PolyU scientists receive NSFC funding for 65 research projects, marking 34% year-on-year growth in support of the Nation’s technology powerhouse goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received substantial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with a total of 65 research projects led by PolyU scientists successfully securing funding this year, marking a 34% year-on-year increase in both funding amount and the number of projects. This accomplishment underscores PolyU’s impressive innovation capabilities and highlights the University’s cultivation of outstanding researchers. Through high-quality scientific research, these talents are making significant contributions to the efforts of building the Nation into a technology powerhouse.

PolyU’s young scientists have been recognised as excelling in innovative research, with three projects awarded funding under the Young Scientist Fund (Type A), four projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type B), and 48 projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type C). In addition, 10 research projects are supported by the General Programme.

Distinguished young scholars at the forefront of global science research

The three PolyU scholars selected by the Young Scientist Fund (Type A) have been recognised for their distinguished achievements in foundational research. The Fund supports exceptional scholars in pursuing self-directed and innovative research which addresses major national needs and advances the global scientific frontier. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2.8 million to 4 million for a period of five years.

The distinguished young researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Applied Physics. Their research projects cover mathematics, physics, engineering, healthcare and interdisciplinary science disciplines.

One project aims at developing new numerical analysis theories and computational methods to solve surface evolution problems in geometric curvature flows and free boundary problems in fluid dynamics. Another focuses on permeable electronic skin, proposing an innovative design strategy based on liquid metal super-elastic fibre networks. The research aims to advance flexible electronics from “stretchable” to “breathable”, providing stable, comfortable, and biocompatible wearable solutions for smart healthcare.

The third project utilises in-situ electron microscopy technology to investigate the mechanics, electronics, thermodynamics, phase transitions, and related synthesis and performance of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in advanced materials science.

Excellent young scientists lead innovative research

PolyU continues to excel in the Young Scientist Fund (Type B) this year where four young scientists have been recognised for their excellent achievements. The Fund accelerates talent cultivation and fosters a new generation of academic leaders who will drive scientific advancement at both national and international levels. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2 million for a period of three years.

The four excellent researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their projects span the fields of mathematics, chemistry, management science and engineering.

One project explores the development of numerical methods for stochastic partial differential equations, featuring long-term computational stability and the ability to accurately predict key probabilistic information and the evolving dynamics of stochastic phenomena.

Another investigates supply chain risk management, focusing on technology-driven risks, major disruptions and innovation-related vulnerabilities.

In chemical sciences, one project focuses on the active sites of molecular sieves, precisely locating Brønsted acid and metal sites, revealing their synergistic mechanisms to guide the design and industrial application of new zeolite catalysts.

Another project aims to develop precise electrochemical synthesis technology for carbon-heteroatom bonds C-X (X = nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur), using a proton exchange membrane reactor.

The remarkable research capabilities of PolyU’s young scientists have also consistently earned recognition from the Young Scientists Fund (Type C), with a total of 48 scholars selected this year. These young researchers come from various faculties across PolyU. Among the projects, 23 were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI).

As PolyU’s extended campus in Shenzhen, the SZRI has been integrated into the University's strategy in all aspects of space deployment, management and research. It undertakes research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as industry partners.

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