News

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.

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.

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

PolyU and Lands Department extend strategic collaboration to promote geospatial social innovation for smart and inclusive urban development

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department, HKSAR Government, and The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of PolyU have officially established the Special Interest Group on Geospatial Social Innovation (SIG-GSI), marking a new milestone in promoting the use of geospatial technologies and social innovation for public and community benefit. The formation of the SIG-GSI builds upon the collaboration framework established between PolyU and the Lands Department in September 2025 to advance smart surveying, mapping and geospatial services that incorporate authoritative standards.  Through pioneering research, technology enhancement and professional training, the partnership aims to accelerate Hong Kong’s transformation into a digital city.  Under the framework, PolyU’s academic and research units work closely with the SMO in research, education and knowledge transfer, focusing on interdisciplinary fields including land surveying, geographic information systems, remote sensing, smart cities, artificial intelligence and location-based technologies. As the first major initiative under this collaboration framework, the Group brings together RILS, SMO and J.C.DISI, with J.C.DISI joining as a new collaborating unit.  Drawing on its expertise in social innovation, multidisciplinary engagement and community-centred design, J.C.DISI will help identify opportunities and foster collaboration in areas aligned with the Group’s mission. The convenors of the SIG-GSI are Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS; Mr CHOI Wai Man, Raymond, Chief Land Surveyor/Land Information Centre, and Mr SO Man Cheong, Kenneth, Chief Survey Manager/Special Duties of SMO; and Ms Sam LAM, Interim Director of J.C.DISI.  The SIG-GSI provides a platform for academia, government and social innovation practitioners to collaborate in leveraging spatial data and geospatial technologies to address urban and community challenges.  Through research exchange, capacity building, pilot projects and professional activities, the Group aims to advance applications of spatial data and geospatial technologies in areas such as community development, social inclusion, walkability and smart city development, while promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the public and social good. The Group held its inaugural meeting on 9 July 2026 at PolyU.  During the meeting, members discussed priority areas for collaboration and future initiatives that will harness spatial data and geospatial technologies to create positive social impact. A key focus of the discussion was the upcoming launch of the Walkin’HK application on 15 July 2026.  The application aims to promote the concept of walkability across Hong Kong by leveraging open spatial data available through the HKSAR Government’s Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) Portal.  By drawing on a wide range of open spatial datasets—including 3D visualisation map, 3D pedestrian network, address information and community facilities—the platform will provide valuable spatial insights into the pedestrian environment, support walkability studies and foster more people-centred urban development through enhanced community engagement. Through this tripartite collaboration, the SIG-GSI will serve as a dynamic platform for harnessing geospatial intelligence, social innovation and multidisciplinary expertise to develop practical, inclusive and sustainable land and space solutions for Hong Kong, contributing to the city’s continued advancement as a smart, resilient and people-centred metropolis.

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing receives the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), has recently been honoured with the 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Established by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award recognises Chinese engineers and scientists for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of engineering, technology and management. Presented biennially, the award comprises two categories: the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Following a rigorous process involving nomination, preliminary assessment, public announcement and final review, CAE academicians selected 40 awardees from a pool of 471 outstanding candidates, including one recipient of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and 39 recipients of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. The awardees span a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical engineering, information technology, chemical engineering, metallurgy, materials and energy. Among them, three awardees are from Hong Kong. Prof. Ni has devoted more than 30 years to the research and application of structural health monitoring technologies. He pioneered an integrated modular design approach for large-scale structural health monitoring systems and a life-cycle structural health monitoring paradigm. These innovations have been widely applied in the design and implementation of health monitoring systems for major civil engineering structures. Press release: https://polyu.me/4fnU1km   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4bdy5Hi; https://polyu.me/4vRzYBJ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4vnsnd4; https://polyu.me/4bzXQBN Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/44ojtkF China News - https://polyu.me/3Tt14AL Sina - https://polyu.me/4pbUqLh China Daily - https://polyu.me/4wgawq1 People.cn - https://polyu.me/4vZNfZb Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4gxPzBQ Qiaobaous - https://polyu.me/4yh3pPm World Journal - https://polyu.me/4w2CWDC Rednet.com - https://polyu.me/4yvvt1E 

