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PAIR Newsletter · Issue 17 · March 2026 is now available

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) proudly presents Issue 17 of the PAIR Newsletter.  As we step into 2026, PAIR continues to chart new territory in research, education and impact, capturing the vibrant momentum of our community. A highlight of this issue is the establishment of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA).  This milestone underscores PolyU’s commitment to sustainability, governance and responsible innovation, serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research that informs policy, empowers industry and shapes a more equitable future. We also feature PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. George MALLIARAS from the University of Cambridge, whose pioneering work in bioelectronics medicine (BEM) is transforming neural interfaces and medical diagnostics.  His insights on clinician-researcher collaboration, university spin-offs and fabrication facilities illustrate the dynamic pathways from research to real-world impact. In addition, readers will find updates on new appointments at PAIR constituent research units, the launch of a new course on sustainable cities, and stories ranging from Hong Kong’s first chip-based quantum network test to advances in intelligent wearables, battery and fuel cell technologies, and eco-block applications in urban renewal. Read PAIR Newsletter ž Issue 17: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-17/  

Lab-based X-rays driving breakthroughs in mechanics: Cambridge’s Prof. Vikram Deshpande shares insights

Prof. Vikram DESHPANDE of the University of Cambridge delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “New measurement strategies for data-driven mechanics” on 26 February 2026 at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 15,700 across various social media platforms. In his presentation, Prof. Deshpande explored three advanced mechanical measurement techniques emerging from lab-based X-ray technology.  Firstly, dynamic tomography enables high-resolution 3D visualisation of high-speed material deformations.  Secondly, digital volume correlation (DVC) offers a pioneering method for tracking internal strain within nominally homogeneous materials.  Finally, synchrotron technologies utilise energy diffraction to measure local stresses in complex, statically indeterminate specimens, and recent innovations are enabling these once large-scale methods to be realised within standard laboratory environments. Prof. Deshpande also emphasised that by shifting the experimental paradigm, these methods provide the high-fidelity datasets essential for training sophisticated models.  He stressed that the ultimate goal is to enable engineers to simulate the performance of complex materials with unprecedented accuracy, effectively eliminating the costly and time-consuming “trial-and-error” design loops that currently hinder industrial innovation.  Such advancements mark a pivotal step in turning the promise of data-driven engineering into a practical reality. In conclusion, Prof. Deshpande noted that the democratisation of synchrotron-level capabilities is opening new avenues for understanding material behaviour and uncovering new physics in both modern and classic materials. The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. SU Zhongqing, Member of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering and Chair Professor of Intelligent Structures and Systems.  Both the in-person and online audience engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Deshpande. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU and BrainCo collaborate to empower amputees through smart prosthetics

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has recently entered into a deep collaboration with BrainCo to promote the deployment and application of advanced smart prosthetics. According to the latest CE policy report, the government will support via ITF funding, and the initiative aims to provide amputee subjects in Hong Kong with free smart prosthetic fitting services.  The PolyU team will oversee the entire process in collaboration with BrainCo, from initial assessment and installation to precise calibration, while providing two years of complementary maintenance and repair.  To make the service more sustainable and accessible, the team also aims to train professional prosthetists and orthotists, with plans to extend this training to the serving clinicians in department of prosthetics and orthotics in hospitals of Hospital Authority.  This will help enhance the industry’s capacity in delivering high-end prosthetics. Prof. Zheng explained that the core technological breakthrough lies in the sophisticated interpretation of electromyography (EMG) signals.  When a user intends to move, brain signals are transmitted to the muscles of the residual limb, inducing subtle EMG activity.  While lower-limb prosthetics are already relatively technologically mature, the innovation of this smart hand prosthetic is its ability to achieve “individual finger control”.  Equipped with eight sets of built-in electrodes, it precisely captures micro-currents generated by muscles during contraction on the skin’s surface and processes them in real time, enabling the prosthesis to perform delicate tasks, such as drawing, playing the piano, or gripping objects of various shapes.  Prof. Zheng added that despite the impressive technology, its optimal performance still relies on long-term professional calibration and consistent user training, and results may vary among individuals. Prof. Zheng’s team in PolyU has been researching to convert the muscle architectural changes during contraction, captured by wearable ultrasound imaging module, into a new control signal, named as sonomyography (SMG), to control prosthesis more intuitively.  Their prototype prosthesis, ProRuka, fitting into an amputee subjects’ arm has earlier won Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in 2024.(https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-11/ra04---risa-develops-proruka_a-novel-prosthetic-hand-controlled-by-wireless-sonomyography/?sc_lang=en)   Online coverage: U-Beat Magazine - https://polyu.me/4kO9e0n

