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Twenty-five PolyU projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund

PolyU has secured HK$22.9 million in funding support from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) 2023 exercise to support 25 research projects. Focused on addressing pressing health challenges and enhancing patient welfare, these initiatives exemplify PolyU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and translating scientific research into impactful solutions that address the needs of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, ultimately improving health outcomes across physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Among them, 12 research projects are led by PAIR members: Principal Investigator Project Title Amount Awarded (HK$) Dr LEE Tin Yan Timothy Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Member, Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) Exploring Spine Flexibility and Spinal Deformities and their Association with Curve Progression in Skeletally Immature Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Study $724,600 Prof. ZHU Yuyan Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Member, Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) Investigating the translational potential of parthenolide for ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese adults $1,499,999 Prof. SIU Kit Hang Gilman Associate Head, Professor, and Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Medical Laboratory Science, Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI); Member, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) Application of Targeted Capture Sequencing for Diagnosis of Respiratory Infections – Simultaneous Pathogen Identification, Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Detection and Strain Typing in a Single Reaction $1,499,950 Prof. LI Tian Assistant Professor, HTI; Member, RiFood and Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Investigation of Time-resolved Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (TR-MRF) for Liver Cancer Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Response Assessment in a Pilot Clinical Trial $1,459,000 Prof. HUANG Chien-ling Associate Professor, HTI; Management Committee Member, RiFood Integrated AI-driven single-cell monitoring system for early detection and pathway discovery in infection-associated thrombosis: advancing prevention and treatment strategies for long COVID $1,499,000 Dr WONG Wing Sze Winsy Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology; Member, RISA Utilization of Immersive Virtual Reality in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (IVR-CST) for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study $499,996 Prof. LIN Jingxia Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Management Committee Member, Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC); Member, RCMI Enhancing Clinical Care for Postpartum Depression Using Ecological Momentary Assessment and Intervention: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial with “MotherCare” Mobile App $499,920 Prof. Jed MONTAYRE Associate Head (Strategy) and Associate Professor, School of Nursing (SN); Member, RISA Dyadic management intervention in older people with co-occurring cognitive impairment and diabetes as a supplementary approach to Chronic Diseases Self-Management Program: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation study $1,345,318 Prof. YEUNG Wing Fai Associate Professor, SN; Associate Director, RCMI; Member, RISA An implementation Science Approach to Evaluate Self-administered Acupressure for Knee Osteoarthritis in Older-Aged Adults in the Community $1,499,989 Prof. YANG Lin Associate Professor, SN; Management Committee Member, RI-IWEAR, Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF); Member, Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) A Personalized Interactive Patient Empowerment Artificial Intelligence Platform (PIPE-AI) Enhanced by DiabetesGPT in Prediabetes and Diabetes Patients in Primary Healthcare Settings $500,000 Prof. XIE Yaojie Associate Professor, SN; Member, RCMI Migraine features and silent brain infarction in predicting stroke risk progression: A cohort study with neuroimaging analysis in Hong Kong Chinese women $1,499,907 Prof. LEUNG Tsz Wing Assistant Professor, School of Optometry; Member, RiFood and RCSV Investigating the Role of the Magnocellular-Dorsal System in Reading Chinese: A Pilot Study Exploring the Effect of Middle Temporal Visual Area Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation $499,550

Two PolyU projects receive funding from the Innovation and Technology Support Programme to advance aerospace technology research and development

