Advancing sports science research is crucial for improving athletic performance, preventing injuries, and promoting overall health. In this context, PolyU and Li Ning Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning–PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre focuses on fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, aiming to innovate high-performance sports products, develop future talent, and enhance industry-academia-research collaboration, ultimately transforming the sports and health sectors and achieving synergistic innovation.

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “The newly established Centre will harness the University’s robust research strengths and Li Ning Group’s extensive market expertise to drive innovation in sports science and technology, fostering positive impacts on industry and society and contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development.”

Mr Li Ning, Founder of Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group also highlighted the potential of the partnership, “PolyU’s research excellence and academic impact in sports science and related interdisciplinary areas are among the best in the world. This opportunity enables us to fully leverage our understanding of industrial trends, experience in industrial applications, and sports and market resources to initiate deep collaboration with PolyU. Together, we will advance research at the forefront of sports science and create an internationally competitive innovation ecosystem.”

The Centre, jointly operated by PolyU’s Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Li Ning Group, is dedicated to advancing the Healthy China Initiative and driving innovation in the sports industry. Professor Zhang Ming, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, alongside Professor Tian Ye from the Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center serve as the coordinators of the Centre.

To ensure impactful research, PolyU will assemble a team of experts, while Li Ning Group will provide product development resources, market insights, and user feedback to guide research and facilitate project execution.

Witnessed by Prof. Teng (2nd from right) and Mr Li, (2nd from left), the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (1st from right) and Mr Hong Yuru, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group (1st from left), officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”.