News

From fertility treatment to precision medicine: Prof. SUN Yu highlights frontier applications of robotic micro-nano manipulation

On 22 October 2026, Prof. SUN Yu of the University of Toronto in Canada delivered a PAIR Distinguished Seminar titled “Advancements and Emerging Trends in Robotic Micro-Nano Manipulation”. The event attracted more than 110 on-site participants and over 16,000 online viewers across social media platforms. During the lecture, Prof. Sun reviewed developments in two major paradigms of robotic micro-nano manipulation over the past three decades: manipulator-based and field-driven approaches. He noted that micro-nano manipulation lies at the frontier of exploring the submicroscopic world. He introduced advances in manipulator-based microrobotics, including microassembly, nanopositioning, nano-Newton force sensing, and robotic cell manipulation, illustrating how increasingly precise sensing and manipulation technologies are expanding robotics applications in industry, medicine, and scientific discovery.   Prof. Sun particularly highlighted his work on applying robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to in vitro fertilisation (IVF). He outlined how automation and AI can be incorporated across multiple stages of the IVF workflow, from sperm selection and robotic intracytoplasmic sperm injection to embryo culture and selection, biopsy, and embryo cryopreservation. He also presented AI-assisted blastocyst euploidy prediction, which can minimise invasiveness while achieving a 91.6% accuracy in predicting euploidy. Broadening the discussion, Prof. Sun examined emerging trends in field-driven microrobotics through four key areas: actuation, sensing, decision-making and embodiment. Examples ranged from ultrasound-, photothermal- and magnetic-field actuation to advanced localisation and physiological sensing, as well as fluidic microrobots. These technologies have substantially transformed disease diagnostics, improved surgical success rates, and increased the effectiveness of drug delivery. The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) of PolyU, during which participants engaged in lively and insightful discussions with Prof. Sun. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU scholar uncovers new cross-domain cyberattack risk targeting electric vehicle charging navigation systems, supporting secure operation of power systems

A research team led by Prof. BU Siqi, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Associate Head (Research) and Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has examined the risks arising from the deep integration of cyber-physical transportation systems (CPTSs) and cyber-physical power systems (CPPSs).  While CPTSs integrate communication networks into transport infrastructure for traffic monitoring, routing and mobility management, CPPSs incorporate them into power networks to ensure the reliable monitoring, protection, and control of generation, transmission and distribution.  Such innovative integration however, introduces risks of cyberattacks that malicious actors could potentially exploit. Prof. Bu’s team demonstrated how attackers could exploit vulnerabilities in interconnected transportation and power systems.  By injecting a small number of carefully selected false data points into charging tariffs and traffic flow data, attackers can manipulate system decisions, trigger disruptions that spread across domains and expose increasingly interconnected infrastructure to unprecedented risks. Published in IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, the study not only identifies a potential cross-domain cyberattack vector and its associated hazards, but also underscores the vital need to enhance the resilience of integrated power and transport systems.   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4k8mtdP Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4si6pbE Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3UdzYyu; https://polyu.me/48bQbHK EurekAlert - https://polyu.me/4yRRGGb

Prof. FAN Jintu receives Founder’s Award from The Fiber Society

Congratulations to Prof. FAN Jintu, Director of Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), on receiving the 2026 Founder’s Award from The Fiber Society.  The award was presented during the annual banquet at the Society’s Fall 2026 Conference, held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, India, from 14 to 17 October 2026. The Fiber Society is a not-for-profit professional and scientific association dedicated to advancing knowledge in fibres, fibre-based products, and fibrous materials.  Its membership brings together chemists, physicists, engineers, and designers working across fibre science, engineering, and technology. The Founder’s Award recognises and honours members who have made outstanding contributions to the science, engineering, and technology of fibres and fibrous materials. Since its establishment in 2003, only 13 individuals have received this prestigious accolade.

