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MHRC hosts 2026 networking luncheon to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and mental wellness

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its 2026 Networking Luncheon on 29 May 2026 at Hotel ICON, bringing together over 50 representatives from the Government, the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations and academia to foster interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen collaboration in mental health research and community services. The luncheon opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation). Prof. Chao commended MHRC for its notable achievements in interdisciplinary research, academic innovation and collaborative network building since its establishment in 2021. The event was also graced by Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, and Mr David NG, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) of the Social Welfare Department, HKSAR, who attended as officiating guests and shared their insights on the development of local and global mental health research and community services. To celebrate the launch of MHRC’s second funding cycle, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC, Prof. Hector TSANG, Co-founder of MHRC, Dr LAM Ching-choi, Mr David NG, and Mr Lawrence CHAN, Founder of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation. During the luncheon, Prof. QIU Anqi shared the Centre’s latest research achievements and future strategic directions, highlighting how MHRC integrates neuroscience, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation sciences and social work to develop innovative, technology-driven mental health interventions. The event also provided a valuable platform for dialogue among stakeholders, including representatives from the Lee Hysan Foundation, Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, Bright Future Charitable Foundation, the Hospital Authority and various mental health service organisations. In closing, Prof. QIU expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners for their continued support and reaffirmed MHRC’s commitment to advancing mental health research and services through cross-sector collaboration, with the shared goal of building a healthier and more resilient society. MHRC also sincerely thanked all guests for their valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives. The meaningful exchanges throughout the luncheon underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and further strengthened the collective commitment to enhancing mental health and well-being in the community.

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.  

Bringing the Overlooked into Focus: Prof. Manuela FERREIRA on How Big Data Reveals the Global Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions

On 28 May 2026, Prof. Manuela FERREIRA, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, delivered a PAIR seminar titled “High-Impact Research Using Big Data Analysis – The Global Burden of Disease Study”. The lecture attracted over 70 scholars and students onsite, alongside 15,000 plus online viewers streaming via various social media platforms. Prof. Ferreira’s engaging and lively presentation style resonated with the audience, as she posed relatable questions rooted in everyday experiences and effectively translated complex epidemiological concepts into clear and accessible insights. At the outset, Prof. Ferreira highlighted a key public health issue: “Without data, there is no disease; without global big data, we cannot truly understand the existence of disease”. She further emphasised that “data is the foundation of the entire health ecosystem”. She noted that, historically, major musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain (LBP) have been underestimated or overlooked by global health organisations due to insufficient documentation and data. To enhance awareness and advocate for greater healthcare resources, Prof. Ferreira compared traditional “cost-of-illness” studies with composite metrics such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). She explained that DALYs provide a more standardised and equitable framework for comparing diseases, thereby strengthening the scientific basis and equity of health policy decision-making. In her discussion of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study—a large-scale international collaboration—Prof. Ferreira pointed out that LBP remains the leading cause of Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) globally. Data show that approximately 619 million people were affected by LBP in 2020, with projections indicating that this number may rise to nearly 800 million by 2050. The findings also reveal a marked gender disparity, with women experiencing a significantly higher prevalence of LBP than men across almost all age groups. This pattern is closely associated with global risk factors such as smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and occupational ergonomic hazards. The seminar also addressed the growing challenge of OA, which is projected to affect nearly 1 billion people by 2050, driven by population growth, ageing, and obesity. Currently, more than 1.5 billion people are living with MSK conditions globally—a figure set to rise by 70% to over 3 billion by 2050. In light of this pressing global health challenge, Prof. Ferreira underscored the importance of preventive care, early diagnosis, and promoting healthier lifestyles. The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, during which Prof. Ferreira called for greater efforts to collect high-quality national-level data to further refine disease models and advance global health policy. Please click here for an online review.

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming speaks at scientific literacy training programme for national team

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recently invited to participate in the 2026 “National Team Scientific Literacy Training Programme”. He delivered a keynote academic report titled “Running Biomechanics and Health Research”, introducing his team’s latest research achievements and promoting the integration of sports biomechanics research with competitive sports practice. The training programme, organised by the China Institute of Sport Science, was held at Shenyang Sport University from 27 to 29 May 2026. Under the theme “Enhancing Sports Performance through Sports Biomechanics”, the programme focused on advanced sports biomechanics technologies, scientific training and sports performance optimisation, with the aim of enhancing the scientific literacy and application capabilities of national team researchers, coaches and support personnel. The event brought together nearly 90 industry practitioners, including team leaders, coaches, researchers and medical support personnel from 24 national teams, as well as researchers from 17 member institutes of the National Sports Science Research Collaboration Network and academic representatives from major sport universities. During the visit, Prof. Zhang also toured the research platforms and training facilities at Shenyang Sport University and exchanged views with university representatives on areas including academic exchange, research collaboration, talent cultivation and technology commercialisation. The discussions laid a solid foundation for future collaboration and the advancement of sports science and technology development between the two institutions.

