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Advancing oxide electronics through materials engineering: Prof. Judith L. DRISCOLL shares breakthroughs in next-generation memory technologies

On 10 August 2026, Prof. Judith L. DRISCOLL, Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), Professor of Materials Science and Fellow of Trinity College, University of Cambridge, delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Pioneering Materials Engineering to Meet Performance Requirements of Oxide Electronics Applications”.  The lecture attracted 37 onsite participants and more than 14,000 online viewers across various social media platforms. During the lecture, Prof. Driscoll highlighted the enormous potential of functional oxide materials for a wide range of electronic, energy and information technologies.  While these materials exhibit diverse and highly attractive electronic, magnetic, optical and energy-related properties, she noted that translating research breakthroughs into practical technologies remains challenging.  Key challenges include the precise control of material composition, defects and interfaces, all of which significantly influence device performance. With the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing and neuromorphic computing, demand for advanced non-volatile memory technologies continues to grow. Prof. Driscoll explained that next-generation memory devices must simultaneously deliver low power consumption, fast switching speeds, high endurance, scalability and reliable multilevel operation.  She highlighted oxide-based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) and ferroelectric random-access memory (FRAM) as two highly promising candidates for next-generation memory technologies. Prof. Driscoll then presented a series of innovative materials-engineering strategies developed by her research team to improve memory device performance.  Central to these approaches is the precise control of oxygen vacancies and their transport pathways within thin-film materials, which play a critical role in determining device performance.  By engineering switching layers, electrodes and interfaces, her team has demonstrated effective ways to improve device uniformity, reduce power consumption, enhance endurance and enable reliable multistate operation.  She also shared several examples of oxide-based memory systems, highlighting significant advances in switching performance, stability and neuromorphic-computing applications. The lecture also explored how fundamental materials research can be translated into device architectures compatible with existing semiconductor-manufacturing processes. Through advanced nanostructuring, interface engineering and electrode composition tuning, Prof. Driscoll demonstrated how materials design can address long-standing challenges associated with oxygen vacancy control and defect management, paving the way for the practical deployment of oxide-electronics technologies. Looking ahead, Prof. Driscoll emphasised that materials engineering will remain a key driver of progress in oxide electronics. She noted that new approaches to oxygen-vacancy control are continuously improving device uniformity, endurance, energy efficiency and neuromorphic-computing capabilities. These advances help bring oxide-based memory and computing technologies closer to real-world deployment, creating new opportunities for next-generation electronic and AI applications. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. TAO Xiaoming, Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textiles Technology and Chair Professor of Textile Technology.  Participants actively engaged with Prof. Driscoll in discussions on oxide electronics, advanced memory technologies and neuromorphic computing, bringing the lecture to a successful close. Please click here for an online review.

Shaping the future of mobility: Prof. QU Xiaobo on autonomous driving and emerging paradigms in vertical transportation

