PolyU and University of Macau launch Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence and dual PhD degree programme
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Macau (UM) today signed collaboration agreements to inaugurate the Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence—the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau universities that is co-funded by both institutions—and to formalise a new dual PhD degree programme targeting young innovative talents in emerging fields such as robotics, embodied intelligence and autonomous systems. This cross-regional collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong and Macau’s endeavours to promote cutting-edge research and nurture young high-calibre talent, enhancing the competitiveness of the technology industries in both regions.
The signing ceremony was held at the University of Macau. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Yonghua SONG, Rector of UM; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. Wei GE, Vice Rector (Research) of UM, the Joint Laboratory Agreement was signed by Prof. Wen-Hua CHEN, Interim Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering of PolyU, and Prof. Cheng-Zhong XU, Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology of UM; while the agreement for dual PhD degree programme was signed by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of Graduate School of PolyU, and Prof. Pak Kin WONG, Dean of the Graduate School of UM. Distinguished guests from both universities then attended a plaque unveiling ceremony held to celebrate the official establishment of the Joint Laboratory.
Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “The collaboration between PolyU and UM to establish the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau and to launch a dual PhD programme demonstrates our shared vision to advance frontier research in robotics and embodied intelligence, foster cross-regional research collaboration, and nurture elite talent who will contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area. These two initiatives not only address strategic regional imperatives but also aligns closely with our Nation’s long-term goals in technological innovation and socio-economic advancement. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU has decades of experience in translating research outcomes into real-world solutions. Through this partnership, interdisciplinary teams from both universities will work in synergy to produce high-impact research, pioneer transformative technologies, and facilitate knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, Macau, and the Nation.”
Prof. Yonghua Song said, “The Joint Laboratory brings together UM’s strengths in interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence and engineering with PolyU’s expertise in applied science and engineering practice. It will advance fundamental research and promote technology transfer in cutting-edge fields such as intelligent robotics and embodied artificial intelligence. In addition to building on the two universities’ long-standing research collaboration, the laboratory will serve as a strategic platform for cultivating high-quality innovative talent. The four-year dual PhD programme features joint supervision by faculty members from both institutions. This initiative aims to synergise the disciplinary and technological strengths of both institutions and establish an internationally competitive doctoral training model for the Greater Bay Area, thereby supporting China’s high-quality development and the development of world-class research hubs.”
The Joint Laboratory draws on the disciplinary strengths and robust research resources of PolyU and UM to accelerate research and knowledge transfer in intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence-driven technology and other relevant fields. It will serve as a critical collaboration platform for strengthening research, academic exchange and talent development between the two universities.
The dual PhD degree programme adopts a four-year structure with co-supervision by academics from the two universities. Leveraging PolyU strengths in engineering and technology and UM’s comprehensive disciplinary breadth, the programme provides students with opportunities to conduct research projects and take classes at both institutions. Upon graduation, students will be awarded two separate PhD degrees from both universities.
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