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Professor Justin Fernandez Visits PolyU RISports, Delivers Seminar on Computational Biomechanics

Professor Justin Fernandez from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Auckland visited the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 31 August 2026. During his visit, Professor Fernandez toured the Institute's laboratories and exchanged views with PolyU researchers on collaborative research opportunities. Professor Fernandez, a Professor at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute who leads research into computational biomechanics, orthopaedics, and sports science, also delivered a seminar to PolyU faculty and students. In his talk, he showcased technologies developed at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and their applications in sports biomechanics. The presentation highlighted wearable technologies, statistical shape modelling, computational mechanics, biomedical imaging, and machine learning. Through case studies focusing on foot mechanics and barefoot running, Professor Fernandez demonstrated these technologies in action. He also presented ongoing sports biomechanics projects undertaken with colleagues at Ningbo University.

PolyU's Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology Featured on RTHK Programme "Hong Kong Stories: Starting with AI" Showcasing AI-Empowered Sports Science

The RTHK television programme Hong Kong Stories: Starting with AI aired its latest episode, "AI‑Powered Sports Performance," tonight (31 August) at 9:30 pm on RTHK TV 31. The episode introduced the research work of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and several PolyU research projects. This episode focused on how artificial intelligence has become a powerful backbone for athletes. Three RISports members appeared on the show to share their research findings: Prof. Chih‑yung Wen – Chair Professor at the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, PolyU, and Associate Director of RISports. Prof. Wen introduced the interdisciplinary research work of the Institute. Dr Billy So – Clinical Associate at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU, and a registered physiotherapist. In the programme, Dr So, together with a PolyU swimmer, used AI image analysis to repeatedly refine every swimming movement, and employed AI‑assisted aquatic therapy. The segment demonstrated how technology can overcome the difficulty of providing precise feedback to swimmers during training. Dr Jason Cheung – Principal Research Fellow at RISports and a member of its Management Committee. Dr Cheung, who is also a sneaker enthusiast and founder of a sports technology company, used AI to analyse running gaits, helping both athletes and the general public address sports‑related injury issues. His goal is to create "a pair of shoes that truly understand the wearer." Since its establishment in 2022, RISports has been dedicated to bringing together experts from PolyU and various disciplines worldwide to provide advanced scientific and engineering solutions for sports. This episode showcased how Institute members are empowering sports science with AI – transforming technology from mere cold data into a powerful ally behind every athlete. Hong Kong Stories: Starting with AI airs every Monday at 9:30 pm on RTHK TV 31. Interested viewers can watch the programme replay at: https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkstories68

Ir Prof. Ming Zhang Invited as Plenary Speaker at the 10th World Congress on Biomechanics (WCB 2026)

Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, was invited as a Plenary Speaker at the 10th World Congress on Biomechanics (WCB 2026), held on 11-15 July in Vancouver, Canada. Prof. ZHANG's presentation, titled "Foot and Ankle Biomechanics for Footwear Design," highlighted cutting-edge research in the field. Held only once every four years, the WCB is the premier international event in its field. It attracted more than 3,000 delegates from across the globe, providing an opportunity for the exchange of information about all aspects of modern biomechanics. This invitation reflects Prof. ZHANG’s outstanding contributions and international leadership in foot and footwear biomechanics research.

PAIR Distinguished Lecture: Prof. FENG Xiqiao of Tsinghua University delivers “Multiscale Theory and Numerical Methods of Cell Dynamics”

Topic: Multiscale Theory and Numerical Methods of Cell Dynamics (details) Date: 20 July 2026 (Monday) Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time, GMT+8) (Click here to check your local time) Venue: Lecture Theatre HJ304, 3/F, Stanley HO Building, PolyU Speaker: Prof. FENG Xiqiao Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences Chair Professor Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering Department of Engineering Mechanics Tsinghua University Language: English Remarks: Light refreshments will be served on-site A proof of attendance will be provided to on-site attendees upon request Seats will be arranged on a first-come-first-served basis   This lecture will examine how biological, chemical, mechanical and physical cues interact to shape the dynamic behaviour of cells in physiological and pathological processes.Prof. Feng will present multiscale theories and numerical methods for studying dynamic bio-chemo-mechanical coupling in cells, with a focus on cell instability, collective cell migration and statistical scaling laws. Drawing on theoretical, experimental and numerical approaches, he will further discuss spontaneous oscillations in collective cell systems, the universality of scaling laws through higher-order entropy theory, and multiscale modelling of cell dynamics.Examples will include biomedical applications such as cancer cell metastasis.   Join us for this lecture by Prof. Feng to discover the latest innovations in multiscale numerical modelling and their impact on real-world biomedical applications.He will also offer perspectives on future directions in cellular biomechanics.

