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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)

Interdisciplinary innovation for social impact: PAIR scholars drive Hong Kong’s sustainable future

Five PAIR members were interviewed by HK01 to elaborate on their research projects, which are supported by the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Themed-based Research Scheme. With breakthroughs across critical fields — from improving air quality and advancing building technologies to strengthening cities’ resilience against disasters — these projects, centred on the theme of “Developing a Sustainable Environment”, are poised to create far-reaching impact on the future development of Hong Kong and beyond. Prof. LI Xiangdong, Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development, focuses on research of PM2.5, a major air pollutant linked to serious health risks. His team investigates the pollutant’s harmful components, sources and connections with chronic diseases through advanced technologies and global collaborations. The project aims to guide future PM2.5 studies, assess control strategies, review air quality indicators and recommend policies for Hong Kong and other regions. Their comprehensive approach also helps inform research on the long-term effects of PM2.5 on human health, including its potential links to lung cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Prof. WANG Tao, Management Committee Member of RISUD, Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment, has led integrated studies on ozone and fine particulate pollution in urban and industrial areas since 2018. Using laboratory, field and simulation methods, his research team quantified emissions from soil, vegetation and human activities, revealing previous underestimations and overestimations of certain pollution sources. The findings have improved air quality forecasting and informed new mitigation measures for haze and smog in China. The work provides vital evidence for clean air policymaking and will continue to analyse complex emission and oxidation processes. Prof. YU Tao, Associate Director of RISUD and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Member of RILS and Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), Associate Head (Research) and Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has launched a research project titled “Novel Sustainable Marine Engineering Structures Based on Seawater Sea-Sand Concrete and Fibre-Reinforced Composite Materials”. This innovative structure, which combines fibre-reinforced resin-based composite materials with seawater sea-sand concrete, demonstrates exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, effectively addressing the long-standing issue of steel reinforcement corrosion. This advancement supports broad engineering applications, not only enhancing the durability of structures, but also reducing energy consumption and environmental impact during construction, thereby transforming marine infrastructure. The project is coordinated by Prof. Yu, with PolyU President Prof. TENG Jin-Guang, President of PolyU serving as the advisory coordinator. Prof. Asif Sohail USMANI, Management Committee Member of RISUD, Member of RIAM leads the “SureFire” project, which utilises advanced smart city technologies to enhance fire safety in high-rise urban environments. By integrating real-time monitoring, data networks and AI-based predictive analysis, the team has developed an intelligent tool capable of forecasting and managing fire emergencies. SureFire’s sensor-driven system supports emergency responders and aims to enable automated, casualty-free firefighting. The project’s vision is to revolutionise fire emergency management and strengthen uran resilience in smart cities. Prof. NIU Jianlei, Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), RISUD, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Chair Professor of Building Environment and Energy, leads a project focused on creating healthy, resilient cities through thermally comfortable neighbourhoods. To cope with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the research utilises big data, artificial intelligence, geographic information system (GIS) and building information modelling (BIM) to optimise urban design, even in dense, humid cities like Hong Kong. Through advanced modelling and microclimate analysis, the project aims to systematically design pleasant outdoor spaces, improve liveability and address climate challenges, ultimately enhancing citizens’ quality of life through innovative urban planning. Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4to71ws

Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung shares PolyU’s contributions to Nation’s space missions on Now TV

Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of Research Centre of 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 featured on Now TV’s programme “The Now Dialogue”, where he introduced PolyU’s contributions to the nation’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as participations in international space projects. Prof. Yung explained that since 2010, PolyU has actively participated in several national space missions, including Chang’e 3 to Chang’e 6 and Tianwen-1.  The University was responsible for designing the lunar surface sampling and packing system and played a key role in successfully retrieving the world’s first-ever soil sample from the far side of the Moon.  Furthermore, PolyU established the RCDSE, which focuses on lunar regolith research and long-term storage technologies, alongside studies in planetary base construction, planetary resource and microbes, planetary remote sensing and mapping, and the effects of space environment on space instruments. PolyU not only collaborates closely with the national space team, but also actively pursues international partnerships, including participation in the European Space Agency’s Jupiter exploration programme.  As Hong Kong advances the development of space technology and the space economy, PolyU will continue to leverage its geographical advantages to contribute further to the nation’s space exploration programme and to foster both local and international cooperation in space science research.   Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/4rFKObJ (5:11 - 9:19) (Chinese only)

Eight PolyU research projects receive support from Environment and Conservation Fund, driving sustainable development through interdisciplinary collaboration

Eight PolyU projects have received support under the first-round funding exercise of the 2025/26 Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). These projects cover areas including low-carbon construction materials, wastewater treatment, electric vehicle infrastructure, greenhouse gas monitoring, air quality assessment, coral reef restoration and eco-cultural tourism, with total funding of approximately HK$6.45 million.  Among them, six projects are led by PAIR members. Funded PolyU projects led by PAIR members include: Principal Investigator Research Project Awarded Amount (HKD) Prof. Joseph AWANGE Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS); Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) AI-powered Sky Scans: Revolutionising Hong Kong’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with GNSS-RO 348,000 Prof. LENG Zhen Associate Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE); Member of RILS and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD); Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion 1,316,000 Prof. LIU Tao Member of RISUD and Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE); Assistant Professor of CEE Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways 500,000 Prof. MA Wei Member of RISUD, SCRI and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT); Assistant Professor of CEE EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong 500,000 Prof. Charles WONG Associate Director of RISUD; Management Committee Member of RILS; Member of SCRI; Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of Faculty of Construction and Environment; Professor of Department of LSGI Unravelling City-wide Vertical Aerosol and Particulate Matter, a Remote Sensing Study in Hong Kong 600,000 Prof. James FANG Kar-hei Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), RILS, RISUD and RCRE; Associate Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition 3D-printed Artificial Reefs from Oyster Shell Waste for Coral Restoration: Technology Demonstration and Community Education 1,593,200 The ECF was set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China to provide funding support for educational, research and other projects and activities in relation to environmental protection and nature conservation matters. It aims to encourage the public to change their behaviour and lifestyle to achieve sustainable development, and to develop or introduce innovative technologies and practices to improve the environment and conserve resources. Press release: https://polyu.me/4tjxXNL   Online coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4rAzEVv