On 27 May 2026, Prof. PENG Shou, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of China National Building Material Group Co., Ltd. delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “The Transparent Revolution that is Remoulding the Future” at the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted an audience of nearly 100 scholars, researchers and students onsite, and over 14,700 online viewers across various social media platforms.
Prof. Peng opened the lecture by highlighting the historical and strategic significance of glass—from the invention of telescopes and microscopes to the widespread application of modern fibre-optic communication technologies, glass has always been a key driver of scientific progress. In the context of the digital age, glass has further emerged as a critical strategic resource, playing an essential role in industrial autonomy and national security across fields such as high-end displays, aerospace, and deep-sea exploration.
During the lecture, Prof. Peng highlighted the extensive applications of advanced glass in modern industry, demonstrating its critical role across multiple strategic sectors. He noted that the mass production of 30-micron ultra-thin flexible glass represents a key breakthrough, enabling the development of next-generation foldable and rollable electronic devices. He further elaborated on the central role of glass in the global “Dual Carbon” strategy, particularly in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). By transforming building façades into power-generating systems, such as in projects like Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, advanced glass is driving urban energy transformation. Beyond the electronics and energy sectors, Prof. Peng also introduced the vital role of specialised glass in major engineering projects, including high-speed rail, the C919 large passenger aircraft, the Tiangong space station, and the “Fendouzhe” deep-sea submersible, where high-performance glass ensures the safety and reliability of these heavy machinery.
The lecture further explored the frontier of “embodied intelligence” and biotechnology. Prof. Peng explained how bioactive glass and flexible sensor glass transform healthcare models through implantable devices and brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies. At the same time, by leveraging “AI-driven materials research”, his team is accelerating the development of new glass materials with topological properties and ultra-high strength, while moving toward a new paradigm of precise, model-driven materials design.
The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. ZHENG Guangping, Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PolyU. Prof. Peng shared his forward-looking insights into the field of materials science, noting that its future will focus on “redefining limits,” “deep interdisciplinary integration,” and “openness and collaboration”. He concluded the lecture by stating, “We are building a better future with materials!”
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| Topics | PAIR Distinguished Lecture Series |
|---|---|
| Research Units | PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research |
Prof. PENG Shou
Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)
Chief Scientist of China National Building Material Group Co., Ltd.
Prof. Peng Shou, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), expert of glass new materials, The 23rd President of the International Commission on Glass (ICG) , Deputy Director of the National Expert Committee for the Development of New Materials Industry, Chair of Advisory Committee of International Commission on Glass, assumed many important roles, including Member of Advisory Commission of National Strategy for Building a Strong Manufacturing Country, Member of Expert Committee of National Industrial Base, and Strategic Advisory Expert for the National Major Project on Advanced Materials. He is also Chief scientist of China National Building Material Group Co., Ltd., Director of National Innovation Centre of Glass New Materials, and Director of State Key Laboratory of Advanced Glass Materials.
Prof. Peng Shou has committed himself to the front line of the research, design and industrialisation of glass new materials for over 40 years. He pioneered the development of series of advanced glass materials such as new display glass, new energy glass and special functional glass which are urgently needed by emerging industries, promoted the transformation of Chinese and global glass science and technology through providing technical service to more than 50 countries and regions. He has been awarded 1 second prize of National Technical Invention Award and 3 second prizes of National Science and Technology Progress Award, 1 Golden Award of Chinese Patent, all as the first accomplisher. He is also a laureate to many weighty honours, including Lifetime Achievement Award of ICG, First National Excellent Engineers Team Award, Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award, Medal of Leadership in Advancement of Ceramic Technology of the American Ceramic Society, Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Science and Technology Innovation Award, etc.
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