Chief Editor's Corner
Welcome to Issue 17. In 2026, PAIR continues to chart new territory in research, education and impact. This issue captures a vibrant snapshot of our community’s momentum, reflecting both visionary ambition and tangible progress.
Foremost among our recent developments is the establishment of the new Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA). The Centre will act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research that informs policy, empowers industry and shapes a more equitable future. Readers can explore RCESGA’s vision and leadership, as well as its potential impact, in our Feature Stories section.
We also spotlight biomedical engineering innovations through the work of PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. George MALLIARAS from the University of Cambridge. His pioneering research in bioelectronics medicine is transforming neural interfaces and medical diagnostics.
In parallel, we are pleased to announce new appointments at PAIR research units that reinforce our leadership in the artificial intelligence of things and advanced manufacturing. We also celebrate the launch of a new course on sustainable cities under the Advanced Education Programme.
As always, I invite you to explore the full breadth of stories, achievements, and events in this issue—from groundbreaking studies such as Hong Kong’s first chip‑based quantum network test, to new insights into the century‑old mystery of the Chandler Wobble, advances in intelligent wearable systems, battery and fuel cell technologies, and the application of PolyU’s eco‑block technology in a mall renovation project. Each item is a testament to the creativity, rigour and dedication of our PolyU community.
Let us continue to build and innovate together!

Prof. CHEN Qingyan
Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research