PAIR Newsletter · Issue 19 · September 2026 is now available

A new academic year brings new ideas, new collaborations and new discoveries. In Issue 19 of the PAIR Newsletter, we look back on a particularly vibrant season at PAIR, marked by distinguished lectures, research seminars and scholarly exchanges that connected PolyU with leading researchers from around the world.

This issue features thought-provoking conversations with two distinguished scholars whose insights offer valuable perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Prof. Sir Bashir M. AL-HASHIMI, Senior Vice President (Research & Special Initiatives) of King’s College London, shares his reflections on human reasoning, critical thinking and the future of research in the age of artificial intelligence, reminding us that independent thinking, sound judgement and the pursuit of knowledge remain indispensable, even as AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, PAIR Fellow Prof. Sara DOLNICAR of The University of Queensland takes readers into the world of sustainable tourism and hospitality, exploring how behavioural science can encourage more sustainable choices without compromising the joy of travel.

We also celebrate the achievements of PAIR scientists. Several scholars have recently been elected Fellows of prestigious learned societies and professional bodies, underscoring the growing international impact of PAIR research. Among them, PAIR Director Prof. CHEN Qingyan has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the world’s most distinguished scientific academies, with a centuries-long tradition of scientific excellence.

We are also delighted to welcome the newly established Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) to the PAIR family, further expanding our interdisciplinary research landscape and strengthening our capacity to address global challenges in health, biomedicine and beyond.

Beyond these important updates, readers will discover research achievements, knowledge transfer initiatives and impact stories spanning health and wellbeing, sustainability, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and ESG, showcasing how interdisciplinary research continues to create meaningful benefits for society.