Two PolyU research projects have been awarded the second-class award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) by the Ministry of Education. These accolades recognise the research teams’ breakthrough contributions and affirm the University’s strength in both fundamental research and technological innovation.

Prof. Chen’s project tackles antibiotic resistance in bacteria

One of the award-winning projects, titled “Research on the Convergent Evolution and Mechanisms of Carbapenem Resistance and Hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae”, was led by Professor Chen Sheng, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology. Working closely with Zhejiang University, Professor Chen’s team focused on Klebsiella pneumoniae and discovered the molecular mechanisms behind its antibiotic resistance and ability to cause severe illness. The important finding helps scientists and doctors better understand how these bacteria evolve, providing valuable scientific evidence for formulating global public health policies and clinical practices.

Prof. Zheng’s project advances flexible electronics technology

The second project was led by Professor Zheng Zijian, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices. Titled “Multiscale Coupling Regulation Mechanisms of Flexible Electronic Conductive Interfaces and Applications”, the team made significant progress in improving the reliability and flexibility of electronic devices. By establishing a collaborative framework, they addressed challenges such as electrical failures and limited device elasticity, providing key theoretical foundations and technical support for the advancement of flexible electronic systems and driving innovation and application in related fields.

The Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) are prestigious honours that recognise educators, researchers, and relevant units of higher education institutions who have achieved outstanding results and significant impact in natural science research and engineering technology innovation, as well as those who contribute to the cultivation of innovative talent.

Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the two teams, saying: “PolyU scholars are committed to pursuing research excellence, and the Awards represent the Nation’s recognition of the University’s strength in research innovation. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to strive for excellence in talent cultivation, scientific research, and knowledge transfer, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.”