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PolyU co-hosts 2nd GTI Forum, catalyzing global AI and 6G innovation in Hong Kong

The 2nd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence Hong Kong, organised by GTI and co-hosted by China Mobile, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and other institutions, was successfully held in Hong Kong from 9 to 10 September. The forum attracted over 500 senior executives, leading academics, and young innovators from around the world, who engaged in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, innovative applications, and future development trends. The event highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international hub for technological innovation. At the main forum on 9 September, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasised that the sustainable development of AI relies not only on technological breakthroughs, but also on inclusivity and accessibility. PolyU has established strategic partnerships with numerous leading enterprises to drive the practical application of AI technologies and industrial innovation. By fostering open resources, shared capabilities, and collaborative ecosystems, PolyU is committed to empowering a wide range of industries with AI and delivering benefits to societies worldwide. During the forum, China Mobile and GTI jointly launched two major initiatives: the “Global AI+ Industry-Academia-Research Ecosystem Cooperation Initiative” and the “AI-Native 6G Open Testbed Hong Kong Node and Beijing-Hong Kong Interconnection.” Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, participated in the launch ceremony as a distinguished guest. These initiatives aim to establish a global collaborative innovation mechanism among industry, academia, and research, promote the standardisation, testing, and industrial application of AI and 6G technologies; and inject new momentum into the global blueprint for AI collaboration. On September 10th, the GTI Forum’s “Sub-Forum 3: Convergence of Networks and AI” was held at PolyU, attracting over 200 professionals and researchers from various sectors. In his opening remarks, Prof. Zhang Chengqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU, highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment to advancing AI research and industrial applications. He emphasised the importance of building interdisciplinary collaboration platforms and encouraging researchers to address key challenges of AI in complex real-world scenarios. Prof. Chen Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU, delivered a keynote speech on “AI-Driven 6G Semantic Communication.” He proposed leveraging lightweight Scene Graph Generation (SGG) algorithms to enable semantic analysis of video streams at IoT endpoints, facilitating efficient transmission of critical information even in unstable network environments. This approach supportsthe development of low-carbon computing networks, overcomes bottlenecks in IoT communications, and lays a solid foundation for intelligent networks in the 6G era. The sub-forum also featured distinguished speakers, including Prof. Liu Yuanwei from The University of Hong Kong, Prof. Saaidal Razalli Bin Azzuhri from the Universiti Malaya, Ir Dong Ying from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Mr. Bo Hagerman from Ericsson, and Mr. Bai Rui from Nokia. They shared the latest advancements and practical applications in the integration of AI and 6G technologies. Founded in 2011 by major international telecom operators, GTI is a global cooperation platform that now brings together over 400 operators and partner members from 66 countries and regions across six continents. The 2nd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence Hong Kong, themed “Openness, Sharing, and Cooperation Advancing AI Development,” aims to jointly promote AI research and applications and accelerate the digital and intelligent transformation of industries.  

Semi-wet carbonation: Transforming construction waste into sustainable resources

Hong Kong’s skyline generates vast amounts of construction waste through daily demolition. While some of this waste is used for land reclamation, much still ends up in landfills. Prof. C.S. Poon, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is dedicated to advancing construction waste recycling and had developed a new semi-wet carbonation technique, transforming waste into valuable building aggregates and promoting more sustainable construction practices in the city.  Recycling concrete not only diverts substantial material from landfills but also presents a significant opportunity for reducing carbon emission. Central to this recycling effort is the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), which can serve as a substitute for natural aggregates that typically comprises 60%–80% of concrete’s volume in new construction. However, RCA’s higher porosity and water absorption compared to natural aggregates pose challenges for its widespread adoption, as these properties can compromise the mechanical strength and durability of new concrete. To address these limitations, PolyU researchers have turned to carbonation—a process that reacts CO₂ with calcium-bearing phases in RCA, forming calcium carbonate and thereby improving the properties of an aggregate. Beyond enhancing RCA’s performance, carbonation also offers a route for permanent CO₂ sequestration, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.  Traditionally, two main carbonation techniques have been explored: semi-dry carbonation and wet carbonation. Semi-dry carbonation employs water vapour as the reaction medium, typically under high humidity conditions (50–100% relative humidity). This method is relatively simple but suffers from slow reaction rates, with degrees of carbonation ranging from 10% to 20% after several days. The limited water availability in semi-dry carbonation restricts the diffusion of CO₂ and calcium ions, thereby impeding the formation of calcium carbonate. In contrast, wet carbonation immerses RCA in liquid water, facilitating faster and more complete reactions. Here, the water-to-solid ratio is a critical parameter, often ranging from 5 to 100, to ensure sufficient moisture for efficient carbonation. Wet carbonation can achieve degrees of carbonation between 10% and 20% within a few hours. However, the process is not without drawbacks: it demands significant water input and involves energy-intensive pre- and post-treatment steps such as drying, filtration and washing. These requirements complicate large-scale implementation and raise concerns about water consumption and wastewater management. Recognising the need for a more practical and sustainable approach, Prof. Poon and his research team have introduced a novel semi-wet carbonation method in Cement and Concrete Research. This technique bridges the gap between semi-dry and wet carbonation by employing a fine water mist at the solid-liquid interface of RCA.  The semi-wet environment creates a thin, spatially confined water film on the RCA surface, which proves highly effective for carbonation reactions. Remarkably, the process achieves a carbonation degree of 10.6% within just 30 minutes—comparable to, or even surpassing, the rates observed in wet carbonation under similar conditions.    The semi-wet method also brings about a 3.6% reduction in water absorption and a 20% decrease in porosity, both of which are critical for improving the quality and durability of RCA in construction applications.   Another key innovation in this approach is the use of sodium bicarbonate as an accelerator. The addition of sodium bicarbonate creates a weakly alkaline environment that lowers the free energy barrier for CO₂ speciation, as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. This environment favours the rapid conversion of CO₂ into carbonate ions, thereby accelerating the overall carbonation process.  Comparative analysis between semi-wet and wet carbonation reveals several important distinctions. While both methods achieve similar degrees of carbonation in the initial stages, the semi-wet process is markedly more efficient in terms of water usage and energy consumption. Furthermore, the semi-wet process influences the evolution of the silicate phase in RCA. It suggests enhanced reactivity of the treated RCA and potentially better bonding of RCA within new concrete.  In summary, the semi-wet carbonation technique represents a significant advancement in the sustainable utilisation of recycled concrete aggregate. By combining high carbonation efficiency with minimal water consumption and simplified processing, this method addresses the key limitations of existing carbonation strategies. The use of sodium bicarbonate as an accelerator further enhances the process, offering a practical route for industrial CO₂ capture and utilisation. As the construction industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, the adoption of semi-wet carbonation could play a pivotal role in converting concrete waste from a liability into a valuable resource for both material recovery and climate mitigation.   Source: Innovation Digest  

PolyU delegation participated the 8th COMAC International Science and Innovation Week

