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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.

PolyU scholar secures two finalist honours at EDUtech Asia 2025 to pioneering AI in education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to harnessing advanced technologies in teaching and learning, cultivating the next generation of talent for a rapidly evolving future. At the EDUtech Asia 2025 Awards, Dr Julia CHEN, Director of the Educational Development Centre, Associate Professor (by courtesy) of the Department of English and Communications, was named a finalist in the “Outstanding Educator Category (Higher Education)”. She was also shortlisted for the “Best AI Innovation Strategy Award (Higher Education)” for a collaborative project with Dr Pauli Lai, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU. Selected from nearly 400 global entries, Dr CHEN’s visionary leadership and commitment to educational innovation have set her apart. Her forward-thinking initiatives include integrating GenAI into teaching and learning, transforming course-based assessment, and pioneering the use of learning analytics in reviewing language education. The awarded project aims to harness hybrid (human and artificial) intelligence to enhance students’ English productive skills. The team developed two AI-powered platforms, AIReAS and NinjOrAItor, which deliver personalised feedback on writing and oral presentations, supporting university students learning English as an additional language. Dr CHEN plays a pivotal role in teaching and is dedicated to supporting learners with diverse professional backgrounds. She leads several institutional and inter-institutional projects related to English Across the Curriculum and a project that involves all the eight UGC-funded universities on GenAI in learning and teaching. She developed and taught Thesis Writing for Research Students, a subject designed for PhD and MPhil candidates across disciplines; and currently teaches curriculum development and management on the Faculty of Humanities’s professional doctorate programme. One of her recent research projects explores the potential of modern technology in language learning, including a collaboration with Stanford University to develop an online learning platform with automatic error correction. Dr CHEN currently serves as Chair of the Hong Kong Teaching Excellence Alliance (HKTEA), a prestigious network established by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in 2019 to elevate the impact of the UGC Teaching Award and champion high-quality teaching across the sector. Dr CHEN has received various honours for her educational contributions, including the 2022 UGC Teaching Award (Collaborative Teams Category) and the 2022 QS Reimagine’s Breakthrough Technology Innovation in Education Award Silver Prize; and being shortlisted for the “THE Awards Asia 2023 - Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year”. She was also bestowed the lifetime designation of Distinguished Fellow of the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum in 2021.

PolyU to host International Low-Altitude Economy Summit on 9 October, aiming to advance the Greater Bay Area’s aviation logistic hub

In support of the HKSAR Government’s drive to foster innovation and technology development and promote the development of a low-altitude economy (LAE) ecosystem by hosting flagship events as announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address delivered last week, and with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will host the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on 9 October (Thursday). Members of the public and industry professionals are welcome to register for the event. The Summit is organised by PolyU, with the support of the Working Group on Developing the Low-altitude Economy of the HKSAR Government and the Greater Bay Area Low-altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA). The event will gather over 40 leaders from government and business, as well as scholars and industry practitioners from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas to share insights, focusing on topics such as low-altitude airspace management, industry development models and urban applications, with the aim of advancing the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) aviation logistic hub. An Innovation Showcase will be held concurrently, featuring around 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presenting cutting-edge technology applications and the LAE Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. The Summit is honoured to have Mr Michael WONG, Deputy Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; and The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, as officiating guests, and Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, as the keynote speaker. Two fireside chats will also be held on the day. Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, will join distinguished representatives from government, civil aviation and other authorities, business leaders, scholars and industry experts, including leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and low-altitude systems developers, from around the globe, to discuss policy directions for LAE and collaborative innovation across industry and academia respectively. In the afternoon, four parallel sessions will focus on: policy frameworks for LAE development in Hong Kong and various provinces and cities in the Mainland; progress updates on ongoing Regulatory Sandbox projects; unmanned aircraft system traffic management in the GBA and technological advances in unmanned aerial vehicles; and hardware, software and system integration innovations for unmanned aerial vehicles. PolyU is committed to supporting technology development related to LAE. Established last year, the University’s Research Centre for Low-altitude Economy has launched multiple interdisciplinary research initiatives spanning infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operations, as well as intelligent sensing and control technologies. Additionally, in September this year, PolyU launched a Master of Science programme in Low-altitude Economy with the aim of nurturing specialised talent for the sector. For more information about the International Low-altitude Economy Summit and registration details, please visit: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/ilaesummit2025/home