Seven RCDSE scholars participated in documentary “Young Blood under Lion Rock”: Showcasing contributions and spirit in deep space explorations

Recently, seven PAIR Professors from the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) participated Hunan TV International’s documentary “Young Blood under Lion Rock”.  They shared their remarkable contributions and personal journeys within national deep space exploration missions, demonstrating the brilliance of Hong Kong’s scientific researchers as they scale new technological heights in service of the nation. Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of RCDSE, an expert in precision engineering, led his team in developing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”. This system assisted the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 probes to achieve automated lunar sampling and return—a milestone in national aerospace history. Having participated in major missions including the Chang’e and Tianwen-1 missions, Prof. Yung emphasises that “precision” is a relentless pursuit of perfection, harnessing electronics and AI to push products to their limits. Modest about his accolades yet possessing a photographic memory for technical detail, his perseverance has carved a unique path for Hong Kong toward the stars. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of RCDSE, utilises remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and AI to identify precise “landing spots” for probes on the Moon and Mars. He assisted Chang’e-4 in locating a landing site within a five-metre radius on the far side of the Moon and created 3D terrain models for Tianwen-1. Raised in a mountain village in Hunan and educated abroad, he chose to move to Hong Kong to contribute to national missions, valuing the city’s advantage of being “backed by the motherland”. With unwavering resolve, Prof. Wu creates “celestial maps” to ensure probes arrive and operate safely, providing indispensable navigational wisdom. Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, a core team member of RCDSE, established the Atomic Electron Microscopy Laboratory, equipped to visualise atoms and decade the universe at a microscopic level. His team spent three years building a world-class platform from scratch to study lunar materials, exploring the possibilities of new elements and materials. Prof. Lau believes that “holding onto one's convictions” is the essence of scientific success. By creating space for the next generation and pushing scientific boundaries through meticulous research, he embodies the “Lion Rock Spirit” on the front lines of science. Prof. ZHAO Qi, Management Committee Member of RCDSE, documents humanity’s journey onto deep space through his “geological notes” in the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. His research spans real lunar samples and simulated lunar soil, analysing fragment morphology through simulated rock crushing and 3D CT scans. His team also investigates how lunar soil affects microbial growth, laying a scientific foundation for lunar development. Grounded and rigorous, Prof. Zhao transforms lunar imagination into evidence through precise experimentation and calculation. Prof. CHUA Song-lin, also a Management Committee Member, focuses on applied biology.  He simulates microbial growth in lunar soil and microgravity environments, acting as a “life safety inspection station”.  His research examines whether bacteria might extract minerals or mutate in space—critical for future astronauts establishing bases.  By guarding against harmful pathogens and exploring the microbes’ potential for food production. Prof. Chua’s work is centred on ensuring humanity can survive in extreme environments. Prof. WENG Yi-wei, another core team member, advances materials development and systems design, advocating the survival strategy of “using local materials” to offset the high costs of space transport. He developed “Spark Plasma Sintering” technology to process lunar soil into “lunar bricks” for automated assembly of bases for living and research. Combining robotic assembly with AR algorithms, he enhances both the intelligence and safety in building processes. His team is transforming lunar construction from science fiction into a viable blueprint, rewriting the rules of human habitation in space. Another core team member, Prof. WEN Weisong, specialises in robotics, AI and unmanned systems, focusing on achieving precise positioning and intelligent operation for deep space “robotic dogs”. He envisions a three-stage vision: from developing superior robotic carriers to establishing a “Lunar GPS” communication system, and ultimately granting robots an “intelligent brain” capable of self-healing and emotional companionship. Striving for innovation and reliability, Prof. Wen hopes robots will evolve from tools into partners in interstellar exploration, expanding the boundaries of human cognition in unknown territories. The stories of these seven researchers are not only a microcosm of Hong Kong’s scientific prowess but also a vivid testament to the city’s deep involvement in the national aerospace industry. From precision machinery to life sciences, and from lunar architecture to AI navigation, the PolyU research team has engraved the mark of “Hong Kong R&D” into the cosmos. Leveraging the city’s unique advantage of being “backed by the motherland and connected to the world”, they are inspiring a new generation of scientists to continue writing Hong Kong's interstellar legend in the nation’s journey toward becoming a space power.   Online video channel: Hunan TV International - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st7SlQrm2nc Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4qMn5FF