The 8th Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) International Science and Technology Innovation Week, themed “Sky Link: Sustainable Aviation for the Future,” was launched on 8 September at the Beijing Civil Aircraft Technology Research Center of COMAC. This year’s event focused on new‑energy aircraft, artificial intelligence, the low‑altitude economy and transformation of the air transport system, bringing together over 500 experts and stakeholders from government, academia, industry, research institutes, and industry associations across nine countries and regions. A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated this event, including Prof. WEN, Chih Yung, Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering and Director of the COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA); Prof. Siyang ZHONG, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; as well as representatives from the PolyU Research and Innovation Office and RILA. The PolyU delegation took part in the opening ceremony, the SciTech and Young Talent Forum, and thematic seminars such as the Low‑Altitude Economy seminar, engaging in in‑depth discussions with representatives from leading institutions including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Khalifa University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, exploring opportunities for future collaboration. COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA) Established in November 2024 as a joint initiative between COMAC and PolyU, RILA is dedicated to advancing the development, innovation, and deployment of large‑aircraft technologies in support of China’s strategic aviation objectives. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in aeronautical engineering and digital technologies, alongside COMAC’s extensive expertise in aircraft design, manufacturing and operations, RILA addresses critical challenges across the full aircraft lifecycle.  Currently, RILA is supporting research projects focusing on digital‑intelligent manufacturing, predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and sustainable recycling solutions. Through joint efforts between PolyU and COMAC in research projects, patent applications, high-quality publications, and training for postgraduate students, RILA aims to enhance the competitiveness, reliability, and sustainability of China’s large aircraft sector, positioning Hong Kong as a significant contributor to both national and global aerospace innovation.  

PolyU and Li Ning Group jointly establish sports science research centre to advance sports science and industry innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd (Li Ning Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre aims to conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, drive innovative design and optimisation of high-performance sports products, nurture talent in sports science and technology, and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, thereby enhancing technological application and promoting industrial transformation within the sports and health sector. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Ning LI, Founder of the Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Yuru HONG, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group, officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to nurturing sports talent and advancing research innovation and technology transfer in sports. Focusing on interdisciplinary research in sports science, the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions for the sports sector. The newly established Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science will harness the University’s robust research strengths and Li Ning Group’s extensive market expertise to drive innovation in sports science and technology, fostering positive impacts on industry and society and contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development.” Mr Ning Li said, “Innovative applications derived from sports science are essential for sports brands to upgrade their research and development capabilities and are critical for driving the innovative development of China’s sports industry. PolyU’s research excellence and academic impact in sports science and related interdisciplinary areas are among the best in the world. This opportunity enables us to fully leverage our understanding of industrial trends, experience in industrial applications, and sports and market resources to initiate deep collaboration with PolyU. Together, we will advance research at the forefront of sports science and create an internationally competitive innovation ecosystem.” Jointly operated by PolyU RISports and Li Ning Group, the Centre aims to contribute to the Healthy China Initiative and foster innovation in the sports industry. The inaugural centre coordinators are Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, and Prof. Ye TIAN, from Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center. The Centre will conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, focusing on areas such as elite athlete performance, exercise characteristics and musculoskeletal health in youth, and exercise pattern in women, supporting the innovative design, functional validation and optimisation of high-performance sports products. The parties will also jointly nurture research and engineering talent in sports science and technology, and promote industry-academia-research collaboration to enhance technological applications and drive industrial transformation in the sports and health sector, thereby achieving synergistic innovation. PolyU will leverage its academic strengths by assembling a team of scholars, researchers, sports experts and industry professionals to pursue impactful research. Meanwhile, Li Ning Group will utilise its extensive resources in product development, market demand and user feedback to provide practical direction for the research and support the smooth implementation of the projects.  

PolyU co-organised the 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum)

The 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum) was held in Hefei, Anhui Province, from 4 to 5 September, attracting over 400 participants from various regions to discuss frontier topics in deep sea exploration, advanced technology, and scientific research. As one of the co-organisers, Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Prof. Wu Bo, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, also hosted an academic and scientific session, engaging fruitful discussion and sharing. A highlight of the conference was the official induction of PolyU into the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA) with Prof. Wu accepting the membership certificate on behalf of the University. Looking ahead, a delegation from PolyU will participate in the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia. The University will host a booth exhibition to showcase its latest breakthroughs in space research and innovation. On 30 September, PolyU will organise the ‘PolyU Space Connect’ event in Sydney, a gathering that will bring together global space enthusiasts, researchers, and innovators to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore future collaborations in an inspiring and friendly setting. Registration is now open to all interested partners.  

