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PolyU Graduate School Delegates Attended Shenzhen Symposium on Nurturing Research and Innovation Talents

On 18 and 19 May, PolyU Graduate School was invited to participate in the Symposium on Graduate Education and Collaborative Research 2023. The symposium was jointly organised by the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT) and the Polytechnic University of Shenzhen. A total of 17 universities from Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China participated in the event. Centred around the theme "Integration of Industry and Education, Convergence of Science and Education, and Cultivation of Innovation", more than 200 participants discussed innovative developments in postgraduate education and innovative models for cultivating talents in science and engineering. They also discussed the collaborative cultivation of highly competitive research talents. SIAT became PolyU’s partner in the Collaborative PhD Programme in 2022. At the symposium, Professor Jiannong Cao, Dean of PolyU Graduate School, delivered a keynote entitled "Research Education at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Perspectives from the Graduate School." He shared his vision of PolyU's research postgraduate education, including high-quality PhD talent recruitment, holistic curriculum design and learning support, and the facilitation of cutting-edge research facilities. He envisioned that PolyU’s PhD programmes would provide access to interdisciplinary training and overseas research opportunities. Research students thus identify and gather knowledge from different study fields to address complex research problems. To celebrate the long-term collaborative relationship, PolyU and other institutions participated in a tree-planting ceremony. The organisers also arranged for delegates to visit Guangming Science City at SIAT to share the latest research developments. In addition, they visited research facilities and laboratories. PolyU Graduate School emphasises international research collaboration by providing students with ample opportunities to gain diverse perspectives and skillsets. The Graduate School will continue to establish partnerships with prestigious global institutions for the broader benefit of our students and supervisors.

PolyU Research Student Conference 2023: Research with Impact

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Graduate School celebrates the resounding success of the PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC) on 8 and 9 May 2023. This first flagship student conference themed “Research with Impact” is a platform for research students and undergraduate researchers within the University to demonstrate their research achievements and build a collaborative research community. Around 300 research students and undergraduate researchers attended the conference. A celebratory banquet cum award presentation ceremony was held on the first conference day at Hotel Icon. The banquet was attended by senior management representatives from the conference award sponsor, China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec). The two-day conference featured an opening ceremony, keynote presentations, student paper presentations and discussions, and networking opportunities. Student research projects’ posters were also exhibited. PRSC served as an excellent opportunity for young researchers to disseminate and present their innovative research findings, interact and connect with peers from diverse disciplines, expand their knowledge, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies shaping their fields of study. 126 submissions were accepted for oral presentations from more than 330 submissions spanning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); the Humanities, Health and Social Sciences, Business and Finance, Design, and Fashion. The breadth of topics denotes the University's dedication to research and innovation by fostering an interdisciplinary and facilitated research environment. At the opening ceremony, PolyU President and conference Honorary Co-Chair, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The PolyU Research Student Conference is an excellent platform for young researchers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and build collaborations. We are delighted to witness our students' achievements and the vibrant research community that we cultivated at PolyU." The keynote presentations highlighted global research interests in artificial intelligence and energy sustainability. In the first keynote, ChangJiang Chair Professor Yunhao Liu from Tsinghua University focused on industrial IoT (Internet of Things), illustrating the importance of transiting from the digital follow-up to digital lead-off. In the second keynote, PolyU Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and conference General Co-Chair, Professor Zuankai Wang, encouraged students to achieve big things through persistence and an open mind. Getting inspired, six candidates competed for the best paper awards sponsored by Sinopec through presentations and question-and-answer sessions. The awardees were honoured at the award ceremony during the banquet. Completed Research track Best Paper Award Winner: Yezhou Hu and Ye Zhu in Applied Physics (AP) Paper Title: A Co pre-embedding strategy induced highly efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction Award Prize: HK$20,000 Two Best Paper Runners-up i) Winner: Nga-Yin Dik, Paul Wai-Kei Tsang, Ah-Pun Chan and Kwan-Yu Lo in Fashion and Textiles (SFT) Paper Title: Developing a Prediction Model for Virtual Garment Fitting Size with Psychographic Characteristics And 3D Body Measurements ii) Winner: Yiteng Li and Ling Zhu in Logistics and Maritime Studies (LMS) Paper Title: The Technical and Regulatory Aspects of Unmanned Merchant Ships Reconsidered Award Prize: HK$10,000 per winning team Work-in-Progress track Best Paper Award Winner: Xintong Liu and Ling Jin in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Paper Title: Unexpected discovery of an algal toxin as a major toxicity contributor in Hong Kong marine waters impacting the finless porpoise Award Prize: HK$15,000 Two Best Paper Runners-up i) Winner: Hao Wang and Songye Zhu in CEE Paper Title: Dynamic Behaviour of Latched Tuned Mass Damper ii) Winner: Shuai Zhou and Mengyu Wang in Applied Social Sciences (APSS) Paper Title: Window Dressing or Change Making? Party Building in Chinese Social Work Organisations Award Prize: HK$8,000 per winning team   At the banquet, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and conference Honorary Co-Chair, Professor Christopher Chao, highlighted the significance of research and innovation and the role of the University in it, saying, "With our research expertise and global reach, we are well-positioned to contribute to knowledge advancement and society's betterment, and reinforce the city’s development into an international I&T hub in the Greater Bay Area." Dean of the Graduate School and conference General Co-Chair, Professor Jiannong Cao, shared the missions and visions of the GS, expressing, "PRSC highlights the strong research postgraduate education at PolyU. We sustain a meaningful research impact by nurturing aspiring researchers through creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration." Special gratitude was extended to generous donors who supported the nurturing of research intellectuals. The Technical Programme and Work-in-Progress Co-Chairs were also awarded certificates of appreciation. Towards the end, PolyU's faculties and schools were commended for their continuous support and the GS for making the conference a success.

