PolyU and Clarivate, a global intelligence leader, have recently co-authored and released the PolyU Research Excellence Report, which underscores that through a robust track record of research productivity and a commitment to quality, PolyU continues to catalyse meaningful societal advancements.

The landmark report provides a comprehensive look at how PolyU has evolved into a formidable innovation powerhouse. It signals the University’s solidified status as a leader in solving the world’s most pressing challenges and its pivotal role in cementing Hong Kong’s reputation as a global knowledge hub.

For over half a century, Clarivate has pioneered the world of citation indexing and analysis, helping to connect scientific and scholarly thought around the world.

A meteoric rise in research impact

The report’s findings reveal a university in the midst of a remarkable era of growth. Between 2020 and 2024, PolyU achieved a 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers. By 2024, the University led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in total research publications, placing it at the very forefront of Hong Kong’s academic landscape.

Professor Timothy Tong, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC), praised this trajectory during the report’s launch. He also noted that the report “vividly demonstrates [PolyU’s] commitment to sustainable development”, specifically commending the University for its effective use of research resources and its breakthroughs in AI-driven medical research, climate solutions and sustainability.

Distinguished performance in global subject rankings

The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further enhanced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by subject 2025, 26 PolyU disciplines are listed among the world’s top 100, with seven including Hospitality & Leisure Management, Civil & Structural Engineering, and Art & Design ranked in the global top 30, showcasing the breadth and depth of its excellence.

The report emphasises the University’s well-established leadership in Engineering and unique contributions to the Hospitality, Fashion and Textiles, and Design disciplines.

A hub for world-class talent

Behind the remarkable subject achievements is a community of extraordinary scholars. Today, PolyU is home to 21 “Highly Cited Researchers” as named by Clarivate, and an impressive 428 scholars rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists — the second-highest concentration of such talent among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. The total comprises 259 scholars recognised for career-long citation impact, alongside those honoured for single-year impact. This density of expertise ensures that PolyU remains a preferred partner for international collaboration, with 40% of its outputs being internationally co-authored.

From discovery to real-world application

A defining characteristic of PolyU is its “culture of research translation” — the ability to turn laboratory discoveries into societal benefits. Mr Osher Gilinsky, Clarivate’s President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, recognised this strength, noting that PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest in Hong Kong. He highlighted the University’s strategic partnerships with industry titans such as NVIDIA, Huawei, and Alibaba as a key driver of this success.

Mr Gilinsky further elaborated that by leveraging resources from the Chinese Mainland, PolyU is accelerating knowledge transfer in critical areas like AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing, and smart city development — fields where the University is actively pursuing global leadership.

Innovating for a better society

These achievements of PolyU are the result of years of dedicated effort by the academic community. As the University looks towards the future, its roadmap is clearly defined by the “Strategic Plan 2025/26 - 2030/31”, themed “Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society”.

By continuing to expand its global collaborative network and pursuing excellence in education and research, PolyU is not only elevating its own standing but is also playing a vital role in developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.

To download and read the full PolyU Research Excellence Report, please click here.

The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders, industry partners and policymakers.

Moderated by Mr Sherif EL Shamy, Vice President, Consulting, Academia and Government, Clarivate (1st from left), the Impact Forum panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation” featured Prof. Jianguo Dai, Chair Professor of Structural Engineering and Head of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong (2nd from left); Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation, PolyU (1st from right); and Prof. Marco Pang, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU (2nd from right), who shared insights on research evaluation, collaboration and societal impact.