News

PolyU scholars honoured as RGC Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellow in recognition of outstanding research achievements

Three PAIR scholars have been awarded fellowships under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) 2025/26, in recognition of their outstanding research achievements in the fields of biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials. Two scholars named in the RGC SRFS are Prof. SUN Lei, Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports); and Prof. TAN Kay Chen, Head of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence, and Member of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). Prof. Sun’s project, “Development of sonogenetics for non-human primates”, aims to develop a new version of sonogenetics specifically for non-human primates and to investigate its performance in terms of cellular specificity, spatial accuracy and penetration capability.  Prof. Tan’s project, “Towards adaptive pretrained vision-language foundation models for medical image analysis”, aims to develop an integrated intelligent interpretation system to provide personalised and human-centric healthcare, featuring several functionalities such as visual question answering, radiology reports and computer-aided diagnosis. Prof. ZHAO Jiong, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and Member of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), was named in the RGC RFS.  His project, “From slidetronics to twistronics: a twisting platform for dissipationless ferroelectricity”, primarily focuses on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and 2D materials.  His team will integrate cutting-edge methods with synthesis, device fabrication and theoretical frameworks to contribute to improving material quality and enabling device applications. Press release: https://polyu.me/44KjwrY   Online coverage: Dot Dot News – https://polyu.me/419eoeA (Chinese only) hkong.hk – https://polyu.me/46VZ2hh (Chinese only)

PAIR featured on THE Campus, sharing insights on short course design

Raising public awareness about interdisciplinary research is crucial for driving sci-tech innovations that offer promising solutions to social challenges including human health and well-being.  Curious about how PolyU makes interdisciplinary research accessible to everyone through popular science education? Let’s learn more from Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, who shares insights on Times Higher Education Campus (THE Campus) about the Academy’s special considerations and strategies for designing the PAIR Advanced Education Programme.  This programme is PAIR’s new education initiative to provide short courses that give members of the public insight into cutting-edge interdisciplinary research related to their daily lives. Read the full article: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/make-interdisciplinary-research-accessible-everyone Course enrolment and details: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/education/

PolyU launches advanced education programme, offering short courses to keep learners abreast of sci-tech developments

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research to provide solutions to pressing societal problems.  In 2022, the University established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) with an aim to facilitate interdisciplinary research, transfer technologies to stakeholders, inspire innovation across disciplines, and collaborate with top institutions in the world. To raise the community’s understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and its importance in driving positive transformations within societies, the Academy launches the PAIR Advanced Education Programme, to disseminate foundational and advanced knowledge in science and technology on topics that are closely related to daily living. The first course, focusing on “Healthy Life and Smart Living”, will start this fall.  This thirteen-week course, designed by PolyU experts in related disciplines, covers six applied science disciplines including: food and nutrition, sports, smart ageing, mental health, sharp vision, and Chinese medicine.  Through the course, learners will understand the overall landscape of some of the pressing problems currently facing the world, as well as PolyU-led innovations that aim to tackle these issues, and technology challenges in related fields. The course does not require learners to have relevant knowledge background and is particularly suitable to individuals who wish to broaden their understanding of interdisciplinary science and know about recent developments in science and technology.  The course is offered in dual mode, that is, students can choose to attend classes in-person or online, providing flexible learning options to interested learners coming from Hong Kong and abroad.  Learners fulfilling attendance requirement are eligible to apply for a certificate of completion. To encourage the community’s active participation in sci-tech learning, the first course is offered free of charge to eligible members of the public.  The course has received enthusiastic response since its launch.  Quota for physical class attendance is now full, while quota for online attendance is available on a first come, first served basis.  Course enrolment will close on 31 July.  For enrolment or details, please visit the programme website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/education/.

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech establish joint laboratory for innovative soy research and functional food development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited (Soy-Sky FarmTech) have announced the establishment of the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development (the Laboratory).  The Laboratory is dedicated to advancing research on soy-based functional foods and promoting the translation of sustainable agricultural technologies. The donation ceremony for the Joint Laboratory was held on 10 July on the PolyU campus, where Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Kenneth TING, Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech, exchanged commemorative souvenirs.  Other distinguished guests in attendance included Ms Clara CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), members of PolyU senior management and scholars, Soy-Sky FarmTech senior management, shareholders and industry partners. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Laboratory will conduct innovative research on soybeans and food development, support the industry in developing novel soy-based functional foods and related sustainability, and foster a “Healthy Eating and Sustainable Living” culture.  PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech aim to jointly advance the Nation’s agricultural and food technology sectors, extend research achievements to Belt and Road countries, and work together to build a healthier and greener future. Press release: https://polyu.me/44yUqw3 Online coverage: Mirage News – https://polyu.me/3UhF3C8 Hong Kong Commercial Daily – https://polyu.me/4nWDgAk (Chinese only) MeetHK – https://polyu.me/4542ULQ (Chinese only)

