News

Two PolyU young scholars named “MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 China”

Prof. Benedict LO Tsz-woon, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry, alongside Dr LV Jiaxin, Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) and Research Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, have been named on the 2025 “MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 China” (TR35 China) list in the “Visionaries” and “Inventors” categories, respectively. Prof. Lo developed the synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction (RSXRD) technique, achieving a major breakthrough beyond the limits of conventional methods. In an international first, his work enables the three-dimensional atomic-resolution mapping of framework aluminium (Al) in industrial-grade zeolite catalysts. This landmark achievement, published in Science in 2025, provides atomic-level evidence for the rational design of zeolites, definitively resolving the decades-long “black box” surrounding the precise spatial arrangement of active sites. Delivering high precision, selectivity and energy efficiency in catalytic processes without requiring modifications to existing factory reactor hardware, the industrial value of this technique has been validated through collaborative projects. It offers significant scientific and practical benefits for improving carbon-resource conversion efficiency and helping address global climate challenges. Dr Lv developed the Multi-container Extrusion (MCE) technology, which enables the integrated, seamless manufacturing of ultra-wide, thin-walled light alloy components that previously required segmented welding. This innovation increases profile width to more than three times that of traditional methods while reducing extrusion pressure by 70% to 90%. By establishing multi-scale material models and integrating artificial intelligence-assisted optimisation, she has significantly shortened product development cycles, holding four cross-border core patents as the primary inventor and patentee. This original technology was successfully commercialised in 2024, driving the establishment of a 6,500-ton industrial production line. When applied to passenger vehicles, these structural components achieve a potential weight reduction of up to 50% and carbon emission reductions of approximately 30%, comprehensively rewriting the manufacturing standards for large-scale lightweight components. Established by the MIT Technology Review, the annual TR35 global list recognises outstanding young technological innovators across multiple frontier tech and industrial fields. The TR35 China regional selection was established in 2017 to recognise exceptional and internationally influential young scientific and technological leaders in China. Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2026/0730_two-polyu-young-scholars-named-2025-mit-technology-review-innovators-under-35-china/   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/3TlETg0 Sohu - https://polyu.me/4fyzucJ HKCNA - https://polyu.me/44ZBMNu Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4fRB7CL Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4h7Bf3b Yidianxixun - https://polyu.me/3TLOGfH Sina - https://polyu.me/4fY9DN5; https://polyu.me/4zyVpKi

Three PAIR members honoured as RGC Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows, spearheading innovations in advanced manufacturing, neuroscience and IoT

In the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) 2026/27, four distinguished PolyU scholars, including three researchers from PAIR, have been awarded fellowships. The Schemes offer support for the awardees’ continued innovations and breakthroughs in diverse frontier fields, spanning advanced semiconductor manufacturing, cognitive neuroscience and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The RGC SRFS and RFS schemes aim to provide sustained research support for outstanding full Professors and Associate Professors with relief from teaching and administrative duties, so enabling them to more fully focus on R&D and nurture the next generation of research talent for Hong Kong. The successful projects showcase the University’s exceptional strength in bridging theoretical breakthroughs with real-life applications, underscoring the world-class calibre of PolyU research and the University’s commitment to translating frontier knowledge into impactful solutions that address pressing global challenges. The PAIR awardees are as follows: RGC SRFS 2026/27 Awardee Project Title Prof. Benny CHEUNG Chi-fai Associate Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology A multi-mode ultra-through-focus light-field-spectrometry microscopy (MULFSM) for in-situ measurement of nanostructured surfaces in semiconductor manufacturing RGC RFS 2026/27 Awardee Project Title Prof. Bolton CHAU Associate Director of Mental Health Research Centre Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences How distractors bias choices: Investigating mechanisms through computational modelling, neuroimaging, neurochemistry and neurostimulation Prof. ZHENG Yuanqing Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and RCRE Professor of the Department of Computing Software-defined edge radio access networks: System architecture and applications Press Release: https://polyu.me/4fuNZ1t   Online Coverage: Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4wbMuMF; https://polyu.me/4hrc9wb Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4yy6hHz Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4fNDwiN; https://polyu.me/4bVjbFT; https://polyu.me/4yzxQAv Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3TdXfj1 Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/45gme7W Mirage News - https://polyu.me/4vDUsNp Zhihu - https://polyu.me/3TdvSWk HKong.hk - https://polyu.me/3Tjpaht

Prof. WENG Qihao elected as ISPRS Fellow for outstanding contributions to GeoAI and remote sensing

Prof. WENG Qihao, Associate Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and a Global STEM Scholar, has been elected as a Fellow of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) for 2026.  Since 2010, the ISPRS Fellowship is among the highest distinctions in the global photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information science community.  This prestigious honour is bestowed upon distinguished scholars who have demonstrated sustained, exceptional service to the Society and the advancement of its mission. Prof. Weng’s research focuses on remote sensing, image science, geospatial artificial intelligence, geospatial computer vision and geospatial big data.  His work has been widely applied to addressing urbanisation challenges, advancing sustainability, protecting coastal environments and ecosystems, and understanding global environmental change.  With a strict limit of no more than five Fellows elected globally at any ISPRS General Assembly, his election as an ISPRS Fellow not only recognises his global scientific leadership but also his significant contributions and profound impact on the geospatial community.

