HKSTAM 2026 Successfully Concluded at PolyU

The 29th Annual Conference of the Hong Kong Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (HKSTAM2026), in conjunction with the 21st Jiangsu–Hong Kong Forum on Mechanics and Its Applications, was successfully held at PolyU on 18 April 2026. Co-organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), HKSTAM and the Jiangsu Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (JSTAM), and sponsored by Dantec Dynamics, the conference was chaired by Professor Hui TANG and Professor Zhongqing SU of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, PolyU. This annual event provides a regular platform for scientists and engineers working in mechanics and related areas from universities in Hong Kong and Jiangsu to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations. This year’s conference attracted 80 abstract submissions, including 13 from JSTAM, 47 from HKSTAM, and 20 from institutions in other regions. The morning session of the conference featured four Distinguished Lectures delivered by Professor Wei-Hsin LIAO (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Professor Xinxing SHAO (Southeast University), Professor Yang LU (The University of Hong Kong), and Professor Wei XU (Hohai University). In the afternoon, 10 parallel sessions showcased 51 outstanding presentations, mainly by postdoctoral fellows and PhD students. For the first time, this year’s conference included a mini-symposium titled “Young Scholars Forum on Mechanics Across Disciplines: Materials, Biology, Robotics, and Interfaces”, co-organized by Prof. Changhong LINGHU and colleagues from The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The forum was designed to encourage interaction among early-career faculty members. Following a rigorous selection process, ten PhD students from PolyU, HKU, HKUST, CityU, and Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NJUST) received the Best Student Presentation Awards. Among them were four students from PolyU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering: Ming MA, Xinyu YANG, Qi YUAN and Nan ZHOU. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony where the organizing committee extended sincere gratitude to all participants. Looking ahead, HKSTAM and JSTAM reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing young researchers and strengthening cross-regional collaboration in mechanics and its interdisciplinary applications.    

PolyU and HEBUT sign MOU to cultivate young talents and foster research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hebei University of Technology (HEBUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14 April 2026. Initiated by PolyU's Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and HEBUT’s School of Mechanical Engineering (SME). This close collaboration aims to explore collaborative opportunities in the areas of Mechanics of Energy Storage Composites and Advanced Materials and Structural Monitoring. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Mr Dachun ZHAO, Vice-Governor of the People's Government of Hebei Province; and Prof. Xu HAN, HEBUT Party Committee Secretary, the MoU was signed by Prof. Hui TANG, Associate Head (Research) of PolyU ME, and Prof. Qibo DENG, Vice Director of HEBUT Department of Engineering Mechanics. Under the MoU, two institutions will closely collaborate in three key areas. This includes the joint talent cultivation and student exchange programmes, empowering students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts. Both parties will also leverage their exceptional research and academic strengths, to engage in collaborative research, resource sharing and contribute to the establishment of joint research centres. In addition, PolyU ME and HEBUT SME will strengthen academic collaboration by regularly arranging lectures, seminars and other academic exchange activities for both staff and students.

ME PhD Student Named Prestigious Schmidt Science Fellow

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.

ME Received Accolade at 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won a total of 37 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention.  The Department is pleased that Prof. Zhang Dan, Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute, has been awarded a Silver Medal for his innovative work. This achievement underscores the commitment of the ME community—faculty and alumni alike—to embracing research breakthroughs. Silver Medal .color-button { background-color: #C0c0c0; color: white; transition: background-color 0.3s; transform: skew(-30deg); } .text_format { display: inline-block; transform: skew(30deg); } .color-button2 { background-color: #CD7F32; color: white; transition: background-color 0.3s; transform: skew(-30deg); } Intelligent Ankle Rehabilitation Robot Principle Investigator: Prof. ZHANG Dan Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering Project description: The Intelligent Ankle Rehabilitation Robot addresses the limitations of traditional rehabilitation devices, which often lack precision, adaptability and suitability for home use.   The robot uses a generalised parallel mechanism to offer improved compactness, rigidity and precision, making it well suited for home rehabilitation. It integrates three-axis motion rehabilitation with electromyographic feedback technology, enabling personalised training and increased adaptability to patient needs.   By reducing device size and improving portability, the system increases accessibility for home rehabilitation, enhances efficiency of training and eases the workload of rehabilitation professionals. It offers a more efficient, precise and user-centred approach to ankle rehabilitation, providing significant advantages over existing solutions.  

