News

Two PolyU PhD Students Awarded the Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship

The Graduate School is delighted to announce that Mr Ken Chan Kin-ho from the School of Optometry (SO) and Mr Ivan Wong Tak-fai from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI) have been awarded the Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024/25 by the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation. The scholarship aims to support research students and encourage local youth participation in innovation and technology fields. This year, two PolyU PhD students received a scholarship of HK$80,000 to support their pioneering work. Ken has developed a core algorithm for an innovative portable device that accurately measures corneal shape in children, addressing challenges in paediatric eye care. He said, “These advancements aim to empower front line clinicians with practical tools for early detection and treatment of eye conditions, particularly nearsightedness, which has reached an epidemic level, especially in Asia.” Ivan is focusing on understanding the complex dynamics of infectious disease outbreaks to devise effective prevention and mitigation strategies. His goal is to give back to society through his research: “I strive to translate complex scientific discoveries into accessible information and solutions that equip healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, contributing to a more resilient future.” Receiving this scholarship provides both students with a crucial opportunity to advance their research, broaden its impact, and bridge clinical practice with technological advancements to benefit a wide range of people.

Graduate School Collaborates with The University of Tokyo to Promote Global Research Opportunities

The Graduate School (GS) was invited by the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology at The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) to join an online session as a collaborating institution on 13 March to introduce our study programmes for visiting PhD students, highlighting opportunities for global research collaboration. Participants gained insights into studying abroad at PolyU, learning about the Research Student Attachment Programme (RSAP) which offers UTokyo’s PhD students global exposure through attachment studies, guided by a PolyU supervisor, for a period of 3 to 12 months. Additionally, Professor Louise Cummings, Associate Dean of GS, also introduced the Joint PhD Supervision Scheme with Leading Universities, a funding initiative designed to support the joint supervision of international PhD students, working as research assistants at PolyU under the mentorship of our faculty members. GS will continue to strengthen the international collaboration network and provide more exchange opportunities for RPg students from our partner universities.

Entrepreneurial Science Talent Workshop Series #2

On 18 March, RPg students participated in an engaging and enriching Entrepreneurial Science Talent Workshop. We were excited to welcome the Co-founders of PocNAT Limited, Professor Thomas Lee from the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at PolyU, along with our PhD alumna, Dr Wang Shiyao. They shared fascinating insights into their research and the practical applications of Gold-LAMP technology. The Portable Testing System, developed by the Industrial Centre (IC), was also demonstrated, giving students a hands-on understanding of how these innovative devices work. Additionally, the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO) provided a crash course on important legal considerations for launching a start-up. To wrap up, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and networking with fellow innovators during a relaxed chat session after the demonstration. The upcoming workshop series will showcase successful innovation and entrepreneurship cases at PolyU, offering RPg students inspiration to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact.

Launch of Entrepreneurial Science Talent Workshop Series: Transform Innovations into Practical Solutions

On 7 March, RPg students had interactive and enriching times at the Entrepreneurial Science Talent Workshop co-organised by the Graduate School (GS) and the Industrial Centre (IC). We were thrilled to have our PhD alumnus also the Co-founder of Immune Materials Limited ─ PolyU academic-led startup, Professor Chris Lo, to share his incredible journey of turning research on antimicrobial plastic (IMU+) into real-world solutions by using the 3D printing facilities at IC. The Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO) also introduced various funding schemes available at PolyU for students to realise their innovation. To wrap up the workshop, attendees enjoyed some light refreshments and relaxed with a chill and chat to connect with their fellow innovators after crafting card holders from antimicrobial silicone leather in a fun-filled DIY session. RPg students are encouraged to explore how IC can support their research in the upcoming workshops.

URIS Team Won the Second Prize at the 4th China Mobile "Wutong Cup" National Finals

A team of four students from the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) achieved remarkable success by garnering the second prize at the 4th China Mobile "Wutong Cup" National Finals of the Big Data Innovation Competition and Maker Marathon – Data Application Track, held in December 2024 at Guizhou University. This prestigious event brought together 18 top teams from across the nation, each showcasing their innovative ideas and data-driven solutions. Prior to the national finals, the team had already won the second prize in the Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan regional competition. This year, the competition attracted a staggering 949 teams from 371 universities, which underwent rigorous preliminary and final rounds at the provincial level. Ultimately, only exceptional teams were selected for the national finals, highlighting the calibre of participants. The competition's primary goal is to promote research and innovation among university students in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, and data security. It encourages the integration of big data applications across various industries. The URIS team comprised members from different disciplines: Ms He Linxi from the Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA), Mr Fu Guanhe and Ms Chen Rubing from the Department of Computing (COMP), and Mr Zhao Qingsen from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT). They were guided by their exemplary supervisors Prof. He Daihai (AMA), Prof. Li Bo (COMP) and Prof. Wu Xiaoming from the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI).

