News

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.

Research Student Gathering – New Students of the Dual PhD Degree and Joint PhD Supervision Programmes

A research student gathering for new students of the Dual PhD Degree and Joint PhD Supervision Programmes in Semester One of 2024/25 was arranged on 31 October. The event provided essential programme information and navigation tips, along with cross-discipline peer networking opportunities and welcoming refreshments. In the opening remarks, Professor Louise Cummings, Associate Dean of Graduate School, emphasised PolyU’s collaborative research community and supportive student experiences. The programme administration team then facilitated a comprehensive orientation, covering the study curriculum, milestones, and important information on residency and finances. They were also reminded to stay tuned for updates through official digital channels and familiarise themselves with student policies. Our Collaborative PhD Programmes nurture research talents through innovation and cultural exchange, offering joint supervision from PolyU and esteemed universities or key laboratories/centres.

Supporting Undergraduate Research for Continuous Research Impact

With the unwavering support from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation, we send our sincere appreciation to Dr Roy Chung for encouraging PolyU’s undergraduate researchers to realise their ambitions through enquiry-based learning. On 21 October, a sharing session of the students from the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) (under the virtual College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators) was conducted. With participants sharing their inspiring research experiences and significant support from the supervisors and the University, gratitude was also expressed for Dr Chung’s instrumental contributions towards their continual development. URIS is a prestigious programme designed to cultivate academic curiosity and promote enquiry-based learning in the early years of undergraduate studies. Through URIS, students enjoy the exciting opportunity to undertake research projects under the supervision of experienced academic staff.

Graduate School Transferable Skills Workshop Series – Questioning and Interacting with Students

A workshop was co-organised by the Graduate School (GS) and the English Language Centre (ELC) on 17 October for RPg students to focus on the effective use of English for teaching. Led by Mr Daniel Barlow, the workshop highlighted the significance of thoughtful questioning and student interaction for better subject comprehension. Participants engaged in lively discussions, exchanged insights, and brainstormed solutions to common teaching challenges. In the process, participants collaborated to develop practical strategies and innovative approaches to overcome obstacles such as student disengagement and varying learning styles, aimed at creating a supportive learning environment through combined efforts. By mastering these essential techniques, aspiring scholars were empowered to enhance the student learning experience and make a positive impact in their future classrooms.