Media Releases

PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years

The rise in global mean sea level (GMSL) is a critical indicator of climate change. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have utilised advanced space geodetic technologies to deliver the first precise 30-year (1993-2022) record of global ocean mass change (also known as barystatic sea level), revealing its dominant role in driving GMSL rise. Their research further indicates that GMSL has been increasing at an average rate of approximately 3.3 mm per year with a notable acceleration observed, highlighting the growing severity of climate change. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. GMSL is primarily driven by two factors: the thermal expansion of seawater — as the oceans absorb around 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system — and the increase in global ocean mass, which is mainly caused by the influx of freshwater from melting land ice. Therefore, long-term monitoring of global ocean mass change is essential for understanding present-day GMSL rise. A research team led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, together with Dr Yufeng NIE, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and the lead and corresponding author of the research, has, for the first time, provided direct observations of global ocean mass estimates between 1993 and 2022 by utilising time-variable gravity field data derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR). In the past, scientists have relied on long-term observations from satellite altimetry to project sea-level rise. Barystatic sea level records based on satellite gravimetry only became available with the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment in 2002. SLR is a traditional space geodetic technique used to accurately measure the distance between satellites and ground stations via laser ranging. However, fundamental constraints of SLR, such as the limited number of satellites and ground stations, the high altitude of the satellites (which means SLR-derived gravitational changes capture only the longest wavelengths) and the low-degree gravitational measurements, have restricted its direct application in estimating ocean mass change. To effectively utilise SLR-derived gravitational fields for accurate estimates of ocean mass change, the research team implemented an innovative forward modelling technique that tackles spatial resolution limitations by incorporating detailed geographic information of ocean-land boundaries. This approach enables long-term monitoring of global ocean mass changes. The research revealed that an increased rate of GMSL resulted in a global average sea-level rise of approximately 90 mm between 1993 and 2022, with about 60% of this rise attributable to ocean mass increase. Since around 2005,  the rise in GMSL has been primarily driven by the rapid increase in global ocean mass. This overall increase is largely driven by the accelerated melting of land ice, particularly in Greenland. Throughout the entire study period, land ice melt from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers accounted for over 80% of the total increase in global ocean mass. Prof. Jianli Chen said, “In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise. Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios.” Dr Yufeng Nie said, “The research showed that the ocean mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies.” ***END***

PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025 encourages secondary school students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to promote sustainable development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary education and nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The University’s Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) recently organised the “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025” (the Competition), attracting over 180 students from 22 secondary schools. An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), was held on the PolyU campus today to recognise the outstanding student teams, with nearly 200 principals, teachers and students from the participating schools in attendance. The award presentation ceremony was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, along with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Dr Choi Yuk-lin also engaged in an exchange session with some of the award-winning students. Dr Choi Yuk-lin said, “The Competition provides students with high-quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom, enhancing their mastery and understanding of innovative technology applications and inspiring their creative thinking. I am particularly impressed by students’ demonstration of creativity and making good use of innovative technology to solve problems and improve the community, reflecting their sense of social responsibility, commitment and concern. These are exactly the important objectives we aim to accomplish through promoting digital education.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng applauded the creativity of the participating students and stated, “PolyU actively responds to the evolving needs of the times and is committed to promoting social innovation and sustainable development. Through the ‘Igniting Social Innovation Competition’, we have witnessed countless enthusiastic and creative secondary school students proposing innovative and practical solutions to social issues in Hong Kong, demonstrating the potential of the younger generation to build a better society.” The Competition adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the teams integrating knowledge from social science fields and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, omnidirectional cameras and Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment facilities. A series of training workshops helped to raise students’ awareness of and improve their understanding of pressing social issues. Participating teams selected one of two themes — “building a greener Hong Kong” or “public health and well-being” — and aligned their projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of “responsible consumption and production” and “good health and well-being.” The submitted projects covered multiple areas, including environmental protection, healthcare and social inclusion. Prof. Eric Chui highlighted the Competition outcomes and elaborated on how the event drove creativity and transformed innovative thinking into social value. He added, “This competition not only enhances students’ awareness of social issues, but also teaches them how to integrate technology with social science methods to explore and demonstrate relevant issues. At the same time, it stimulates students’ creative thinking and empathy, prompting them to care for those in need in society through positive actions.” After evaluation by a judging panel comprising PolyU scholars and representatives from non-governmental organisations, the teams from Marymount Secondary School, St. Francis of Assisi's College and Kiangsu-Chekiang College (Kwai Chung) won the first, second and third prizes respectively. Dr Choi Yuk-lin (centre); Prof. Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS (1st from right); and Prof. Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor of APSS (2nd from right), engaged in an exchange session with some of the winning students. Prof. Eric Chui summarised the Competition’s outcomes and elaborated on how it drove creativity and transformed innovative thinking into social value. ***END***