On 5 August 2026, Prof. QU Xiaobo, Member of Academia Europaea (Academy of Europe), Changjiang Chair Professor of School of Vehicle and Mobility, Director of Beijing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Control for Low-Altitude Heterogeneous Vehicles, Tsinghua University, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Future Transport: Autonomy, Verticalization and Cloud Control”.  The seminar attracted 50 onsite participants and more than 14,600 online viewers across various social media platforms. During the seminar, Prof. Qu highlighted the growing challenges facing urban transportation systems as cities continue to expand.  He noted that existing transport networks are increasingly constrained by the limited flexibility of traditional infrastructure in accommodating dynamic travel demand, resulting in severe congestion during peak periods and underutilisation during off-peak hours.  To address these challenges, he presented a vision for future mobility centred on intelligent vehicle-road-cloud systems, which integrate vehicles, infrastructure and cloud platforms to create a more efficient, flexible and sustainable transportation ecosystem. A major focus of the seminar was the development potential of demand-responsive microtransit. This emerging transport mode combines the convenience of ride-hailing services with the affordability and sustainability of public transportation.  Leveraging cloud-based scheduling, dynamic route planning and intelligent dispatching algorithms, microtransit systems can respond to real-time travel demand while improving operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.  Prof. Qu also shared a successful case study of a microtransit platform implemented in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province. Supported by intelligent scheduling technologies, the platform has expanded service coverage, improved operational efficiency and enhanced the appeal of public transport. Prof. Qu also introduced his team’s research on System-Physical AI for Transport Autonomy. By integrating artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, digital twins and real-world operational data, the research provides important support for the development of future intelligent transportation systems.  He explained that digital twin technologies can recreate real-world operating scenarios in virtual environments, accelerating the testing and validation of autonomous vehicles, flying vehicles and intelligent transport operations, while improving safety, reliability and deployment efficiency.  He also presented several innovative concepts including modular and platooning-based microtransit systems capable of allocating capacity according to demand, improving passenger transfer experiences and enhancing overall network performance. Looking ahead, Prof. Qu explored the prospects of urban aerial mobility and low-altitude transportation systems. He noted that, as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles continue to mature, future transport networks may integrate virtual air corridors, cloud-based traffic management systems and intelligent safety-control technologies to enable seamless coordination between ground and air transportation. He also shared the latest developments in flying car technologies and low-altitude transport operations, highlighting their potential to overcome the limitations of existing transportation infrastructure and pave the way for more efficient and flexible modes of mobility. The seminar concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. Hans WANG Shuaian, Professor in the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies.  Participants engaged in lively discussions with Prof. Qu on topics including autonomous transportation, intelligent mobility services and urban aerial transport, exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by these emerging technologies. Please click here for an online review.

Precision nanomedicine advances heart repair: Prof. Hélder A. SANTOS explores the future of cardiovascular therapeutics

On 31 July 2026, Prof. Hélder A. SANTOS, Professor and Head of the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology and Head of the Translational Bionanomicro Theragenerative Medicine Lab at the University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Can We Restore a Broken Heart? Precision RNA-based Nanotherapies for the Next Era of Cardiovascular Medicine”. The seminar attracted 43 onsite participants and an online audience of over 15,800 viewers through live broadcasts across various social media platforms. During the seminar, Prof. Santos highlighted the need for more effective treatments for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. He discussed recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology and RNA therapeutics, explaining how these advances are driving the development of precision medicines capable of selectively targeting diseased cardiovascular tissues, offering new therapeutic opportunities for conditions such as myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Prof. Santos also addressed the key challenges facing the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, including poor stability, limited bioavailability and insufficient targeting efficiency. He demonstrated how rationally designed nanocarriers can overcome these barriers by protecting RNA molecules, enhancing cellular uptake and improving tissue specificity. By integrating biomaterials science, pharmaceutical nanotechnology and tissue engineering, his team has developed a range of targeted nanosystems that expand the potential for the clinical use of RNA medicines. Highlighting several recent advances from his laboratory, Prof. Santos presented innovative nanoparticle platforms designed to modulate inflammatory and tissue repair processes following cardiac injury precisely. Results from preclinical studies demonstrated that these precision-targeted nanotherapies can effectively reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, attenuate inflammation, and promote functional cardiac recovery and tissue regeneration. He also shared the latest research outcomes from his team on RNA interference-based nanomedicines and targeted delivery systems for atherosclerosis, further highlighting the promising role of nanotechnology in cardiovascular medicine. Looking ahead, Prof. Santos emphasised the importance of receptor-specific targeting, advanced nanocarrier engineering and scalable manufacturing in accelerating the clinical translation of RNA nanomedicines. He noted that continued progress in these areas is bringing personalised therapies capable of repairing damaged heart tissue closer to reality, paving the way for a new generation of treatments for cardiovascular disease. The seminar concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. ZHAO Xin, Professor in the Department of Life Sciences and Limin Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. Participants engaged in lively discussions with Prof. Santos on the clinical translation, prospects and practical challenges of RNA-based nanotherapies, bringing the seminar to a successful close. Please click here for an online review.

