News

Two PAIR scholars receive First Prizes of CSVE Science and Technology Awards 2023

Two collaborative projects co-led by PAIR scholars and mainland researchers have been awarded First Prizes of Science and Technology Awards 2023 by the Chinese Society of Vibration Engineering. A total of 16 projects were awarded this year, including 4 for first prizes and 12 for second prizes. PolyU is the only institution in Hong Kong receiving this prestigious honour. The award-winning PolyU project “Acoustic black holes and applications to vibration and noise control in equipment engineering”, co-led by Prof. CHENG Li, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Engineering and Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering, aims to address issues of vibration and noise in engineering applications. The team unveiled the fundamental physical principles of slow wave phenomena in vibrating structures, established a comprehensive analysis and design methodology, and devised new structures suitable for diverse vibration and noise control applications in equipment engineering. Another award-winning PolyU project “Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges”, co-led by Prof. XIA Yong, Management Committee Member of RIAIoT, Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Development (RISUD) and the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, aims to develop cutting-edge machine learning methods for full-field measurement and modal identification, damage detection, reliability evaluation, and decision-making in the operational maintenance of bridges. These innovative techniques help enable accurate health diagnosis and cost-effective operation maintenance strategies for bridge structures.

PAIR scholar secures Strategic Public Policy Research Funding to drive cross-regional cooperation in GBA construction industry

A three-year project led by Prof. Geoffrey Q. P. SHEN, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Chair Professor of Construction Management in the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), Executive Committee Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Member of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) has been granted HK$3.96 million funding under the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2023/24 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit. PolyU is the only institution receiving SPPRFS funding this year. The three-year project “Policy Framework for Cross-Regional Cooperation Strategies in the Greater Bay Area’s Construction Industry” aims to provide effective guidance and identify appropriate strategies in three strategic areas—talent cooperation, project management cooperation, and regulatory cooperation—with a view to supporting government departments and the industry in promoting high-quality cooperation within the construction industry across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).    Further reading: https://polyu.hk/QpqDH

Three PAIR research projects receive Green Tech Fund to drive sustainability innovations

Three green technology projects led by PAIR members have received a total grant of HK$14.09 million in the third round of Green Tech Fund of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Hong Kong SAR. A total of eight projects were approved in this round of exercise, and PolyU is one of the local universities with the highest number of approved projects. The three PAIR projects are: Name of Project Coordinator Title(s) and Constituent Research Unit(s) Research Project Grant Approved Dr LI Meng-jung, Molly Member of RISE and RCRE The first intelligent ammonia-powered zero-carbon versatile-energy supply station, NH3-VESS HK$4,613,800 Dr LEU Shao-Yuan, Ben Management Committee Member of RCRE and Member of RiFood, RISE and RISUD Study of ammonia pretreatment – power generation system toward complete valorization of food waste digestate HK$6,870,100 Dr SHOU Dahua Member of RI-IWEAR, RISE, RISports, RCRE and RCTFF Development of multi-functional building clothing using textile waste for energy saving and waste reduction HK$2,606,000   Further reading: https://polyu.hk/dWgwv   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://epaper.tkww.hk/a/202401/31/AP65b95a37e4b0eb64da017f6b.html

DoRISE introduces AI-driven power optimisation technologies

Prof. WANG Shengwei, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Chair Professor of Building Energy and Automation, was interviewed by China Daily, introducing the power optimisation technologies developed by his team.  Powered by AI and advanced optimisation, the technologies provide tailor-made solutions for different buildings to boost energy efficiency.  It has been implemented in various construction projects and public facilities, including the 118-storey International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, and Phase 5 buildings on PolyU campus. Prof. Wang and his team have provided energy recommendations to over 20 construction projects. Their research outputs have been applied to the air-conditioning systems of commercial and industrial buildings, professional consulting companies and other public utilities, making significant contributions to energy saving and carbon reduction.  The team’s research projects have achieved energy savings of 15% to 42%, leading to an annual energy saving of more than 25 million kWh in total, saving HK$25 million on electricity bills.   Online coverage: China Daily Hong Kong Edition - https://polyu.me/3NBnBWq Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/3RWxXS3 (Chinese only)

PolyU-led Scolioscan wins gold award at GBA High-value Patent Portfolio Layout Competition

Scolioscan, a 3D ultrasound imaging system for radiation-free scoliosis assessment, has won the Gold Award at the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area High-value Patent Portfolio Layout Competition 2023. The system was developed by the research team led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Director of the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Scolioscan is the world’s first and only ultrasound scoliosis assessment system. The technology can provide images of spine structure with the accuracy of spinal deformity measurement comparable with X-ray results. It is radiation-free, cost-effective, and can be used without site limitations. The system only takes 30 seconds to complete the scan and assessment, and the operating cost is about one-third of that of traditional equipment.  Scolioscan has over 26 patent clusters and more than 100 patents in total. The system also has 19 world-leading and pioneering technologies. It has been clinically tested and used in more than 50 hospitals and clinics in Europe, Australia, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, and the results have been published in more than 20 international journal publications. In addition to earlier accumulated financing of over HK$100M, the startup company has further secured about HK$23M in pre A+ financing during the competition of this award. Scolioscan is currently being processed for the registration of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), preparing to enter the US market. Jointly organised by the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (Guangdong Intellectual Property Administration), the Intellectual Property Department of the HKSAR Government, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and relevant municipal governments in the provinces of China, the competition shortlisted 100 quality projects from 809 entries, and selected winning projects for 10 gold awards, 15 silver awards, and 25 excellence awards.   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/48q9T17 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3ScAqIr

