors, the competition attracted 15 projects from Hong Kong and Macau, showcasing their strengths in integrating technology and industry. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered an opening speech, highlighting that the competition not only promotes innovation exchange and regional collaboration, but also reinforces PolyU’s leadership in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing talent, and facilitating the transfer of research achievements. Last year, the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially opened in Keqiao District, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative development between Hong Kong and Shaoxing. By hosting the competition’s first stop, PolyU further deepens the cooperation between Shaoxing’s Keqiao District and Hong Kong, strengthening ties in talent development, technological innovation, and industrial advancement, and creating mutually beneficial growth opportunities for both regions. During the event, a panel of senior judges conducted comprehensive evaluations of the participating projects. High-level talent initiatives, including the “Koya Creative Intelligence UTV Project” and the “AI-TOF Processor Chip Design and AI Motion Recognition System Industrialization,” presented roadshows to showcase their innovations and share their experiences. In addition, keynote speeches highlighted development opportunities and the innovation and entrepreneurship environment in Mainland China, explored investment trends, and introduced supporting policies for the Shaoxing Hai Chuang Competition, along with outlining the future direction of projects in Keqiao.  Following the event, the Keqiao Campus Job Fair for High-level Talents was held, attracting a diverse array of enterprises from high-tech industries such as new materials and pan-semiconductors. The fair offered abundant career opportunities and valuable networking platforms for fresh graduates and rising research talents. The final session featured an exchange conference, in which Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine in the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and provided updates on the latest developments of the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Both sides reaffirmed a strong commitment to strengthening industry exchanges and exploring potential opportunities for future collaboration.  

PolyU and Stanford Medicine join hands to establish joint collaboratory for longitudinal deep omics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Stanford Medicine have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the PolyU-Stanford Joint Collaboratory for Longitudinal Deep Omics (LDO). Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in biomedical engineering, AI-driven health analytics, and precision medicine–alongside Stanford Medicine’s pioneering expertise in genetics and multi-omics–this partnership aims to establish a standardised multi-omics ageing cohort to investigate the biological mechanisms underpinning healthy and pathological ageing, identify personalised biomarkers, predict ageing-related diseases, and advance the development of precision medicine. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Larry CHOW, Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry and Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision; Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the PolyU School of Optometry, Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision and Global STEM Scholar; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. ZHOU Lei, Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry; Prof. Thomas LAM, Associate Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry; and Dr ZHOU Xin, Basic Life Research Scientist in Genetics at Stanford Medicine, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Michael SNYDER, Stanford W. Ascherman Professor of Genetics at Stanford Medicine. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “PolyU’s commitment to advancing medical innovation and nurturing talent for positive health outcomes has never been stronger. Recently, the University submitted a comprehensive and innovative proposal to the HKSAR Government to establish the city’s third medical school. Our aim is to cultivate the next generation of medical professionals and leaders who can excel in the future AI-driven healthcare landscape by leveraging our strong foundation of excellence in health sciences, engineering, and AI. The establishment of LDO will further develop and reinforce our strengths in the fields of healthcare and AI.” Prof. Michael Snyder also shared Stanford Medicine’s commitment to advancing research on ageing, improving lives and promoting healthy ageing. Ageing is a primary factor contributing to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. However, individuals age differently, exhibiting distinct patterns and pathways known as ageotypes. Current ageing research remains limited by its narrow focus on specific markers and ageotypes, lacking a comprehensive view of ageing’s impact on health. Through this partnership, PolyU and Stanford Medicine will conduct joint research on deep omics and related disciplines, focusing on the Asian population. Research will centre on integrative analysis of ageing mechanisms and individual variability. LDO will perform longitudinal multi-omics analysis of existing cohorts, including genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic profiling, along with retinal imaging and electronic health records. The collaboration will also develop a real-time health monitoring platform, predictive algorithms for age-related diseases, and institutional exchanges for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. Over the past half-century, PolyU has trained over 50,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, optometrists, radiologists and more, playing a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. Supported by a robust team of over 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff and equipped with more than 90 specialised laboratories and research facilities, PolyU has leveraged its strengths in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology. In addition to its collaboration with Stanford Medicine, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities and hospitals both globally and in Mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to address the medical needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