Diverse applications power smart innovation: Prof. ZHU Meifang charts the future of intelligent fibre materials

On 28 July 2026, Prof. ZHU Meifang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), titled “Multifunctional Structural Fiber Materials for Diverse Applications”.  The lecture attracted more than 100 attendees in person and approximately 14,900 online viewers across multiple social media platforms. During the lecture, Prof. Zhu explained how advanced fibre materials have moved beyond the conventional boundaries of textiles to become strategic materials underpinning developments in aerospace, healthcare and green energy.  By seamlessly integrating structural performance with functionalities such as sensing, thermal management and electrical conductivity, these materials overcome the conventional divide between structure and function. Prof. Zhu highlighted a series of innovative technologies and application breakthroughs developed by her research team, including radiation-resistant nanofibre membranes for space exploration, flexible smart fibres for real-time physiological monitoring, and “NeuroWorm”, a biomimetic dynamic implantable fibre electrode.  These advances demonstrate the broad potential of advanced fibre materials across multiple frontier fields.  She also shared the team’s latest achievements in sustainable resource development and biomedicine, including high-efficiency hollow-fibre membranes for extracting lithium from seawater and advanced hydrogel fibres with self-regulating capabilities, engineered for precise cancer phototherapy. Looking ahead, Prof. Zhu outlined her vision for the future of intelligent materials through the acronym “FIBER”: Functional, Integrated, Brainy, Electronic and Responsive.  To accelerate this vision, her team collaborated with Tsinghua University to develop “AlphaFiber”, China’s first large artificial intelligence model tailored to the fibre industry.  Built on an AI-Ready materials database, the system integrates a wide range of knowledge resources, including literature, patents, and experimental data from the fibre sector, and leverages large language model technology to provide intelligent research support for scientists.  Through a closed-loop, data-driven R&D framework, it can accelerate materials discovery and innovation while reducing reliance on traditional trial-and-error experimentation.  Prof. Zhu noted that this emerging research paradigm has the potential to advance the multiscale design and intelligent manufacturing of next-generation sustainable fibre systems, helping to meet the evolving needs of global industrial development. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. FAN Jintu, Director of the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF).  Both in-person and online participants engaged in lively and insightful discussions with Prof. Zhu. Please click here for an online review.

CRNAT Caregivers Risk and Needs Assessment Tool (CRNAT) Phase II Project Briefing Session Successfully Held

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully held the CRNAT Phase II Project Briefing Session on 23 July 2026. The two-year project is led by Prof. Hector TSANG, Principal Investigator of the project, and funded by PolyU’s Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC). The Caregivers Risk and Needs Assessment Tool (CRNAT) is a digital platform that integrates caregiver assessment, risk identification, and service mapping functions to facilitate the early identification of caregivers’ needs and the appropriate matching of community resources and support services, enabling more timely and targeted interventions. Building on the successful outcomes of Phase I, the Phase II project aims to advance “comprehensive inclusion” by expanding the assessment tool to support caregivers across ten disability categories, while further enhancing the platform’s capabilities to better address the diverse needs of different caregiver groups. The briefing session received an enthusiastic response, bringing together 33 representatives from 19 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as three caregivers who shared their valuable caregiving experiences and personal insights. In his opening remarks, Prof. Tsang highlighted that the project seeks to transform caregiver support from a “reactive response” model to a “proactive early warning” approach. Through the early identification of high-risk caregivers and their needs, the project aims to establish a more forward-looking support network, ensuring that families from diverse backgrounds can access timely and appropriate resources and services to support caregivers’ long-term health and wellbeing. During the focus group discussion and Q&A session, social welfare practitioners and caregiver representatives actively exchanged views and offered constructive suggestions on the future development of the assessment tool. Discussions focused on enhancing the tool’s inclusiveness for caregivers across all ten disability categories and exploring the application of artificial intelligence technologies to improve the platform’s usability and accessibility, ensuring that caregivers from diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities can benefit from the assessment and support services provided through the platform. Looking ahead, the project team from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will continue to harness machine learning technologies and further enhance the Service Mapping function to advance both research and platform development. The enhanced CRNAT platform will integrate more precise risk assessment and service mapping mechanisms, enabling NGOs to identify caregivers’ needs in a more systematic manner and facilitate the appropriate matching of support services based on caregivers' individual circumstances and risk levels. Through technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the team aims to further strengthen Hong Kong’s caregiver support ecosystem and provide caregivers with more timely, targeted, and comprehensive support.