GS is Reaching Out to Singapore

Dean of the Graduate School (GS), Professor Jiannong Cao, and some senior executives visited Singapore in mid-April to explore opportunities for research postgraduate education that would benefit the University and its students. A reunion with international research alumni was also arranged. During their visit to the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), A*Star (an agency for Science, Technology and Research) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), a number of meetings were held to discuss possible partnerships in PhD education, including joint PhD supervision, student attachment opportunities, and research collaborations. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between top-tier institutions and foster collaboration in research postgraduate education.

Distinguished Speaker Series - Sharing Session by Professor Kathryn Moler

A sharing session was recently hosted by the Graduate School in the Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Professor Kathryn Moler, who talked candidly about the challenges and triumphs of her research journey. Professor Moler, now serving as the Vice Provost and Dean of Research at Stanford University, shared insights into her career as a researcher, teacher, and physicist. From a little girl dreaming of being a scientist, she spoke to the audience about overcoming obstacles and achieving her goals in academia. Professor Moler also inspired students to look beyond constraints for aspirations and maintain a healthy life balance. She also shared some memorable moments at different life stages as encouragement. The event was concluded with a Q&A session, during which research students had a conversation with Professor Moler and gained valuable advice. It provided a great opportunity for them to learn from a world-renowned scholar about how to become successful researchers.

PolyU - SIAT Collaborative PhD Training Programme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has a well-established global outlook and offers a variety of international learning opportunities with renowned institutions for our PhD students. The new Collaborative PhD Training Programme partnership in 2022 with Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), China, opened up a new network in various research specialisms. This Collaborative PhD Training Programme is a 3-year or 4-year programme for PhD students who spend their first 1.5 or 2 years at PolyU and the same duration at SIAT. It has research co-supervision from both institutions. Collaborative PhD students will obtain a PhD degree from PolyU and a certificate of completion from SIAT, subject to completing the necessary programme and satisfying both institutions' graduation requirements. Learn more and apply by 5 April 2023: https://www.siat.ac.cn/yjsjy2016/zsjs2016/202302/t20230228_6686895.html  

Distinguished Speaker Series – A New Definition of Tall Buildings

A seminar in the Graduate School Distinguished Speaker Series was delivered by the outstanding research postgraduate alumnus Ir Dr Goman Ho, on the topic “A New Definition of Tall Buildings - From a Structural Engineer's Perspective”. The seminar focused on the new definition of tall buildings’ design and construction in the eyes of a structural engineer. Dr Ho explained the evolution of tall buildings with an increased height and structure complexity, and the challenges they present for structural engineers. He also emphasised that safety must be the top priority in any tall building project, and engineers must consider not only their height but also a wide range of factors, including wind, earthquakes, and fire. Dr Ho especially introduced the audience to how the Jockey Club Innovation Tower at PolyU and the Overpass between Block X and Block Z were built, and the process of overcoming site limitations. Let us admire the campus buildings when we walk by in the future.  

Research Student Gathering－Experiencing the Research Student Attachment Programme

The Graduate School (GS) held a research student gathering on 28 February 2023. With the theme “Experiencing the Research Student Attachment Programme”, participants of the attachment programme were invited to share their study-abroad journeys.  More than 80 research students attended the session. Mr Alex Chan, a PolyU PhD student from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, visited the University of Toronto to research LGBT mental health and built an effective network with their scholars and NGO collaborators. While Mr Xu Tianpeng from the Department of Biomedical Engineering shared his experience at Harvard University and gave some tips on applying for the programme and studying overseas. Many students expressed great interest in RSAP during the Q&A session. RSAP calls for applications by 30 April. Grab the chance and apply now! Learn more at: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/current-students/rsap_outgoing/  