RIM co-organises “2026 Microbial Innovation and Health Conference” to advance microbiome science and technology transfer

The Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the DiproX Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology, and Metabolism, co-organised the “2026 Microbial Innovation and Health Conference” from 12 to 14 October 2026 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. Centred on the theme “Microbiome-Friendly Future”, the event brought together more than 1,000 scholars, clinicians, industry leaders and healthcare representatives from across the globe to explore the latest advances in microbial science and their translational potential in health-related sector. The conference featured a comprehensive programme, comprising academic and industrial symposia alongside dedicated sessions on pet microbiome health, personal care innovations and the interactive “D.TALK” forum.  Peripheral activities included an exhibition showcasing breakthroughs in future food and microbiome technologies, as well as the “DiPRO-Paws” charity morning run.  Discussions spanned vital areas such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, probiotic discovery, local clinical trials and alternative food systems, fostering dialogue that bridges foundational discovery and real-world health applications. During the conference, Prof. LI Xiangdong, Vice President (Research), Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), delivered a presentation on his pioneering research into the airborne transmission of bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. In his opening address, Prof. CHEN Sheng, Director of Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM), Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology, emphasised that the conference aims to build an industry-collaborative innovation platform spanning microbiome health, future food and technology transfer.  The platform will facilitate closer integration between scientific discovery, clinical practice, industrial innovation and consumer markets. By addressing critical global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance and food safety, while also exploring functional strain development, local clinical validation and diverse healthcare applications, the conference showcased both the platform’s academic excellence and its strong potential for university-industry collaboration.   Online coverage: China.com - https://polyu.me/4i0yob4

PolyU cross-cultural psychology research on COVID-19 receives Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award from the Ministry of Education

A psychology research project led by Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Co-Founder of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Limin Professor in Social and Cultural Psychology, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has received the Second-class Award (Books and Research Papers category) of the 10th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) conferred by the Ministry of Education.  The award recognises the PolyU scholar’s outstanding academic contribution to understanding human psychological and behavioural responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award-winning project, “Global Consciousness Predicts Behavioral Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Evidence From 35 Cultures”, focused on the scientific question of “how individual psychological consciousness influences cross-cultural behavioural responses” in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global public health crisis. Based on the psychological construct “Global Orientation” developed by Prof. Chen and her team, a two-dimensional framework of “Global Consciousness - National Consciousness” was proposed, revealing the dual psychological mechanisms of cooperation and defensiveness that co-exist in humans during crises. Through large-scale empirical research across 35 countries and regions, this project examined the predictive role of the psychological mechanisms of globalisation in behavioural responses to the pandemic and found the moderating effect of the degree of globalisation, providing evidence for understanding differential social behaviour during the pandemic. The results showed that both global consciousness and national consciousness positively predicted perceived risk of coronavirus and concern about coronavirus. While global consciousness positively predicted prosocial behaviours that benefit others and society as a whole, national consciousness was more likely to drive defensive behaviours, such as cultural exclusion. The Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) is the most reputable and influential award in the field of philosophy and social sciences across China. Established in 1995, the Award is conferred every three years, targeting higher education institutions nationwide. It aims to motivate researchers in these institutions who have made significant contributions to research in humanities and social sciences, to encourage active exploration into the unknown and innovation, and to promote the development of humanities and social sciences in higher education. Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/media/media-releases/2026/1015_polyu-research-receives-higher-education-outstanding-scientific-research-output-award/ Read the full paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10195682/   Online coverage: Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4hSHNCO

PolyU study reveals tropical cyclone rainfall extending further inland and warming nearshore waters increasing inland flood risks

A research team led by Prof. NI Yi-Qing, Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures and Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has found that the area affected by tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall is extending inland along Northern Hemisphere coasts at an average rate of approximately 3.8 kilometres per decade.  Driven by rising nearshore sea-surface temperature (SST), this shift is increasing flood risks for inland regions. While extensive research has examined TC rainfall intensity, accumulation and frequency under a warming climate, comprehensive global-scale quantitative analysis of whether the area affected by TC rainfall is extending inland and the role of nearshore SST warming in this shift has remained limited.  To address this gap, the team analysed global TC and rainfall data from 1980 to 2023.  Combining these data with numerical simulations and climate model analyses, the team assessed trends in the inland extension of TC rainfall. The team found a close relationship between the inland extension of heavy TC rainfall and rising nearshore SST.  Experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting model showed that nearshore SST warming and coastal urbanization under warming alter friction-related land–ocean dynamical contrasts, strengthening lower-tropospheric convergence and updrafts and thus favoring the landward extension of TC heavy rainfall. The study also found that when the influence of nearshore SST warming was statistically removed from the data analysis, the trend towards inland extension of heavy TC rainfall almost entirely disappeared, highlighting the critical role of ocean warming.  Analysis of global climate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), coordinated by the World Climate Research Programme, indicated that the warming trend in nearshore SST is primarily associated with human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The inland extension of heavy TC rainfall is particularly evident in the western North Atlantic, the Bay of Bengal and the western North Pacific.  Stronger signals were also identified in the southeastern United States, southeastern Mexico, eastern and southeastern India, Bangladesh, eastern and southeastern China, and the Indochina Peninsula.  These findings highlight the need to monitor more closely changes in TC-related flood risks affecting inland communities and infrastructure in these regions. The findings have direct implications for climate adaptation, urban planning and disaster management.  As flood risks associated with TC extend inland, relevant authorities should review flood hazard zoning, drainage and flood protection design standards, land-use planning, and early warning and emergency response arrangements.  The team emphasised that future disaster preparedness planning should account for the combined effects of climate warming and urban expansion to strengthen the resilience of cities and other communities to extreme weather. The study has been published in the international journal Nature Communications and is supported by the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2023/24, with the aim of fostering sustainable urban development. Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2026/1014_polyu-study-reveals-tropical-cyclone-rainfall-extending-further-inland/ Read the full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70647-1   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4yOFQwZ Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3W5SnOb; https://polyu.me/3U1rTwK Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4hMpPlq Mirage - https://polyu.me/3VNtxma