PolyU and Jinchuan Group sign strategic cooperation agreement to jointly advance high-quality development in non-ferrous metals industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Jinchuan Group Co., Ltd (Jinchuan Group) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to address major national strategic needs and jointly promote high-quality development in the non-ferrous metals industry. The partnership will focus on green, low-carbon development of nickel, copper, cobalt and rare precious metals, as well as the advancement of new materials. By leveraging the strengths of both parties, the collaboration aims to foster in-depth collaboration among industry, academia and research sectors and drive innovation in response to national strategic needs. The signing ceremony was held on 21 August at the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Ying RUAN, Chairman of Jinchuan Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. H. C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, and Mr Yonghong CHENG, International Business Director of Jinchuan Group. Following the signing, Prof. Jianquo LIN, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, provided an overview of the collaboration. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “As an industry leader addressing major national strategic needs, Jinchuan Group has achieved remarkable accomplishments in research innovation. PolyU looks forward to leveraging this partnership to help fully utilise our strengths in research and talent cultivation, in conjunction with Jinchuan Group’s extensive industrial resources and sector expertise. Together, we aim to overcome key technological bottlenecks, promote efficient and green production within the industry, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.” Mr Ying Rung stated, “PolyU is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and is internationally recognised for its excellence in research innovation and talent cultivation, making significant contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. Building on PolyU’s extensive experience in university-industry collaboration, combined with Jinchuan Group’s technological strengths and strategic positioning in non-ferrous metals smelting, new energy and new materials, we will explore new models for deep integration of among industry, academic and research sectors. Jinchuan Group is committed to deepening cooperation with PolyU in cutting-edge technology research and development as well as high-end talent cultivation. Through this partnership, we aim to drive technological advancement in the industry and make greater contributions to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.” PolyU and Jinchuan Group will adhere to the principles of long-term vision, complementary strengths, resource sharing and mutual benefit as they collaborate in areas such as platform development, technological innovation, research commercialisation and talent cultivation. During the visit, the Jinchuan Group delegation held in-depth discussions with the Faculty of Engineering at PolyU and toured the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the University Research Facility in 3D Printing and the Industrial Centre.

PolyU research boosts garment fit and performance for sports and medical apparel with groundbreaking anthropometric method to precisely measure tissue deformation

Soft tissue deformation during body movement has long posed a challenge to achieving optimal garment fit and comfort, particularly in sportswear and functional medical wear. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a novel anthropometric method that delivers highly accurate measurements to enhance the performance and design of compression-based apparel. Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, and her research team pioneered this anthropometric method using image recognition algorithms to systematically access tissue deformation while minimising motion-related errors. The team also developed an analytical model to predict tissue deformation using the Boussinesq solution, based on elastic theory and stress function methodology. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, this innovation quantifies tissue deformation during movement, addressing a longstanding challenge in sportswear and wearable tech design. Inaccurate deformation measurements, especially during motion, often lead to ill-fitting designs that undermine functionality. This innovative approach tackles the issue by minimising motion artifacts and providing a systematic framework to correlate garment pressure with tissue response, which is vital for optimising wearables’ the biochemical efficacy. Soft tissue deformation is a critical factor directly influencing appearance, comfort, performance, and physiological effects such as blood circulation and muscle support. With the integration of mechanical property testing, the method accurately predicts tissue deformation. Validation against body scanning measurements showed deviations within 1.15 mm under static condition and 2.36 mm in dynamic condition. The remarkable precision of this method equips designers with reliable data that accurately reflects soft tissue deformation. Prof. Joanne Yip said, “Our technology is highly adaptable to compression-based garments, including sportswear such as leggings and functional medical wear like compression stockings and post-surgical garments. The analytical model can be tailored to different garment types by adjusting parameters like material mechanical properties and circumferential dimensions.” Sports leggings with different material mechanical properties, pattern designs and circumferential dimensions were used as experimental samples. Research findings offer actionable insights that link material properties to garment fit and performance. This framework not only advances biomechanical simulation techniques for wearable applications but also provides a practical tool for optimising sportswear ergonomics, enabling data-driven design of compression garments that enhances athletic performance while preventing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This innovative technology holds promising transformative potential for the industry, offering feasible and cost-effective applications. It can be integrated into existing CAD/CAM system to streamline prototyping and reduce reliance on trial-and-error filling. By quantifying individual tissue response, this technique supports personalised garment design, particularly beneficial for medical compression wear tailored to specific patient needs. Additionally, the image-based tools reduce dependence on expensive motion-capture systems, making the approach accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises. The research has been published in a paper titled “A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation” in the academic journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. This technology breakthrough underscores PolyU excellence in interdisciplinary translational research, integrating its strengths in fashion, biomechanics, materials science, computing, and engineering to solve real-world compression sportswear design and wearable design challenges.

