News

PAIR contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently published its first “Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021–2022”. The Report summarises the University’s strategic actions, research and activities that respond to the United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. It includes over 20 events and research projects conducted by constituent research institutes and research centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR). As the largest interdisciplinary research hub in the Greater Bay Area, PAIR will continuously strive for research and knowledge transfer excellence to provide world-leading interdisciplinary solutions for major social challenges. Read the report: https://polyu.hk/CtuTm Download the report: https://polyu.hk/QGeyR

The molecular architecture of synapse formation

The brain processes information via signals that are processed in a vast number of neural circuits that operate in a parallel, interleaved, or sequential fashion. In each neural circuit, information transmitted from one neuron to the next at synapses that computationally process the information as it is being transmitted, translating a presynaptic spike code into distinct postsynaptic signals depending on the properties of the synapses. Information processing by neural circuits critically depend on the number and location of synapses between their constituent neurons and equally on the computational properties of these synapses that vary greatly. We posit that the synaptic architecture of neural circuits is based on a molecular logic that governs the establishment and functional specification of synapses. Moreover, we posit that this molecular logic is controlled by transsynaptic adhesion complexes formed between pre- and postsynaptic recognition and signaling molecules. Multiple cell-surface and signaling molecules contributing to the molecular logic of neural circuits have been characterized. Two types of complexes mediating trans-synaptic interactions that control the architecture of synapses stand out: Presynaptic neurexin adhesion molecules and their multifarious postsynaptic signaling partners, including neuroligins and cerebellins, and postsynaptic latrophilins and Bai’s that act as adhesion-GPCRs and interact with presynaptic ligands, including teneurins and RTN4Rs, in synapse formation. In my lecture, I will describe recent progress in understanding how selected trans-synaptic interactions guide and shape the formation of synapses and thereby control the molecular logic of neural circuits. I will focus on only a few example given the amount of material available but encourage the audience to access our publications for more information. Find out more and register at : https://polyu.hk/lgyWr

Triumphantly Executed: PAIR's Seminar on Chinese Medicine

Prof. CHE Chun-Tao, Harry H.S. Fong Professor of Pharmacognosy in the College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, delivered the PAIR seminar titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese Medicine Research” in hybrid mode on 1 December 2023. The Seminar attracted over 200 participants joining onsite and online from over 30 countries and regions in Asia, Europe and North America. It was also broadcasted live on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili and Weibo, and viewed by an online audience of over 16,500 in total. The seminar commenced with a warm welcome address from Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, setting the stage for an enlightening session. Prof. Che then took the floor, shedding light on the scientific hurdles in the development of Chinese medicine, particularly regarding the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal products. He emphasized how these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for international collaborative research, ultimately meeting the growing demand for top-notch Chinese medicine products. A question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. WONG Man-sau, Director of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), was followed.  The Seminar was pushed to the climax by a panel discussion joined by Prof. Karl Wah Keung TSIM, Director of the Center for Chinese Medicine Research and Development and Director of HKUST Shenzhen Center for Chinese Medicine of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); Prof. Hongjie ZHANG, Director of the Chinese Medicine - Teaching and Research Division of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU); Prof. Clara LAU, Associate Director of the Institute of Chinese Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); as well as Mr Harry YEUNG, Chairman of the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association Foundation (MCMIA).  The audiences were captivated and actively engaged in a stimulating exchange with Prof. Che and the panelists, leaving them inspired to delve deeper into the discussion. Please click here for an online review.

PAIR Research Impact Video Series | Episode 1 | Upcycling waste for a carbon-neutral tomorrow

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is pleased to present the brand-new PAIR Research Impact Video Series. The Series invites PAIR researchers to share their latest research achievements and solutions to major challenges in the society. In this episode, Prof. Poon introduces his team’s research on Eco-Blocks, a green concrete made from construction, demolition and other discarded waste. Prof. Poon also shares his team’s works on applying carbon curing technology for improving concrete performance and using valorisation technology for producing low-carbon construction materials from waste glass. At RCRE, Prof. Poon and other members have been conducting fundamental and impactful research on the recycling of woody waste, waste glass, incineration ashes, etc.  Watch the video now and learn how PAIR helps build a greener tomorrow! https://polyu.hk/XVmaO

PAIR Newsletter ∙ Issue 8 ∙ December 2023 is now available online!

We are thrilled to announce the release of the 8th Issue of the PAIR Newsletter, offering you the latest updates on PAIR’s interdisciplinary research developments. Enjoy reading our “Feature Stories” covering the newly established Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, as well as PAIR researchers’ endeavours in promoting holistic mental health support and combatting the myopia epidemic. Learn more about PAIR’s latest scientific discoveries and activities in “Knowledge Transfer”, “Research Achievements”, “People”, and “News & Events” sections! We welcome you to forward any useful articles and valuable links from our Newsletter to your friends and colleagues. Share PAIR impact stories to spread knowledge, spur innovation and drive interdisciplinary excellence! Happy reading! https://polyu.hk/RPnAv

Renowned Chinese medicine scholar to deliver a distinguished lecture on the development of acupuncture