ADoPAIR appointed as Endowed Professor in Chinese Culture and Creative Design

Congratulations to Prof. Lilly LI, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Professor in the School of Fashion and Textiles, for being appointed as Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Chinese Culture and Creative Design. Prof. Li focuses on the integration of culture, creative design and technology through design thinking. Her research works drive industry innovation through an interdisciplinary approach. Prof. Li has secured over 70 research projects, resulting in innovative, cutting-edge technologies and products. These innovations have been widely adopted for commercial applications, contributing to a total knowledge transfer value exceeding HK$350 million. The Endowed Professorship Scheme aims to recognise outstanding PolyU academics and their contributions. Endowed professors are provided with extra resources to continue their excellent work in research and teaching.  Further reading: https://polyu.hk/dOzSY

PolyU tops RGC Research Impact Fund exercise, with five projects led by PAIR researchers

Five PolyU projects have been granted a total funding of HK$20.9 million from the Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2023/24 of the Research Grants Council (RGC). The funded projects are led by PAIR researchers and cover diverse research areas. A total of 14 projects were supported in this year’s exercise, and PolyU has the highest number of funded projects among local universities. The RIF supports universities to undertake impactful and translational research projects, and to develop research collaborations with government departments, business and industry, and research institutes. Successful projects are granted funding of up to HK$10 million per project for a period of three to five years. Funded PolyU projects include: Project Project Coordinator Development of Bacterial Pseudaminic Acid-based Vaccine to Combat Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria Prof. CHEN Sheng Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), and Head and Chair Professor of Microbiology of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition Digital Twin-enabled Intelligent Assessment and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Turbine Structures in a Life-cycle Context Prof. ZHU Songye Leading Member of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Member of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering An AI-enabled Geospatial Platform for Smart Facility Management and Smart Mobility of People with Disabilities Dr LIU Xintao Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), RISUD, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), and Associate Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Durable Low-carbon Asphalt Pavement Built with Recycled Waste Polyolefin Plastics through Reactive Extrusion Prof. LENG Zhen Associate Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), Member of RILS and RISUD, and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Developing a New Generation of Pressure-controlled Wearable Soft Braces to Improve the Efficiency and Compliance in Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Prof. YIP Yiu-wan Joanne Management Committee Member of RiFood, Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles   Further reading: https://polyu.hk/XEMQd Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3tLzkeg (subscription required) Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3RLVntk GBA Biz Tech Magazine - https://polyu.me/3Ubl0Xx Net Ease - https://polyu.me/47sx7lR  

Fellow of Chinese Academy of Engineering delivers distinguished lecture on biomanufacturing of functional tissues and organs

Prof. YANG Huayong, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Zhejiang University and Fellow of Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered the 12th PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Biomanufacturing of Functional Tissues and Organs: Exploration and Progress” on 2 January 2024. The hybrid lecture attracted over 130 participants joining in person and online from more than 20 countries and regions across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. It was also broadcast live on multiple social media platforms, captivating a viewing online audience of over 14,500. The lecture commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, followed by a brief speaker introduction by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU. In his presentation, Prof. Yang highlighted that urgent need for tissue/organ biomanufacturing owing to the shortage of donation for organ transplantation. He pointed out some challenges in the in vitro manufacturing of tissues/organs, particularly in relation to accurate design, precise fabrication, and functional induction, which underscore the imperative need for new methods for tissue/organ manufacturing. Next, Prof. Yang outlined the development roadmap of biomanufacturing and shared specific examples demonstrating the research progress in 3D bioprinting. In concluding his presentation, Prof. Yang shared his insights on the future direction for biomanufacturing, as well as some significant accomplishments by him and his team at Zhejiang University in the field. A question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Wang was followed. Both the online and on-site audience had a fruitful discussion with Prof. Yang.

DoRCDSE featured on RTHK TV programme, sharing on Hong Kong’s aerospace research development

Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was interviewed in RTHK television programme “Vibrant Hong Kong”. In the programme, Prof. Yung shared on the local development in aerospace research, and Hong Kong’s advantages and prospects in aerospace technology.  He also introduced RCDSE’s research findings and accomplishments, and shared some memorable moments in his career.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/3TIV6Kj (05:20–18:42)

PolyU scholars appointed to Hong Kong Web 3.0 Standardization Association

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. CAO Jiannong, Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and Dean of the Graduate School, have been appointed by the Hong Kong Web 3.0 Standardization Association as members of its advisory committee and expert committee respectively. Established on 4 January 2024, the Association is dedicated to pursuing research on the standardisation of Web 3.0-related fields, pooling resources and establishing consensus in the industry, promoting technological innovation, fostering standardisation in industrial ecosystem, with a view to supporting government decision-making, and expanding Hong Kong’s international influence and voice in the field of Web 3.0.   Online coverage: CCTV - https://polyu.me/41TU9Re (Chinese only)