PolyU researchers unveil novel strategy to achieve both strength and toughness in 2D materials design, advancing applications in electronic and photonic devices

The mechanical strength and toughness of engineering materials are often mutually exclusive, posing challenges for material design and selection. To address this, a research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has uncovered an innovative strategy: by simply twisting the layers of 2D materials, they can enhance toughness without compromising material’s strength. Typical transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is a class of 2D materials known for their unique electronic, optical and mechanical properties. While 2D materials often exhibit exceptional strength, they are extremely brittle.  Enhancing both the strength and toughness of bulk materials for engineering applications has remained a significant challenge. To overcome these limitations, a research team led by Prof. ZHAO Jiong, Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Physics and Member of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), has pioneered a novel twisting engineering approach whereby twisted bilayer structures enable sequential fracture events, addressing the conflict between strength and toughness in 2D materials. By focusing on TMDs, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂), the team discovered a new fracture mechanism in twisted bilayers.  The finding was supported by nanoindentation and theoretical analysis. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, the team found that when cracks propagate in twisted bilayer structures, the lattice orientation mismatch between the upper and lower layers leads to the formation of interlocking crack paths. Following the initial fracture, the crack edges in both layers spontaneously form stable grain boundary structures through interlayer self-assembly.  This distinctive “crack self-healing” mechanism protects subsequent fracture tips from stress concentration, effectively preventing further crack propagation. Notably, this process consumes more energy than conventional fracture, and the degree of toughness enhancement can be tuned by adjusting the twist and twist angle. This breakthrough facilitates the design of strong and tough new 2D materials, promoting their broader applications in photonic and electronic devices. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Materials. Press release: https://polyu.me/453uoBk Online coverage: Mirage News – https://polyu.me/4kBNFhX Dot Dot News – https://polyu.me/4lYAysf (Chinese only)  

PolyU start-up launches fatty liver detection device, enabling assessment in 30 seconds

Eieling Technology Limited, a PolyU start-up co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, has recently launched the world’s first lightweight intelligent fatty liver detection device—FattaLab®.  Weighing only 140 grams, this palm-sized portable device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds along with the use of mobile app, with a detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. With one button, the device can automatically complete data collection and quality control analysis, and generate real-time output comprehensive reports through mobile terminal and app.  The system’s built-in AI can automatically guide operators to identify the location of the liver, making it easy-to-use for non-professionals.  This device marks a technological breakthrough from “estimation” to “diagnosis level” for fatty liver point-of-care assessment, and the entry of “early screening for liver disease” into the community and even daily lives. Because of its easy operation and high accessibility, FattaLab® will make an important transition from subcutaneous fat assessment to visceral fat quantification for overall health management, thus enabling identification of suboptimal health conditions and timely provision of proper intervention.. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po – https://polyu.me/4lfgTnZ (Chinese only)

Towards the future of long-duration energy storage: Prof. ZHAO Tianshou of SUSTech on novel flow cells