PolyU International Future Challenge (Jinjiang region) names winners in open and student tracks

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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. ***END***

PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute partners with Hangzhou MTR and Hangzhou Shenhao Technology to drive innovation in smart rail technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute has signed collaboration agreements with Hangzhou MTR Corporation Limited (Hangzhou MTR) and Hangzhou Shenhao Technology Co., Ltd (Hangzhou Shenhao Technology) to jointly develop intelligent operation and maintenance technologies for rail transit and to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) technology laboratory. These initiatives are set to inject new momentum into the development and digital transformation of National railway technologies. The signing ceremony was held on 20 August in Hangzhou. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); and Mr NG Wai-hung, General Manager of Hangzhou MTR, the agreement was signed by Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Director of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (Hong Kong Branch), Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Mr TSE Che-ming, Deputy General Manager of Hangzhou MTR. The partnership between the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Hangzhou MTR will focus on the joint development of intelligent operation and maintenance technologies for rail transit, including vibration analysis of floating slabs, pantograph condition monitoring, green energy vibration power generation and Distributed Acoustic Sensing system applications. By leveraging their respective strengths, both parties aim to accelerate the transformation of research outcomes, enhance corporate innovation capabilities, and elevate the technological standards of rail transit operation and maintenance. On the same day, another agreement was signed by Prof. Yi-Qing Ni and Mr LI Tao, Vice President of Hangzhou Shenhao Technology. The agreement was witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai; Prof. Christopher Chao; Mr CHEN Rushen, Chairman of Hangzhou Shenhao Technology; and Mr CAO Guangke, Director and CEO. The Research Institute will collaborate with Hangzhou Shenhao Technology, Beijing Shenhao Computer Integration Co., Ltd and Wan Juan Rail Transit Intelligence Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd to jointly establish an AI technology laboratory. The partnership will focus on deep cooperation in vertical applications of AI large models, and intelligent operation and maintenance, as well as coordinated talent development. Key application areas will include smart rail transit operation and maintenance, and privatised government deployments, with the goal of comprehensively enhancing the competitiveness of domestic technologies. During the visit, PolyU representatives toured both companies and engaged in in-depth exchanges on innovative technologies and development directions in the rail transit sector. PolyU aims to leverage this collaboration to integrate its accumulated research achievements in rail transit with Hangzhou’s industry ecosystem, transforming them into innovative technologies for national infrastructure and contributing to the development of new quality productive forces. ***END***

PolyU hosts Orientation Info Days 2025

This year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosts its annual Orientation Info Days on 27 and 28 August, with over 2,300 freshmen attending the President’s Welcome held this morning. Organised by the Student Affairs Office, the event was held today at the Jockey Club Auditorium, which was also live-streamed to enable freshmen to participate simultaneously at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub and various other locations on campus, marking the beginning of their university journey. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, welcomed the freshmen to the PolyU family and introduced the University’s rich history and its mission to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. He remarked, “As an innovative, world-class university, PolyU pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. I hope that our graduates will become leaders of innovation, that our research will lead to innovations with direct societal benefits, and that the spirit of innovation will be embedded in all our endeavours. I wish you a rewarding journey at PolyU, where you will not only gain professional knowledge but also grow into a better person in all aspects.” The President’s Welcome featured a variety of sharing and performance sessions. Dr Bruce WANG, recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award 2022 in Entrepreneurial Achievement and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EcoFlow, delivered an inspiring talk about his academic and personal growth at PolyU, encouraging freshmen to pursue their dreams. Current students also introduced freshmen to campus life and the diverse learning opportunities available. The event included a student dance performance, as well as musical performances by the PolyU Orchestra and the PolyU Choir, showcasing the vibrant artistic life at PolyU. PolyU will hold the Orientation Showcase tomorrow (28 August) at the Shaw Sports Complex. Over 40 booths, hosted by different units, student-led interest clubs and societies, will provide freshmen with a comprehensive overview of PolyU’s diverse range of co-curricular activities and support services. This Showcase will also offer students the opportunity to interact with staff and senior students, gaining a better understanding of the holistic development programmes offered by the University and discovering their personal and professional potential. ***END***  

PolyU seizes 2025 IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award, highlighting its contribution to promoting diversity and inclusion in aerospace sector

