Past Events

Decoding the Decoction: Prof. LAO Lixing on Navigating the Rigours and Realities of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Trials

On 13 May 2026, Prof. LAO Lixing, President of Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, United States, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Clinical Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine, Methodology and Challenges” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted an audience of over 40 scholars, researchers, practitioners and students onsite, and over 13,300 online viewers across various social media platforms.

From one-way caregiving to intergenerational inclusion: Prof. JIN Ying of University of Cambridge on reimagining cities amid the longevity revolution

On 14 April 2026, Prof. JIN Ying, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism and Director of Studies for Robinson College of the University of Cambridge, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “What does improving longevity mean for the future of our cities?” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted nearly 100 entrepreneurs, scholars, researchers and students joining onsite, and over 16,400 online viewers across various social media platforms to explore how the global “longevity revolution” is reshaping urban space, cultural activities, and socio-economic development.

Prevention is better than cure: Prof. Eugene B. CHANG reexamines “health” through the lens of microbiome ecology

On 30 March 2026, Prof. Eugene B. CHANG, Martin Boyer Distinguished Professor at the University of Chicago (UChicago), delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture, titled “Microbiome Medicine: Understanding Health and Disease through the Lens of Ecological and Evolutionary Principles” at the PolyU campus. The seminar drew nearly 100 researchers, clinicians and students joining onsite, and over 15,400 online viewers across various social media platforms to learn about the burgeoning field of the “gut microbial organ”.

Ancient wisdom meets modern science: Prof. CHE Chun-tao highlights evidence-based Chinese medicine in elderly care

Prof. CHE Chun-tao of the University of Illinois Chicago, USA, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Chinese Medicines and Geriatric Health – A Research Perspective” on 14 January 2026. The event drew around 90 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 15,850 across various social media platforms.

Harvard expert Prof. John D. Spengler discusses climate crisis and cooling innovations at PAIR Seminar

On 9 December 2025, Prof. John D. SPENGLER from Harvard University delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “If you think it is hot now – just wait a few years”. The seminar explored innovative approaches to cooling neighbourhoods, saving lives, and strengthening local economies. The event attracted over 70 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,000 across various social media platforms.

Gerontech for smart ageing: how AI-powered assistive technology empowers ageing-in-place and elderly care

At the PAIR Seminar on 26 November 2025, Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS from the University of Toronto shared his latest tech-enabled rehabilitation projects at the AgeTech Futures Institute (AgeTech). His presentation, titled “Supporting and rehabilitating older adults through AgeTech: from prevention to personalised care” explored how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) drive elderly care and rehabilitation services to go beyond the institution-based, recovery-focused model and move towards home-based, personalised care, while also providing support to caregivers and alleviating their burden. The seminar attracted over 110 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,000 across various social media platforms.

Harnessing AI for the future of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: insights from Prof. CUI Zhanfeng of Oxford

At the PAIR Seminar on 18 November 2025, Prof. CUI Zhanfeng of the University of Oxford shared the latest development in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). His presentation titled “AI and Biomanufacture of ATMPs” attracted about 100 in-person participants and an online audience of over 21,000 across various social media platforms.

Bridging the gap between research and practice: realising healthier indoor air

Prof. William P. BAHNFLETH of The Pennsylvania State University, USA, presented a PAIR Seminar titled “How Can We Realise the Aspirations of Indoor Air Science? Lessons from 30 Years Spent Trying to Improve Indoor Air Quality” on 14 November 2025 at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted approximately 100 in-person participants and an online audience of over 21,300 across various social media platforms.

New theory on tourist behaviour unveiled by Prof. Sara DOLNICAR at PAIR Seminar

At the PAIR Seminar on 14 October 2025, Prof. Sara DOLNICAR of The University of Queensland, Australia, shared her pioneering theory of consumer behaviour during leisure. Her presentation, titled “Habit-Enjoyment-Effort Theory – Changing Consumer Behaviour in Hedonic Contexts”, explored human behaviours in settings where the pursuit of pleasure is paramount. The seminar attracted over 170 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,800 across various social media platforms.

The Art of Achievement: Prof. David PUI’s Scientific Legacy

At the PAIR Seminar on 10 October 2025, Prof. David Y. H. PUI of University of Minnesota, USA, shared insights that have contributed to his career success in both academia and industry. His talk, titled “Preparing for a Successful Career Starting with Your Graduate Theses”, focused on the essential personal qualities and skill sets for completing university education and excelling as an educator or technologist. The seminar attracted over 100 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 15,000 across various social media platforms.