Prof. Cheng Song Secures Highly Competitive ITF Fund for "Drop-in" Sustainable Aviation Fuel Technology

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Cheng Song, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has successfully secured a grant of around HK$1.4 million from the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) Seed Fund under the Innovation and Technology Fund. The project, titled "Developing a ‘Drop-in’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel with Blending Ratio above 50% Based on Localized Feedstocks in Hong Kong", addresses one of the most critical challenges in the aviation industry’s transition to carbon neutrality. Currently, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the primary solution for reducing civil aviation emissions; however, its application is strictly limited by international standards to a maximum blending ratio of 50% with conventional jet fuels. Prof. Cheng’s research aims to break through this "blending bottleneck" by developing an innovative SAF sourced from localized Hong Kong feedstocks that can be used at ratios exceeding 50% while remaining fully "drop-in" compatible with existing jet engine infrastructure. This project aligns perfectly with the Hong Kong Government's increasingly ambitious climate policies. In the 2025-26 Budget, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a regional hub for sustainable aviation. Notably, authorities have set a target for 1% to 2% of all flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to be powered by SAF by 2030. To support this mandate, the government is actively exploring the construction of a dedicated SAF landing and blending facility in Hong Kong to bolster the local supply chain. By providing a localized solution for high-performance SAF, Prof. Cheng’s work will directly assist in fulfilling these targets and aid the government in formulating oriented policies for SAF certification. Launched in November 1999, the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) (Platform & Seed) aims to support applied research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by R&D Centres or designated local public research institutes, aiming to transfer the R&D results to local industries, with strong commercialisation potential or exploratory and forward-looking in nature.  

ME Long Service Award 2025 Tea Gathering

Colleagues of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) have always been devoting themselves to the development of ME. This year, 12 ME staff members received the Long Service Award, two of them received the Award for their 25th year of service. The Department held a tea gathering at ME entrance on 6 Mar 2026, Department Head Prof. Su Zhongqing and Associate Heads, Prof. Ruan Haihui and Prof. Tang Hui, on behalf of the University, paid tribute to long-serving staff members for their loyal and committed service over the years. Congratulations to the awardees and heartfelt thanks for their years of dedication and devotion which have marked the achievements of the Department.   Long Service Award 2025 Award Recipients Length of Service Name Post Title 25 years Prof. CHENG Li 成利 Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty of Engineering, Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering 25 years Ms Merlin WONG 王倩卿 Clerical Officer II 15 years Dr TAM Wai Yin, Eunice 譚慧賢 Senior Lecturer 10 years Prof. AN Liang 安亮 Assistant Dean (External Engagement) of Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor 10 years Prof. CHU Kar Hang, Henry 朱嘉行 Associate Professor 10 years Mr Benny LEUNG 梁志權 Technical Officer 10 years Mr Eric LEUNG 梁立本 Assistant Officer 5 years Prof. LI Mengying 李夢穎 Assistant Professor 5 years Dr FU Yiqiang 符毅强 Research Assistant Professor 5 years Dr LIU Qiang 劉強 Research Assistant Professor 5 years Dr YU Xiaoliang 於曉亮 Research Assistant Professor 5 years Ms Onki LAW 羅安琪 Executive Officer  

ME Final Year Project Wins 2nd Runner-up of HKIE Best Final-Year Environmental Project 2025

Congratulations to our team of three 2025 graduates of BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering for receiving the 2nd Runner-up of 2024/2025 Best Final-Year Environmental Project Award (Group Stream) hosted by the Environmental Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) for their final year project entitled “Design and Creation of a Flow Reactor for Green Hydrogen Generation”. The award ceremony was held during the HKIE Environmental Division Annual Reception on 27 Feb 2026. The team, consisting of Zhang Zhewei, Zhao Zhen, and Zhu Yao, was supervised by Prof. An Liang. This award aims to recognize the efforts of final-year students in completing good quality final year projects and to encourage them to continue the effort in improving the environmental engineering practice in their future careers.  

ME Guides High School Students for STEM x Marine Vehicle Design and Construction Competition

The PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) welcomed over 100 talented and motivated high school students to the Workshop on Marine Vehicle Control and AI Applications, held on 31 Jan 2026, in PolyU Campus. This immersive programme is part of the 2025-2026 STEM x Marine Vehicle Design and Construction Competition, supported by Dr Chee TONG, Dr Nathan XU, and 9 Mechanical Engineering Elite Troop (MEET) members, offered participants a vibrant opportunity to experience life as an engineer, fostering creativity, design thinking mindset, and teamwork through hands-on activities. Under their guidance, students learned hands-on mechatronics skills to control a motor. The motor design and configuration were definitely the major component of the underwater vehicle, where students explored how different setups affected its movement and efficiency. From programming to assembling, the students worked through every stage of the process to bring their design to life. Organized by Hong Kong Institute of Marine Technology, this year’s competition is the fifth one, and continuedly attract many primary and secondary school students to participate. To support fostering high school student’s interest in interdisciplinary knowledge, particular in maritime history of Hong Kong and the basic concepts of marine vehicle design and construction, and nurturing the next generation of local innovation and technology talent in support of Hong Kong’s development, the department is pleased to being one of the co-organizers.   2025-2026 STEM x Marine Vehicle Design and Construction Competition The launching ceremony of this year’s competition was successfully held on 19 November 2025 with over 80 guests and participants. Before and after the ceremony, there were a series of workshops held at each weekend from 18 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 for primary school and secondary school students in preparing them for the design and construction of marine vehicle. The workshops included topics on marine vehicle design, basic naval architecture, 2D/3D design software, 3D printing, marine vehicle fabrication, and firmware for motion control and AI applications. The upcoming water trial and final competition will be held on 14 March and 18 April separately, in PolyU Campus.   Mechanical Engineering Elite Troop (MEET) Established in January 2026, MEET is a flagship initiative from the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of elite engineers. The first batch of 13 elite students were selected and official appointed as MEET members for 2026. One of its core missions is to serve as mentors to junior students, providing academic advising and leading technical workshops.  

