Awards and Achievements

The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science 2025

The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science (FS) aims to give recognition to outstanding graduates of FS for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. We are pleased to announce the results as follows:   Outstanding Alumni of PolyU Faculty of Science 2025 Award Title Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Name of Awardee Prof. LEE Wang Fat (ABCT) Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Prof. LI Danfeng (AP)     Prof. LEE Wang Fat Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Prof. Lee Wang Fat obtained both his BSc and PhD from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2003 and 2007, respectively. He joined Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), formerly The Open University of Hong Kong, in 2009, and currently serves as Associate Dean and Professor in the School of Science and Technology. At HKMU, Prof. Lee also directs the Institute for Research in Innovative Technology and Sustainability and the Jockey Club STEAM Education Resources Sharing Scheme, collaborating closely with industry and government partners and leading STEAM education outreach for over 100 partner schools. A distinguished biochemist, Prof. Lee is highly regarded for his expertise in DNA and molecular analysis, proteomics, and microbiological studies. He has secured over HK$51 million in research grants and over HK$50 million in education grants, demonstrating his leadership in both scientific inquiry and academic development. Prof. Lee established the Metropolitan Algal Repository and Supply (MARS), Hong Kong’s first recognized algal culture collection, and leads the Coastal Wetland Research Centre at Shenzhen Futian Nature Reserve. His research output includes over 35 SCI journal papers, with more than 80% published in top-tier journals. Prof. Lee’s commitment to excellence is shaping the future of scientific research, sustainable development, and educational innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.   Prof. LI Danfeng Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Prof. Danfeng Li is a distinguished researcher whose pioneering work has profoundly influenced the field of quantum materials. He earned his BEng from Zhejiang University and his MPhil from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2011, and received his PhD in Quantum Matter Physics at the University of Geneva in 2016. Prof. Li led the groundbreaking discovery of nickelate superconductor, concluding a decades-long scientific quest and opening new avenues in high-temperature superconductivity research. He has published over 60 high-impact papers in prestigious journals such as Science and Physical Review Letters, and has secured more than HK$20 million in research funding, a testament to his academic excellence and visionary innovation. As Associate Dean of the College of Science at City University of Hong Kong, Prof. Li is deeply committed to mentoring young scientists and fostering a collaborative research environment. His achievements reflect not only scientific brilliance but also a dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.   Congratulations to the awardees! 

Thirty-two PolyU Science Scholars ranked The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 by Stanford University

We are immensely proud to announce that thirty-two of our esteemed researchers have been recognized as among the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide in their specialities in 2025 (Career-long and single recent year data), as compiled by Stanford University! This global recognition highlights the transformative power of their research and its significant impact across scientific disciplines. Using the Scopus author profiles as of 19 September 2025, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 8) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  Download the latest database (version 8):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8 Join us in celebrating their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions! Career-long Data Name of Researcher Department Subject Field Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Wong Wing Tak Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Wong Kwok Yin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Liu Dongsheng Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Wang Lianzhou Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Xing Bengang Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Zheng Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yao Zhongping Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Analytical Chemistry Prof. Zhao Xin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Biomedical Engineering Prof. Han Su Ting Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Hao Jianhua Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Chai Yang Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Lau Shu Ping Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Wu Tao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yan Feng Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Dai Jiyan Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Huang Haitao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Tsang Yuen Hong Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yang Shengyuan Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Yu Siu Fung Department of Applied Physics Optoelectronics & Photonics Prof. Zhang Biao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yin Jun Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Chen Sheng Department of Food Science and Nutrition Microbiology Prof. Lee Ming Yuen Department of Food Science and Nutrition Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry Prof. Wong Man Sau Department of Food Science and Nutrition Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry Prof. Wu Jian Yong Department of Food Science and Nutrition Biotechnology Prof. Gan Renyou Department of Food Science and Nutrition Food Science   Single Recent Year Data Name of Researcher Department Subject Field Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Wong Wing Tak Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Wong Kwok Yin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Liu Dongsheng Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Wang Lianzhou Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Zheng Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Lee Kin Wah Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Oncology & Carcinogenesis Prof. Yao Zhongping Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Analytical Chemistry Prof. Zhao Xin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Biomedical Engineering Prof. Han Su Ting Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Lee Yoon Suk Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Hao Jianhua Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Chai Yang Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Lau Shu Ping Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Wu Tao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yan Feng Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Dai Jiyan Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Huang Haitao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Tsang Yuen Hong Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yang Shengyuan Department of Applied Physics Applied Physics Prof. Yu Siu Fung Department of Applied Physics  Optoelectronics & Photonics Prof. Li Mingjie Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Zhang Biao Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Yin Jun Department of Applied Physics Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Chen Sheng Department of Food Science and Nutrition Microbiology Prof. Lee Ming Yuen Department of Food Science and Nutrition Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry Prof. Wu Jian Yong Department of Food Science and Nutrition Biotechnology Prof. Gan Renyou Department of Food Science and Nutrition Food Science Prof. Lo Ka Hei Department of Food Science and Nutrition General & Internal Medicine Prof. Lu Xuanxuan Department of Food Science and Nutrition Food Science  