URIS Information Session 2025/26

The College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) hosted an information session on 24 Feb to introduce the prestigious Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS). The event drew a large crowd, with over 200 enthusiastic undergraduate students in attendance. URIS offers participants a chance to engage in extensive research training starting in their second year, mentored by experienced academic staff, over a two-year period. During the session, Associate Head of CURI, Professor Horace Mui, emphasised the programme’s attractive features and benefits. The attendees also received guidance on admissions, updates regarding selection criteria for the 2025/26 cohort, and details about exclusive funding opportunities through CURI. Mr Joseph Bai and Mr Eric Liu, current undergraduate students from the Departments of Computing (COMP) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) respectively, shared their inspiring experiences as URIS participants. At the conclusion, Professor Mui offered insights into CURI’s future plans for undergraduate research. The application deadline for URIS 2025/26 is 24 April 2025. Seize this opportunity to unlock your intellectual potential and join the vibrant undergraduate research community. Learn about URIS: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/ug-research/uris/application-for-uris/

Best URIS Research Project Award 2024 Result Announcement

The Graduate School is delighted to announce the result of the Best URIS Research Project Award 2024. The awardees have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their research projects under the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS).    

Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony 2024: Celebrating Academic and Research Excellence

The Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2024, the third celebration of the award, recognised distinguished PolyU alumni on 18 December. Being the role models for research talents, the four awardees, Professor LI Bing, Professor LI Jun, Dr SHOU Dahua, and Professor YANG Yang, were congratulated for their propelling accomplishments in diverse areas including aerospace mechanisms, structural monitoring, intelligent wearables, and sustainable tourism. With senior management, deans and heads, Directors of Research Postgraduate Studies, award selection panel members, staff, research students and alumni, and guests in attendance, the ceremony offered a vibrant networking platform. Professor Jiannong Cao, Dean of Graduate School, appreciated the awardees in his welcome remarks for their dedication to promoting academic and research excellence, and manifesting the opportunities in research and innovation. Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President, in his opening speech, reinforced the strong connection between research alumni and the Graduate School, highlighting their role in knowledge generation and translation for impactful advancements in respective fields. President Teng also pinpointed active alumni contribution to PolyU, a research-intensive university backed by expansive funding and partnership networks, and a community of 6,500 research postgraduate alumni. Receiving trophies from the senior management, the awarded alumni expressed their commitment to inspiring the next generation through research and innovation across disciplines. They sent sincere gratitude to their alma mater for the abundant resources and invaluable supervisory guidance that nurtured them, allowing them to develop competent and diverse research skillsets with passion. Concluding the ceremony in his speech, Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) featured the instrumental attributes in PolyU’s research postgraduate studies that cultivate interdisciplinary research and innovative global leadership. For instance, the collaborative PhD programmes with academic and industry institutions, the global attachment programme and fellowship, and internship opportunities, all of which spearhead the development of quality PhD graduates. The Graduate School looks forward to strengthening ties with its expanding alumni community and recognising future leaders in research and innovation. Further reading: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/news-and-events/outstanding-rpg-alumni-award-2024/

2025/26 Admission Talk for the Dual PhD Degree Programmes

The Collaborative PhD Programmes serve as a vital pipeline of cultivating future innovators and researchers to benefit society and the broader regions. On 22 November, we hosted an online admission talk for the Dual PhD Degree Programmes, attracting over 1,000 prospective students from our partner institutions. This programme enables students to pursue PhD studies at PolyU and a partner institution, experiencing joint supervision and academic excellence, with shared research resources.

Presenting the PhD Thesis Award 2024 at the 30th PhD Congregation (November Session)

At the 30th PhD Congregation on 2 November, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng presented the Outstanding and Merit Awards of the PhD Thesis Award 2024 to Dr Lei Mang Leng from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) and delegate of Dr Fan Haiyan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), honouring their distinguished accomplishments.