News

Ten PolyU RS Scholars Ranked Among World's Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2026

PolyU RS is proud to announce that ten of our research scholars have been named among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists for 2026, as featured in the prestigious Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators.   The 2026 list evaluates research impact using career-long and single-year citation data across 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields, drawing on data up to the end of 2025. It recognises over 240,000 of the world's most influential scientists, making this an exceptional achievement for our scholars and for PolyU as a whole.   We extend our warmest congratulations to the following PolyU RS scholars named on this year's list: Name of Scholar Subject Field Prof. Marco Pang (Chair Professor) Rehabilitation Prof. Hector Tsang (Chair Professor) Psychiatry Prof. Shamay Ng (Professor) Rehabilitation Prof. Benjamin Yee (Professor) Neurology & Neurosurgery *Prof. Kenneth Fong (Professor) Rehabilitation *Prof. Jonathan Adams (Chair Professor) Complementary & Alternative Medicine *Prof. Arnold Wong (Professor) Orthopedics *Prof. Richard Xu (Assistant Professor) Health Policy & Services *Dr Shahnawaz Anwer (Research Assistant Professor) Rehabilitation *Dr Kim Li (Research Assistant Professor) Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry *Single Year Citations  

【Celebrating Prof. Marco Pang: One of World Physiotherapy’s 75 Noteworthy Physiotherapists】

Our department warmly congratulates Prof. Marco Pang, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head of Department, on being named one of World Physiotherapy’s 75 Noteworthy Physiotherapists. The recognition, awarded in celebration of World Physiotherapy’s 75th anniversary, honours his outstanding contributions to physiotherapy education, research, and international professional service. Prof. Pang has been a driving force in advancing rehabilitation education and research. He pioneered and launched Southeast Asia’s first entry-level Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) programme, helping to nurture the next generation of physiotherapy professionals. His academic achievements have also gained international recognition. Since 2022, he has been listed by Stanford University among the world’s top 1% most-cited scientists in the field of rehabilitation, and in 2023, he received the World Physiotherapy International Service Award for Research. Prof. Pang currently serves as Chair of the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific Regional Executive Committee, where he continues to advance the profession both regionally and globally. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates his remarkable accomplishments but also reflects the Department’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and professional leadership.

PolyU launches Hong Kong’s first “safe landing” fall-preparedness programme to empower 17,000 older adults with fall management skills