Prof. Wong Ka-hing elected as the Election Committee Member (Agriculture and Fisheries Subsector)

Congratulations to Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Member of the Management Committee of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, for being elected as member of the Election Committee’s Agriculture and Fisheries Sub-sector after winning the Election Committee Subsector (ECSS) By-elections 2025 held on 7 September 2025. Prof. Wong also currently holds various public and organisational appointments, serving as Member of the Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of The Government of HKSAR; Vice-Chairman of the Expert Committee on Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, HKSAR; Committee Member of the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HKSAR; and Governing Board Member of the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre. Our warmest congratulations again to Prof. Wong! Full list of election results: https://www.elections.gov.hk/ecss2025by/eng/results_s3.html Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News 當選選委1/4為區議員 30人屬「三會」 19人關愛隊成員 6界別總投票率97.3% 8 September 2025  

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

Congratulations to the awardees of the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025. Their unwavering dedication to excellence in teaching, research and scholarly, and knowledge transfer activities has been truly remarkable. The award recipients are as follows: Individual Awards Category Awardees Teaching: Early Career Teacher Dr WONG Ho-yin, Marcus, Lecturer (FSN) Research and Scholarly Activities Prof. ZHAO Xin, Professor (ABCT) Research and Scholarly Activities: Early Career Researcher Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor (AP) Research Student Supervision Prof. TSANG Yuen-hong, Peter, Professor (AP) Knowledge Transfer: Industry Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Chair Professor (ABCT) Knowledge Transfer: Industry Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Simon, Chair Professor (FSN) Knowledge Transfer: Society  Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Professor (FSN)  Team Awards Category Awardees Teaching Prof. LEE Kin-wah, Terence, Associate Head & Professor (ABCT) Prof. WONG Tsun-ting, Clarence, Assistant Professor (ABCT) Prof. MU Quanhua, Assistant Professor (ABCT) Dr CHEUNG Ching-mei, Chartia, Lecturer (ABCT) Dr YAN Sau-woon, Clare, Lecturer (ABCT) Dr WONG Wai-ting, Instructor (ABCT)

