Fostering world-class interdisciplinary research and innovation in Hong Kong

We are in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is underpinned by emerging technologies that are profoundly changing the way we live and work. The 21st century is also marked by transnational problems, such as the current pandemic, which are reshaping our societies. To effectively respond to the challenges and opportunities of our contemporary times, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a global top 100 tertiary institution, is accelerating its commitment to impactful interdisciplinary research and innovation through various strategic initiatives. These include establishing the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, a pioneering platform in Hong Kong for interdisciplinary collaboration; supporting the Government’s InnoHK project with world-renowned universities to foster international research; and joining the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance to advance innovation, research and talent exchange in the three regions. Over the following pages, you will learn more about these exciting initiatives by PolyU, which will contribute to the rise of Hong Kong as a leading innovation and technology hub.

Today’s complex world demands interdisciplinary solutions

The world is facing a plethora of unprecedented challenges. For example, climate change induced by greenhouse gas emissions can have major adverse impacts on our planet. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously tested the resiliency of healthcare systems and economies worldwide. The population is rapidly ageing, with real implications for wider society. The world is also facing energy shortages.

The solutions to these pressing problems require game-changing research efforts that draw expertise across disciplines. That is why the University has established PAIR (PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research). PAIR is a unique model for Hong Kong, and PolyU is one of the few pioneering institutions in the world taking this visionary approach.

Expanding the frontiers of knowledge

PolyU formed PAIR to steer interdisciplinary research, bringing together resources and knowledge from different technologies and scientific disciplines to deliver practical solutions that address key societal issues. Taking the helm of PAIR is Professor Chen Qingyan, Global STEM Scholar and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, who has extensive experience in interdisciplinary research at world-renowned institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Purdue University.

Today, PAIR hosts eleven mission-driven interdisciplinary Research Institutes (RIs) and five Research Centres (RCs), whose research teams are drawn from the most distinguished scholars at PolyU. These RIs and RCs focus on frontier research areas including deep space exploration, resources engineering towards carbon neutrality, sustainable urban development, smart cities, smart energy, land and space, photonics, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence of things, intelligent wearable systems, future food, smart ageing, sports science and technology, Chinese medicine innovation, mental health, sharp vision, and many more (see the full list of RIs and RCs below).

PAIR will collaborate with other top institutions, as well as engage with society and industry, in the development of impactful solutions. PAIR will also be a home for world-class scholars visiting PolyU. Indeed, the University is committed to creating a vibrant and diverse research environment that not only nurtures interdisciplinary research but also enhances international collaboration and crosscultural exchanges.

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research

– Research Institutes and Research Centres

Research Institutes
Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy Director: Ir Professor Wang Shengwei, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart Building and Chair Professor of Building Energy and Automation
Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute Director: Professor John Shi Wen-zhong, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Urban Informatics and Chair Professor of Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing
Photonics Research Institute Director: Professor Lu Chao, Chair Professor of Fiber Optics
Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing Director: Ir Professor Man Hau-chung, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering
Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things Director: Professor Cao Jiannong, Dean of Graduate School, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing
Research Institute for Future Food Director: Dr Wong Ka-hing, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems Director: Professor Tao Xiaoming,Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology and Chair Professor of Textile Technology
Research Institute for Land and Space Director: Professor Ding Xiaoli, Chair Professor of Geomatics
Research Institute for Smart Ageing Director: Ir Professor Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology Director: Professor Zhang Ming, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development Director: Professor Li Xiangdong, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development and Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology

Research Centres
	Mental Health Research Centre Director: Professor David Man Wai-kwong, Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science
	Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation Director: Professor Wong Man-sau, Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
(Image Courtesy of ESA/AOES)	Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations Director: Ir Professor Yung Kai-leung, Sir Szeyuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering
	Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Director: Ir Professor Poon Chi-sun, Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials
	Research Centre for SHARP Vision Director: Professor To Chi-ho, Head of School of Optometry, Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health and Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry.

Impactful projects at PAIR

PAIR scholars have been engaged in many pathbreaking research projects for societal impact across various fields. Below is just a small sample of the diverse projects led by PAIR researchers:

Human Health

• Myopia control in children using optical technology

• Neuroscience of cognitive rehabilitation

• Research on probiotics and prebiotics in human health

• Research of new drugs for the treatment of bone diseases with traditional Chinese medicine

• Ageing-related family and social issues and related policies

Technology and Smart Systems

• Space environment and instrument research for national space missions

• Optical fibre sensing systems for railway system monitoring and battery monitoring

• High performance deep learning clusters for big data analytics

• Development of smart energy management technologies for complex building energy systems in high-density cities

• Smart wearable systems for manpower augmentation, health care and personal safety

• Smart monitoring system for urban tree management

Environment

• Environmentally friendly paving blocks that can keep the air clean

• Research of new materials and technologies to reduce emissions in production and transportation, practise energy purification and achieve higher energy efficiency

• The impact of land development on the environment and ecology

• Research on fire prediction, prevention, control and emergency management

PAIR’s research aspires to advance several important goals for the benefit and prosperity of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the world. These include building a globally modern industrial system, taking ecological conservation forward, expanding infrastructural connectivity, developing a quality living circle, building a global technology and innovation hub, and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Learn more about PAIR