The nation places great importance on its aerospace sector. In his latest Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, John LEE Ka-chiu, mentioned that the “Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology” has allocated over HK$100 million to support six university research and development projects, two of which are from PolyU. The supported aerospace technology R&D projects are expected to be applied in future missions such as Chang’e 7, the Tiangong space station and manned lunar landings. Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), has been awarded HK$32 million to carry out the project “Key Space Technology Capability Research and Development with Application to Terrain Cameras”. This project will build upon PolyU’s successful experience in the Chang’e 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as Tianwen-1 missions, to develop next-generation space navigation cameras and related technologies. The team will develop new materials and processes with high strength-to-weight ratios, high thermal conductivity, and controllable absorptivity, reflectivity, emissivity and refractive index. The research will also focus on radiation resistance and chemical compatibility in the space environment and key manufacturing technologies such as void-free 3D printing. In addition, the team will explore core technologies related to image capture and processing, including thermal modelling for maintaining neutral optical performance under extreme temperature fluctuations and artificial intelligence algorithms for terrain recognition to aid navigation on the lunar surface under varying sunlight angles. Furthermore, Ir Prof. SU Zhongqing, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chair Professor of Intelligent Structures and Systems, and Member of RCDSE, has also been awarded over HK$4.4 million to carry out the project “A ‘Totally-Additive-Manufacturing’-driven New Sensing Technique for Rapid Health Evaluation of Space Systems under Hypervelocity Impact of Orbital Junks”. The project is conducted in collaboration with co-investigators from Beijing Institute of Spacecraft Environment Engineering of China Academy of Space Technology and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen). The successful installation of this system and the implementation of the technology on spacecraft will mitigate the risk of hypervelocity impact (HVI) from space debris to communication satellites and space stations. Additionally, it will retrofit existing safety design philosophy, enhance serviceability and extend the lifespan of long-service space systems. The nation has designated “commercial aerospace” as a strategic emerging industry. PolyU will continue to leverage its professional strengths to actively support the Hong Kong SAR Government in promoting the development of aerospace technology, contributing to the vigorous growth of the space economy. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3K2RlN8 Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/42y9Oax Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4ncDBOg ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/47S7grl   Further readings: Ir Prof. Yung’s project - https://polyu.hk/dXYVP Ir Prof. Su’s project - https://polyu.hk/hONCU

Three PAIR members receive Smart Traffic Fund totalling HK$10 million

Congratulations to three PAIR members for securing over HK$10 million funding in total from the Smart Traffic Fund. The three awarded projects are as follows: Automated Monitoring Traffic Data System for Detector Status and Non-recurrent Events – led by Prof. Edward CHUNG Chin-shin, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Driving and Speed Guidance System for Heavy Goods Vehicles – led by Prof. HUANG Hailong, Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Member of SCRI and Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Smart Route Planning System – led by Dr YU Yue, Research Personnel of SCRI, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics The Smart Traffic Fund was established by the HKSAR Government to provide funding support for projects in the research and application of innovation and technology aimed at enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.

Two PolyU education research projects awarded under Theme-based Exercise of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to leveraging its outstanding research capacity to make a profound impact on the development of education in society. PolyU has secured support for two projects through the Theme-based Exercise specially launched under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025/26 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU). A total of eight projects received funding under the scheme focusing on education-related policies. Among all applicant institutions, PolyU ranked first in both the number of funded projects and the awarded amount. The two projects, led by scholars from the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), have collectively received approximately HK$1.6 million. They are recognised as being aligned with the future strategic positioning and development needs of Hong Kong. The two PolyU projects are (by project number): Principal Investigator Prof. YU Lu Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-Investigators Prof GU Mingyue (Professor and Dean of Graduate School, EdUHK) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Prof. HE Jingwei (Associate Professor, Division of Public Policy, HKUST) Prof. Ronnel Bornasal KING (Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, CUHK) Prof. LIN Li (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, LU) Prof. PAN Jiayan (Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, BU) Prof. YE Shengquan (Associate Professor, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, CUHK) Prof. ZENG Min (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, HKU) Project Title Enhancing Adaptation, Integration, and Career Development of Non-local University Students in Hong Kong Funded Amount HK$905,993.00 Duration 12 months   Principal Investigator Prof. CHEN Xiaohua Sylvia Associate Dean Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-investigators Prof. NG Chi Kit Jacky (Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr AU Kit Yee Algae (Research Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr LU Yiqing Erin (Senior Research Fellow, APSS, PolyU) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Project Title Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development Funded Amount HK$694,257.55 Duration 12 months The PPRFS aims to encourage local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, and serve as a channel for the Government to tap into the public policy research expertise of society.

