News

Prof. Vivian HUI Leads New Phase of PolyU-led Community Mental Health Support Programme for Fire-affected Residents

Prof. Vivian HUI, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Assistant Professor of the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been appointed Programme Lead of the new phase of the Community Mental Health Support Programme.  Coordinated by the Advisory Committee on Mental Health under the Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government and supported by a donation of over HK$10 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the programme will be implemented in 2026–2027 to provide sustained and comprehensive mental health support for residents affected by the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire.  Prof. Hui is a member of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health and has long been involved in the development of mental health policies and services in Hong Kong. Led by PolyU, the Community Mental Health Support Programme aims to provide comprehensive and tailored mental health support through mental health monitoring, risk assessment and stepped-care services.  The programme also leverages data analytics to inform long-term support strategies, with a view to enhancing the community’s capacity to respond to and recover from major incidents.  Particular attention is given to residents who were relocated to transitional housing following the fire, through outreach mental health services and professional counselling support. The first phase of the programme achieved significant outcomes, with about 300 residents having completed comprehensive mental health screenings to date.  The project team also organised 10 workshops focusing on insomnia management and psychological resilience, and referred more than 10 individuals in need to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness for further support and follow-up. Under the new phase, a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and other allied health professionals will provide mental health support services at 12 transitional housing sites.  Over the next 12 to 18 months, the team will work closely with the JC JoyAge Project to further strengthen community outreach efforts, offering psychological counselling to individuals experiencing anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges.  The programme will also facilitate access to appropriate medical and specialist services for those in need, thereby promoting mental well-being and recovery within the community.  

MHRC Associate Director honoured as RGC Research Fellow, spearheading innovations in cognitive neuroscience

Four distinguished PolyU scholars have been awarded fellowships under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) 2026/27. Among the recipients is Prof. Bolton CHAU, Associate Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. He was awarded an RFS fellowship for his project, “How distractors bias choices: Investigating mechanisms through computational modelling, neuroimaging, neurochemistry and neurostimulation”. The project aims to investigate how human decisions are biased by distracting information via employing advanced cognitive neuroscience techniques. Using computational modelling, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the research will examine neurocomputational mechanisms of decision-making biases. Its findings will hold key practical implications for enhancing evidence-based policy-making, promoting unbiased decision-making and developing treatments for psychiatric disorders. The RGC SRFS and RFS schemes provide sustained support for outstanding Professors and Associate Professors, enabling them to focus on research and development while nurturing the next generation of research talent in Hong Kong. The awarded projects exemplify PolyU’s world-class research excellence and its commitment to translating frontier knowledge into impactful solutions for global challenges. Press Release: https://polyu.me/4fuNZ1t Online Coverage: Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4wbMuMF; https://polyu.me/4hrc9wb Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4yy6hHz Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4fNDwiN; https://polyu.me/4bVjbFT; https://polyu.me/4yzxQAv Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3TdXfj1 Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/45gme7W Mirage News - https://polyu.me/4vDUsNp Zhihu - https://polyu.me/3TdvSWk HKong.hk - https://polyu.me/3Tjpaht  

PolyU research reveals fat distribution as key to brain health, with visceral fat accumulation significantly accelerating brain ageing and showing much stronger association than BMI

A recent study by Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Chair Professor of Neuroinformatics of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has revealed that fat distribution in specific body regions is significantly and distinctly associated with brain structure and cognitive function.  In particular, visceral fat was found to accelerate brain ageing and lead to cognitive decline, having more detrimental impact on brain health than any other type of fat. The research has shown that BMI alone is insufficient when assessing brain decline and cognitive ageing, whereas regional adiposity is an indispensable indicator.  This milestone in neuro-epidemiological research will assist the healthcare sector in developing more precise and personalised brain health prevention and intervention strategies. The research team conducted a multidimensional correlation analysis of health data from over 18,000 participants in the UK Biobank, examining the relationship between regional adiposity data measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and results from multimodal brain imaging and cognitive testing.  The findings revealed that fat accumulation in the arms, legs, trunk and visceral regions was differentially associated with, and affected, neural systems, including the morphology of the sensorimotor, limbic, default mode and subcortical–cerebellar–brainstem systems.  The study specifically noted that visceral fat was the only type of fat directly linked to compromised white-matter integrity in the brain. White matter acts as the “cables” for transmitting neural signals in the brain, and damage to it is closely aligned with the pathogenic mechanisms of vascular cognitive impairment and cerebral small vessel disease. The research team suggested that visceral adiposity might be the most harmful type of regional adiposity for the brain due to its tendency to trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may then lead to neuroinflammation.  This study establishes a comprehensive analytical framework and highlights the importance of targeted reduction of visceral fat to help maintain mental acuity and prevent dementia. The study provides a new scientific basis for research into Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and other age-related brain disorders.  The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Mental Health. Read the full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00501-8   Press release: https://polyu.me/4fyDbiO   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4pDUDqI Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4hu02OU Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4pGtV0O Oriental Daily - https://polyu.me/4wlcaq4; https://polyu.me/44GWAcp Ming Pao - https://polyu.me/3RpMlWU Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4fiiKHZ National Tribune - https://polyu.me/3RrvaEm Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3Rrv9jM    YorkBBS - https://polyu.me/4pRvPMa The Standard - https://polyu.me/4x0ctGM China Review News Agency - https://polyu.me/4x5ej9y HK01 - https://polyu.me/4yEy9Kt Yahoo News - https://polyu.me/4fqpcN5 Science Alert - https://polyu.me/4fIHM25 VICE - https://polyu.me/4pWRdQ0 RTHK - https://polyu.me/4qgpHgl (28:17 - 38:21)    

