As the new academic year begins, PolyU has achieved a remarkable milestone, successfully securing funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with 65 research projects led by PolyU scientists receiving support this year. This marks a 34% year-on-year growth in both the number of projects and overall funding, highlighting PolyU’s strong innovation capabilities and its role in nurturing outstanding researchers who contribute to the Nation’s ambition of becoming a technology powerhouse.

This year, three projects were awarded funding under the prestigious Young Scientist Fund (Type A), four under Type B, and 48 under Type C, alongside ten projects supported by the General Programme. The Type A fund, offering between RMB 2.8 million and 4 million over five years, supports highly promising scholars pursuing innovative research addressing major national challenges and advancing global scientific knowledge.

The three Type A scholars come from the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and Applied Physics, covering disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering, healthcare, and interdisciplinary sciences. Their projects include advancing numerical methods for solving complex fluid dynamics problems; designing breathable, biocompatible electronic skin for flexible healthcare devices; and applying electron microscopy to unveil the properties of two-dimensional materials, enabling breakthroughs in advanced materials science.

Type B supports emerging academic leaders with RMB 2 million over three years, where four PolyU researchers from the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Logistics and Maritime Studies, Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and Mechanical Engineering were recognised. Their work spans mathematics, chemistry, management science, and engineering. Projects include developing stable numerical methods for stochastic equations; investigating supply chain risks driven by technological disruptions; exploring the active sites in molecular sieves to enhance catalyst design; and advancing precise electrochemical synthesis for carbon-heteroatom bonds.

Another 48 young researchers supported by Type C fund are from various PolyU faculties. Notably, 23 of these projects are based at the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI), which conducts research for governments and industry partners at national and regional levels.

This robust portfolio underscores PolyU’s excellence in fostering young scientific talent and its growing impact on innovation that supports national development goals in science and technology.