FCE expands partnership network with academia and industry across Chinese Mainland and overseas

These strategic engagements reflect the Faculty’s proactive approach to building a robust partnership network of research, education, and knowledge transfer that spans both the Chinese Mainland and the global stage.

FCE partners in tripartite MoU to propel low-altitude economy

On 27 April 2026, Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of Faculty, attended a meeting with a delegation from the Department of Education of Hubei Province. Under the witness of Prof. Jiannong CAO, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. Li signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the University with Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Shenzhen Aviation Association on cooperation in the low-altitude economy.

The three parties will integrate their respective advantages in scientific research, industrial experience, and policy resources to collaborate on platform construction, talent training, and knowledge transfer. This MoU marks a vital step in fostering a collaborative ecosystem where industry and academia work in tandem to set new standards and provide think-tank support for the rapidly evolving low-altitude economic landscape.

LSGI signs MoU with Geely Farizon to establish joint lab for promoting methanol-electric mobility for carbon-neutral Hong Kong

Sharing a highly aligned vision for green transportation, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially establish the “PolyU–Farizon Transport and Energy Joint Laboratory” (the Joint Lab) on 20 April 2026.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of LSGI, and Dr Zhaohuan SONG, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Geely Farizon. A project agreement marking the official launch of research on methanol‑electric vehicles in Hong Kong was also signed on the same occasion.

The Joint Lab will focus on industrial development policies in relation to methanol-electric technologies, promoting their development across technical, economic, and social dimensions, and building a new methanol ecosystem to help Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality goals. This new collaboration couples LSGI’s research expertise with Geely Farizon’s industry resources to provide solid academic support for the emerging methanol ecosystem.

Dean's/FCE Awards reward outstanding academic and non-academic staff

The Faculty congratulates the following academic and non-academic staff members for winning the 2026 Dean's/FCE Awards in recognition of their outstanding performance.

*Team leader

CEE young researcher secures RGC Junior Research Fellowship

The Faculty is delighted to report that Dr Siyuan WU, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has been selected for the RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme (JRFS) 2026/27. The recognition stems from the project “Intelligent characterisation of lunar regolith: an in-situ testing-driven deep learning approach" led by Prof. Qi ZHAO, Associate Professor of CEE.

The JRFS is a strategic initiative by the Research Grants Council designed to nurture promising research talent at a pivotal career stage. By providing an annual stipend of approximately HK$425,000 for up to 36 months, the scheme supports high-calibre researchers in their transition toward Assistant Professor or Research Assistant Professor roles.

The award underscores the Faculty’s dedication to fostering a vibrant research culture and providing our junior scholars with the support necessary to become global leaders in their fields.

CEE scholar receives PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award 2026

Prof. Tao LIU, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has been awarded the PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2026 for his research “Net-Zero Wastewater Management through Circular Resource Utilisation”. This award recognises Prof. Liu's outstanding research project, which aims to develop circular, net-zero wastewater systems through integrated carbon management, in-situ resource recovery, and system-wide technological innovation.

The YIRA is a prestigious university-level accolade established to honour rising research stars under the age of 35 who drive technological advancement and transformational innovation to tackle pressing global challenges. Out of 60 submissions from various schools and faculties, only six remarkable awardees were selected through a stringent evaluation process. Their chosen projects exemplify high-impact, interdisciplinary innovation that bridges diverse fields of study. Each recipient receives HK$500,000 in research funding to further fuel their impactful scientific endeavours.

FCE workshop unlocks strategies for local research grant applications

FCE remains dedicated to fostering a supportive research environment where academic staff can secure vital resources to advance their work. On 21 May 2026, the Faculty hosted the Workshop on Hong Kong Research Grants Application (Other than RGC Grants), attracting an audience of over 60 FCE scholars keen to gain insights into navigating alternative local grant opportunities.

The core of the workshop centred on actionable advice for drafting winning proposals across multiple competitive local platforms. Experienced FCE members from various departments shared their successful track records and first-hand insights on navigating specific schemes, including the Smart Traffic Fund (STF), Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPR), Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), and Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). The session concluded with a productive group dialogue and photo session, building valuable momentum for future bids. The informative materials shared by the speakers are now available for FCE staff to download here.

FCE provides comprehensive academic guidance at PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026

On 9 May 2026, FCE participated in the PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 (formerly JUPAS Consultation Day), which empowered prospective students and parents with tailored academic guidance at the consultation counters and through specialised activities organised by departments.

As a central hub for engagement, the Faculty hosted consultation counters where academic staff representatives from all five departments—the Department of Architecture (ARCH)*, the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), and the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI)—addressed enquiries regarding curricula, admission requirements, and career prospects.

To offer a more immersive experience, departments organised an array of sessions, including programme seminars, a thematic talk, a workshop, and mock interviews. In addition, the Faculty conducted a seminar for the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Construction and Environment (BDSCE), which attracted approximately 75 attendees.

These activities aimed to equip applicants with the necessary support to make well-informed decisions about their academic futures.

*The Department of Architecture (ARCH) will be established effective 1 July 2026.

New academic staff

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo Informatics (LSGI) has welcomed a new Assistant Professor, Prof. Xiaolong MI, who was promoted from Research Assistant Professor in April 2026. Prof. Mi holds dual PhD degrees in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Space Geodesy from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and in Spatial Sciences from Curtin University. His research focuses on GNSS and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technologies for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), lunar and planetary PNT, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in space geodesy.