PolyU research reveals snow droughts continue to threaten global food security and calls for climate-resilient agriculture practices to promote sustainable development

A research team led by Prof. WANG Shuo, Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), and Associate Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, has utilised innovative explainable machine learning to uncover the persistent and significant negative impact of snow droughts on winter wheat yields, highlighting that global food security is facing unprecedented challenges. This breakthrough study provides key scientific evidence for building climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development. The study was conducted in collaboration with scholars from The University of Hong Kong and the University of California, Irvine. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Food. Over the past 60 years, the frequency of snow droughts across the Northern Hemisphere’s winter wheat croplands has increased significantly. The proportion of croplands affected by snow drought surged from 46–54% in 1960–1970 to 70–99% in 2010–2020, reflecting the fact that snow droughts have evolved from a localised risk into a widespread phenomenon. The research team developed the XGB-SHAP model framework to accurately identify the direct impact of snow drought on crop yields. The framework combines Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to effectively exclude interference from other climate factors such as high temperature and rainfall, enabling a quantitative analysis of the direct impact of snow drought on winter wheat yields. This study also systematically analysed snow–crop–water interactions, providing a robust empirical basis for developing climate-resilient agricultural systems. Using the XGB-SHAP framework, the study found that approximately 45% of croplands in the Northern Hemisphere experienced significant adverse impacts from snow droughts, with Europe, Central Asia and the United States being the most severely affected regions. Meanwhile, in East Asia, the yield benefits of longer growing seasons due to warmer winters are gradually diminishing and the regional hydrothermal balance is becoming increasingly unstable. The study also identifies increased fertiliser use, intensified freezing stress and reduced precipitation as the three primary factors contributing to winter wheat’s increased sensitivity to snow drought. While enhanced soil nutrient levels can promote crop growth, they also make crops more dependent on the water supply and thermal insulation provided by snow cover. When snow drought occurs, these factors can amplify the risk of yield loss. Looking ahead, the research team recommends strengthening the climate resilience of agricultural systems by enhancing crop varieties, improving agricultural management and monitoring risks. Alongside intensifying efforts to develop crop varieties with both cold and drought tolerance, agricultural management models have to shift from traditional, input-intensive production to more precise and sustainable nutrient management systems. Furthermore, snow cover monitoring should be incorporated into agricultural risk assessment and early warning systems. Identifying snow drought risks at an early stage and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems will ensure that stable food production is maintained in the face of climate change, steering global agriculture towards a more sustainable future. Press release: https://polyu.me/4nOZhRH   Online coverage: The National Tribune - https://polyu.me/4dNTZ4t Mirage - https://polyu.me/42YLSx2 Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4e8weVZ Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3RKk4dd

Envisioning the Future: Academician PENG Shou on How Glass is Shaping the World of Tomorrow

On 27 May 2026, Prof. PENG Shou, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of China National Building Material Group Co., Ltd. delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “The Transparent Revolution that is Remoulding the Future” at the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted an audience of nearly 100 scholars, researchers and students onsite, and over 14,700 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Peng opened the lecture by highlighting the historical and strategic significance of glass—from the invention of telescopes and microscopes to the widespread application of modern fibre-optic communication technologies, glass has always been a key driver of scientific progress. In the context of the digital age, glass has further emerged as a critical strategic resource, playing an essential role in industrial autonomy and national security across fields such as high-end displays, aerospace, and deep-sea exploration. During the lecture, Prof. Peng highlighted the extensive applications of advanced glass in modern industry, demonstrating its critical role across multiple strategic sectors. He noted that the mass production of 30-micron ultra-thin flexible glass represents a key breakthrough, enabling the development of next-generation foldable and rollable electronic devices. He further elaborated on the central role of glass in the global “Dual Carbon” strategy, particularly in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). By transforming building façades into power-generating systems, such as in projects like Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, advanced glass is driving urban energy transformation. Beyond the electronics and energy sectors, Prof. Peng also introduced the vital role of specialised glass in major engineering projects, including high-speed rail, the C919 large passenger aircraft, the Tiangong space station, and the “Fendouzhe” deep-sea submersible, where high-performance glass ensures the safety and reliability of these heavy machinery. The lecture further explored the frontier of “embodied intelligence” and biotechnology. Prof. Peng explained how bioactive glass and flexible sensor glass transform healthcare models through implantable devices and brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies. At the same time, by leveraging “AI-driven materials research”, his team is accelerating the development of new glass materials with topological properties and ultra-high strength, while moving toward a new paradigm of precise, model-driven materials design. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. ZHENG Guangping, Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PolyU. Prof. Peng shared his forward-looking insights into the field of materials science, noting that its future will focus on “redefining limits,” “deep interdisciplinary integration,” and “openness and collaboration”. He concluded the lecture by stating, “We are building a better future with materials!” Please click here for an online review.