PolyU Science Scholar conferred as RGC Research Fellow 2025/26

Congratulations to Prof. Zhao Jiong, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics on being conferred as RGC Research Fellow 2025/26 in recognition of his outstanding research achievement in the field of advanced materials. Prof. Zhao will receive a fellowship grant at around HK$5.5 million for a period of 60 months to support his research on “From slidetronics to twistronics: a twisting platform for dissipationless ferroelectricity”. Prof. Zhao’s research project primarily focuses on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and 2D materials. His team has developed expertise and achieved significant advancements in structural characterisations and physical field measurement utilising in situ TEM, STEM, 4D-STEM and others. By integrating these cutting-edge methods with synthesis, device fabrication and theoretical frameworks, the project contributes to improving material quality and enabling device applications. These advanced 2D materials and 2D ferroelectric materials are set to be game changers for future electronics and optoelectronics, with significant potential to enhance device performance.  The RGC Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) aims to provide sustained support to exceptionally outstanding researchers at the University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong, with a view to facilitating academics to dedicate their career to research and development. RFS provides ten awards in each round of the yearly exercise from any academic disciplines. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Zhao for his dedicated efforts in pursuing research excellence. Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: Toutiao 实在强！理大三位学者获颁研资局殊荣 25 July 2025 Dot Dot News 理大3名學者憑卓越科研成果　獲頒研資局高級研究學者及研究學者 24 July 2025 hkong.hk 理大3名学者凭卓越科研成果 获颁研资局高级研究学者及研究学者 24 July 2025

PolyU Science research projects win funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

Congratulations to Prof. Chai Yang, Associate Dean of Faculty & Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics of the Department of Applied Physics, and Prof. Lee Ming-yuen, Simon, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition for receiving funding from the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, under the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the HKSAR Government. This achievement showcases our Faculty’s research excellence and strong commitment to commercialisation of its research outcomes.  Explore the details of these impactful projects below: Project Title Project Leader Project Description High-Speed 3D Stacked AI Vision Sensors Prof. Chai Yang Associate Dean, Faculty of Science; Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics, Department of Applied Physics; and Director, Joint Research Centre for Microelectronics The project led by Professor Chai aims to develop and commercialise an advanced AI vision sensor featuring high-speed operation, high dynamic range, and low power consumption. The innovative sensor addresses critical limitations of conventional image sensors, particularly by reducing motion blur in high-speed motion scenarios. Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases Prof. Lee Ming-yuen, Simon Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; and Director, PolyU-BGI Joint Research Centre for Genomics and Synthetic Biology in Global Ocean Resources The project led by Professor Lee adopts a vertically integrated development strategy to create novel nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals derived from natural resources. This comprehensive approach forms an innovation platform for both the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, addressing the pressing global need for effective neurological health solutions amid an ageing population. Launched in 2023, RAISe+ aims to unleash potential of local universities in transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, and facilitate relevant collaboration among the Government, industries, universities, and research sectors. Each approved project will receive funding support ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million. Our warmest congratulations again to Prof. Chai and Prof. Lee! Press release: English | 中文  

PolyU Science Scholar awarded RGC Strategic Topics Grant 2025/26 for advancing next-generation cancer immunotherapy technologies

Congratulations to Prof. Zhao Yanxiang, Associate Head of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, who has received funding support from the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Strategic Topics Grant (STG) 2025/26 for a multidisciplinary biomedical project. This pioneering research led by Prof. Zhao has been awarded RGC funding of HK$32.4 million to support the project on “An Integrated Technology Platform for Next-generation Cancer Immunotherapy - from Identification of Tumor Neoantigens to Development of Novel Therapeutic Vaccine Modalities”. Prof. Zhao and the research team propose to build an integrated technological platform to develop Peptide-based Immunogenic Neoantigen Vaccines (PIN-Vax) and their long-term goal is to transform this platform into an innovative engine for next-generation cancer immunotherapy, benefiting cancer patients. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Zhao for her dedicated efforts in pursuing research excellence. For more details, please refer to https://polyu.me/44Qq8F7.

PolyU Science Scholars win prestigious awards at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