PolyU scholar received IASSAR Early Achievement Research Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) stands at the forefront of global research, with internationally recongised scholars driving impactful advancements and acclaimed for their outstanding research excellence. Prof. You DONG, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was honored with the IASSAR (International Association for Structural Safety and Reliability) Early Achievement Research Award during the 14th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability (ICOSSAR 2025), held in Los Angeles, the United States. The overarching goal of Prof. Dong’s research is to advance the development of next-generation engineering systems that are more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable. He has been recognised for his pioneering research in addressing the challenges posed by structural deterioration, environmental hazards, and climate change through the integration of data science, robotics, and machine learning. Leading a dynamic research group, Prof. Dong focuses on developing data-driven computational models, robotics for inspection and maintenance, physics-guided deep learning techniques, and digital twin-enabled intelligent maintenance strategies. His research has been applied to a wide range of critical systems, including civil infrastructure, energy systems such as wind turbines and power grids, transportation networks, cyber-physical systems, and interdependent infrastructure networks. Learn more about Prof. DONG’s achievements: PolyU research project on climate-resilient coastal infrastructure supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme CEE Member Secured RGC Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) 2024/25 The IASSAR is currently the most authoritative international academic organisation in the field of reliability engineering, aiming to promote research and applications of scientific principles related to safety, risk and reliability in engineering analysis and design. Its flagship conference, ICOSSAR, is held every four years and serves as a global platform for showcasing recent developments and innovations in the field. Its conferences are held in rotation across different continents and represent the largest and highest-level international academic event in this field. Since 1969, a total of 14 editions have been held. Source: Prof. You Dong Received IASSAR Early Achievement Research Award (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years

The rise in global mean sea level (GMSL) is a critical indicator of climate change. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have utilised advanced space geodetic technologies to deliver the first precise 30-year (1993-2022) record of global ocean mass change (also known as barystatic sea level), revealing its dominant role in driving GMSL rise. Their research further indicates that GMSL has been increasing at an average rate of approximately 3.3 mm per year with a notable acceleration observed, highlighting the growing severity of climate change. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. GMSL is primarily driven by two factors: the thermal expansion of seawater — as the oceans absorb around 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system — and the increase in global ocean mass, which is mainly caused by the influx of freshwater from melting land ice. Therefore, long-term monitoring of global ocean mass change is essential for understanding present-day GMSL rise. A research team led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, together with Dr Yufeng NIE, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and the lead and corresponding author of the research, has, for the first time, provided direct observations of global ocean mass estimates between 1993 and 2022 by utilising time-variable gravity field data derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR). In the past, scientists have relied on long-term observations from satellite altimetry to project sea-level rise. Barystatic sea level records based on satellite gravimetry only became available with the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment in 2002. SLR is a traditional space geodetic technique used to accurately measure the distance between satellites and ground stations via laser ranging. However, fundamental constraints of SLR, such as the limited number of satellites and ground stations, the high altitude of the satellites (which means SLR-derived gravitational changes capture only the longest wavelengths) and the low-degree gravitational measurements, have restricted its direct application in estimating ocean mass change. To effectively utilise SLR-derived gravitational fields for accurate estimates of ocean mass change, the research team implemented an innovative forward modelling technique that tackles spatial resolution limitations by incorporating detailed geographic information of ocean-land boundaries. This approach enables long-term monitoring of global ocean mass changes. The research revealed that an increased rate of GMSL resulted in a global average sea-level rise of approximately 90 mm between 1993 and 2022, with about 60% of this rise attributable to ocean mass increase. Since around 2005,  the rise in GMSL has been primarily driven by the rapid increase in global ocean mass. This overall increase is largely driven by the accelerated melting of land ice, particularly in Greenland. Throughout the entire study period, land ice melt from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers accounted for over 80% of the total increase in global ocean mass. Prof. Jianli Chen said, “In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise. Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios.” Dr Yufeng Nie said, “The research showed that the ocean mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies.”