PolyU – EIAS Collaborative PhD Training Programme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has a well-established global outlook and offers varieties of international learning opportunities with renowned institutions for our PhD students. The new Collaborative PhD Training Programme partnership in 2021 with EIT Institute for Advanced Study (EIAS), China, opened up a new network in research specialisms of science, engineering, information technology and business. EIAS is funded by Yu Renrong Education Foundation and supported by Zhejiang Provincial and Ningbo Municipal Governments. This Collaborative PhD Training Programme is a 4-year programme for PhD students who would spend their first two years at PolyU and subsequent two years at EIAS, with dual research supervision from both institutions. Collaborative PhD students may obtain a PhD degree from PolyU and a certificate of completion from EIAS, after completing the necessary programme and satisfying the graduation requirements of both institutions. Quick facts of the Collaborative PhD Training Programme with EIAS Please submit an application to EIAS by 31 March 2023. Please refer to this link for the general entrance requirements and English language requirements of PolyU. Collaborative PhD students are treated the same as regular PhD students and are entitled to stipend support during their studies at PolyU. Students are also entitled to scholarships or bursaries provided by EIAS, during their studies at EIAS. Students would need to self-finance registration fee, tuition, accommodation fee, visa, insurance, international travel expenses, etc. at PolyU; and tuition and accommodation fee at EIAS. Application materials The materials to be submitted by the applicant include: "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-EIT Institute for Advanced Study Collaborative PhD Training Programme application form" (download here: t.ly/8rWO) CV in English Research proposal (within 2,000 words in English on interested research area, identified problems to be resolved, research action plan and research expectations, etc.) Scanned copy of the transcript (must be affixed with the academic seal of the Graduate School) or scanned copy of the GPA transcript for Bachelor Degree-holders (must be affixed with the academic seal of the Graduate School) Scanned copy of the English test transcript (required before the official registration at PolyU) Scanned copy of the ID card Scanned copy of the academic degree certificate or scanned copy of academic qualifications and student status certification documents Scanned copies of other materials that can reflect academic ability (such as academic journals or academic conference papers or publications, patents, honorary certificates, professional qualification certificates, etc.)   Application procedure Application submission: Applicants should submit application materials (in one single pdf file, email subject as “PolyU – EIAS 2023 Collaborative PhD Programme + Applicant’s name”) to EIAS, the deadline for submission is 31 March 2023. Primary selection: EIAS conducts a qualification review and primary selection based on the application materials, submits the list of applicants who have passed the primary selection to PolyU, and informs the applicants simultaneously. Those who do not pass the primary election will not be notified. Applicants who have passed the primary selection should contact the tutors or contact persons in relevant disciplines at EIAS. The tutors of EIAS will guide applicants to choose and confirm the tutors of the corresponding disciplines at PolyU. The tutors’ information on EIAS will be announced on its official website. Online application: Applicants who have passed the primary selection will be invited for an interview and shortlisted applicants need to complete an online application on the eAdmission system of PolyU. Admission: Applicants who have officially applied online can log onto the eAdmission system of PolyU for checking application status. Admission results will be announced by the end of May 2023 at the latest. EIAS will notify the admitted applicants only.   Contacts EIT Institute for Advanced Study Admissions Office Hotline: 0574-5533 6701 Email: admissions@eias.ac.cn Address: 10th Floor, No. 2, Kaiyuan New Youth Plaza, No. 568 Tongxin Road, Ningbo, China Postal code: 315200

CURI Research Support Taster Programme

The virtual College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) organised a Research Support Taster Programme in four workshops from 19 to 21 December 2022 at the Industrial Centre (IC). Undergraduate researchers gained astounding experiences in innovative and technological learning at the well-equipped research and learning hub. All workshops were highly welcomed by the students and reached a full enrolment of around 120 students. XR Workshop The Extended Reality (XR) Workshop led undergraduate researchers to interact with the virtual world at the facility of the Cave, wearing mixed-reality and virtual-reality headsets. During the immersive experience, participants expressed excitement. 3D Printing Workshop Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital design. Students have been introduced to various types of printing technology and had the opportunity to design and print out a small object as a personalised souvenir at the workshop. Robotics Workshop The Robotics Workshop covered the concepts of electronics and the electricity of robots, displaying a range of robots. CURI students had the taste of becoming robot engineers and were guided to instruct the robots to perform varied tasks. AI Workshop In the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop, undergraduate researchers encountered Machine Learning and Deep Learning, in which they employed robotics and programming to deliver creatives.

PolyU Collaborates with Sinopec to Award Research on Sustainability Development

A collaborative agreement between PolyU and China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) was signed on 14 December 2022. With a donation of RMB500,000 from Sinopec, excellent students’ research theses and projects related to “Cleaner Energy Better Life” in 2022/23 will be awarded. This attractive graduation thesis award scheme targets research students and undergraduate researchers. Their research submissions should be built around sustainable development, such as clean energy, renewable energy and green city. Students are encouraged to apply innovation and technology to enhance industry and environmental sustainability. The agreement was signed by Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Zhijun Ye, Deputy Chief of the Hong Kong Representative Office at Sinopec. Witnesses were Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, Mr Zhenying Jiang, Chief Representative of the Hong Kong Representative Office at Sinopec, and Mr Zeng Shen Dian, Vice President of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association. Supporting Hong Kong and the country to develop, President Teng propels a long-term strategic partnership with Sinopec in smart energy, advanced materials, green technology, and more.