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech establish joint laboratory for innovative soy research and functional food development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited (Soy-Sky FarmTech) have announced the establishment of the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development (the Laboratory).  The Laboratory is dedicated to advancing research on soy-based functional foods and promoting the translation of sustainable agricultural technologies. The donation ceremony for the Joint Laboratory was held on 10 July on the PolyU campus, where Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Kenneth TING, Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech, exchanged commemorative souvenirs.  Other distinguished guests in attendance included Ms Clara CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), members of PolyU senior management and scholars, Soy-Sky FarmTech senior management, shareholders and industry partners. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Laboratory will conduct innovative research on soybeans and food development, support the industry in developing novel soy-based functional foods and related sustainability, and foster a “Healthy Eating and Sustainable Living” culture.  PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech aim to jointly advance the Nation’s agricultural and food technology sectors, extend research achievements to Belt and Road countries, and work together to build a healthier and greener future. Press release: https://polyu.me/44yUqw3 Online coverage: Mirage News – https://polyu.me/3UhF3C8 Hong Kong Commercial Daily – https://polyu.me/4nWDgAk (Chinese only) MeetHK – https://polyu.me/4542ULQ (Chinese only)

PolyU research projects win funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government has recently announced the second batch of projects selected for funding under the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme. Among the four successful projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), three are led by PAIR members. Inaugurated in 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme aims to provide funding, on a matching basis, for at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee which demonstrate strong potential to evolve into successful startups. Each approved project will receive funding support ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million. Project Title Project Leader Project Description High-Speed 3D Stacked AI Vision Sensors Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean of Faculty of Science; Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics in Department of Applied Physics; Director of Joint Research Centre for Microelectronics; Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR); and Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Photonics Research Institute (PRI), and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) This project focuses on the development and commercialisation of an advanced AI vision sensor with high-speed operation, high dynamic range, and ultra-low power consumption. The sensor overcomes key limitations of conventional image sensors, particularly motion blur in high-speed scenarios. Key applications of the AI vision sensor include security surveillance systems, autonomous navigation, and motion analysis in extended reality devices and smartphones.   The sensor achieves high-speed, high-dynamic-range, and low-power imaging through the integration of conventional image sensors with dedicated visual information processing chips. Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director of PolyU–BGI Joint Research Centre for Genomics and Synthetic Biology in Global Ocean Resources (RCOcean); Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI); and Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) This project develops novel nutraceuticals and drugs derived from natural resources for treating neurodegenerative diseases. It establishes the LifeChip technology platform, combining next-generation DNA sequencing, AI-driven discovery, advanced chemical separation, high-throughput in vivo screening, and synthetic biology. Focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological disorders including insomnia, depression, and anxiety, this integrated approach delivers a comprehensive solution for both prevention and treatment using innovative nutraceuticals with unique mechanisms of action. For instance, the development candidate Oxyphylla® is a first-in-class drug targeting α-synuclein, an emerging therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. Oxyphylla® is anticipated to become a disease-modifying therapy, offering a breakthrough in neurological health. Tunable Laser Chip Based on Metasurface Structure and its Application Prof. YU Changyuan Director of PolyU–Jingjang Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Management Committee Member of PRI; and Member of RI-IWEAR, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE)   This project pioneers a novel broadband tunable laser chip that, for the first time, integrates both a metasurface reflector and phase-change materials within a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. This enables an ultra-high quality factor resonant cavity and dynamic continuous tuning of the output wavelength over an exceptionally wide bandwidth (40nm).   Compared to traditional laser structures, the chip not only features a more compact design but also achieves the same kHz-level tuning speed as leading international competitors. With the cost just one-twentieth that of existing market solutions, the chip is expected to achieve widespread adoption in battery monitoring systems, industrial production processes, autonomous driving technologies and high-speed optical communication modules. Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2025/0620_polyu-research-projects-win-funding-support-from-raise-scheme/ Online coverage: Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3FZoEPp Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/45va2Sk Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/44jUdfY Line Today - https://polyu.me/43OTu6y CCTV - https://polyu.me/4ehx1T9 Wuxi Daily - https://polyu.me/3Gat71H Science Net - https://polyu.me/43ULCjN The Paper - https://polyu.me/4klyyJr CHNM - https://polyu.me/3ZGc6D8 Sina - https://polyu.me/4ecyiL4 Guangzhou Daily - https://polyu.me/43Xn35V CMG The Greater Bay Area - https://polyu.me/3TQ4muV

MHRC receives donation from Bright Future Charitable Foundation to develop mobile app for enhancing adolescent mental health

Prof. Hector TSANG, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) of PolyU, has received a generous donation from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation for the project “E-Breathing to Reduce Psychological Distress in Adolescents”. The two-year project aims to develop a mobile-based intervention for the early detection of Hong Kong adolescents at risk of psychological distress. The app “E-Breathing” uses Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to capture the psychological symptoms and support needs of adolescents and prompts users to engage in slow-paced breathing exercises when they score high on negative affect. The study will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 148 participants and evaluate the app’s effectiveness in improving users’ mood.