Prof. WU Qiang featured in Sing Tao Daily on ESG

Prof. WU Qiang, Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean of School of Accounting and Finance, recently gave an exclusive interview to Sing Tao Daily, sharing his insights on the latest developments in environmental, social, and governance (ESG).  Prof. Wu emphasised that ESG is by no means merely a “public relations expense”.  When integrated into core operations, financial strategy and risk management, ESG can yield tangible returns and foster long-term competitiveness. Prof. Wu noted that multinational brands are increasingly tightening their supply chain standards, making a robust ESG framework an essential prerequisite for entering global supply chains and securing green financing.  Businesses, he suggested, must pivot from “passive compliance” to “strategic integration”, focusing on high-impact operational areas such as energy efficiency and route optimisation. For resource-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Prof. Wu cautioned against simply replicating the practices of large corporations.  Instead, SMEs should adopt a pragmatic, targeted approach, prioritising initiatives with clearly measurable outcomes, such as waste reduction and fuel efficiency.  Furthermore, businesses can leverage affordable smart tools, such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Artificial Intelligence, to enhance data management efficiency, reduce administrative costs and enable forward-looking decision-making. Finally, Prof. Wu reminded businesses not to overstate their ESG performance.  Citing cases involving financial institutions such as DWS and Vanguard, which faced hefty penalties over greenwashing allegations, he noted that the greatest risk in advancing ESG lies in making commitments that exceed an organisation’s capabilities.  Management must “ensure accuracy in communication first, then substantiate it with solid data”, thereby building stakeholder trust through transparency and authentic reporting.   Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4vKPwGy

Redefining Neurotechnology: Prof. John A. Rogers of Northwestern University on Soft Bioelectronics

Soft bioelectronics advances took centre stage at the second Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar on 21 July 2026, featuring renowned bioelectronics pioneer Prof. John A. ROGERS of Northwestern University.  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 PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science at PolyU, the online seminar, titled “Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces”, drew over a total of 14,600 Zoom participants and live steam audience worldwide, bringing together researchers, industry experts and members of the public from 20 countries and regions. Opening the event, Prof. Sir John ASTON, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research of the University of Cambridge, emphasised that the seminar is about “sharing ideas and creating long-term partnerships and friendships across the world – about creating a global community determined to improve the lives of billions of people.”  Echoing this sentiment, Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) at PolyU, noted that the series aims to “build a community of researchers who share a common goal: improving lives through science, technology and innovation.”  Both highlighted the critical role of international and multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing neurotechnology into affordable, scalable clinical solutions. In his keynote address, Prof. Rogers explored the transformative field of bioelectronic neural interfaces, which is reshaping neuroscience and opening up new avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.  He also discussed how advanced electronic and optoelectronic technologies can be seamlessly integrated with soft biological tissues, enabling the precise monitoring and modulation of neural circuits across one-, two- and three-dimensional architectures. The seminar continued with a pitching session showcasing translational neurotechnology research from both institutions: Mr Sam KAMALI, CEO of Myonerv and Former Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, introduced a closed-loop neurostimulator designed to remotely monitor and treat stroke-induced paralysis; Ms Allie WILLIAMS, Research Assistant at Plasticity Lab, University of Cambridge and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, presented “Ms Smarty Pants”, a novel device that helps maintain pelvic and musculoskeletal health; Prof. LIANG Haulou, Interim Head of Division of Artificial Intelligence and the Humanities, Associate Director of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, and Chair Professor of Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence, PolyU, highlighted the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in predicting dementia from speech; and Prof. Vivian HUI, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, PolyU, demonstrated how LLMs can bridge the gap between clinical education, surgical care and patient narratives. The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion moderated by Prof. George Malliaras and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PAIR, PolyU.  The panellists explored critical themes, including the clinical translation of neurotechnologies into human applications, real-world success stories of neural interfaces, and pathways to patient impact.  They emphasised that translating research into meaningful clinical outcomes requires close collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers and industry partners.  This collaborative approach lies at the heart of the shared vision of Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR, which they continue to advance through innovation and partnership. Please click here for an online review.