CRNAT Caregivers Risk and Needs Assessment Tool (CRNAT) Phase II Project Briefing Session Successfully Held

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully held the CRNAT Phase II Project Briefing Session on 23 July 2026. The two-year project is led by Prof. Hector TSANG, Principal Investigator of the project, and funded by PolyU’s Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC). The Caregivers Risk and Needs Assessment Tool (CRNAT) is a digital platform that integrates caregiver assessment, risk identification, and service mapping functions to facilitate the early identification of caregivers’ needs and the appropriate matching of community resources and support services, enabling more timely and targeted interventions. Building on the successful outcomes of Phase I, the Phase II project aims to advance “comprehensive inclusion” by expanding the assessment tool to support caregivers across ten disability categories, while further enhancing the platform’s capabilities to better address the diverse needs of different caregiver groups. The briefing session received an enthusiastic response, bringing together 33 representatives from 19 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as three caregivers who shared their valuable caregiving experiences and personal insights. In his opening remarks, Prof. Tsang highlighted that the project seeks to transform caregiver support from a “reactive response” model to a “proactive early warning” approach. Through the early identification of high-risk caregivers and their needs, the project aims to establish a more forward-looking support network, ensuring that families from diverse backgrounds can access timely and appropriate resources and services to support caregivers’ long-term health and wellbeing. During the focus group discussion and Q&A session, social welfare practitioners and caregiver representatives actively exchanged views and offered constructive suggestions on the future development of the assessment tool. Discussions focused on enhancing the tool’s inclusiveness for caregivers across all ten disability categories and exploring the application of artificial intelligence technologies to improve the platform’s usability and accessibility, ensuring that caregivers from diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities can benefit from the assessment and support services provided through the platform. Looking ahead, the project team from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will continue to harness machine learning technologies and further enhance the Service Mapping function to advance both research and platform development. The enhanced CRNAT platform will integrate more precise risk assessment and service mapping mechanisms, enabling NGOs to identify caregivers’ needs in a more systematic manner and facilitate the appropriate matching of support services based on caregivers' individual circumstances and risk levels. Through technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the team aims to further strengthen Hong Kong’s caregiver support ecosystem and provide caregivers with more timely, targeted, and comprehensive support.  

Maintaining muscle health helps protect the brain against depression, PolyU study reveals key mechanism

A recent study led by Principal Investigator Prof. Sonata Yau and funded by the Mental Health Research Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has uncovered an important biological mechanism underlying the antidepressant effects of exercise. The research team found that apelin, a myokine released by muscles during physical activity, serves as a crucial mediator linking skeletal muscle and the brain, helping to promote emotional well-being and protect brain function. The findings further highlight the significant benefits of exercise for mental health. The study found that exercise stimulates skeletal muscles to release apelin, which activates a series of signalling processes through APJ receptors, including the CK2/GluN2B/NMDA receptor pathway. This, in turn, enhances neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and produces antidepressant effects. The research team noted that skeletal muscle is not only responsible for movement, but also functions as an important endocrine organ that can influence brain functions through the secretion of bioactive molecules. As such, it plays a key role in promoting brain health and building lifelong psychological resilience. The team also highlighted that, for older adults, maintaining muscle health is important not only for preserving mobility but also for supporting mental well-being. As muscle mass naturally declines with age, regular exercise helps sustain apelin production, enabling the brain to continue receiving these essential signals. This may help combat depressive symptoms and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The findings deepen understanding of how exercise supports brain health and further underscore the importance of maintaining muscle health through regular physical activity, providing new scientific evidence for promoting mental well-being and healthy ageing. Read the full research paper: https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-how-exercising-muscles-communicate-with-the-brain-to-fight-depression/  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03651-y  