Two PAIR members receive support from Smart Traffic Fund, enhancing driving safety and transportation efficiency

Two projects led by PAIR members have received funding of HK$14 million.  With a focus on intelligent driving systems and bus emergency braking solutions respectively, these projects aim to enhance transportation efficiency and driving safety.  Led by Prof. WEN Weisong, Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), and Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), and Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry” secured funding of approximately HK$7.06 million for 24 months.  This project aims to develop an end-to-end intelligent driving system for the logistics industry, incorporating a unified artificial intelligence framework for spatial localisation through multi-modal sensor fusion, a Bird’s Eye View perception system for 360-degree environmental understanding, and sim-to-real training and validation based on the Hong Kong landscape.  By providing this integrated solution, the system supports the future development of intelligent driving technology in Hong Kong. Led by Prof. SZE Nang Ngai, Member of SCRI, Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and RCDTT, and Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project “Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions” secured funding of approximately HK$7.04 million for 24 months.  This project aims to design an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for buses tailored to road and traffic conditions in Hong Kong.  It will analyse traffic accident records and real-time bus trajectory data collected during shadow tests to evaluate AEBS performance and its effectiveness in reducing collisions while ensuring passenger safety.  The research deliverables include providing empirical evidence for bus operators to formulate AEBS deployment strategies in Hong Kong and the enhancement of overall bus safety. Press release: https://polyu.me/4aJqgZ1   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4734LkD Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/46NJI5u Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4kLzuZ2

PolyU knowledge transfer: Digital twin system for smarter, greener government and corporate buildings

A team led by Prof. XIAO Fu, Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), and Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, has developed a highly practical digital twin system, which has been successfully implemented in the central air-conditioning systems across the PolyU campus and further extended to Hong Kong Government Office buildings and the headquarters of Midea Group in Guangdong. The system constructs high-precision digital models of buildings and uses IoT sensors to monitor real-time data such as temperature, pressure and power consumption. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) analysis with physical engineering models, it can accurately predict equipment failures and automatically optimise air-conditioning start-stop times, water temperature settings, and pump operation strategies. This intelligent approach significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while ensuring indoor comfort and air quality. Furthermore, the system integrates mixed reality technology to transform maintenance operations. By simply wearing smart glasses, maintenance staff can “see through” ceilings and walls to reveal concealed pipes and equipment. The system not only displays real-time operating parameters and AI diagnostic results but also features indoor navigation to guide personnel precisely to the point of failure. This intuitive interface allows technicians—even those without an AI background—to quickly gain proficiency, vastly improving the efficiency of troubleshooting and repairs. As cloud technology continues to mature, this solution will be expanded to more commercial buildings, supporting Hong Kong’s transition towards green building standards and carbon neutrality goals.   Online coverage: Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3OpMOXd

Dr LEUNG Ka-sing highlights food safety risks of “Poon Choi” on TVB News

Dr LEUNG Ka-sing, Member of Steering Committee of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Adjunct Associate Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was featured on TVB’s News to discuss potential food safety concerns associated with “Poon Choi”. Dr Leung pointed out that when food becomes contaminated by bacteria during the preparation process and storage for a prolonged period, particularly at room temperature, Bacillus cereus can become highly active.  Even reheating the dish does not destroy the toxins produced by these bacteria, thereby increasing the risk of food poisoning upon consumption. To reduce these risks, Dr Leung recommends preparing and consuming only the amount of food needed, avoiding leftovers whenever possible; reheating food only once, as repeated reheating accelerates bacterial growth exponentially; covering food during storage to prevent contamination from airborne pollutants; and storing cooked food on the top shelf of the fridge to avoid possible cross-contamination by raw ingredients.   Online coverage: TVB News - https://polyu.me/3OnwlTe (01:09 - 02:05)

Innovating beneath the surface: Prof. Wallace LAI Wai-lok on smart underground utility solutions at RTHK TV programme