Prof. WONG Ka-hing showcases novel selenium nanoparticles for osteoporosis management on TV

Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was recently featured in an exclusive interview on TVB’s current affairs programme Scoop. In the interview, he introduced his team’s novel nano-mineral, Cs4 polysaccharide-protein complex functionalised selenium nanoparticles (Cs4-SeNPs), and its groundbreaking applications in osteoporosis management. Prof. Wong emphasised that selenium, an essential trace element, plays a critical role in maintaining bone health.  His team’s latest research demonstrates that selenium in nanoscale form can effectively stimulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralisation, thereby promoting osteogenesis (bone formation) and enhancing bone mineral density.  These findings highlight the potential of Cs4-SeNPs as a novel strategy for managing osteoporosis.  He further explained: “The unique structure of the Cs4 polysaccharide-protein complex not only stabilize the selenium nanoparticles, but also produces a synergistic effect to further enhance bone formation. This pioneering nanotechnology has been recently granted a patent.”   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/47ambvq (0:56 - 2:06)

Metal-free catalysis opens new possibilities for clean energy: Prof. Markus ANTONIETTI on novel applications of carbon nitride materials

On 8 October 2026, Prof. Markus ANTONIETTI of Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “New Modifications of Carbon Nitrides and Their Use in Artificial Photosynthesis and Photoelectrochemistry”.  The event attracted over 130 onsite participants and about 14,000 online viewers across social media platforms. Drawing on the photochemical vision of Giacomo Luigi Ciamician, the father of photochemistry, and the philosophical imagery of Goethe’s Faust, Prof. Antonietti explored the transformative potential of advanced carbon nitrides in clean energy technologies.  He explained how precise control of material structures can raise the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of these materials to +2.5 V, enabling powerful oxidation capabilities across chemo-, electro-, and photocatalysis.  He also underscored that advances in organic catalysts have demonstrated that highly efficient catalysis can be achieved with little or no reliance on precious metals. Highlighting a series of research breakthroughs, Prof. Antonietti showcased artificial photosynthetic systems achieving an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) exceeding 0.6.  He also explored frontier areas, including photopumping and osmotic power generation, revealing a paradigm in which water acts not merely as a passive medium but as an active component in semiconductor systems and energy-conversion processes. Concluding the seminar, Prof. Antonietti emphasised the importance of applying sophisticated analytical techniques to model systems and gain deeper insight into complex reaction mechanisms.  The findings not only offer a roadmap for the future of green photoelectrochemistry, but also demonstrate the potential of metal-free polymeric semiconductors as core materials for next-generation solar-driven technologies and their prospects for large-scale application. The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Prof. WANG Lianzhou, Chair Professor of Energy Materials at PolyU, during which participants engaged in lively and insightful discussions with Prof. Antonietti. Please click here for an online review.