Understanding cancer metastasis through the lens of biomechanics: Tsinghua scholar Prof. FENG Xiqiao shares frontier research on cell dynamics

On 20 July 2026, Prof. FENG Xiqiao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chair Professor at the Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics of Tsinghua University, China, delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Multiscale Theory and Numerical Methods of Cell Dynamics” on the PolyU campus.  The lecture attracted over 70 attendees in person and nearly 16,200 online viewers across various social media platforms. In his lecture, Prof. Feng presented recent advances in biomechanics, focusing on the multiscale theories and numerical methods for understanding the dynamic behaviours of cells.  He explained that physiological and pathological processes in living tissues often involve the coordinated interplay of biological, chemical, mechanical and physical factors.  Given the complexity of cellular structures, physical properties and biological functions, developing accurate models to elucidate these processes remains a major scientific challenge.  He also highlighted important research directions in biomechanics, including material properties, instability, evolution, multiscale behaviours, multi-field coupling and morphomechanics. A central theme of the lecture was dynamic instability in cells and tissues.  Prof. Feng discussed how mechanical and chemical feedback can shape cellular dynamics and give rise to phenomena such as bifurcations, oscillations and pattern formation, including Hopf and pitchfork bifurcations and Turing-like patterns.  Using spontaneous oscillations in Drosophila amnioserosa cells as an example, he illustrated the important role of collective cell oscillations during embryonic development. The lecture then shifted its focus from the dynamic behaviour of individual cells to collective cell dynamics, covering both experimental and theoretical approaches in the field.  Prof. Feng described how researchers study the geometry, migration speed, trajectories, topology and interface evolution of large cell populations to uncover the underlying principles governing collective behaviour.  He also explained how statistical mechanics and entropy-based theories, including Tsallis statistics, can be applied to investigate active collective cell migration. Such behaviours are highly relevant to understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Prof. Feng also discussed recent developments in multiscale modelling and the increasingly important role of AI in biomechanics research.  While AI models such as AlphaFold3 have achieved major breakthroughs in protein structure prediction, he noted that current models remain limited in predicting biological functions and modelling dynamic processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales.  Looking ahead, there is a need to establish integrated databases that bring together data from biology, chemistry and mechanics, while harnessing AI to drive the development of virtual cell and organoid platforms. Important applications of biomechanics in disease research were also highlighted, particularly in cancer metastasis and immune system biomechanics.  Prof. Feng explained how cancer cells migrate through confined spaces and dynamically adjust their morphology to changing mechanical environments via coupled mechanical, chemical and biological signalling mechanisms.  He also introduced key biomechanical mechanisms of the immune system, highlighting the role of lymph nodes in inflammation, immune responses, immune memory formation and disease progression. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. TAN Youhua, Programme Leader in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU develops durable shade-stable perovskite–organic tandem solar cells, advancing thin-film solar technology application