Unlocking the Brain: Cambridge NeuroWorks–PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Debuts with Breakthroughs in Neurotechnology

On 27 May 2026, the Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series made its debut, opening with a keynote delivered by renowned neurosurgeon Prof. Edward CHANG from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The event marked the launch of a new collaboration between the University of Cambridge and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Co-hosted by Prof. George MALLIARAS, Cambridge NeuroWorks Scientific Lead and Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge, and Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science at PolyU, the online seminar drew over 14,000 viewers worldwide from academia, industry, and the public. Opening remarks by Prof. Sir John ASTON, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Cambridge, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU highlighted the critical role of international, cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing neurotechnology into affordable, scalable clinical solutions. In his keynote, Prof. Chang presented pioneering work on deciphering the “Neural Code of Speech” and developing the world’s first speech neuroprosthesis. Aimed at restoring communication for paralysed patients at a natural rate of 150–160 words per minute, his FDA-approved BRAVO trial successfully translated brain signals from paralysed patients into real-time text, synthesised speech, and expressive digital avatars.  Prof. Chang also demonstrated bilingual decoding (English and Spanish) from the same cortical regions. He envisioned that the commercialisation of fully wireless, implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) would take place within the next two to three years. Following the keynote was a pitching session featuring translational neurotech research from both institutions: Ms. Lucy JUNG (Former Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellow) introduced LYEONS heart, a non-invasive device that uses rhythmic cues (e.g., visual, tactile and auditory) to regulate physiological arousals and panic attacks. Mr. Jonathan FISHER (Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellow) presented Peter, a wearable using personalised auditory cueing to assist Parkinson’s patients with mobility. Prof. Sonata YAU (PolyU PAIR Research Institute for Smart Ageing Member) highlighted exercise-related biomarkers and a patented traditional Chinese medicine formula with neuroprotective and antidepressant effects. Prof. Bolton CHAU (PolyU PAIR Mental Health Research Centre Associate Director) demonstrated how ultrasound stimulation of key brain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the human-unique frontal polar cortex, can drive adaptive behaviours. The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion moderated by Prof. George Malliaras and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong (PolyU PAIR Associate Director). Discussions covered BCI privacy, speech decoding for aphasia, dream decoding, and the shift towards “brain-trained” AI. Speakers emphasised that translating research into clinical impact requires deep integration among patients, clinicians, academia, and industry—a shared vision that both Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR are dedicated to advancing through continued innovation and joint efforts. Please click here for an online review.

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

PolyU and The George Institute for Global Health drive digital health solutions for seniors’ musculoskeletal care

PolyU Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The George Institute for Global Health in Australia to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing global health and smart ageing, in response to the health challenges arising from population ageing. By leveraging multidisciplinary research strengths and global health expertise, the two institutions will collaborate on joint research, clinical trials and development of innovative digital health solutions to enhance the health and quality of life of ageing populations. The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA, and Prof. Manuela FERREIRA, Program Head of The George Institute for Global Health. Under the partnership, the two institutions will first focus on joint research and development in the areas of low back pain and sarcopenia, with a view to strengthening evidence-based musculoskeletal care. In addition, the two institutions will promote faculty exchange and co-supervision of postgraduate students to strengthen international academic collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through these efforts, both sides aim to enhance the quality of care, improve the health and well-being of ageing populations worldwide, and further advance smart ageing development.

Empowering Tomorrow: Academician GUO Wanlin on the Evolution Toward Hydrovoltaic Intelligence

On 22 May 2026, Prof. GUO Wanlin, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Founder of the International Institute for Frontier Science at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Hydrovoltaics Intelligence (HI)” at the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted an audience of nearly 60 scholars, researchers and students onsite, and over 15,200 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Guo began the lecture by outlining the fundamental nature of intelligence, describing it as the ability of living organisms to perceive their environment, obtain energy, and sustain life. He reviewed the development of computing technologies—from Turing’s theoretical foundations and the invention of the transistor to today’s complex neural network systems. He stressed that the digital era is facing a serious energy challenge: modern AI systems, such as AlphaGo, may require megawatt-level power to operate, whereas the human brain consumes only about 20 watts. Prof. Guo argued that achieving truly sustainable intelligence requires moving beyond energy-intensive, silicon-based computing paradigms and shifting toward HI, inspired by the highly efficient characteristics of water-based natural systems. Central to the lecture was how to develop transformative energy technologies from the Earth’s water cycle. Prof. Guo explained how hydrovoltaic technology can capture energy from raindrops, waves, and evaporation, noting that these technologies have made significant advances in power density in recent years. By integrating hydrovoltaics with photovoltaics, such as using evaporative cooling to enhance solar panel performance, his team has proposed a “Hydro–Energy–Ecology” framework that offers a new pathway for sustainable energy development. The lecture also explored the material foundations of HI, with a focus on recent applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials and “sliding ferroelectricity”. Prof. Guo shared that his team has successfully controlled more than 3,000 stable, non-volatile polarisation states at room temperature in van der Waals devices composed of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. These breakthroughs provide critical support for “computing-in-memory” architectures, offering significantly higher energy efficiency than traditional transistors. They also help overcome the “memory wall” bottleneck between computation and storage, opening new avenues for the development of low-power, bio-inspired intelligent systems. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. NI Meng, Head of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology. In his closing remarks, Prof. Guo emphasised “reverence for nature” as a core guiding principle of scientific research, and encouraged young researchers to pursue bold, unconventional innovation. He also reminded the audience that every leaf outside the window reveals the boundless wonders of nature. Please click here for an online review.