We are thrilled to share that our Innovations won two prestigious awards at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, securing 1 Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury and 1 Gold Medal. These remarkable achievements have highlighted the Faculty's strong research capabilities and commitment to innovation on the global stage. The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo) is a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention. This year's Geneva Inventions Expo attracted over a thousand entries from close to 40 countries and regions. To learn more about these impactful projects, please refer to the Appendix or visit the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.  List of award wining projects: Project Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) A Customisable Wearable Saliva Sensing Platform Prof. YAN Feng Associate Director, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Chair Professor of Organic Electronics, Department of Applied Physics Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Eye-on-a-chip Device Dr ZHOU Liping Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; Director, Eyenova Biotech Limited (a PolyU startup) Dr PHAN Chau-Minh Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry and Vision Science, UWaterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; Director, Eyenova Biotech Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: The Standard Hong Kong universities shine at international inventions fair 13 April 2025 Ming Pao Daily News 低碳製冰機毛公仔情緒朋友 港校日內瓦國際發明展獲獎 14 April 2025 Sing Tao Daily 日內瓦國際發明展 理大「採樣裝置」奪兩獎 14 April 2025 Headline Daily 日內瓦國際發明展 理大「採樣裝置」奪兩獎 14 April 2025 Ta Kung Pao 日內瓦國際發明展 港高校取佳績 14 April 2025 Wen Wei Po 【創科揚威國際】日內瓦發明展港奪9個特別大獎 警隊防騙視伏器探月採樣在列 13 April 2025 Hong Kong Commercial Daily  理大於第50屆日內瓦發明展再創佳績 囊括36獎項 展現卓越科研實力與創新潛能 13 April 2025 Bastille Post 本港多間機構「日內瓦國際發明展」獲獎 港大理大各贏逾三十多個獎項 14 April 2025

PolyU Science Researchers published a paper in Science titled “Atomic Locations and Adsorbate Interactions of Al Single and Pair Sites in H-ZSM-5 Zeolite”

Congratulations to Prof. Edman Tsang Shik-chi, Prof. Benedict Lo Tsz-woon, and Dr Li Guangchao of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology on publishing a paper in Science titled “Atomic Locations and Adsorbate Interactions of Al Single and Pair Sites in H-ZSM-5 Zeolite”. Zeolites are essential in the petrochemical industry, but their atomic mysteries of aluminum location as active sites have long puzzled scientists. A groundbreaking study from researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Oxford University has finally shed light on the elusive locations of aluminum atoms within zeolite structures. By utilizing synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction (RSXRD) alongside molecular adsorption methods, the team has mapped the precise locations of ‘single’ and ‘paired’ aluminum atoms. This pivotal discovery paves the way for the design of more efficient and targeted zeolite catalysts, enhancing chemical production processes to be faster, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. The implications stretch far beyond petrochemicals, promising advancements in renewable energy and pollution control. This research, published in Science on January 24, 2025, heralds a new era of smarter, greener chemical manufacturing. To read the article in Science, please visit here.

PolyU Science researcher won the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024 – Research and Scholarly Activities (Outstanding Young Researcher)

Congratulations to Prof. Kathy Leng Kai, Assistant Dean (Research) of the Faculty and Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics on receiving the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024 – Research and Scholarly Activities (Outstanding Young Researcher)! The Awards recognize Prof. Leng’s significant contributions to her research work on 2D hybrid perovskites. She is a pioneer in the emerging field of ultrathin 2D hybrid perovskites and has successfully fabricated the first monolayer 2D hybrid perovskite optoelectronic devices, discovering their unique physical properties. This ground-breaking research paves the way for the application and translation of large-scale micro-nano devices in this field. Prof. Leng has published 55 scientific articles in prestigious journals, including Matter, Nature Communications, Chemistry of Materials, and the Journal of the American Chemical Society, among others. Her work has garnered over 6,300 citations and she holds an h-index of 37. Since joining PolyU in 2020, she has secured 1 ESC, 2 GRF, and 2 NSFC projects, as well as funding from the Croucher Foundation. In recognition of her outstanding research achievement in 2D perovskite materials, Prof. Leng was the recipient of a string of prestigious awards, including the Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award 2023 and China’s Excellent Young Scientists Fund 2023. She was also named one of the “Innovators Under 35” (TR35) in the Asia Pacific region by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review and won the PolyU Young Innovative Research Award in 2023. Prof. Leng’s achievements set as role model and inspiration for young scholars and demonstrate the importance of strong determination and dedicated efforts in the pursuit of scientific discovery. Our warmest congratulations again to Prof. Leng!