Prof. ZHAO Tianshou, Director of Energy Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Chair Professor of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), China, delivered the 41st PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Flow Cells for Long-Duration Energy Storage” on 4 July 2025 on the PolyU campus. The lecture drew over 90 attendees in person and captivated an online audience of more than 15,400 from different countries and regions who watched the live broadcast on social media platforms. The lecture commenced with a warm welcome and an introduction of the speaker by Prof. WANG Shengwei, Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE). Prof. Zhao opened his lecture by stressing the critical role of energy storage in achieving carbon neutrality goals, particularly China’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060. He emphasised that future power systems will require energy storage solutions integrated across power generation, transmission and consumption, and the energy storage industry scale is projected to reach a trillion pounds. Prof. Zhao mentioned that grid-scale energy storage must meet three core requirements: safety and reliability, cost-effectiveness, and not being limited by site and resource constraints. He pointed out that changes in environmental conditions can cause fluctuations in renewables’ power generation, and this intermittency problem can last dozens of hours. As such, long-duration energy storage is the key to preventing energy curtailment and enhancing grid flexibility. Prof. Zhao advocated the use of “flowable energy carriers” (e.g., hydrogen, methanol, ammonia) and “flow cells” (e.g., electrolysers, fuel cells, flow batteries) to achieve efficient, long-duration and site-flexible energy storage solutions. He introduced the advantages, applications and challenges of two types of flow cells: “hydrogen storage technology” and “redox flow batteries”. Although hydrogen storage technology offers advantages in terms of high energy density, long duration, and no site constraints, its requirements for platinum electrode materials, as well as low-temperature, high-pressure storage and transportation conditions, have made the technology costly. Redox Flow Batteries are particularly suitable for large-scale energy storage due to their safety, durability, flexible storage duration, and detachable device design, but their high costs remain an issue. Prof. Zhao highlighted that the present core scientific challenge is to develop theories and methods for predicting and designing matched microscopic and macroscopic structures by understanding the interplay between surface reactions and transport within multiscale structures, thereby achieving synergy between reactions and transfer to maximise battery performance. His team employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining electrochemistry and thermofluid science to develop thermo-electrochemical theory, which has led to innovations in membranes and electrodes, as well as the successful development of a flow battery with a charge/discharge cycle life of over 15,000 cycles, the longest cycle life for flow batteries. Finally, Prof. Zhao introduced the concept of “e-fuel”, a clean, renewable, electrically rechargeable liquid fuel. E-fuel energy storage technology has no site and time limitations, and exhibits high efficiency and power density, scalability, safety and potential for economic viability. It represents an excellent alternative to conventional fuel cells. In closing, Prof. Zhao stated that his research aims to establish the scientific foundations for breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, enabling the widespread adoption of clean energy through optimised performance, cost and lifetime. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session. The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Zhao. Please click here for an online review.

PAIR Video is now online

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) leverages its world-class academic and research excellence to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable tomorrow. In July 2022, the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) was established as the University’s central research platform dedicated to providing world-leading interdisciplinary solutions to significant societal challenges. Watch the video now to discover PAIR research units’ unwavering efforts in research and scholarship, knowledge transfer and collaboration, to develop impactful solutions that benefit Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world!

Prof. TAM Hwa-yaw featured in HOY TV’s programme on ultrafine high-sensitivity optical fibre sensor

Prof. TAM Hwa-yaw, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute and Chair Professor of Photonics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was featured in HOY TV’s programme “Health Concern Group” to introduce the optical fibre sensor developed by his team. The ultrafine, biocompatible plastic optical fibre sensor can improve surgical navigation, monitor contact forces and reduce trauma during cochlear implantation, thereby significantly enhancing the procedure’s safety and precision. This innovative sensing technology is expected to bring breakthrough improvements to precision procedures like cochlear implantation. Prof. Tam’s team is collaborating with the renowned implantable hearing solutions company Cochlear Limited, The University of Melbourne, and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where clinical trials will commence next year, to promote the practical application of the technology, offering a “win-win” solution for health professionals and patients. Online coverage: HOY TV - https://polyu.me/4kobWYH (Ep. 373) (08:31 - 11:23) (Chinese only)

Prof. Sonata YAU writes in Ming Pao on link between sarcopenia and depression

Prof. Sonata YAU, Member of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Associate Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for Ming Pao on the link between sarcopenia (commonly known as “muscle loss”) and depression, explaining the close bidirectional relationship between the two conditions. In the article, she mentioned that approximately 10% of Hong Kong’s elderly population suffers from depression, and several large-scale studies have shown that persons with sarcopenia have a higher risk of depression than the general population. An eight-year longitudinal study in China revealed that sarcopenia and depression interact with each other: individuals with sarcopenia have about 70% higher risk of depression, while individuals with depression have 50% increased risk of developing sarcopenia, thus forming a vicious cycle. Prof. Yau emphasised that consistent exercise, balanced diet and structured lifestyle can help improve the situation. She recommended the public to regularly engage in the following two types of physical exercise to prevent and reverse the problem of co-occurring sarcopenia and depression: Resistance training (e.g., dumbbell lifting, resistance band workout, squats): it promotes protein synthesis in muscle cells, helping improve muscle strength and mass; and promotes brain neuroplasticity, helping reduce depressive symptoms with noticeable antidepressant effects in the short term. Aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming): it maintains mitochondrial function in muscles and reduces muscle protein breakdown, helping to fight sarcopenia; and enhances cerebral blood flow as well as the secretion of serotonin and neurotrophic factors in the brain, supporting mood regulation. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3HTksBg