Congratulations to Mr XIA Qing, a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected as a 2026 Schmidt Science Fellow — the first ever PolyU student, and only student from Hong Kong this year to receive this prestigious honour. With only about 30 fellows selected each year from hundreds of nominees worldwide, this achievement represents exceptional calibre and distinction.
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.
Qing will pivot from Electrocatalysis to Physical Engineering by exploring a new way to produce nitrogen-based fertilizers without the high energy use and pollution associated with traditional methods, which rely on high temperatures and high pressures. His work aims 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.
Mr XIA Qing is a doctoral researcher under the supervision of Professor ZHANG Xiao. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is immensely proud of this significant accomplishment, which underscores our commitment to cultivating world-class research talent.
Read more about 2026 Schmidt Science Fellows.
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