With its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the aerospace sector, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is honoured to receive the Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award (Internal 3G+ Impact) from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), making it the first tertiary institution in China and East Asia to receive this esteemed accolade. The Award recognises PolyU’s leadership and its contributions to fostering a more diverse and inclusive academic and research environment in the global aerospace sector. Established by the IAF Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Administrative Committee (IDEA), the prestigious IAF Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award comprises two categories: Internal and External 3G+ Impact. It recognises IAF member organisations worldwide for their efforts in promoting “3G” (Geography, Generation, Gender) diversity both internally and externally within the aerospace sector. PolyU was lauded for its steadfast commitment to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in its research and campus development. The Award will be officially presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025, to be held in Sydney, Australia this September. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “This award not only validates PolyU’s pioneering work in aerospace technology but also significantly enhances the University’s global reputation. Committed to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, PolyU actively builds international partnerships within the innovation and technology ecosystem. These efforts help reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading hub for aerospace collaboration between China and the rest of the international community, while also advancing global innovative research and knowledge transfer.” Since being the first Hong Kong tertiary institution to join IAF in 2023, PolyU has continuously showcased its cutting-edge aerospace research and actively participated in various international aerospace events. Leveraging its extensive collaborations around the world, the University has also demonstrated Hong Kong’s aerospace research capabilities to the world and enhanced the City’s status in the global aerospace sector. By forging strategic partnerships with the world’s leading international space agencies—including the China National Space Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the European Space Agency—PolyU has cemented its place within the global aerospace ecosystem. This elevated international stature enabled concerted, global efforts to drive innovation in aerospace technology. PolyU fosters a diverse and inclusive community of over 7,600 full-time staff from 65 countries and regions, with a near-equal gender balance. The University actively promotes collaboration and idea-sharing across diverse backgrounds, ages and experience levels. Upholding its commitment to diversity, inclusion and innovation, PolyU will continue to advance education, research, and knowledge transfer. These efforts support the internationalisation of China’s space endeavours and position Hong Kong as an international hub for aerospace cooperation.   ***END***  

PolyU’s State Key Laboratories support Hong Kong's integration into national development and establish the city as an international hub for high-calibre talents

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PolyU and PanMediso collaborate to enhance China's nuclear medicine industry by advancing the clinical translation and applied research of the new radioactive isotope Ac-225

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PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, deepening industry-academia-research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of the Shandong District, Zibo, signed a collaboration agreement on 16 August to jointly establish the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute). Leveraging Zibo’s strong industrial foundation and integrated manufacturing ecosystem, alongside PolyU’s solid research capabilities as one of the world’s top 100 universities, this partnership will foster deep industry–university research collaboration, promoting synergistic development and growth in Hong Kong and Zibo. In line with Zibo’s economic development and industrial needs, the Institute will focus on strategic areas such as nanotechnology, industrial artificial intelligence, rehabilitation therapy, as well as digitalisation and cultural tourism. It will capitalise on PolyU talent and research excellence to accelerate related R&D processes and the development of key core technologes, supporting the transformation of local industries and fostering new productive forces. Through facilitating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions, the Institute also aims to contribute to Zibo’s sustainable development. The signing ceremony took place in Zibo, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr SUN Haisheng, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province; Mr MA Xiaolei, Secretary of the Zibo City Committee and other distinguished guests. The collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), and Mr LI Xinsheng, Vice Mayor of the Zibo Municipal People’s Government, marking the official establishment of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted that joint research institute will combine Zibo’s industrial prowess with PolyU’s world-class research acumen in support of the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. It will serve as a vital hub for technological advancement, talent development and industrial evolution, unlocking new opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs in both Zibo and Hong Kong and creating a forward-looking innovation ecosystem. Mr MA Xiaolei emphasised that Zibo has a rich legacy of innovation and copious industrial resources that make the City an ideal place for creating new opportunities. He anticipated deepening collaboration with PolyU to elevate the Institute into a globally influential centre for technological advancement, attracting leading researchers and resources to foster high-quality regional economic development. The event also featured the innovation and entrepreneurship matchmaking conferences, where a number of PolyU start-ups showcased their latest technologies and projects to local universities, technology enterprises and industry partners through on-site roadshows. They also discussed the development prospects of various key industry sectors, including new materials, intelligent manufacturing and smart healthcare, as well as the technological empowerment of cultural tourism. The conferences significantly enhanced interaction among industry, academia and research, facilitated the more precise alignment of innovative resources and promoted the integration of high-quality research outputs with industrial needs. Shouldering the vital task of talent development, the Institute seeks to attract top-tier professionals and cultivate future industry leaders equipped with innovative capabilities and research experience to support Zibo’s integration into the international arena. Furthermore, it will assist PolyU faculty, students and start-ups in establishing businesses in Zibo and strive to foster a sustainable technological innovation ecosystem, with the aim of becoming a leading example of regional collaborative innovation and setting a new standard for industry-university research partnerships across the two regions.   ***END***