News

URIS Student Named First Hong Kong Undergraduate Finalist at IEEE IMS2026

The Graduate School (GS) is proud to share that Mr HUANG Yixuan, an Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) student from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Supervisors: Dr ZHOU Xinyu and Professor LOO Ka Hong), has been selected as a finalist for the Best Student Paper Award at the 2026 IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS). This marks the first time a Hong Kong undergraduate has been recognized at IMS, the world’s premier conference in microwave and radio frequency engineering. Yixuan’s paper, “High-Efficiency VHF Class-Φ2 Power Amplifier with a GaN Sinusoidal Resonant Gate Driver”, introduces an innovative approach to high-frequency power amplification. His work achieves significant improvements in efficiency and performance in the very high frequency (VHF) band, tackling a critical challenge for next-generation wireless communication systems. The paper will be presented at IMS2026 in the United States this June. A big congratulations to Yixuan! This achievement not only exemplifies the extraordinary potential of PolyU’s undergraduate researchers, but also reaffirms GS’s commitment to nurturing young research talents through URIS. Learn more about IEEE IMS About URIS The Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) is a prestigious two‑year programme at PolyU that empowers undergraduates to initiate and conduct research under the one-to-one supervision of PolyU academics. The programme provides structured and integrated research training, aiming to equip students with intellectual rigour and innovative capacity to excel in scholarly and professional pursuits. Learn more about URIS

Strengthening Research Ties Between PolyU and Singapore A*STAR

On 1 April, we were honoured to welcome a delegation from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to PolyU. As Singapore’s lead public sector R&D agency, A*STAR plays a pivotal role in advancing science, bridging academia with industry and nurturing scientific talent for the wider research community. Guests began with a tour of our state-of-the-art laboratories, followed by an overview of the university delivered by Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research & Innovation) of PolyU. Professor Zuankai Wang, Dean of Graduate School, together with colleagues from other units, showcased the university’s latest developments. Highlights ranged from our collaborative PhD programmes, Hong Kong’s research and innovation landscape, our research excellence, funding opportunities, AI ethics and data governance, and the new establishment of the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy. A forward-looking dialogue brought both institutions together to explore ways to deepen collaboration in areas such as talent mobility, joint PhD supervision, and research initiatives. The exchange also provided valuable insights into the evolving research ecosystems of Hong Kong and Singapore. The visit marks an important step in building bridges of innovation and talent — not just between PolyU and A*STAR, but also across the broader Hong Kong-Singapore research partnership. Together, we look forward to nurturing young researchers and driving collaborative efforts to new heights.

Graduate School Celebrates Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2025

The Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2025 Presentation Ceremony was successfully held on 31 March 2026, celebrating the remarkable achievements of three distinguished RPg alumni and highlighting the enduring bond between PolyU and its graduates. Professor WANG Zuankai, Dean of Graduate School congratulated the awardees with a heartfelt message: "Our outstanding alumni began their research journeys at PolyU and have since demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation, and leadership in their fields. Their achievements bring pride to their departments and to the university as a whole, while setting a powerful example that will inspire the students who follow." Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Awardees 2025: Dr DONG Zhenhua - PhD 2016, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Chief Architect of Optical Distribution Networks, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd Professor DUAN Yuanfeng - PhD 2004, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor, Guangxi University/Zhejiang University Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Awardee 2025: Professor LI Danfeng - MPhil 2011, Department of Applied Physics - Associate Professor of Physics and Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Education), City University of Hong Kong The ceremony featured inspiring videos, personal sharing, and a joyful celebration with supervisors, department heads, and guests. Congratulations once again to our awardees, your success stories inspire the next generation of RPg students and reaffirm PolyU’s commitment to nurturing excellence. Learn about the awardees HERE.

PolyU Hosts Historic Qian Weichang International Summit 2026

The inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit (QWIS) wrapped up successfully on 30-31 March 2026. Under the theme “Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering”, this landmark academic event was held in honour of Prof. Qian Weichang, widely recognised as China’s “Father of Mechanics”, and served as a dynamic hub for global scientific exchange. Organised by the Graduate School of PolyU and sponsored by the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, the QWIS brought together leading academics from top institutions across the globe to exchange cutting-edge research insights and jointly drive interdisciplinary innovation in science and engineering. The QWIS featured eight world renowned plenary speakers from MIT, Imperial College London, Tsinghua University, University of Cambridge, École Polytechnique, Zhejiang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. Their inspiring presentations spanned mechanics, medicine, electronics, energy, and materials science, sparking new ideas for cross disciplinary collaboration. Another highlight of the QWIS was the presentation of the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards, recognising exceptional early career researchers in science and engineering. Prof. Song Bai (Peking University) and Prof. Zhao Ruike (Stanford University) were named the two laureates. Beyond plenary sessions, the QWIS also hosted over 70 parallel sessions covering advanced manufacturing, energy science, materials, data science, smart cities, health sciences and more, fostering in-depth global academic dialogue and fueling interdisciplinary innovation. The QWIS was a proud moment for PolyU, reaffirming the university’s unwavering commitment to global academic collaboration, advancing interdisciplinary research and nurturing the next generation of scientific talent to address global challenges.

