News and Events

PolyU Summer Institute 2026 Wraps Up Successfully

The 5-day PolyU Summer Institute (27–31 July) came to a successful conclusion on campus! Over 80 local and overseas secondary school students participated in a series of immersive activities to experience university life and explore scientific innovation:   Food Laboratory Experience: Guided by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), students engaged in hands-on ice cream making and conducted sensory evaluations in the food lab, exploring the core principles of food science and quality assessment. Industrial Tour: Through a site visit organised by the Faculty of Science, students toured the commercial-grade facilities of TÜV Rheinland, a renowned global testing and certification company, to learn about industry standards and career prospects. Academic Sharing: Teachers and seniors provided valuable insights into subject selection and shared their firsthand experiences of university life.   Thank you to all the students for their active participation! We hope this 5-day journey was inspiring and memorable, and we look forward to welcoming you to PolyU FSN in the future!

Celebrating 32 Years of Dedication: Prof. Wu Jian-yong Departs PolyU

Today marks the capping-off of Prof. Wu Jian-yong’s journey at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) after 32 years of dedicated service at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Throughout his remarkable career, Prof. Wu has made invaluable contributions to research and academic leadership in food science and engineering. We extend our heartiest gratitude to Prof. Wu for his decades of commitment and impact, and we wish him all the very best in his next chapter!

Prof. James Fang’s Team Work on Seafood Biosecurity Published in Science

We are thrilled to share that a letter by our Prof. James Kar-Hei Fang and Dr Elizaldy Acebu Maboloc, titled “Seafood biosecurity gaps threaten biodiversity”, has been published in the prestigious journal Science. This impactful piece directly aligns with FSN’s core research focus on food sustainability. Featuring the work of Prof. Fang and his team in Science underscores its global relevance and highlights FSN’s commitment to addressing urgent challenges to environmental health and biodiversity, which are essential foundations for safeguarding global food security. Citation: Maboloc EA & Fang JKH (2026) Seafood biosecurity gaps threaten biodiversity. Science 393, 363. Read the full article here: Click to read on Science Please join us in heartiest congratulations to Prof. Fang’s team on this exceptional achievement!

Prof. Kevin Kwok Introduces Nano-Selenium Aquaculture Breakthrough on ViuTV’s “Treasure of the Sea in Hong Kong”

Prof. Kevin Kwok, Associate Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), was recently featured on ViuTV’s programme “Treasure of the Sea in Hong Kong” (香港海有寶) to share groundbreaking research in sustainable aquaculture and local fisheries development.   During the feature, Prof. Kwok introduced an innovative fish immune booster based on nano-selenium feed supplements. Developed to enhance overall fish health and natural immunity, this novel technology aims to significantly lower disease occurrence in farmed fish, thereby reducing the industry's reliance on vaccines, antibiotics, and medication.   This research represents a key step forward in advancing sustainable, environmentally friendly aquaculture practices while supporting the long-term growth and competitiveness of Hong Kong's local fisheries sector.   Watch the full episode at: https://viu.tv/encore/treasure-of-the-sea-in-hong-kong/treasure-of-the-sea-in-hong-konge10gong-ji-yeung-yue-sut-si

PolyU FSN Signs Strategic MOU with South China Agricultural University College of Food Science

On 23 July 2026, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the College of Food Science at South China Agricultural University (SCAU), establishing a strategic framework to deepen institutional and academic collaboration.   Under this new agreement, PolyU FSN and SCAU will engage in comprehensive cooperation focused on talent cultivation, scientific research, platform co-construction, and faculty and student exchanges.   This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in strengthening higher education and research ties within the Greater Bay Area. By combining their respective scientific strengths and educational resources, PolyU FSN and the SCAU College of Food Science look forward to driving impactful innovation, advancing academic excellence, and fostering long-term growth in the food science discipline.

PolyU FSN Leads Impactful Service-Learning Programme in Cambodia

In June 2026, a dedicated team from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at PolyU—led by Prof. Kenneth Lo (Assistant Professor), Dr Christine Li (Lecturer), Dr Marcus Wong (Lecturer), and Ms Cynthia Lau (Assistant Executive Officer)—accompanied a group of FSN students to Cambodia for a service-learning trip.   During the programme, our students actively engaged with hundreds of local Cambodian children through a series of interactive workshops, educational sessions, and vibrant carnival games. By combining fun activities with essential health concepts, the initiative turned nutritional education into an engaging and memorable experience.   Through this meaningful cultural exchange, the team empowered local children to better understand healthy diets and adopt practical tips for balanced, daily eating habits. The trip not only provided vital nutritional knowledge to the local community, but also allowed PolyU FSN students to develop key leadership skills, cultural empathy, and a strong sense of global citizenship.   PolyU FSN remains committed to creating hands-on learning experiences that enable our staff and students to serve global communities and promote health through science and education.