ME Alumni Mentorship Dinner 2026

The PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering Alumni Mentorship Dinner for the 2025/26 academic year was successfully held on January 30, 2026. The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 230 participants including approximately 100 alumni, distinguished guests, ME academic and teaching staff, and around 130 students from the graduating classes of BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and BEng (Hons) in Product Analysis and Engineering Design. The evening was truly memorable and meaningful. The Alumni Mentorship Dinner is a cherished tradition within the ME community, aimed at fostering strong connections between alumni and the Department. More importantly, it provides a valuable platform for our final-year students to gain practical experience and receive professional advice from alumni mentors. During the welcoming remarks, Prof. SU Zhongqing, the Head of the Department, provided an overview of recent achievements in PolyU ME and expressed deep gratitude to all the alumni and industrial friends for their unwavering support throughout the years. Following the opening remarks, we had the outstanding ME alumni awards ceremony. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is pleased to honor the Outstanding Alumni Award to Ir TAM Chun Kit, presented by Prof. SU, and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award to Dr LAM Yat Fung, Jeffrey and Mr YU Le, Kenny, presented by Prof. RUAN Haihui, Associate Head (Teaching & Learning) and Prof. TANG Hui, Associate Head (Research) of the Department separately. Three recipients shared their inspiring stories about the road to success, offering students invaluable insights into overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and applying practical strategies to achieve their own dreams. Their experiences served as a source of inspiration and guidance, motivating students to pursue their goals with confidence and determination. This year's dinner was particularly special, as our chartered engineers from our senior brothers and sister, Prof. Lawrence POON, Prof. Louis SZETO and Prof. Tracy CHOY co-hosted a networking game called dalgona candy challenge, where participants carved out a shape from a very fragile honeycomb candy, without breaking it. This interactive activity encouraged engagement and allowed students to break the ice in a light-hearted setting, reflecting what mechanical engineers do every day – combining creativity with precision, steady hands, patience, and great attention to detail to turn designs into real products. Lastly, Dr YAU Wing Kwong, JP, the President of the Mechanical and Marine Engineering Alumni Association, delivered words of wisdom and encouragement to all the final-year students, imparting valuable insights and guidance to prospective graduates on planning for their future. Throughout the dinner, alumni from various industries generously shared their valuable experiences and provided guidance to our final-year students, helping them prepare for their future careers upon graduation. The evening concluded with a toast and a lucky draw, led by the Head, Associate Heads, Scheme and Programme Leaders, to express our gratitude to the guests. The dinner ended on a joyful and harmony note, and we eagerly look forward to the next year's event. For more photos of the event, please click HERE.  

Prof. Fu Mingwang Honoured with 2026 Khan International Award

Congratulations to Prof. FU Mingwang, Chair Professor of Advanced Manufacturing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PolyU, for being awarded the 2026 Khan International Award for lifelong outstanding contributions to plasticity, damage, and fracture. This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant achievements and outstanding contributions to the advancement of advanced materials processing, as well as his exceptional leadership within the international plasticity community. The award was presented during the 29th International Conferences on Plasticity, Damage, and Fracture (ICPDF 26), held from January 3-8, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. In addition to the financial reward, the main components of the award include a symposium in the awardee’s honor at the next conference, a one-hour plenary lecture delivered at the current conference, and a special issue of the International Journal of Plasticity featuring the papers presented at the awardee’s honor symposium. Established in 2006, the Khan International Award, also known as the Khan Plasticity Award, is one of the most prestigious honours in the field of plasticity. The award was established by the founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Plasticity, Professor Akhtar S. Khan and his wife, Dr Tanveer A. Khan. The criterion for selection includes 50 percent numerical input based on citations of his/her research papers, plus 50 percent objective input by the committee members. Since its establishment in 2006, there have been 17 recipients. The previous recipient in 2024 is Irene Beyerlein, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA. International Symposium on Plasticity and Its Current Applications, held since 1984 and renamed in 2017 as the International Conference on Plasticity, Damage & Fracture (ICPDF), is a premier international conference in the field. Except for the first meeting, each symposium and now ICPDF has featured approximately 250 to 400 presentations, with most editions having over 300 presenters.