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, was interviewed on RTHK’s TV programme “Vibrant Hong Kong” to discuss the unique challenges of maintaining the city’s dense underground infrastructure. Prof. Lai explained that, given Hong Kong’s hilly terrain and notably high water pressure, the government aims to reduce water leakage to below 10% by 2030 through innovative engineering.  Central to this initiative are “Q-Leak”, a simulation centre for training and R&D, and the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory.  While traditional detection relies on acoustic sensors, recent approaches leverage Ground Penetrating Radar and AI-powered algorithms to distinguish leak signatures from urban noise.  Among the key innovations is the “Intelligent Pipescope”, a robotic endoscope designed to inspect pressurised water mains internally. Prof. Lai noted that solving Hong Kong’s complex utility issues provides a blueprint for the Greater Bay Area and beyond.  These geospatial technologies are also being adapted for archaeological purposes, helping uncover hidden heritage sites and bridging the gap between urban sustainability and historical preservation.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4cuhCzT (00:34 - 17:41)

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling on BBC Wildlife: Plastisphere’s impact on marine ecology

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Assistant Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Health Technology and Informatics, was recently interviewed by BBC magazine Discover Wildlife regarding the current state of ocean ecosystem. Prof. Jin’s pioneering research has mapped microbial communities living on ocean plastics worldwide, revealing their remarkable consistency. He explains that plastics, far from being mere litter, serve as habitats for dense, distinctive biofilms, often hosting more microbes per gram than natural particles.  Algae and fungi colonise these surfaces, creating functioning ecosystems with their own food webs and nutrient cycles. Larger organisms, such as barnacles and invertebrates, are drawn to plastics by chemical cues, sometimes using plastics as nurseries.  The “plastisphere” is actively reshaping ocean chemistry and facilitating the global dispersal of microbes, as plastics travel vast distances via currents and shipping.  Prof. Jin’s research shows that plastics bridge previously isolated ecosystems, enabling land-to-sea transfer of microbes. While many of these hitchhikers are harmless, others, like Vibrio bacteria and toxic algae, pose risks to marine life and humans.  The plastisphere therefore carries profound ecological and health implications, underscoring the urgent need to understand manage its impact.   Online coverage: BBC Wildlife - https://www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/plastiphere

PolyU develops third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology, deepening industry-academia-research integration to empower advanced manufacturing in the GBA

PolyU has developed “IntraSpect™”, a third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology that marks a breakthrough in high-end precision manufacturing. During welding, high-energy heat sources melt metal to form a micro-scale molten zone known as the melt pool. Its internal condition directly affects welding quality, yet conventional technologies are unable to monitor it in real time during processing. By combining Optical Coherence Tomography with a multi-modal artificial intelligence engine, IntraSpect™ creates an “Industrial Eye” capable of monitoring the melt pool’s internal condition in real time with micron-level precision, capturing three-dimensional morphological changes during welding to address the long-standing industry challenge of welding defects at source. The project has established partnerships with multiple industry leaders in the Greater Bay Area and is advancing commercialisation, with potential applications extending to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors demanding exceptionally high welding quality. The IntraSpect™ project is led byProf. H.C. MAN, Founding Director of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering; and Prof. WEN Xiewen, Member of RIAM, Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Prof. Man has devoted forty years to the field of high-power laser welding, accumulating extensive industry collaboration experience and a deep understanding of industry pain points and practical needs while Prof. Wen specialises in precision optical instrument design and micro-scale dynamic capture technology. Their interdisciplinary collaboration and complementary expertise have ensured that the development of IntraSpect™ has been closely aligned with industrial application scenarios from inception. Testing has validated that the IntraSpect™ system’s detection data deviates by less than two percent from destructive testing results, with technical specifications reaching internationally leading standards. Compared to similar imported products, the system costs approximately half as much, with investment recoverable in less than one year. The team estimates that this technology can replace up to 70% of destructive testing processes, substantially saving material and time costs while achieving 100% comprehensive monitoring and establishing a complete quality traceability record for every weld. IntraSpect™ will initially focus on precision welding processes for new energy vehicle batteries and 3C electronic products such as smartphones. The team is collaborating with industry partners on pilot testing to transform the technology into practical industrial solutions. In the long term, the technology has additional potential for extension to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors with extremely stringent welding quality requirements. The team aspires to combine Hong Kong’s research strengths with the Greater Bay Area’s industrial ecosystem to build a safer, more efficient and more intelligent high-end manufacturing system for the Nation, while injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development. Press release: https://polyu.me/4kpXmBo   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4r9KMZP Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4tJuyIy Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4anKRSt RTHK - https://polyu.me/3OlnzWg (00:49 - 20:18)