Strengthening Academic Ties: PolyU FSN Hosts Delegations from Zhejiang University

In July 2026, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at PolyU had the pleasure of hosting two visiting delegations from Zhejiang University (ZJU), marking another milestone in strengthening academic and institutional collaboration between the two universities.   FSN welcomed faculty and students from the ZJU College of Animal Sciences from 8 to 9 July, followed by the ZJU College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science from 23 to 24 July.   Throughout both visits, academic staff from both institutions engaged in meaningful exchanges, exploring potential joint research initiatives and collaborations on teaching programmes, as well as sharing insights on current developments in food science, nutrition, and biosystems. FSN academic staff also delivered interactive presentations to the visiting ZJU students, highlighting cutting-edge departmental research topics and inspiring lively academic discussions.   Beyond campus engagements, the visiting delegations explored Hong Kong through guided city tours and experiential site visits. A key highlight of the first delegation's visit was an eco-tour to the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park conservation area, featuring a glass-bottom boat trip to observe vibrant marine life and corals underwater. For the second delegation, the highlight was an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Gate Gourmet in-flight catering production facility, where students gained firsthand insight into large-scale, high-standard food safety and aviation catering operations.   Both visits were insightful and inspiring for staff and students alike. PolyU FSN looks forward to building on this momentum and expanding future research, educational, and exchange collaborations with Zhejiang University.

Prof. James Fang Empowers Next Generation via Shaw STEAMS for Good

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) proudly highlights the impactful educational outreach led by Prof. James Fang, Associate Professor at FSN. Under the PolyU "Shaw STEAMS for Good" funded by the Shaw Foundation, Prof. Fang successfully brought advanced marine scientific research into primary school classrooms to foster environmental responsibility. By integrating a vital "Social" (S) element into STEM, Prof. Fang designed a dual-track curriculum focusing on microplastic pollution and coral conservation: Experiential Learning: Guided students to observe real microplastic fibers under microscopes and track personal plastic waste to inspire local environmental solutions. Technological Innovation: Partnered with the PolyU Industrial Centre to create 3D-printed coral skeleton models, allowing students to physically grasp marine structures. Immersive Outreach: Organized field trips to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, interactive simulations at PolyU’s Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE), and a rare campus showcase of a Chinese White Dolphin skeleton on loan from OPCFHK. Prof. Fang emphasized that this STEAMS model teaches youth that science is deeply intertwined with civic duty. FSN congratulates Prof. Fang and his team for translating departmental research into meaningful community impact.   For more details, please visit the full feature on am730: 理大J.C.DISI攜手王錦輝中小學推「邵氏STEAMS善創計劃」 引領小學生關注微塑膠污染與珊瑚保育 設計長者照護食 | am730

FSN Connects with Prospective Students at Ming Pao Education Expo 2026

With the HKDSE results officially released today, local secondary students are actively exploring their higher education options. To assist students in their academic planning, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) participated in the Ming Pao Education Expo, held from 11 to 12 July 2026 at the Hopewell Hotel.   The exhibition featured comprehensive displays from local and overseas institutions, alongside over 60 specialized seminars. Among the key speakers, Prof. Man-kin Wong represented the PolyU Faculty of Science to deliver an insightful talk titled "PolyU Science 解碼你的升學與事業藍圖," offering valuable guidance on academic paths and career prospects in the scientific sectors.   During the exhibition, FSN faculty and representatives engaged with a large number of prospective students and parents. Our team provided detailed consultations regarding our undergraduate programme offerings, curriculum structures, and specific admission criteria.   For students interested in FSN’s undergraduate programmes or seeking to join our department, please contact us at fsn.programme@polyu.edu.hk or visit the FSN Homepage (https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fsn/) for more information.

FSN Hosts Academic Advisor Prof. Sarah Illingworth to Advance MSc in Dietetics Programme

We were privileged to host Prof. Sarah Illingworth from London Metropolitan University from 6–9 July 2026. As a registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, higher education and professional leadership in the U.K., as well as the Academic Advisor for our PolyU MSc in Dietetics programme, her invaluable expertise continues to profoundly shape our curriculum and align it with international standards for future dietetics professionals.   Visit Highlights:   🔹 Workshop on Simulation & OSCE Setup: A specialized workshop to our academic staffs focusing on clinical simulation practice and setting up Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) to enhance practice-based training. 🔹 Programme Progress Review: A comprehensive overview and strategic evaluation of the progress of the MSc in Dietetics programme. 🔹 Guest Lecture: An engaging session on "Nutrition Support" delivered to PolyU dietetics students. 🔹 Sharing Session with Students: An insightful career-sharing session with our MSc in Dietetics 2025 and 2026 cohorts, focusing on global career pathways and HCPC registration. 🔹 Public Seminar for Dietitians: A well-attended public talk on "Simulation and Experiential Learning in Dietetics Education," sharing cutting-edge insights with local practitioners. 🔹 Placement Partnerships Deepened: Insightful site visits to our esteemed clinical and community partners, including the CUHK Medical Centre, Yan Chai Hospital Artiste Training Alumni Association Care & Attention Home, and Hong Kong Adventist Hospital - Tsuen Wan.   Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Prof. Illingworth for her visionary guidance and unwavering support to our programme!