PolyU scholar wins HUAWEI Spark Award, highlighting University’s strengths in research translation and industry collaboration

Prof. Tommy WEI Minchen, Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), and Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, was recently honoured with the prestigious HUAWEI Spark Award in recognition of his team’s innovative solution to a major industrial technology challenge and its successful translation of cutting-edge research findings into real-world industrial applications. Prof. Wei and his team have long dedicated on the underlying mechanisms of the human visual system, translating research findings into innovative solutions for full-link multimedia systems ranging from camera capture to screen display. Addressing a major bottleneck in display colour calibration for this year’s HUAWEI challenge, the team leveraged visual science research to deliver a breakthrough engineering solution. This innovation significantly enhances the colour calibration accuracy and user experience of product displays. The technology has already been deployed, making a tangible contribution to the advancement of display technology worldwide. Established by HUAWEI in 2021, the Spark Award focuses on fundamental research in areas including information and communications technology, materials science and mathematical algorithms. Under the initiative, Huawei identifies industrial challenges with significant commercial and scientific value and invites universities worldwide to develop original solutions, recognising researchers whose innovations advance both science and industry. Press release: https://polyu.hk/Yavgv   Online coverage: 同花順 - https://polyu.me/4y61H30 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4f6RvP8 Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3SUTeje

New directorship appointments for RISUD and RCRE

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ir Prof. NIU Jianlei, Chair Professor of Building Environment and Energy of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, as Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) with effect from 1 July 2026.  An internationally recognised expert in building environment and energy, Prof. Niu’s research focuses on indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, HVAC systems and urban microclimates.  He currently leads a major RGC Theme-based Research Scheme project on healthy and resilient cities and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Energy and Buildings. He is also a Fellow of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Fellow of International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) and Fellow of the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA). We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Charles XU Chunbao as Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) and Chair Professor of Advanced Biorefinery in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with effect from 2 July 2026.  Joining PolyU following a global search, Prof. Xu is an internationally renowned scholar in advanced biorefinery and sustainable resource engineering.  With more than 20 years of research experience, he has published over 400 journal papers, holds 12 international patents and is recognised for his pioneering work in converting biomass and organic wastes into sustainable fuels, green chemicals and biopolymer materials.  He is a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Institute of Canada. We extend our warmest congratulations to Ir Prof. Niu and Prof. Xu on their new appointments.  We are confident that, under their leadership, RISUD and RCRE will continue to strengthen their research excellence and make significant contributions to sustainable urban development and carbon neutrality.

RCDTT and PATA forecast Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals to reach 789.2 million by 2028

The PolyU Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), has released the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028: Mid-Year Update. The report indicates steady growth in international visitor arrivals across 39 Asia Pacific destinations over the next three years, reaching 714.9 million in 2026, 758.8 million in 2027 and 789.2 million in 2028. By then, the region is expected to have recovered to 115.6% of its 2019 visitor volume, signalling a new phase of tourism expansion. The report also identifies the key destinations and source markets driving this growth. Among the region’s ten largest destinations, Vietnam is projected to record the strongest growth, with arrivals increasing by 31.2% between 2025 and 2027. Macao, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Turkey and Malaysia are also expected to see notable increases, while the Chinese mainland will remain the region’s largest destination, welcoming 157.8 million international visitors in 2027. Prof. SONG Haiyan, Director of RCDTT, Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), said that the forecasts provide governments, tourism organisations and industry stakeholders with valuable insights to support strategic planning in a rapidly evolving travel market.   Online coverage: Travel Daily News - https://polyu.me/4wh2In9 Travel and Tour World - https://polyu.me/4wmSi5L TTR Weekly - https://polyu.me/4v0oMRZ Travel Industry Wire - https://polyu.me/4w8P2KU FTN News - https://polyu.me/4eC4zNJ Hospitality Trends - https://polyu.me/4gNflSw Gaming Industry Wire - https://polyu.me/4wljUbq