PolyU Celebrates our First Ever Schmidt Science Fellow

We are proud to share that Mr Qing XIA, a PhD student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Chief Supervisor: Prof. Xiao ZHANG), has been selected as a 2026 Schmidt Science Fellow — the first ever PolyU student to receive this prestigious honour!  Remarkably, Qing is the only student from Hong Kong honoured with the fellowship this year. This historic success not only reflects Qing XIA’s exceptional talent, but also PolyU’s dedicated commitment in advancing research excellence and nurturing the next generation of world-class scholars.  Recognised globally as one of the most prestigious opportunities for early career scientists, the Schmidt Science Fellows programme empowers fellows to pursue an ambitious interdisciplinary pivot by embarking on postdoctoral research in a new field beyond their PhD. With only about 30 fellows selected each year from hundreds of nominees worldwide, this achievement represents exceptional calibre and distinction. Qing will pivot from Electrocatalysis to Physical Engineering by exploring new way to produce nitrogen-based without the high energy used and pollution associated with traditional methods. His method will use physical forces such as vibration, light, and sound to create highly reactive particles that can break apart nitrogen from the air and turn it into useful forms. The aim of his research is to design a small, efficient, modular nitrogen-fixation system that works under normal conditions, supports low-carbon agriculture, and helps reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers worldwide. The approach aims to reduce global emissions and to support more sustainable, accessible food production. We are immensely proud of Qing’s achievement and look forward to the transformative contributions he will bring to the global society.  Meet the 2026 Schmidt Science Fellows.

MTE Supervisor-Student Pairing Dinner

A night of inspiration and connection at the MTE Supervisor-Student Pairing Dinner! Held on 23 March, this memorable evening brought together PolyU professors, supervisors and students from Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme to exchange ideas, showcase projects, and build meaningful bonds. The evening opened with warm remarks from Prof. Jin‑Guang TENG, President of PolyU, who highlighted the golden era of technology and entrepreneurship. He encouraged students to seize opportunities in AI‑driven revolutions and leverage PolyU’s strong resources, especially our Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) across over 10 Chinese Mainland cities to transform their startups into real ventures. Prof. WANG Zuankai, Dean of the Graduate School, also shared his vision of the MTE programme as a key step in nurturing innovation. He described seeing Motivation, Talent, and Energy (M-T-E) in our students, and emphasised that by pairing them with the right supervisors and utilising the power of technology, bold ideas can evolve into impactful results. A highlight of the evening was the interactive presentations by two MTE student teams, who captivated the audience with their innovative projects in Health Sciences and Artificial Intelligence. The evening wrapped up with a lively buffet dinner, where students connected directly with their supervisors and professors — mentors who will guide them every step of the way in their entrepreneurial journey. We are already excited to see what our MTE students can achieve as they take this momentum forward! Learn about MTE Programme

Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) 2026/27 Info Session

On 26 February, the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) hosted the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) 2026/27 Info Session, attracting nearly 180 aspiring undergraduate researchers. Professor Horace Mui, Associate Head of CURI and Master of CURI Residential College, introduced the URIS programme and walked attendees through the application process. He also highlighted on CURI’s vibrant research community and exclusive overseas research opportunities. Mr Wang Yanze, a former URIS participant from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, also shared with us his URIS journey, giving practical advice on mastering new topics and writing strong research proposals. Learn more and apply for URIS 2026/27.

MTE Inauguration: Shaping a New Era of Tech Entrepreneurship

On 30 January, the Graduate School hosted the inauguration ceremony for our Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) Programme, celebrating the official commencement of the first MTE cohort. At the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, encouraged students to embrace exploration and innovation, and to grow through learning and practice, so as to collectively shape a new era of technology entrepreneurship. He also presented Prof. Wang Jian, Co‑founder and Chairman of BGI Group, with an appointment certificate as Honorary Professor of Graduate School. Prof. Wang then delivered an inspiring students masterclass “Omics for ALL”, sharing his journey of scientific innovation and encouraged students to embrace cross‑disciplinary thinking and pursue excellence. Our inaugural cohort brings together more than 50 students from diverse industries including healthcare, biotechnology, architecture, media and e-commerce, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The MTE programme breaks through traditional academic frameworks by placing hands-on entrepreneurship at its core. By integrating Hong Kong’s international strengths with the industrial resources of the Chinese Mainland, including PolyU’s 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) across major cities, students gain exclusive opportunities to establish their technology startups before graduation.

Joint Admission Talk: PolyU-Loughborough University Dual PhD Degree Programme

On 21 January, PolyU and Loughborough University (LU) co-hosted a Joint Admission Talk for our newly established Dual PhD Degree Programme. Prof. Kenneth Fong, Associate Dean of Graduate School, kicked off the session by showcasing the unique advantages of pursuing PhD studies at PolyU and Hong Kong’s role as a global education hub. He also offered an overview of the programme’s coursework, student support, and application procedures. Dr Jill Thurman, Assistant Registrar (Recruitment and Partnerships) of the Doctoral College and Academic Registry at LU, further elaborated on the programme’s strengths, LU’s research degree structure, and scholarship opportunities available to students. The talk concluded with an interactive Q&A, where both speakers addressed students’ concerns and clarified critical programme details. Dual PhD degree programmes empower students to tap into the world-class academic resources and excellence of both universities. Learn more here.

Transferrable Skills Workshop with Prof. Keith W. Kelley

On 16 January, a full house of motivated RPg students filled the room for the workshop, “Navigating the Publish or Perish Landscape: Guidelines for Submissions to High-Quality Academic Journals”, led by Prof. Keith W. Kelley, a distinguished immunophysiologist and researcher from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The workshop began with opening remarks from Prof. Kenneth Fong, Associate Dean of Graduate School. Prof. Kelley then shared practical insights and vivid examples on crafting strong research papers, improving the chances of acceptance in top journals, and handling rejections. He emphasised the importance of “novelty and clarity”, encouraging students to communicate directly for clear and impactful messages. The session was enriched by Prof. Kelley’s thoughtful answers to participants’ questions, including a debate on the role of AI in academic writing. We hope attendees left with inspiring insights and greater confidence in research writing.