As we release our third issue of Newsletter, it marks the second year of the Academy’s journey since its establishment in year 2021, as well as the 85th Anniversary of PolyU. Over the past year, PAIR has expanded rapidly. With the joint effort from PolyU scholars, young researchers and administrators, as well as our staunch industry and academic partners around the world, the Research Institutes (RIs) and Research Centres (RCs) of PAIR have altogether generated significant volume of research outputs—bringing us deeper insights into major societal challenges, e.g., ageing, food security, renewable energy and most importantly, innovative and sustainable solutions towards the betterment of mankind.
With HK$145 million internal support to the Research Institutes (RIs) and Research Centres (RCs) in 2021/2022 academic year and the strengths and concerted effort from PolyU faculty members, researchers and students, our RIs and RCs have altogether generated 615 affiliated publications; garnered over HK$429 million external research funding and donations; conducted 47 technology transfer activities; and attracted 81 awards and prizes at territory, regional and international level. In this Issue, we have included PAIR research projects which have received the PolyU President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Knowledge Transfer. After all, I believe, it is really our love for knowledge and care for mankind that can make these happen.
In June 2022, it is of our great pleasure to announce the establishment of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports). In this Issue, we are glad to have the Director of RISports to share on the Institute’s ambition and latest research. Another highlight would be the development of new assessment and intervention for mental health and well-being promotion. We are glad to have the Director of Mental Health Research Centre to share the latest research findings, ongoing projects and innovative solutions for holistic mental health. Speaking of health, it has much intricate association with the food we produce and eat daily. In this Issue, the Director of RiFood will share in more details the Institute’s current projects, extensive partnerships and way forward. Another highlight in this Issue would be the new section on “People”, in which we will share some of the latest remarkable achievements of PAIR scholars and members and their recognition in local, regional and international award schemes.
Through PAIR Newsletter, we hope to inform our colleagues, partners, students, alumni, friends and the public about exciting things and latest updates here at PAIR, as well as awards and honours received by our researchers which we all as mankind are proud for. We truly hope that our sharing here will inspire you with fresher awareness, perspectives, and understanding of current world challenges, and perhaps, new innovations to the challenges. Thank you very much for staying tuned to us. Hope you all enjoy reading our third issue of Newsletter.
Prof. Chen Qingyan
Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