RILS study revealing Malacca heritage with cutting-edge geospatial technologies

A project named “Antiquity and Heritage Lost, Found and Revealed: Promotion of 21st Century Geo-spatial Technologies” led by Prof. Wallace LAI Wai-lok, Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, has been granted HK$3.22 million from the General Support Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF-GSP) of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government. This two-year project, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Baptist University and local amateur war historians, aims to uncover and document the city’s concealed historical sites using advanced geospatial technologies. By employing techniques such as geo-referencing, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, and geophysical technologies, the team is capturing detailed images of buried wartime relics and antiquities, bringing these lost historical relics back to light. To foster community involvement in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, the team will organise public programmes such as guided visits to cultural and wartime heritage sites, STEAM-focused seminars, interactive workshops, and immersive exhibitions. The team has collaborated with wide stakeholders including government bodies, universities and industry partners, science magazines, non-government organisations and local village community to enhance public engagement and advance the application of geospatial innovations in uncovering Hong Kong’s hidden historical stories. In May 2025, the team expanded the study scope to Malacca, Malaysia, where they conducted 3D scanning and mapping of historic structures, including the Porta de Santiago and St. Paul’s Church. By integrating digitised historical maps with modern scanning technologies, the team identified remnants of long-buried colonial fortifications. Further expeditions to other regions in Malaysia and Indonesia are planned.   Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/tc/media/media-releases/2025/0604_polyu-study-uncovering-hong-kong-s-hidden-history-with-cutting-edge-geospatial-technologies/ Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4mNd5LL Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4ktud7O Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4ksFCEP hkong.hk- https://polyu.me/4kR8y9a Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/45eqdTL (subscription required) Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/43Jt84w

MHRC Member awarded HMRF grant to evaluate mobile app for early detection and intervention for postpartum depression

Prof. Jessie LIN, Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been awarded a grant of about HK$500K from the Health and Medical Research Fund of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, for the project “Enhancing clinical care for postpartum depression using ecological momentary assessment and intervention: a feasibility randomized controlled trial with “MotherCare” mobile app”. Designed by the PolyU research team, the app provides personalised, real-time and mindfulness-based ecological momentary interventions (EMI) for postpartum women with depression according to their emotional states. The evaluative study includes a three-month randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 40 participants, assessing the mobile app’s usability and acceptability, as well as participants’ adherence to the intervention and their improvements in mood and emotional regulation. The research has significant clinical implications for the early detection and management of postpartum depression in Hong Kong and beyond.

Nine PolyU projects awarded Environment and Conservation Fund

Nine projects led by scholars at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund, with a total grant of approximately HK$6.99 million. The awarded projects aim to advance environmental protection and conservation efforts through cutting-edge technologies and innovative research. They cover various pressing environmental issues, including carbon reduction, noise problem, ozone formation, sea water treatment and more. The Environment and Conservation Fund provides funding support for educational initiatives, community waste reduction and recovery, research, technology demonstration, and other projects related to environmental and conservation matters. The awarded project must help enhance the overall environmental quality of Hong Kong, raise environmental awareness of the local community, and promote public participation in green and low-carbon living. Projects led by PAIR members: Principal Investigator PAIR Research Unit Project Title Awarded Amount Prof. DU Liangfen, Assistant Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD); A Novel Acoustic Metagrating Barrier for Traffic Noise Reduction HK$760,592 Prof. WANG Tao, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Investigating Atmospheric Oxidation Capacity of Hong Kong: Measurement and Modelling of Hydroxyl Radicals, Hydroperoxyl Radicals, and Hydroxyl Radicals Reactivity HK$1,469,500 Prof. CHOY Yat-sze, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Sonic Metagrating Barrier for Broadband Sound Absorption and Wave Manipulation HK$472,000 Prof. Randolph LEUNG Chi Kin, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Integrating Close-Proximity Sound Power Measurement and Numerical Propagator Technologies for Realistic Prediction and Assessment of Tyre/Road Noise Nuisance in Hong Kong Urban Environment HK$1,060,140 Prof. TSANG Yuen-hong, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Designing a Prototype for Simultaneous Solar Desalination and Hydrogen Production HK$500,000   Further reading: https://polyu.hk/krYMP