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), launched the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme today. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for 45 months, the Programme is Hong Kong’s first fall-management initiative to combine judo-based safe landing techniques with the biomechanics of falling. It is expected to benefit around 17,000 older adults in the community aged 60 or above, helping those at moderate to high risk of falling to acquire safe landing and self-protection skills to reduce injuries. According to statistics from the Department of Health, some 16% of older adults in Hong Kong experience at least one fall per year, with approximately one in 10 resulting in fractures. Falls can significantly affect mobility and have a long-term impact on older adults’ physical and mental well-being and quality of life. By identifying those most at risk of falling and managing those risks effectively, the Programme seeks to shift Hong Kong’s public health approach from reactive care to proactive prevention – fostering healthy, independent and active ageing. A launch ceremony for the Programme was held on the PolyU campus today. Officiating guests were Mr HO Kai-ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Ms Pauline CHU, Chief Manager (Community Service Network) of the Primary Healthcare Commission under the Health Bureau; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU; Ms Imelda CHAN, Head of Charities (Health & Older Adults Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at PolyU; Prof. Amy FU, Associate Head of RS at PolyU; and Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme Ambassador Mr SHEK Sau. Participants in the Programme receive bone density screening and AI-driven fall-risk assessments developed by RS. Those found eligible are invited to join a 12-week fall-preparedness training scheme jointly designed by PolyU researchers and professional judo coaches. This teaches them safe landing and body protection techniques to help reduce the force of impact and minimise the risk of fractures caused by falls. Consultations with PolyU physiotherapists are also open to participants. Mr Ho Kai-ming said, “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for its generous support, and to PolyU for translating advanced knowledge in rehabilitation sciences into tangible community benefits.  The Programme is named ‘SafeMove’, which signifies helping elderly persons enhance their physical flexibility and adaptability so that they can respond calmly to the risk of falling.  It marks a shift in the public health paradigm from reactive care to proactive prevention, and aligns closely with the Government’s policy of promoting prevention-oriented elderly care and carer support.  Through the Pilot Scheme on Intelligent Accident Detection Systems, the Government is providing high-risk households with real-time detection and support.  This complements the ‘safe landing’ training under the Programme, jointly weaving a more robust safety net for elderly persons at home.” Dr Laura Lo remarked, “As an institution committed to addressing societal needs and enhancing community well-being through world-leading research and innovative knowledge, PolyU is proud to see the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme come to life today. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to translating research outcomes into meaningful social impact. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous support of this Programme, and to extend my sincere thanks to our five partner NGOs and the research team from PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences for their dedication and hard work. Together they have established a cross-sector collaboration platform that connects research, professional services and community networks for the benefit of older adults across Hong Kong.” Ms Imelda Chan added, “Promoting better health is one of the strategic priorities of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.  Riding on our ongoing commitment to prevent falls and fractures among older adults, the Trust has approved a donation of over HK$119 million to support the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme jointly implemented by PolyU and five NGOs. As Hong Kong’s first large-scale community programme to integrate judo-based landing techniques with the biomechanics of falling, the Programme translates research evidence into innovative primary health-care services and establishes a community-based, sustainable fall management model, demonstrating the Club’s commitment to advancing impactful philanthropy and the betterment of our society.” The PolyU research team anticipates that the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme will help to reduce fall-related injuries and associated health-care expenditure among participants, improve their physical functioning and mobility and alleviate the psychological and social burdens that the fear of falling can create, enhancing overall health and quality of life. The “Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme” is expected to not only strengthen older adults’ fall prevention and self-protection capabilities, but also to enhance their physical resilience and adaptability. The PolyU research team anticipates that the initiative will help reduce fall-related injuries and associated healthcare expenditure, improve physical functioning and mobility, and alleviate the psychological and social burdens arising from the fear of falling, thereby enhancing overall health and quality of life. Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme The Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme integrates judo-based landing techniques with the biomechanics of falling and is implemented in partnership with five NGOs: Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, Jockey Club Cadenza Hub, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation and Yan Chai Hospital. The Programme centres on a fall-response training course that teaches safe landing techniques to community-dwelling older adults at moderate to high risk of failing, equipping them with self-protection skills when they lose balance and helping to reduce the risk of falling related injuries. Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 or above are welcome to participate. For enquiries or registration, please contact The Hong Kong Polytechnic University by phone or WhatsApp at 27665987, or by email at jc.safemove@polyu.edu.hk. For details, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/jc_safemove/

Celebrating Excellence: Inauguration and Pledge Ceremony of the 2026/27 Academic Year

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences successfully held its Inauguration and Pledge Ceremony for the Academic Year 2026/27 on 27 August 2026, marking the official start of the new academic year. This event also served as a platform to honour the remarkable accomplishments of our outstanding alumnus, staff and students.   During the ceremony, our Guest of Honour, Dr Libby Lee, Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, presented the Outstanding Alumni Award 2026, and the departmental awards to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of our academic and supporting staff.   One of the highlights of the ceremony was the pledge session, led by Prof. Marco Pang, Head of the Department, all first-year students solemnly took and signed the professional oath, affirming their dedication to upholding the ethical standards, to serve the community with compassion, integrity and professionalism throughout their future careers of their chosen professions.   We extend a very warm welcome to all our new students as they join the PolyU RS family. We wish you a rewarding and enriching learning journey ahead, and look forward to working together to shape the future of healthcare professions.   Award: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2026 Recipient: Mr Yu Tak Kwong Terence   Award: Outstanding Teacher Award Recipient: Mr Johnny LAM   Award: Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award Recipient: Prof. Patrick KWONG   Award: Outstanding Teaching Team Award Recipients: Team Leader: Ms Panmi LO Team Members: Prof. Bobby NG, Ms Anita NGAN, Ms Melva YIP   Award: Research Student Supervision Award Recipient: Prof. Georg KRANZ   Award: Outstanding Service Award (Team Award for Academic/ Teaching/ Clinical Staff) Recipients: Mr Stanley WU, Mr Jacky FONG, Ms Lynn CHAN   Award: Outstanding Service Award (Individual Award for Non-Academic Staff) Recipient: Ms Shermie LI  

PolyU and HKSI sign MoU to jointly advance sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy

(2 September 2026) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) have formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Hong Kong. With the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games approaching, both parties are leveraging this collaboration to establish a cross-disciplinary platform for talent development, education, research and knowledge exchange. The partnership aims to provide comprehensive support for Hong Kong’s elite athletes competing at major international sporting events, empowering them to excel and bring honour to Hong Kong.   The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus on 31 August. Witnessed by Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) and Hon Vincent CHENG, Vice-Chairman of the HKSI, the MoU was signed by Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Dr Kate YUNG, Director of Sports Medicine at the HKSI.   In his address, Prof. Ben Young said, “At PolyU, our Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has long been recognised for its professional expertise and dedication to improving lives. Our researchers and clinicians bring deep knowledge in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and I am proud that this expertise can now be placed in the service of Hong Kong’s elite athletes. In the Hong Kong Sports Institute, we have found a partner whose experience in elite sports medicine is second to none. Together, I am confident that we can achieve outcomes that neither institution could accomplish alone.”   Hon Vincent Cheng expressed his gratitude to PolyU for its commitment and support. He said, “At the HKSI, we recognise that athletes’ success depends not only on their talent and determination, but also on the collective efforts of the multidisciplinary professionals who support them throughout their sporting journey. This partnership will benefit both the HKSI and PolyU, while also advancing the broader development of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Hong Kong. Most importantly, it will reinforce the expertise and professional support system behind elite athletes, ensuring lasting impact on the development of local sports.”   The partnership combines PolyU’s leading position in rehabilitation with HKSI’s extensive experience in sports medicine. Both parties will foster the professional development of staff and students through targeted training programmes and educational initiatives, while planning collaborative research and innovation projects in sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation. PolyU will also offer professional consultancy to enhance physiotherapy and musculoskeletal services at the HKSI. Furthermore, both parties will foster ongoing professional dialogue and exchange by regularly organising conferences, seminars and workshops.   PolyU and the HKSI will join forces to elevate the standard of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong, aiming to benefit both athletes and the broader community.  

Prof. Bolton Chau Honoured with RGC Research Fellow Scheme Fellowship

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is delighted to announce that Prof. Bolton Chau has been awarded a fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) for 2026/27. The scheme offers support for Prof. Chau’s continued innovations and breakthroughs in cognitive neuroscience.   The RGC received 35 nominations for the RFS. Among PolyU’s six nominations, Prof. Chau was shortlisted for interview and ultimately received this prestigious fellowship. This marks a significant milestone, as he is the first academic staff member in the Department to receive this award.   Prof. Chau’s project is titled “How distractors bias choices: Investigating mechanisms through computational modelling, neuroimaging, neurochemistry and neurostimulation.” The project seeks to investigate how human decisions are influenced by distracting information through the use of advanced cognitive neuroscience techniques. By combining computational modelling, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the research will examine the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying decision-making biases. The findings are expected to have important practical implications for strengthening evidence-based policy-making, promoting unbiased decision-making, and supporting the development of treatments for psychiatric disorders.   We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Chau on this remarkable accomplishment. His achievement is a source of great pride for the Department, and we wish him every success in the exciting research journey ahead.    

Congratulations to Our Latest RGC Grant Recipients

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is delighted to announce that 7 of our academic and research colleagues have been awarded funding under the Research Grants Council's Early Career Scheme (ECS) and General Research Fund (GRF) for 2026/27. These awards recognise the scholarly excellence, dedication, and innovative spirit of our colleagues, whose work promises to advance rehabilitation sciences and improve lives across our communities.   Early Career Scheme 2026/27 Prof. Derek Yau Effects of dual-task training on managing pain and improving frailty in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and frailty: a randomised controlled trial   Prof. Stephen Lau Targeting Sleep and Circadian Disturbance to Reduce Post-Stroke Depressive Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Trial   General Research Fund 2026/27 Prof. Clare Yu A cluster-randomised controlled trial of a slow-jogging intervention for improving the executive function and physiological regulation of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder   Prof. Patrick Kwong The Impact of Family Involvement in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly   Prof. Annie Leong Effects of combined cognitive pain distraction and task-oriented dual-task training in stroke survivors with hemiplegic shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial   Dr Kim Li Mitochondrial p32 loss as a novel mediator in ponatinib-induced cardiotoxicity: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications   Dr Sherry She Enhancing Self-care of Individuals with Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Using a Blended Behavioral Intervention: a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all seven recipients. We look forward to the valuable contributions these projects will bring to the field and to the communities they serve.  

