Past Events

The 1st International Symposium on Smart•HAPPI Ageing: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent

Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University jointly hosted The 1st International Symposium on Smart•HAPPI Ageing: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent on 28 November 2025 to advance the field of smart and healthy ageing. The event drew enthusiastic participation from leading academics, industry professionals, and experts worldwide, highlighting the growing global interest and commitment to smart ageing initiatives.

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.

Conformal bioelectronic interfaces for enhanced human–machine interaction: Prof. CHEN Xiaodong of NTU delivers PAIR Distinguished Lecture

Prof. CHEN Xiaodong of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Conformal Bioelectronic Interface” on 24 November 2025 at PolyU. The event attracted over 80 in-person participants and an online audience of over 15,300 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.

MHRC: The 1st Human Brain Mapping Symposium in the Greater Bay Area

On 7 November 2025, the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and the Life Science Imaging Centre at the Hong Kong Baptist University, co-hosted the inaugural Human Brain Mapping Symposium in the Greater Bay Area. Held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the symposium attracted over 200 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 21,949 across various social media platforms.

RISA organized Research Seminar-Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) successfully hosted Research Seminar- “Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations” with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU RS) on 4 Nov 2025. The event aims to foster meaningful international connections to pursue academic excellence and impactful innovation. We are honoured to have Prof. Paulo FERREIRA, NHMRC Research Fellow, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Director of the Musculoskeletal Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, Research Academic Director, University of Sydney as the speaker.

RCRE Seminar: Engineering Application of Ductile Concrete (ECC)

Prof. Victor Li of University of Michigan delivered a seminar on the topic of “Engineering Applications of Ductile Concrete (ECC)” on 3 November 2025. The seminar was jointly organized with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) Hong Kong Branch and CEE of PolyU, and co-organized by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), Hong Kong Concrete Institute (HKCI) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Greater Bay Section. Over 100 participants joined the seminar.

RCRE Seminar: The 3D Eco-Concrete Printing for Hong Kong’s Construction Industry

A joint seminar with Hong Kong Institute of Project Management (HKIPM), PolyU-NAMI 3D Concrete Robotic Printing Research Centre (RCC3D), BRE and CEE of PolyU, titled "The 3D Eco-Concrete Printing for Hong Kong's Construction Industry," was held successfully on 28 October 2025. The seminar featured insightful presentations from three distinguished guests: Dr Jacky Chung (RCC3D and RCRE Member), Ir Lucas Lam (RCC3D) and Dr Junli Liu (CEE). Following the seminar, attendees toured RCC3D’s lab to observe 3D concrete printing technologies in action.

RILS Public Lecture: Dr Olga ROSTAPSHOVA of University of Chicago champions data-driven approach to environmental regulations

On 14 October 2025, Dr Olga ROSTAPSHOVA, Executive Director of the Energy and Environment Laboratory at the University of Chicago, delivered an online public lecture on "A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Enforcement of Environmental Regulations". The lecture was well-attended by over 300 registrations, attracting audience across the globe.