PolyU Science in the News

PolyU and AFCD sign MoU to boost sustainable agriculture and fisheries innovation

PolyU and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) signed an MoU yesterday (22 September 2025) to explore collaborative opportunities in the development and application areas of technological innovation for agriculture and fisheries, with both parties working together to promote the sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new impetus into the industries. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the AFCD and PolyU over the next five years to jointly advance innovative development initiatives for the agriculture and fisheries industries, enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local agricultural and fisheries products. Online coverage: Bastille Post AFCD and PolyU Sign MOU to Boost Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Innovation in Hong Kong 22 September 2025 Sina HK 漁護署與理大簽訂合作備忘錄　以科技創新推動香港漁農業可持續發展 22 September 2025  

Prof. Wong Ka-hing featured on TVB programme about turning food waste into 3D printing materials

Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of PolyU Research Institute for Future Food, Associate Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute & Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was featured on TVB’s programme “ESG Decoded”, introducing the novel technology that upcycles major commercial & industrial food waste like spent coffee grounds into sustainable composite materials for 3D printing. Online coverage: TVB 破局密碼ESG - 第 1 集 金融•科技新常態 (13:56-16:38) (subscription required) 21 September 2025  

Prof. Daniel Lau interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell” on osmotic power

Prof. Daniel Lau, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute & Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of the Department of Applied Physics, was interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell” to expound upon the theory, prospect and challenges of osmotic power. Online coverage: RTHK 十萬八千里 -「滲透能」發電發展潛力及應用條件 (22:17 - 36:50) 20 September 2025  

Dr Nano Cheng redefines coffee with ultrasonic extraction technology

The mushroom-infused coffee developed by Mushroom Innovation Tech Limited was featured on Fan Piece. The startup was established by Dr Nano Cheng Wai-yin, Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The company leverages ultrasonic extraction technology to redefine the functional beverage landscape. It revolutionises the food and beverage industry by creating innovative, health-enhancing products infused with the natural benefits of mushrooms, providing consumers with functional and delicious options that promote well-being and vitality. Online coverage: Fan Piece 在咖啡香裡「種」出健康！香港品牌 Made From Mushroom 的蘑菇革命 27 August 2025 Yahoo HK 在咖啡香裡「種」出健康！香港品牌 Made From Mushroom 的蘑菇革命 27 August 2025  

Prof. Daniel Lau on dual vision to convert carbon dioxide into diverse products

Prof. Daniel Lau Shu-ping, Director of University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute & Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, was interviewed by China Daily on his visions of converting carbon dioxide into a widely used, colorless gas scaled big enough for industrial use, and also shrinking it to the point where it can be used for space missions. Online coverage: China Daily PIONEERING GREEN TECH EYES SPACE APPLICATION, INDUSTRY BOOST 26 August 2025  

PolyU Science scholars featured on HOY TV's programme "InnoAction"

Professors Amber Chiou Jiachi and Kevin Kwok Wing-hin, Associate Heads and Associate Professors at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) and Associate Directors of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), together with Dr Gail Chang Jinhui, Research Assistant Professor at FSN and a core member of RiFood, appeared on HOY TV’s InnoAction, discussing AkkMore™, a novel fungus-based fat replacer developed by a team led by Prof Chiou and Dr Chang, as well as issues relating to consumer protection in novel foods. Online coverage: HOY TV 智創未來｜有科研團隊從菇菌提煉脂肪替代品　應用於甜品製作稱有效預防肥胖 智·創未來 (12:24 - 22:55) 16 August 2025  

Dr Michael Jim featured on TVB's programme about blue light exposure and sleep quality

Dr Michael Jim Kwok-lung, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Applied Physics, was featured on TVB’s programme “100 Health Tips” to share tips to reduce blue light exposure to enhance sleep quality.  Online coverage: TVB 睡眠時間｜長期睡眠不足會腦退化？補眠原來對身體不好！10秒測自己是否患失眠症 1 August 2025  

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech establish joint laboratory for innovative soy research and functional food development

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited have announced the establishment of the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development. The Laboratory is dedicated to advancing research on soy-based functional foods and promoting the translation of sustainable agricultural technologies. At the donation ceremony for the Laboratory, President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that the two parties would leverage their respective strengths to contribute to food technology innovation in Hong Kong, as well as to national food security and agricultural modernisation. Press Release: English | 中文 Online coverage: Mirage News PolyU, Soy-Sky FarmTech Launch Joint Soy Research Lab 16 July 2025 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大與大豆天地公司成立聯合實驗室 共建創新大豆研究與功能食品開發 16 July 2025 MeetHK 理大與大豆天地公司成立聯合實驗室 16 July 2025  

PolyU Science researchers unveil novel strategy to achieve both strength and toughness in 2D materials design, advancing applications in electronic and photonic devices

A research team led by Prof. Zhao Jiong, Professor at the Department of Applied Physics, has pioneered a novel twisting engineering approach whereby twisted bilayer structures enable sequential fracture events, addressing the conflict between strength and toughness in 2D materials. This breakthrough facilitates the design of strong and tough new 2D materials, promoting their broader applications in photonic and electronic devices. Press Release: English | 中文 Online coverage: CCTV 香港理工大学研发二维材料强韧兼备技术 推动电子及光子领域应用 21 July 2025 Mirage News Breakthrough Strategy Boosts 2D Materials for Tech Use 15 July 2025 Dot Dot News 理大研發強韌兼備二維材料　有望應用於光子和電子器件 15 July 2025  

Dr Gail Chang on challenges of establishing own business

Dr Gail Chang Jinhui, Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and a member of the Research Institute for Future Food, was interviewed by Ta Kung Pao to share the challenges of starting her own company. Dr Chang co-founded Bo InnoHealth Biotechnology Company Limited, a PolyU-supported start-up, to develop AkkMore™, a novel fungus-based fat replacer which is effective in preventing obesity and metabolic diseases, enhancing gut health, modulating immune response and relieving anxiety. Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao 創業艱難/健康食品臨床實驗 成本至少200萬 14 July 2025