PAIR cordially invites you to join our Distinguished Lecture on 8 December 2023 (Friday) at 11:00am–12:30 p.m. (Hong Kong Time) on the PolyU campus and via Zoom. The lecture, titled “Acupuncture in the United States: From Exploration to Accessibility” will be delivered by Prof. LAO Lixing, Professor and President of the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM), USA. Since the 1970s, acupuncture has rapidly developed and received acceptance by the public and mainstream healthcare system in the United States. Evidence-based acupuncture played a major role in acupuncture development. Despite challenges and difficulties in acupuncture clinical research, sufficient evidence demonstrated the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of acupuncture. In the lecture, Prof. Lao will introduce his 30 years of experience in acupuncture research and share his witness in the United States from exploration in early years to the accessibility in the current healthcare system.  Prof. Lao will also share his opinion on the challenges and difficulties in acupuncture clinical research. Prior to his position at VUIM, Prof. Lao was a Professor and the Director of the School of Chinese Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, holding Vivian Taam Wong Endowed Professorship in Integrative Medicine during 2013–2019. He was elected Vice President of the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS).  Graduated from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 1983 and obtained a Ph.D. in physiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) in 1992.  Prof. Lao has been conducting research, practicing, and teaching acupuncture and TCM for 40 years.  He also published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers.  He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief in the Journal of Integrative Medicine. Prof. Lao is also a Fellow of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. Don’t miss the chance to learn from distinguished scholar! Find out more and register at: https://polyu.hk/iUAHX

Ten PAIR academics recognised amongst world’s most highly cited researchers

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved the third highest number of the world’s most highly cited researchers in Hong Kong in the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2023” by Clarivate Analytics. A total of 15 PolyU academics (including two former PolyU scholars) have been named on the list, and ten of them are PAIR members. This year, a total of 6,849 researchers from 67 countries and regions across a diverse range of research fields have received the designations. The list identifies the most influential scholars from around the world, determined by their production of multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science citation index over the past decade. The named PAIR researchers are as follows: Name Title and Affiliated PAIR Constituent Research Unit Prof. Daniel S.P. LAU Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Management Committee Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Prof. LI Gang Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) Prof. LOH Kian Ping Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Prof. Geoffrey Q. P. SHEN Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) Prof. WANG Zuankai Member of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Prof. WU Tao, Tom Member Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Prof. YAN Feng Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) Member of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) Dr ZHANG Xiao Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Prof. YAN Jinyue Jerry Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Dr HUANG Bolong Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE)   Further reading: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2023/1121_15-polyu-academics-recognised-amongst-worlds-most-highly-cited-researchers/

PAIR welcomes new Research Institute Associate Directors

PAIR is pleased to announce the following Associate Directorship appointments in our constituent research units: Prof. ZHAO Xiaolin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been appointed as Associate Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) with effect from 1 December 2023. Prof. Charles M. S. WONG, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Prof. YU Tao, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, have been appointed as Associate Directors of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) with effect from 1 January 2024.

PAIR to organise distinguished lecture on high performance computing

PAIR cordially invites you to join our Distinguished Lecture on 6 December 2023 (Wednesday) at 10:15am–11:45am (Hong Kong Time) on PolyU campus and via Zoom. The lecture, titled “An Overview of High Performance Computing and Future Requirements” will be delivered by 2021 A. M. Turing Award Laureate Prof. Jack DONGARRA, University Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, University of Tennessee, USA. In the lecture, Prof. Dongarra will discuss how high performance computing has changed over the last ten years and its future trends. These changes have had and will continue to impact our numerical scientific software significantly. A new generation of software libraries and algorithms are needed for the effective and reliable use of (wide area) dynamic, distributed, and parallel environments. Some of the software and algorithm challenges have already been encountered, such as the management of communication and memory hierarchies through a combination of compile-time and run-time techniques, but the increased scale of computation, depth of memory hierarchies, range of latencies, and increased run-time environment variability will make these problems much harder. Prof. Dongarra specialises in numerical algorithms in linear algebra, parallel computing, the use of advanced computer architectures, programming methodology and tools for parallel computers. He holds appointments at the University of Manchester, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee, where he founded the Innovative Computing Laboratory. In 2019 he received the ACM/SIAM Computational Science and Engineering Prize. In 2020 he received the IEEE-CS Computer Pioneer Award. He is a Fellow of the AAAS, ACM, IEEE, and SIAM; a foreign member of the British Royal Society and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Most recently, he received the 2021 ACM A.M. Turing Award for his pioneering contributions to numerical algorithms and software that have driven decades of extraordinary progress in computing performance and applications. Prof. Dongarra is also a Distinguished Fellow of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. Don’t miss the chance to learn from distinguished scholar! Find out more and register at: https://polyu.hk/gPLgb

PAIR to organise research seminar on Chinese medicine

PAIR cordially invites you to join our PAIR Seminar on 1 December 2023 (Friday) at 3:00–4:30 p.m. (Hong Kong Time) at AG204, PolyU campus or via Zoom. The seminar, titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese Medicine Research”, will be delivered by Prof. CHE Chun-Tao, Harry H.S. Fong Professor of Pharmacognosy in the College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine. In the Seminar, Prof. Che will share on the scientific challenges in Chinese medicine development in relation to the quality, safety, and effectiveness of herbal products, and how some of these difficulties present opportunities for international collaborative research to help meet the demands for high-quality Chinese medicine products. Prior to joining UIC, Prof. Che was the Director of the School of Chinese Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Trained as a pharmacognosist, Prof. Che has a broad background in botany, chemistry and pharmacology of herbal medicines. During the 40 years of career as a researcher and educator, Prof. Che has focused his research interest in the discovery of potential pharmaceutical substances from natural sources, including the isolation, structural elucidation and modification of biologically active substances from medicinal plants, as well as the analysis, quality assurance, and standardisation of plant-based preparations. Over 340 scientific papers have been published to his credit in the areas of pharmacognosy, natural products and Chinese/herbal medicines. Don’t miss the chance to learn from PAIR’s distinguished scholar! Find out more and register at: https://polyu.hk/eJZdY