FCE subjects ranked 1st in Hong Kong: Civil & Structural Engineering and Environmental Sciences secure top spots in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

FCE is pleased to report its distinguished standings in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This year, FCE has made significant local gains, with two subjects ascending to the top spot in Hong Kong. Notably, Civil & Structural Engineering ranked an impressive 18th worldwide and climbed to 1st in Hong Kong, up from 2nd locally last year. Environmental Sciences also maintained its premier standing, securing the 1st place locally and 34th worldwide. Additionally, FCE’s performance in Architecture & Built Environment remains globally competitive, ranking 21st worldwide and 2nd in Hong Kong.

These results underscore FCE’s commitment to research excellence and its vital contribution to Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for higher education. Moving forward, FCE remains committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure and interdisciplinary research to address global challenges.

FCE scholar’s research named among PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year

The Faculty is proud to share that the research topic “Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise”, led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), has been selected as one of the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year.”

This recognition is based on the combined results of over 7,700 votes from PolyU staff, students, alumni, partners, the public, and assessments by a professional judging panel.

Prof. Chen collaborated with a global research team and integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. The research findings provide critical insights into the ice sheet’s role in global sea-level rise, suggesting that current models may need upward adjustments to accurately predict meltwater runoff during extreme warming events.

This honour reflects a high level of engagement from the University community and the public with Prof. Chen’s research, demonstrating the significance and societal relevance of FCE scholars' research endeavours.

CEE research team uncovers global inland extension of tropical cyclone rainfall, highlighting heightening flood risks

Tropical cyclones are among the most devastating natural hazards, yet their impact is increasingly reaching beyond coastal boundaries. A research team led by Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), and Dr E DENG, CEE Research Fellow, recently published a study titled “Tropical cyclone rainfall extends inland” in Nature Communications, revealing that tropical cyclone rainfall has been extending further inland globally over the past four decades. This study highlights the interdisciplinary synergy within FCE, featuring a collaboration between CEE and the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI). Demonstrating the Faculty’s research depth, several team members are also affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKL-CRCC).

By analysing data from 1980 to 2023, the team discovered that the landward extent of heavy rainfall along Northern Hemisphere continental coasts has increased at a rate of approximately 3.8 km per decade. The study identifies warming nearshore sea-surface temperatures as a primary driver of this trend, with coastal urbanisation potentially amplifying the effect. As rainfall penetrates deeper into the interior of continents, it poses a growing threat to inland populations and infrastructure previously considered less vulnerable. These findings, supported by the Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme, provide critical insights for disaster mitigation and the development of resilient urban planning strategies in the face of a changing climate.

Best Research Postgraduate Student of the Year 2025 bestowed upon CEE student for excellence in research and innovation

The Faculty is proud to report that Mr Tong NIE, a PhD student from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has been honoured with the Best Research Postgraduate Student of the Year 2025 award. This prestigious accolade, organised by the Graduate School, recognises research postgraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their research studies and have made significant contributions to their respective fields through innovation and academic excellence.

Supervised by Prof. Wei MA, Associate Professor of CEE, Mr Nie’s research focuses on the cutting-edge field of Generative AI for safety-critical scenario generation. His work aims to support robust training and testing of autonomous driving systems, addressing a vital challenge in developing reliable, safe smart mobility solutions. His selection for this top honour reflects FCE’s commitment to nurturing world-class research talent and pushing the boundaries of engineering knowledge.

FCE hosts Public Lecture on architecture and material presence

On 23 April 2026, FCE hosted a Public Lecture titled “Architecture and Material Presence”, delivered by Prof. Martin BECHTHOLD, Kumagai Professor of Architectural Technology and Academic Dean of the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. The lecture attracted over 50 participants, including students, alumni, and FCE academics.

In this thought-provoking lecture, Prof. Bechthold examined the fundamental role of materiality in architecture and the built environment, highlighting how materials influence people’s perception of space even when they are not consciously noticed. Drawing on a series of studies, he demonstrated that, despite the growing ubiquity of digital media, materials remain central to spatial experience. Year One Architecture students demonstrated significant interest during the Q&A session, prompting fruitful discussions with Prof. Bechthold through their thoughtful questions.

The lecture offered a valuable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of architecture, technology and human experience. It also served as an inspiring prelude to the official establishment of the new Department of Architecture on 1 July 2026.

FCE welcomes international offer holders through engagement sessions in Jakarta and online

To welcome international offer holders and help them prepare for their studies, FCE took part in two engagement activities for prospective students in late March 2026.

On 29 March 2026, FCE joined the Welcome Session for PolyU offer holders in Jakarta, organised by the Global Engagement Office (GEO), which targeted offer holders and their parents. During the mingling session, Prof. Ling JIN, Assistant Professor from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), represented FCE at the faculty booth, meeting prospective students and families, answering questions, and introducing FCE’s learning opportunities and academic community.

This was followed by the FCE Online Conversion Session for International Applicants on 31 March 2026. The session opened with a faculty introduction by Prof. Charles WONG, Associate Dean (Teaching and Global Engagement) of Faculty, followed by departmental breakout sessions. Offer holders were able to learn more about programmes, student life, exchanges, internships and career pathways, while GEO also provided support on non-programme-related enquiries.

Through these sessions, FCE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting prospective students from the outset of their academic journey.

FCE reconnects with alumni through innovation at PolyU Homecoming 2026

FCE was delighted to take part in the PolyU Homecoming 2026, held on 12 April 2026, to reconnect with alumni through showcasing how the Faculty continues to advance innovation with real-world impact and enhance students’ learning experience.

Throughout the day, FCE alumni explored interactive exhibits at the FCE booth that highlighted the Faculty’s work in technology-enhanced learning, safety, and heritage preservation. FCE showcased a virtual reality (VR) interactive system that simulates real-world construction and industrial scenarios and a geospatial project that uncovered and reconstructed a World War II battlefield in Hong Kong.

The exhibits sparked lively conversations about the FCE’s latest developments and their broader value to society. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for FCE to strengthen its ties with the alumni community.