25 PolyU research projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund, driving healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge transfer

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary research, achieving significant breakthroughs in pioneering fields such as medicine, healthcare and AI-powered medical innovation, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions. In the latest round of funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund, 25 PolyU research projects secured a total of HK$22.91 million. The projects span areas including AI-powered medical technologies, primary healthcare, precision medicine and preventive medicine, underscoring the University’s strong interdisciplinary research capabilities in the healthcare sector. The funded projects cover a wide range of topics, from advanced diagnostic technologies, rehabilitation training and management, and innovative mental health treatment solutions, to caregiver support and community-based care models. The research encompasses the disciplines of biomedical engineering, health technology and informatics, nursing, optometry, rehabilitation sciences, language science and technology, and food science and nutrition. PolyU scholars are dedicated to applying advanced technologies to drive healthcare innovations. Examples include the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in single-cell monitoring in the early detection of infection-associated thrombosis, the use of immersive virtual reality in cognitive stimulation therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and the development of mobile health platforms to support postpartum depression and symptom management in paediatric patients. Several PolyU research projects also focus on translational medicine applications. These include: the use of time-resolved magnetic resonance fingerprinting for liver cancer radiotherapy assessment; multi-omic investigation of a novel Bartonella bacterium identified in the human microbiome and originating from dermatophagoides farina; and personalised prediction of acute genitourinary toxicities. A number of other funded projects target chronic disease management and rehabilitation, offering innovative interventions for post-stroke fatigue, knee osteoarthritis and upper limb motor recovery. Beyond clinical research, PolyU scholars are also dedicated to community well-being. Initiatives in this area have seen interventions to alleviate loneliness and support mental health among the elderly, creative arts therapy to enhance the mental health of prostate cancer patients, and the development of AI-powered interactive platforms for diabetes management. For further details on the 25 funded PolyU research projects, please refer to the appendix. The Health and Medical Research Fund, administered by the Health Bureau, aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research. Its objectives are to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local health and medical research. 

PolyU and Huawei Jointly Establish Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory to Advance AI Innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei) signed a collaboration agreement on 17 September 2025 to officially launch the PolyU–Huawei Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory (MOI) at PolyU. As the first joint laboratory of Huawei in Hong Kong focusing on developing XPU-based advanced optimization solver, the MOI marks a significant milestone in the institutions’ long-standing partnership, which began in 2007 and has fostered collaboration across communications, big data, algorithms, and materials science. The MOI will focus on advancing mathematical optimization theory, developing cutting-edge algorithms, and applying XPU-accelerated solvers to artificial intelligence and data science challenges. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in mathematics, statistics, and operations research—ranked 31st globally in Statistics and Operations Research by the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 36th in Mathematics by U.S. News, the highest in Hong Kong—the collaboration aims to drive research and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Daniel LUO, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Ms. Jie FU, Director of the Technology Cooperation Department of Huawei; and Mr. Bo BAI, Director of the Theoretical Research Department of Huawei, the agreement was signed by Prof. Defeng SUN, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics of PolyU, and Mr. Yanhui GENG, Director of the Huawei Hong Kong Research Centre. The plaque unveiling for the MOI was officiated by representatives from both organizations, formally inaugurating the laboratory. Prof. Christopher Chao expressed his appreciation to Huawei’s continued support to PolyU, emphasizing that the partnership will nurture innovative talent, promote knowledge transfer, and accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes. Together, PolyU and Huawei are committed to advancing mathematical optimization and technological innovation, creating greater value and contributing to economic development.  

PolyU scholars pioneer smart and sustainable personal cooling technologies to address global extreme heat

Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. Currently, about 3.6 billion people worldwide live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. From 2000 to 2019, more than 480,000 heat-related deaths occurred globally each year. Extreme heat also impairs focus and productivity and worsens mood by elevating stress hormones and disrupting sleep. In response to the increasing frequency of heat waves, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scholars are developing next-generation personal cooling solutions that push the limits of conventional clothing and promote sustainability. Prof. Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles, Associate Director of the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, and Associate Director of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, has published a peer-reviewed paper in Science, offering new insights into sustainable personal cooling using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Smart technologies, especially intelligent wearables and AI, can be key to sustainable personal cooling. Prof. Dahua Shou said, “According to the World Meteorological Organisation, there is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be the hottest on record, making personal cooling increasingly vital for well‑being, health and productivity. We have been creating intelligent, superhero‑like garments that provide on‑demand adaptive cooling and clinician‑like health monitoring to help address the challenge of extreme heat.” By integrating the four cooling mechanisms of radiation, conduction, convection and evaporation, this stand‑alone perspective outlines strategies to adaptively regulate body heat and moisture in dynamically changing real‑world settings. The paper also presents an AI‑driven, closed‑loop framework that connects sensing, prediction, and actuation to deliver personalised, energy-efficient cooling, with a scalable and recyclable design that supports public health, workplace safety, and performance. Sustainable personal cooling is evolving from the use of passive fabrics to the integration of smart systems. Notably, spectrum‑selective textiles effectively release mid‑infrared body heat while blocking external solar and urban heat gain. Thermal insulation is being engineered with conduction-tunable fillers, while ventilative and evaporative cooling is boosted by moisture-responsive fibres. Lightweight wearables, such as variable emittance devices, and electrocaloric and thermoelectric modules paired with flexible solar and on-body energy storage, enable active and controllable cooling. These emerging technologies strategically employ model-selective cooling and incorporate human‑centered design for comfort, durability, washability, and low weight, expanding comfort zones and reducing dependence on air conditioning. Despite promising progress, key challenges in personal cooling remain. Sweating helps cool the body, but limited sweat management increases fabric weight and cling, while reducing permeability and radiative cooling efficiency, especially during heavy perspiration. Real-time adaptive thermoregulation, which responds to changing environments and individual physiology while ensuring comfort and safety, is ideal but difficult to achieve. Prof. Dahua Shou said, “We also need interdisciplinary integration across textiles, thermodynamics, flexible electronics, and AI, along with scalable, recyclable manufacturing that balances sustainability, wearability, fashion, and performance. Standardised, user‑centric metrics, such as cooling power per watt, thermal sensation, and user acceptance, are essential for fair comparison and adoption.” Prof. Shou and his research team are tackling extreme heat with various innovative technologies. iActive™ intelligent sportswear uses low‑voltage-driven artificial “sweat glands” and a root‑like liquid network mapped to sweat zones to quickly eject perspiration as droplets, reducing weight and cling, keeping the skin dry, and removing sweat up to three times faster than peak human sweating. Omni‑Cool‑Dry™ is a breathable skin‑like fabric that routes sweat directionally while providing spectrum‑selective cooling. By reflecting solar and ground radiation and emitting mid‑infrared body heat, it helps keep wearers cool and dry even under the sun, lowering skin temperature by about 5°C compared to conventional fabrics. For hot workplaces, thermo‑adaptive Soft Robotic Clothing embeds temperature‑responsive soft actuators that expand to thicken fabric and trap still air, solving the problem of “one‑level” thermal insulation. Thermal resistance varies from 0.23 to 0.48 K·m²/W, keeping the inner surface 10°C cooler than conventional insulating garments even when the exterior temperature reaches 120°C. SweatMD is an all‑textile, non-invasive wearable that channels fresh sweat through a nature‑inspired microfluidic network and uses skin‑friendly sensing yarns to track biomarkers like glucose and potassium. It delivers real‑time, molecular‑level health insights such as indicators of fatigue and dehydration to a smartphone. Collectively, these innovations form an AI‑ready ecosystem: sensors quantify physiology, models predict cooling demand, and intelligent clothing actuates targeted responses. Integrating textile sensors, fiber‑based coolers, and on‑body energy harvesters has the potential to enable self‑sustained cooling. Spanning everyday wear, as well as sports, and protective gear, these innovations bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications to address global challenges. PolyU translational research institutes across Mainland cities and interdisciplinary research centres, such as the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute and the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, allows the University’s scholars to tap into these cities’ diverse application scenarios and collaborate with leading enterprises to accelerate the transformation and scalable deployment of scientific research achievements. These research innovations earned the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury (2025) and a Gold Medal (2024) at the Geneva Invention Exhibition, as well as the TechConnect Global Innovation Award. Prof. Shou also received The Fiber Society’s Distinguished Achievement Award, a prestigious honour awarded annually to a single scholar worldwide.