Over 7,700 votes spotlight 10 PolyU research and innovation stories shaping Hong Kong’s innovation future
Effective university research is best seen in its real-world impact – as demonstrated by the inaugural PolyU “Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”. From 20 standout projects unveiled in 2025, over 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast votes, while a professional judging panel contributed expert assessments – together selecting ten stories that demonstrate measurable impact across various disciplines.
These projects reflect research with direct relevance to everyday life: innovations that accelerate diagnosis, materials that reduce waste, artificial intelligence that enables smarter cities and green technologies that ease environmental pressures. Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said the selected stories affirmed the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation that address societal needs, while reflecting its “rigorous, truth-seeking spirit” and drive to break new ground. He noted that by bridging original discoveries with real-world applications, these efforts improved lives, supported industrial upgrading and contributed to the global innovation landscape. He also expressed appreciation for the strong public engagement, which brought research into the wider conversation and encouraged researchers to strive for greater impact.
More than an awards list, the Top 10 highlights the growing momentum of PolyU research and innovation efforts, offering a concise view of how curiosity, collaboration and technology translation are shaping Hong Kong’s innovation landscape. PolyU also revealed the three projects receiving the highest number of public votes, underscoring strong community recognition of their significance and societal impact. Two are also among the Top 10 stories.
Top 10 stories and 3 most voted projects at a glance:
Category : Artificial intelligence and data science
Principal Investigator | Research Topic |
|---|---|
Professor Chen Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Chair Professor of Visual Computing of the Department of Computing | Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis |
Professor Yang Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Computing | PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research |
Professor Liu Ai-Qun, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Global STEM Scholar | PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test |
Category : Life sciences and healthcare
Principal Investigator | Research Topic |
|---|---|
Professor Qiu Anqi, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar | Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing |
Professor Larry Chow Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology | Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub |
Professor Ben Ko Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology | Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease |
Category : Environmental and Sustainability
Principal Investigator | Research Topic |
|---|---|
Professor Chen Jianli, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics | Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise |
Professor Li Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy and Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (left) | Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone |
Professor Yin Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics | Record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency achieved with novel bilayer passivation strategy in tandem solar cells
Click here for project details. |
Category : Material science
Principal Investigator | Research Topic |
|---|---|
Professor Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (left)
Professor Yao Haimin, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (right) | Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing |
Professor Shou Dahua, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles | Innovative sustainable personal cooling technologies combat global extreme heat |