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing receives the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), has recently been honoured with the 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Established by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award recognises Chinese engineers and scientists for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of engineering, technology and management. Presented biennially, the award comprises two categories: the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Following a rigorous process involving nomination, preliminary assessment, public announcement and final review, CAE academicians selected 40 awardees from a pool of 471 outstanding candidates, including one recipient of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and 39 recipients of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. The awardees span a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical engineering, information technology, chemical engineering, metallurgy, materials and energy. Among them, three awardees are from Hong Kong. Prof. Ni has devoted more than 30 years to the research and application of structural health monitoring technologies. He pioneered an integrated modular design approach for large-scale structural health monitoring systems and a life-cycle structural health monitoring paradigm. These innovations have been widely applied in the design and implementation of health monitoring systems for major civil engineering structures. Press release: https://polyu.me/4fnU1km   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4bdy5Hi; https://polyu.me/4vRzYBJ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4vnsnd4; https://polyu.me/4bzXQBN Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/44ojtkF China News - https://polyu.me/3Tt14AL Sina - https://polyu.me/4pbUqLh China Daily - https://polyu.me/4wgawq1 People.cn - https://polyu.me/4vZNfZb Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4gxPzBQ Qiaobaous - https://polyu.me/4yh3pPm World Journal - https://polyu.me/4w2CWDC Rednet.com - https://polyu.me/4yvvt1E 

PolyU scholar wins HUAWEI Spark Award, highlighting University’s strengths in research translation and industry collaboration

Prof. Tommy WEI Minchen, Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), and Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, was recently honoured with the prestigious HUAWEI Spark Award in recognition of his team’s innovative solution to a major industrial technology challenge and its successful translation of cutting-edge research findings into real-world industrial applications. Prof. Wei and his team have long dedicated on the underlying mechanisms of the human visual system, translating research findings into innovative solutions for full-link multimedia systems ranging from camera capture to screen display. Addressing a major bottleneck in display colour calibration for this year’s HUAWEI challenge, the team leveraged visual science research to deliver a breakthrough engineering solution. This innovation significantly enhances the colour calibration accuracy and user experience of product displays. The technology has already been deployed, making a tangible contribution to the advancement of display technology worldwide. Established by HUAWEI in 2021, the Spark Award focuses on fundamental research in areas including information and communications technology, materials science and mathematical algorithms. Under the initiative, Huawei identifies industrial challenges with significant commercial and scientific value and invites universities worldwide to develop original solutions, recognising researchers whose innovations advance both science and industry. Press release: https://polyu.hk/Yavgv   Online coverage: 同花順 - https://polyu.me/4y61H30 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4f6RvP8 Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3SUTeje

RiFood honoured with Correctional Services Department’s “Rehabilitation Partner” Award

The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the “Rehabilitation Partner” Award from the Correctional Services Department (CSD) of the HKSAR in recognition of its outstanding contributions to supporting rehabilitation programmes for persons in custody (PICs).  Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of RiFood, represented the University in receiving the award at the presentation ceremony held on 17 June 2026. In February 2025, PolyU and the CSD signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote food waste upcycling and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry.  Since the fourth quarter of 2025, PolyU’s related research outcomes have been applied to industrial production in correctional institutions.  PolyU has also provided vocational training to PICs in the design and production of environmentally friendly products, with a view to enhancing their employability.  The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection and the development of a circular economy, but also provides PICs with practical skills training and development opportunities that support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Environmentally friendly products upcycled from spent coffee grounds are now available on the CSD Sports Association’s online charity gift platform, Made in Prison, encouraging public support for rehabilitation and environmental protection.  All sales proceeds, after deduction of necessary costs, will be donated to various locally registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to give back to the community.