MHRC hosts 2026 networking luncheon to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and mental wellness

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its 2026 Networking Luncheon on 29 May 2026 at Hotel ICON, bringing together over 50 representatives from the Government, the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations and academia to foster interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen collaboration in mental health research and community services. The luncheon opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation). Prof. Chao commended MHRC for its notable achievements in interdisciplinary research, academic innovation and collaborative network building since its establishment in 2021. The event was also graced by Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, and Mr David NG, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) of the Social Welfare Department, HKSAR, who attended as officiating guests and shared their insights on the development of local and global mental health research and community services. To celebrate the launch of MHRC’s second funding cycle, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC, Prof. Hector TSANG, Co-founder of MHRC, Dr LAM Ching-choi, Mr David NG, and Mr Lawrence CHAN, Founder of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation. During the luncheon, Prof. QIU Anqi shared the Centre’s latest research achievements and future strategic directions, highlighting how MHRC integrates neuroscience, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation sciences and social work to develop innovative, technology-driven mental health interventions. The event also provided a valuable platform for dialogue among stakeholders, including representatives from the Lee Hysan Foundation, Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, Bright Future Charitable Foundation, the Hospital Authority and various mental health service organisations. In closing, Prof. QIU expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners for their continued support and reaffirmed MHRC’s commitment to advancing mental health research and services through cross-sector collaboration, with the shared goal of building a healthier and more resilient society. MHRC also sincerely thanked all guests for their valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives. The meaningful exchanges throughout the luncheon underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and further strengthened the collective commitment to enhancing mental health and well-being in the community.  

Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN elected as Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre, and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been elected as a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) under Class V: Social Sciences, Law, and Economics. EASA is a learned society based in Salzburg, Austria, committed to promoting scientific and societal progress. Its members include leading scientists, artists, and practitioners of governance who are dedicated to innovative research, interdisciplinary and transnational collaboration, as well as the exchange and dissemination of knowledge. The Academy comprises seven distinct classes representing various academic and artistic disciplines: Humanities, Medicine, Arts, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Law and Economics, Technical and Environmental Sciences, and World Religions. Prof. Chen’s research spans personality and social psychology, cultural psychology, and mental health, with a focus on bilingualism and biculturalism, culture and globalisation, personality and social behaviour in cultural contexts, and the psychosocial and cultural dimensions of mental health. She is a Chartered Psychologist of the British Psychological Society and a Registered Psychologist and Fellow of the Hong Kong Psychological Society.  Prof. Chen’s honours include the Outstanding International Psychologist Award from the American Psychological Association and the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship from the Research Grants Council. She is a Fellow of major scholarly and professional societies, including The World Academy of Sciences, the Hong Kong Academy of the Humanities, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, as well as a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, UK. She has served as President of the Asian Association of Social Psychology, and is currently Editor‑in‑Chief of the Journal of Cross‑Cultural Psychology and General Editor of the Cambridge University Press Culture and Psychology Series.

HMRF supports Prof. Wayne CHAN’s study on exergaming for fall prevention in older adults

Congratulations to Prof. Wayne L. S. CHAN, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, on receiving HK$1.5 million in funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) of the HKSAR Government, for his research project aimed at evaluating the effects of exergaming on balance and other related outcomes among community-dwelling older adults with recurrent falls.  The HMRF aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local research in health and medicine.    

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”, showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits.  To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign.  From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes.  Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees Among the selected projects, one was led by the Director of Mental Health Research Centre: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. QIU Anqi Associate Dean of Graduate School, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Press release: https://polyu.me/4s8plYJ Online coverage (Chinese only):  Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/414Ttcw Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4dmCKbP Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4m1vfcL Mirage - https://polyu.me/4tiNeh2  

Prof. Simon LEE’s team develops “PD-001R”, a first-in-class candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuan, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with his postdoctoral researcher Dr Zhao Chen, have successfully developed an innovative drug, “PD-001R”, targeting neurodegenerative diseases. This first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate, is specifically designed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla), and is produced through chemically synthesis. The core mechanism that underlies the therapeutic action of PD-001R lies in promoting the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates. Results from animal studies have shown that PD-001R not only demonstrates significant efficacy against Parkinson’s disease, but also exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease, with good oral bioavailability and safety. This ground-breaking research was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting its strong international recognition and innovative value. Prof. Lee is a Member of the Management Committee of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), and a Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at PAIR. He is also the Founder of the PolyU start-up AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited. His research encompasses brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug discovery particularly from natural products. The advent of PD-001R brings new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and marks a significant breakthrough in Hong Kong’s biomedical innovation landscape. Online coverage: East Week - https://polyu.me/4szr3n1