PAIR members showcase research at Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientists Conference

Dr Gail CHANG, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Dr TAO Yong, Member of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Dr Bruce WANG, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Communication, showcased their research project outcomes at the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macao Young Scientists Conference held in Beijing on 1 August 2025.

At the Conference, Dr Chang shared that mushroom-derived probiotics can not only increase the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) in the gut, but also offer various health benefits such as the prevention of obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Her team is collaborating with various companies to introduce mooncakes, pineapple cakes and ice cream infused with the innovative formula.

Dr Tao presented his team’s research on converting waste concrete into green building materials through a newly developed calcination method, thereby saving energy, reducing carbon emissions and improving material performance.

Dr Wang shared how his team is using ultrasound imaging technology to study speech disorders and sublingual muscle dysfunction caused by Parkinson’s disease, facilitating innovations in speech therapy.

Their projects highlight the research impact of young scientists at PAIR on multiple disciplines, demonstrating the potential of innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges. The Conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration among researchers across the globe and paving the way for future advances in health, sustainability and technology.

Online coverage:

The Paper - https://polyu.me/4ftzjip

Toutiao - https://polyu.me/4ldSPkh