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming elected Fellow of Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering for 2026

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has recently been elected a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) for the year 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to rehabilitation engineering and biomedical engineering. Ir Prof. Zhang took the lead in establishing the Society’s Rehabilitation Engineering Technical Committee and served as its inaugural Chair. Under his leadership, the committee has grown into one of the Society’s largest and most distinguished groups. While advancing the development of the branch, Ir Prof. Zhang has also actively fostered collaboration between PolyU and the Society. The PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering has long participated in the Society’s academic activities, promoting research and academic exchange in related fields. Established in 1980, CSBME is a national first-level academic society and the only professional academic organisation in the Chinese Mainland that integrates research, education, clinical practice and industrial development in the field of biomedical engineering. The Society has more than 45,000 individual members. Since launching its Fellow programme in 2024, a total of 45 scholars have been elected Fellows to date.

Four PAIR members awarded RGC Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme

Four PAIR members have been awarded the Research Grants Council (RGC) Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme, which supports their pursuit of immersive research at leading overseas institutions, enhancing insights into the latest global trends in scientific research and innovation. The awarded PolyU scholars bring wide-ranging expertise across Web3, digital finance, language sciences, physiotherapy and AI management.  Their research efforts exemplify PolyU’s robust research capabilities and unwavering commitment to driving innovation with global impact.  Each of them will be supported with a HK$368,000 grant for their overseas research trip. The four awardees are: Principal Investigators Research Plan Overseas Host Institution(s) Prof. LUO Xiapu Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of Department of Computing Bridging Hong Kong and Europe for Secure Web3: DeFi Risk Detection and Blockchain Infrastructure Hardening University College London (UK) ETH Zurich (Switzerland) University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg) Prof. CHAN Wing Shan Angel Member of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Associate Professor of Department of Language Science and Technology Advancing Culturally-Responsive Speech Therapy Practice for Children: From Technology Innovation to Person-Centred Care Griffith University (Australia) Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (Germany) The University of Sydney (Australia) City St George’s University of London (UK) Prof. Arnold WONG Associate Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), and Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences The Application of Co-Design and Non-inferiority Trial Design to Evaluate Effectiveness and Cost- Effectiveness of Direct Access Physiotherapy Services The University of Sydney (Australia) Prof. Crystal SHI Member of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) and Associate Professor of School of Hotel and Tourism Management Cross-Cultural Insights on Human-AI Collaboration in Hospitality: Supporting Digital Transformation and Service Innovation in Multicultural Workforces Purdue University (USA)   The RGC Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme aims to encourage university faculty to visit overseas institutions/units for immersive international collaboration, thereby broadening their international perspective and deepening the Hong Kong research community’s exposure to trends elsewhere.  Selected fellows will be supported in visiting overseas institutional laboratories/research units/clinical set-ups to work on research projects or undergo research-related professional development.  

Professor CHEN Qingyan elected Fellow of the Royal Society

Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science. Election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society is one of the highest scientific honours in the world. Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, and its fellowship includes some of the most renowned scientists and thinkers in modern history. A globally recognised thought leader, Prof. Chen is renowned for his pioneering work in indoor air quality (IAQ), aircraft cabin environments, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and is among the very few scholars from the institution to receive this distinguished honour. His significant contributions have earned him recognition among the world’s leading scientists in the “Building and Construction” field, according to Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists list. His models for simulating indoor environments have been instrumental in shaping public policy and driving innovation in ventilation systems. He has also developed design guidelines and strategies that have become industry benchmarks, prioritising occupant well-being and fostering healthier, more energy-efficient environments. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President said, “We are proud of Prof. Chen’s contributions to the scientific community. His work has played an important role in advancing human well-being and safety. His research has also helped inform safety standards for public transportation, including efforts to reduce infectious disease transmission on airplanes and cruise ships.” Prof. Chen expressed his gratitude for the honour, saying, “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition, which is truly one of the highest accolades a scientist can achieve. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to my research team and collaborators at PolyU, as well as my family, for their unwavering support over the years.” Throughout his career, Prof. Chen has received numerous awards and recognitions for his groundbreaking works, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology; the International Building Performance Simulation Association, the Scandinavian Federation of Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Engineering Associations (SCANVAC); the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Press release:https://polyu.me/4wJ0jCS   Online coverage: Fooshya - https://polyu.me/4f6ybTZ Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4wQ5TDs HK01 - https://polyu.me/4edlNk0

Prof. ZHANG Shuowen elected IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer

Prof. ZHANG Shuowen, Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has been elected as an IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc) Distinguished Lecturer for the Class of 2026–2027. Prof. ZHANG’s research focuses on next-generation wireless communications, including smart and reconfigurable 6G-and-beyond wireless networks enabled by intelligent reflecting surface, as well as integrated sensing and communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and communication theory. The IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer Program (DLP) connects accomplished IEEE ComSoc senior members in the field of communications technology with ComSoc chapters worldwide to exchange knowledge, expertise and insights into the future of communications technology.