Congratulations to RS Faculty and Students on Their Outstanding Achievements at the HKPA Annual Conference cum ICCrPT Inaugural Conference 2026

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honoured to serve as a co-organiser of the HKPA Annual Conference cum ICCrPT Inaugural Conference 2026 . Our faculty and students were actively engaged throughout the programme, contributing to vibrant academic exchange and professional dialogue.   We are especially proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our colleagues and students:   10-Minute Oral Presentation Gold Prize: Mr Eugene Kwok (Associate Professor of Practice, PolyU RS) Silver Prize: Ms Fay Wang (Part-time MPhil student) Bronze Prize: Mr Kenneth Chung (Associate Professor of Practice, PolyU RS)   Poster Presentation Silver Prize: Mr Timothy Fung (Part-time PhD student) Bronze Prize: Mr Shi Hao Jia (Research team member of Professor Tiev Miller)   These accomplishments reflect not only individual excellence but also our shared commitment to advancing rehabilitation sciences and contributing to the continued development of the physiotherapy profession.  

RS Undergraduate Students Selected for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS)

RS Undergraduate Students Selected for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS) The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) is pleased to announce that three undergraduate students have been successfully shortlisted for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS), which is a six-week overseas research attachment. The selected students will undertake research training and academic exchange activities at the University of Sydney and the George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia, providing them with valuable opportunities to gain international research exposure and broaden their academic horizons. The attachment programme aims to foster students’ research capabilities, strengthen global engagement, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration with leading international institutions. Through direct involvement in ongoing research projects and mentorship from internationally renowned scholars, students will gain first-hand experience in academic research and evidence-based practice. The following students have been selected for the programme: Cheung Wai Yip (Ray) – BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, Year 3 Hui Hannah Winglam – BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, Year 2 Tsang Chun Ho (Sunny) – BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, Year 2 This international attachment reflects the Department’s commitment to nurturing research talent among undergraduate students and providing opportunities for global academic engagement. We congratulate the selected students and wish them every success in their upcoming attachment programme.

The Inaugural PolyU Rehab Day - A Resounding Success!

The inaugural PolyU Rehab Day, held on 28 June 2026, brought our Department’s vision for the future of lifestyle medicine to life under the theme "AI and Technology in Rehabilitation." We were honoured to welcome Mrs Winnie Kang, JP (Commissioner for Rehabilitation), Dr Laura Lo (Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), PolyU) and Prof. David Shum (Dean of FHSS, PolyU) as officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony. The event drew over 500 registrations, including alumni, industry partitioners, and members of the public, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Throughout the day, participants explored five themed pavilions showcasing our Department’s latest innovations: Pain, Sleep and Wellness; Care for Rare Diseases and Special Needs; Stroke and Cognitive Rehab; Fall Risk Detection and Active Living; and Physical and Pulmonary Assessments. The talks covered timely topics, including “AI and Technology in Rehabilitation,” “Sleep Health,” and “The Three Highs,” which clearly resonated with our audience. Looking ahead, our Department will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across various sectors to advance the development of rehabilitation sciences and help create a brighter and more inclusive future for society.     Experiential Station: Perfecting Posture in the Digital Age   Experiential Station: Mobilisation of Knee Cap   Experiential Station: LED - Anti Inflammation and Carriage Protection for Knee Pain   Demonstration Station: Disruptive 3D-Printed Auriculotherapy   Demonstration Station: Innovative AI Research in Personalised Dietary Intervention   Experiential Station: Expert-Led AR Ecosystem for Holistic Child Development   Experiential Station: Disruptive Assistive Tech Empowering Non-Verbal Clients   Demonstration Station: Advanced 3D Printing Rapid Prototyping for Upper Limp and Lower Limb   Experiential Station: The Next-Gen Markerless Motion Capture   Experiential Station: Revolutionary Smart-Gadgets for Stroke Recovery   Demonstration Station: Winning Assistive Tech Products from PolyU RS Students   Experiential Station: AI-Driven Mobility & Strength Assessment   Experiential Station: Transforming Public Parks into Digital Rehab Hubs   Experiential Station: Sarcopenia / InBody   Experiential Station: Lung Function Test