Hong Kong’s maritime upgrading: Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung outlines four key priorities

In his recent op-ed published in Wen Wei Po, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, argued that Hong Kong must comprehensively advance the digitalisation, smart transformation and green transition of its maritime sector, steering its evolution from a traditional “container port” into a high-value-added “value port”. Prof. Lai noted that, amidst intensifying international competition, Hong Kong should no longer compete solely on throughput volume.  Instead, the city should capitalise on its distinctive advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”, its common law framework, and its established financial ecosystem.  By focusing on high value-added maritime services, including ship financing, marine insurance, maritime law and dispute arbitration, Hong Kong can create complementary synergies with ports across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), evolving from a mere “transhipment hub” into a genuine “value creator in cross-border trade”. To realise this strategic blueprint, Prof. Lai highlighted four key priorities: Integrating Service Mechanisms: Establishing a consolidated service directory and a case-coordination mechanism to deliver seamless, one-stop maritime support. Deepening GBA Collaboration: Enhancing operational alignment, instituting transit-time commitments for river–sea intermodal transport, and promoting cross-boundary data interoperability and mutual recognition. Pioneering Green Finance: Establishing testing and pilot scenarios to advance carbon accounting methodologies and facilitate the financing and underwriting of alternative-energy vessels. Fostering Maritime Technology: Anchoring initiatives in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao region to build an innovation ecosystem driven by the model of “R&D in Hong Kong, piloting in the GBA, and serving the global market”. Prof. Lai concluded that Hong Kong’s core competitive edge lies in its capacity to align international standards with cross-disciplinary expertise.  By developing a comprehensive maritime services ecosystem, Hong Kong can further strengthen its position as an international maritime centre while supporting the nation’s maritime industry in advancing towards high-end development.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3VyGGPQ (Chinese only)

Boston Scientific’s Vincent SOURDAINE shares lessons on neurotech commercialisation at the final Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar of the academic year

On 29 September 2026, Mr Vincent SOURDAINE, Vice President of Neuromodulation for EMEA at Boston Scientific, delivered the presentation “Neuromodulation — Access to Innovation” at the final session of the Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar, exploring the gap between technological breakthroughs and real-world clinical adoption.  Co-hosted by Prof. George MALLIARAS, Cambridge NeuroWorks Scientific Lead and Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge, and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the online event drew over 15,000 live-stream and Zoom participants from 20 countries and regions, bringing together researchers, industry experts and members of the public. Opening the event, Prof. Sir John ASTON, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research of the University of Cambridge, emphasised that the seminar provides a platform for sharing ideas and building long-term international partnerships.  He noted that the seminar series had fostered new friendships and collaborations, adding: “Only by collaborating globally can we find the answers to these complex neurological conditions that are blighting billions of lives.” Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, stating: “Through platforms such as PolyU PAIR, we bring together expertise across science, medicine and technology to accelerate the translation of research into real-world solutions, while supporting technology transfer, university spin-offs and industry collaboration.” In his presentation, Mr Sourdaine shared his insights on the evolving landscape of neuromodulation and the formidable challenge of ensuring equitable access to innovation.  Citing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a mature, transformative therapy for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, as a case in point, he observed that despite the technology’s proven efficacy, a significant access gap remains.  Although movement disorders impose a substantial socioeconomic burden and millions of patients worldwide could benefit from DBS, fewer than 10% of eligible candidates receive treatment. Mr Sourdaine argued that the primary bottleneck is not engineering complexity or device cost, but systemic delivery failures across the care pathway.  Bridging this divide requires four key actions: raising clinical awareness, expanding specialist training, empowering patients, and streamlining referral pathways.  Ultimately, he noted, true innovation is measured not merely by what is invented, but also by how many patients gain access to care. The seminar continued with a pitching session showcasing translational neurotechnology research from both institutions: Mr Jumpei KASHIWAKURA, Co-Founder of Neubond and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, presented a wearable device designed to continuously monitor vital activity and deliver therapeutic stimulation to aid stroke rehabilitation. Ms Caterina AZAIS, Founder and CEO of Aequa Nanotherapeutics Ltd. and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, demonstrated how her spin-out company uses nanoparticles to enable non-surgical, bidirectional neural interfacing. Prof. Georg KRANZ, Associate Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU, shared his research on Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS)—a novel, non-invasive technique with emerging clinical evidence for both antidepressant efficacy and target-specific neuromodulation. Prof. SUN Lei, Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering (now the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sports Technology), PolyU, introduced a closed-loop acoustic brain–computer interface platform capable of real-time neural decoding and targeted modulation. The platform has been validated across primate disease models and human neurosurgery, highlighting its potential as a non-surgical therapeutic approach. The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion chaired by Prof. ZHANG Weixiong.  Panellists explored a range of topics, including the potential application of DBS to other patient groups with movement disorders, the use of meditative practices as positive control interventions in TPS trials, and considerations surrounding the precision and quality of sonogenetics. The discussion concluded that translating laboratory discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes requires sustained collaboration among clinicians, researchers, patients and industry partners, a core commitment that Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR will continue to champion. Please click here for an online review.