It’s that time of the year when PolyU celebrates the remarkable achievements of young scholars in research excellence. This year, six early-career scholars have been awarded the Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2025. Their groundbreaking work in the fields of biomedical engineering, materials science, smart city development, sustainable construction, speech therapy and green energy, highlights the University’s robust capabilities and potential in interdisciplinary research.

The six winning projects showcase the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The awardees demonstrate a vision for positive change and provide innovative solutions that can help shape the future, aligning with PolyU’s mission to pursue world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits.

Currently in its fourth year, YIRA recognises early-career scholars for their outstanding research excellence and promotes impactful interdisciplinary research that drives innovative technologies. Researchers under 35 with exceptional capabilities are eligible for the Award, with awardees receiving HK$500,000 in research funding and a personal cash prize of HK$20,000 to support their future research and career development.

The six 2025 YIRA awardees are (in alphabetical order):

Dr Au Man-ting
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

Project title:
Revitalising Joints – In situ Chondrocyte-specific Endothelial Receptor-targeted CAR Tregs for Osteoarthritis Treatment

 

About the project:
A novel therapy precisely targeting joints to provide effective osteoarthritis treatment

Professor Lin Wanyu
Assistant Professor, Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Department of Computing

 

Project title:
An Interpretable Deep Learning-based Computational Framework for Crystal Materials Design

 

About the project:
An efficient deep learning framework for facilitating the design of high-performance crystal materials

Professor Pan Kai
Associate Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies

 

Project title:
Data-driven Smart Cities Operations towards Carbon Neutrality

 

About the project:
Developing data-driven models and solutions for smart city operations to reduce carbon emissions

Dr Tao Yong
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

 

Project title:
Advancing CO₂ Mineralisation and Waste Concrete Valorisation for a Sustainable Future

 

About the project:
Upcycling waste concrete into low-carbon building materials for sustainable construction

Dr Bruce Wang Xiao
Research Assistant Professor, Department of English and Communication

 

Project title:
Tongue Skeletal Muscle Examination Using Ultrasonography as a Diagnostic Tool for Dysarthric Speech

 

About the project:
Ultrasound scans to investigate how tongue muscles work in those with speech difficulties for better treatment plans

Professor Xu Wanghuai
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

 

Project title:
Developing a Charge Path-Modulated Wave Energy Generator with High Efficiency and Power Density

 

About the project:
An efficient electrostatic wave energy converter that harnesses abundant wave energy resources