PolyU’s study on Hong Kong neon signs culture receives Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Led by Prof. Brian KWOK Sze Hang, Associate Professor of PolyU Design, the project “Fading Neon Lights: An Archive of Hong Kong’s Visual Culture” has meticulously documented the visual culture of Hong Kong’s neon signs. The findings have been published in a book that captures the unique visual allure of neon signs through text and images, while also including details of the collection process. The team has preserved the visual aesthetics and craftsmanship of neon signs through photographic documentation, interviews with veteran neon masters and visits to neon light manufactories. In organising and analysing the data, the team has investigated their development and transformation, as well asthe role of these signs in Hong Kong’s socio-cultural landscape, particularly the evolving relationship between streetscapes and consumer culture. The resulting archive, spanning over 60 years of history, showcases the originality, scale and completeness of this unique art form, providing a valuable reference for the history of Hong Kong’s design and arts, as well as its social, economic and cultural development. Prof. Kwok said, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, which highlights the impact of our research on the preservation of neon tube making and styling techniques — an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, and its contribution to fostering deeper understanding and inspiration in urban visual culture.” Prof. Kwok is a prominent figure in the field of design, with his work receiving widespread recognition. His research interests focus on user-centred design and visual culture, encompassing a broad range of areas, including health communication design, Chinese typography, wayfinding design, spatial representation in Hong Kong, and the visual culture of neon signs. Established by the MoE in 1995, the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) are the most prestigious in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China. They are awarded every three years to higher education institutions nationwide and aim to recognise researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.

PolyU hosted technology matchmaking conference with Jiangsu province to strengthen innovation and technology collaboration

Research and Innovation Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, and Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre, successfully co-hosted the Jiangsu-Hong Kong Technology Matchmaking Conference on 15 April. The conference focused on four key areas: artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, healthcare, and new materials. Nearly 100 PolyU researchers and representatives from the Jiangsu government and industry attended and engaged in dynamic discussions and exchanges. During the event, PolyU's leading researchers presented their latest research findings and showcased the university's innovative breakthroughs in a dedicated exhibition area. Over 40 representatives from Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre, High-tech Industrial Development Zone, and various enterprises also shared their industry collaboration needs, facilitating a platform for enhanced industry-academia-research cooperation. To accelerate research translation, PolyU established research institutes in Wuxi and Nanjing between 2022 and 2023 through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding. The collaboration advanced further with the commencement of Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre’s joint innovation service centre and incubation base. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the PolyU-Jiangsu partnership, laying the foundation for enhanced industry-research cooperation in the future. The long-standing PolyU-Jiangsu partnership stands as a model for innovation collaboration, advancing technology, industry and talent exchange while supporting high-quality development in both Jiangsu and Hong Kong.  

PolyU immersive technologies research receives Best Paper Honorable Mention Award at IEEE VR 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to developing immersive solutions that address real-world challenges and foster a more connected and efficient future. Prof. Lik-Hang LEE, Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU, and Mr Chan In Devin SIO, PhD student (Year 2), have been honored with the Best Paper Honorable Mention Award at the IEEE International Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (IEEE VR) 2025. The awarded research paper, “Illuminating the Scene: How Virtual Environments and Learning Modes Shape Film Lighting Mastery in Virtual Reality,” explores how virtual environments and collaborative learning influence the acquisition of film lighting skills in VR-based education.  The research compared three settings: a baseline environment, a dynamic beach, and a familiar office. The results showed that beach setting boosted engagement but increased frustration for individual learners. In contrast, team learning in the office environment reduced frustration and enhanced collaboration. While teams performed best in the baseline setting, individual learners excelled in more challenging environments. These findings provide valuable insights into optimising VR settings to improve learning outcomes in both individual and group learning contexts. Prof. Lee said, “My team is deeply honoured to receive the award. It is a meaningful recognition of the dedication and passion of the PolyU research team, as well as our collaborative researchers from other universities, in exploring how immersive environments can enhance learning experiences. Our study highlights the transformative potential of virtual reality in education by customising environments to support both individual and collaborative learning. I look forward to continuing our contribution to advance immersive learning technologies.” The IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (IEEE VR) is a premier international forum groundbreaking research in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR). Since its inception in 1993, it has showcased pioneering work that continue to shape the future of immersive technologies.