PolyU RISports Delegation Visits Beijing Sport University to Strengthen Collaboration in Sports Science and Talent Development

From 17 to 18 June 2026, a delegation of ten representatives from the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Prof. Ming Zhang, Director of RISports and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, visited Beijing Sport University (BSU) for academic exchange and strategic discussions. The visit focused on advancing collaborative research and talent development, particularly in areas related to elite athlete support and sports technology innovation. During the visit, the delegation exchanged views with BSU faculty on the latest research achievements, discipline development, and innovation in sports science. Both sides discussed concrete measures to strengthen research collaboration and joint postgraduate training in sports science and technology. The delegation also toured BSU's research platforms and training facilities, gaining valuable insights into their advanced infrastructure for elite athlete development. This visit builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed between PolyU and BSU in September 2025. Under the MOU, the two institutions have committed to joint postgraduate training programmes and the establishment of a "Collaborative Innovation Centre," focusing on areas such as sports apparel, sports nutrition, and rehabilitation medicine.

PolyU RISports Delegation Visits General Administration of Sport of China Training Bureau and Institute of Sport Science

On 16 June 2026, a delegation of ten representatives from the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Prof. Ming Zhang, Director of RISports and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, visited the General Administration of Sport of China and the China Institute of Sport Science in Beijing. The delegation held discussions with representatives from both institutions on topics including scientific training for elite athletes, performance enhancement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Both sides also explored potential collaboration in sports science talent development, joint research project applications, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. The delegation toured the training facilities and research laboratories to gain insights into the national team training system and current sports technology applications. This visit further strengthened the ties between PolyU and national sports research institutions, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration in sports science and elite sports.

Congratulations to Professor Zhang Ming Elected as a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering for 2026

Professor Zhang Ming, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, has been elected as a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) for the year 2026. The Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering was established in 1980 as a national first‑level academic society. It is the only professional academic organization in China that integrates research, education, clinical practice, and industrial development in the field of biomedical engineering, with over 45,000 individual registered members. The Society initiated its Fellow selection process in 2024, and to date, a total of 45 Fellows has been elected. Professor Zhang Ming took the lead in establishing the Society's Rehabilitation Engineering Branch and served as its inaugural Chair. This branch has now become the largest and most outstanding branch within the Society. His department has also been deeply involved in various academic activities of the Society over the years.  

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming speaks at scientific literacy training programme for national team

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recently invited to participate in the 2026 “National Team Scientific Literacy Training Programme”. He delivered a keynote academic report titled “Running Biomechanics and Health Research”, introducing his team’s latest research achievements and promoting the integration of sports biomechanics research with competitive sports practice. The training programme, organised by the China Institute of Sport Science, was held at Shenyang Sport University from 27 to 29 May 2026. Under the theme “Enhancing Sports Performance through Sports Biomechanics”, the programme focused on advanced sports biomechanics technologies, scientific training and sports performance optimisation, with the aim of enhancing the scientific literacy and application capabilities of national team researchers, coaches and support personnel. The event brought together nearly 90 industry practitioners, including team leaders, coaches, researchers and medical support personnel from 24 national teams, as well as researchers from 17 member institutes of the National Sports Science Research Collaboration Network and academic representatives from major sport universities. During the visit, Prof. Zhang also toured the research platforms and training facilities at Shenyang Sport University and exchanged views with university representatives on areas including academic exchange, research collaboration, talent cultivation and technology commercialisation. The discussions laid a solid foundation for future collaboration and the advancement of sports science and technology development between the two institutions.

Dr Jason Cheung on super shoes

Dr Jason Cheung, Principal Research Fellow of PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, was featured on RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell”, sharing his professional perspectives on the technology of the so-called “super shoes” which helped runners to run a competitive marathon in under two hours. He also introduced the running shoes designed by his team for Chinese marathoners, and shared insights into the balance between innovation and fair play.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4ubRoIs (24:18 - 40:07)

Delegation from Taishan Sports Industry Group visited RISports

A delegation led by Mr. Xu Peiming (2nd left), Vice President of Taishan Sports Industry Group, accompanied by Mr. Zhu Enyuan (4th left), Deputy Director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, along with Mr. Gao Guangyu (5th left), Mr. Yang Yanming (3rd right), and Mr. Liu Song (1st right), visited RISports on 19 May 2026. The delegation toured the Institute’s laboratories to gain insights into the latest research and talent development in the field of sports science and technology. Both sides also discussed potential collaboration on the development of smart sports and health exercise equipment, aiming to foster industry-academia-research cooperation between Shandong and Hong Kong in the sports technology sector.