A research team led by Prof. LI Gang, Associate Director of Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy, has successfully developed a new generation of perovskite–organic tandem solar cells (POTSCs) that not only deliver high power-generation efficiency but also effectively resist the damage caused by negative voltage. Even under an extreme reverse-bias of –40 V, the tandem devices retain more than 90% of their initial power-generation efficiency, far surpassing all existing thin-film solar technologies, marking a key step towards the practical application of thin-film solar technology. Thin-film solar technologies, such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), perovskite and organic solar cells, offer the distinct advantages of their light weight, flexibility and cost-effective manufacturing. However, these materials share a common weakness: owing to their electron–ion hybrid conducting properties, once a solar cell is partially shaded and generates negative voltage, its sustained performance becomes difficult and components may even be damaged. The ability to resist reverse bias is therefore key to determining whether thin-film solar technology is durable and capable of stable, long-term operation. Organic solar cells (OSCs) have made significant strides in both efficiency and durability in recent years. Yet their behaviour under reverse-bias condition and underlying charge transport mechanisms in bulk heterojunctions remains largely unexplored by the scientific community. Filling the related knowledge gaps is an indispensable step towards the practical application of thin-film solar technology. The team achieved a breakthrough through its innovative approaches and strategic interventions. By suppressing isolated acceptor clusters within the donor-acceptor intermix region, the team successfully minimised the above-mentioned defects and developed high-performance OSCs with an irreversible breakdown voltage exceeding -35 V. In other words, as long as the negative voltage does not exceed -35 V, the cell will not be permanently damaged. This substantially enhances damage resistance and establishes a new benchmark for the efficiency and stability of OSCs. The study shows that, by suppressing reverse tunnelling in n-i-p inorganic perovskite-organic tandem solar cells, the organic solar cells successfully protect the perovskite layer. Even after exposure to an extreme reverse-bias of -40 V, the tandem devices retained more than 90% of their initial efficiency. Moreover, these tandem solar cells proved highly stable: after continuous operation at -20 V for 12 hours, they retained 90% of their initial efficiency; and after continuous operation at -4.5 V for 2,000 hours, they retained as much as 97% of their initial efficiency - far surpassing all existing thin-film solar technologies. The research has been published in the paper “Perovskite–organic tandem solar cells with superior reverse-bias stability,” in Nature Materials. Press Release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2026/0720_polyu-develops-durable-shade-stable-perovskite-organic-tandem-solar-cells/ Full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-026-02541-6   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4yvAxmD Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4fsSedV; https://polyu.me/4w99vQd Newsbreak - https://polyu.me/4byOBli Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3TLYCp6

World-renowned bioelectronics pioneer Prof. John Rogers to present second PAIR—Cambridge NeuroWorks online neuroscience seminar

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has partnered with Cambridge NeuroWorks, UK—an alliance of nine partners including the University of Cambridge—to launch an online seminar series in neuroscience.  The inaugural seminar was a remarkable success, attracting 14,000 viewers worldwide from academia, industry, and the public. Building on this strong momentum, the second seminar “Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces”, will be delivered by Prof. John A. ROGERS of Northwestern University on 21 July 2026.  The seminar will offer insights into cutting-edge bioelectronic technologies that are transforming the way researchers study and interact with the nervous system.  Prof. Rogers will present pioneering approaches that integrate advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices with neural tissues, enabling unprecedented capabilities for monitoring and modulating neural circuits.  Drawing on examples from brain research and organoid-based studies, the seminar will highlight how these innovations are opening new frontiers in neuroscience, regenerative medicine and the treatment of neurological disorders. The Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series provides an international platform for researchers, clinicians, students and industry professionals from Hong Kong, the UK and beyond to explore emerging ideas and breakthroughs in neuroscience research, technology development and clinical practice through expert-led presentations and cross-disciplinary dialogue.  Cambridge NeuroWorks is a transformative neurotechnology initiative led and hosted by Cambridge University Health Partners (CUHP) and powered by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).  The joint seminar series promotes professional exchange, encourages new partnerships and inspires future research opportunities, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to excellence, innovation and global engagement in improving healthcare and quality of living through advances in neurotechnology. Event website: https://polyu.hk/VeQzW Registration: https://polyu.hk/chKNV