Home | PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

About PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is a central research platform at PolyU dedicated to providing world-leading interdisciplinary solutions to significant societal challenges. PAIR facilitates interdisciplinary research, transfers knowledge and technologies, inspires innovations across disciplines, and collaborates with top research institutions in the world.

Achievements in 2023/24

Combined outputs of research institutes and research centres under PAIR (based on Annual Report 2024)

658M

External Research Grants / Donations* (HK$)

*Only external research grants and donations of $2 million or more are counted

548

Awards & Recognitions

1,457

Publications

Patents

PAIR Research Impact 2024

The video series introduces PAIR’s latest research achievements and solutions in three major research themes including “Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing“, “Good Health and Well-being”, and “Smart and Sustainable Cities”.

Transforming discoveries and scientific achievements into practical solutions

PAIR research and development endeavours focus on three core areas: advanced technologies and manufacturing, good health and well-being, and smart and sustainable cities.

The Academy pursues interdisciplinary research, works closely with other PolyU units in the patenting, licensing and commercialisation of research outputs by PAIR research units, and collaborates with extensive parties including governments, industry and businesses in enabling the translation and adoption of PAIR-led innovations.

Research Highlights

Driving professional exchange, knowledge transfer, and industry engagement

PAIR engages eminent scholars and industry leaders in fields relevant to the Academy’s strategic foci, for presentations and collaborative discussions. PAIR hosts diverse events and activities, including but not limited to:

• Distinguished Lectures
• Seminars and salons
• Conferences
• Incoming and outgoing visits

Events & Activities

19 research units bringing together over 600 senior researchers

PAIR has 12 Research Institutes (RIs) and 7 Research Centres (RCs), bringing together over 600 senior researchers from various disciplines.

The Academy leverages interdisciplinary expertise in bringing forth practical, impactful solutions to complex societal challenges that cannot be addressed through a single disciplinary approach.

PAIR members come from different PolyU faculties, schools and departments. They work together in applied research on diverse frontier areas that respond to Hong Kong’s development needs and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.

Interdisciplinary Expertise

19 research units bringing together over 600 senior researchers

What's New

NEWS

PolyU research reveals sharp depletion in soil moisture, driving land water to flow into the oceans and contributing to a rise in sea levels

13 May 2025

20250513 RILS research uncovers sharp soil moisture depletion amid rising air temperatures_EN

NEWS

About PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

Achievements in 2023/24

What's New

PolyU research reveals sharp depletion in soil moisture, driving land water to flow into the oceans and contributing to a rise in sea levels

PolyU research reveals sharp depletion in soil moisture, driving land water to flow into the oceans and contributing to a rise in sea levels

MHRC Member awarded HMRF grant to evaluate mobile app for early detection and intervention for postpartum depression

PolyU journal Nexus hosts forum on smart sustainable development promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation

MHRC Member awarded HMRF grant to evaluate mobile app for early detection and intervention for postpartum depression

PolyU research unveils hidden microbial threats to ecosystem caused by plastic waste

Prof. QIU Anqi appointed as Director of Mental Health Research Centre

PolyU journal Nexus hosts forum on smart sustainable development promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation

The 38th PAIR Distinguished Lecture: Prof. Pedro Alvarez explores breakthroughs in nanotechnology for water treatment

PolyU’s AI and medicine-engineering integration empowers a new era of medical excellence

Useful Links

Useful Links

PAIR with Us

Sign up to receive our e-publications