PolyU scientists receive NSFC funding for 65 research projects, marking 34% year-on-year growth in support of the Nation’s technology powerhouse goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received substantial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with a total of 65 research projects led by PolyU scientists successfully securing funding this year, marking a 34% year-on-year increase in both funding amount and the number of projects. This accomplishment underscores PolyU’s impressive innovation capabilities and highlights the University’s cultivation of outstanding researchers. Through high-quality scientific research, these talents are making significant contributions to the efforts of building the Nation into a technology powerhouse. PolyU’s young scientists have been recognised as excelling in innovative research, with three projects awarded funding under the Young Scientist Fund (Type A), four projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type B), and 48 projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type C). In addition, 10 research projects are supported by the General Programme. Distinguished young scholars at the forefront of global science research The three PolyU scholars selected by the Young Scientist Fund (Type A) have been recognised for their distinguished achievements in foundational research. The Fund supports exceptional scholars in pursuing self-directed and innovative research which addresses major national needs and advances the global scientific frontier. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2.8 million to 4 million for a period of five years. The distinguished young researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Applied Physics. Their research projects cover mathematics, physics, engineering, healthcare and interdisciplinary science disciplines. One project aims at developing new numerical analysis theories and computational methods to solve surface evolution problems in geometric curvature flows and free boundary problems in fluid dynamics. Another focuses on permeable electronic skin, proposing an innovative design strategy based on liquid metal super-elastic fibre networks. The research aims to advance flexible electronics from “stretchable” to “breathable”, providing stable, comfortable, and biocompatible wearable solutions for smart healthcare. The third project utilises in-situ electron microscopy technology to investigate the mechanics, electronics, thermodynamics, phase transitions, and related synthesis and performance of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in advanced materials science. Excellent young scientists lead innovative research PolyU continues to excel in the Young Scientist Fund (Type B) this year where four young scientists have been recognised for their excellent achievements. The Fund accelerates talent cultivation and fosters a new generation of academic leaders who will drive scientific advancement at both national and international levels. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2 million for a period of three years. The four excellent researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their projects span the fields of mathematics, chemistry, management science and engineering. One project explores the development of numerical methods for stochastic partial differential equations, featuring long-term computational stability and the ability to accurately predict key probabilistic information and the evolving dynamics of stochastic phenomena. Another investigates supply chain risk management, focusing on technology-driven risks, major disruptions and innovation-related vulnerabilities. In chemical sciences, one project focuses on the active sites of molecular sieves, precisely locating Brønsted acid and metal sites, revealing their synergistic mechanisms to guide the design and industrial application of new zeolite catalysts. Another project aims to develop precise electrochemical synthesis technology for carbon-heteroatom bonds C-X (X = nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur), using a proton exchange membrane reactor. The remarkable research capabilities of PolyU’s young scientists have also consistently earned recognition from the Young Scientists Fund (Type C), with a total of 48 scholars selected this year. These young researchers come from various faculties across PolyU. Among the projects, 23 were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI). As PolyU’s extended campus in Shenzhen, the SZRI has been integrated into the University's strategy in all aspects of space deployment, management and research. It undertakes research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as industry partners.