Scientific breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They are born of dialogue – across disciplines, borders and generations. It was in this spirit that PolyU convened the inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit (QWIS), positioning itself at the centre of global conversation on the future of science and engineering.

Organised by PolyU and sponsored by the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, the Summit was held in honour of Professor Qian Weichang, revered as the “Father of Mechanics” in China. Under the theme “Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering”, the event brought together leading academics and distinguished guests from around the world, reinforcing PolyU’s growing stature as an international hub for collaborative research and innovation.

Eight eminent plenary speakers from world-renowned institutions shared their latest research and insights. They were Professor Chen Gang, Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Professor Dario Farina, Professor and Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at Imperial College London; Professor Gao Huajian, Xinghua Distinguished University Professor at Tsinghua University; Professor Hu Haiyan, Chair Professor of Mechanics at the Beijing Institute of Technology; Professor George Malliaras, Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge; Professor David Quéré, Professor at the École Polytechnique; Professor Yang Wei, Professor at Zhejiang University; and Professor Zhang Xu, President of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. Their presentations spanned mechanics, medicine, electronics, energy and materials science, reflecting the Summit’s interdisciplinary ambition and its focus on addressing complex global challenges.

In his opening address, PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng underscored the University’s commitment to cross-boundary collaboration and talent development. The Summit, he noted, was designed not only to advance knowledge but also to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers – in keeping with PolyU’s motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

That emphasis on nurturing emerging talent was evident throughout the programme. A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of the Graduate School, ranged beyond technical debate to explore research pathways, career choices and the qualities young scholars need to thrive. At the gala dinner, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) Professor Christopher Chao highlighted the Summit as a milestone in PolyU’s mission to strengthen international academic partnerships and to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as a global education hub.

The presentation of the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards – recognising outstanding early-career researchers – further cemented the Summit’s forward-looking vision. With more than 70 parallel sessions on topics ranging from smart cities to advanced manufacturing, the inaugural QWIS signalled PolyU’s determination to shape the interdisciplinary research agenda, both regionally and globally.

Recipients of the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards: Prof. Zhao Ruike of Stanford University (4th from left) and Prof. Song Bai of Peking University (4th from right), joined by distinguished guests and scholars - Prof. George Malliaras (1st from left), Prof. Norman Chihnan Tien, Taikoo Professor of Engineering and Chair Professor of Microsystems Technology at the University of Hong Kong (2nd from left), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (3rd from left), Prof. Gao Huajian (3rd from right), Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from right), and Prof. Wang Zuankai (first from right).

PolyU leaders including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (centre, front row), Prof. Christopher Chao (4th from right, front row), Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU (4th from left, second row), Prof. Wang Zuankai (centre, second row), Prof. Qiu Anqi, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of PolyU (2nd from left, second row) and Prof. Kenneth Fong, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of PolyU (1st from left, second row) joined the eight plenary speakers, representatives of the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, and members of the Organising Committee for a group photo at the inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit.