Professor Chen Qingyan’s election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) marks not only a personal pinnacle but also a defining moment for PolyU. As Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, his achievement places him within one of the most distinguished scientific circles in history. Founded in 1660, the UK’s national academy of sciences is the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. Election to its Fellowship represents one of the highest and most prestigious scientific honours globally, placing Professor Chen alongside history’s most influential thinkers.

Behind this recognition lies decades of pioneering work that bridges fundamental science and real-world impact. Professor Chen’s research in indoor air quality (IAQ), aircraft cabin environments, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has reshaped how we understand the invisible dynamics of air in enclosed spaces.

The implications of his work are far-reaching. From buildings to transportation networks, his research has helped redefine standards for ventilation and environmental safety, placing occupant well-being at the forefront of design. His expertise has proved especially critical in the context of public health, where his ventilation strategies have informed guidelines to mitigate the transmission of infectious diseases on commercial airplanes and cruise ships. This global influence is further reflected in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists list, where he is recognised as a leading authority in the “Building and Construction” field.

Despite the prestige of the honour, Professor Chen remains reflective about the journey behind it. “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition, which is truly one of the highest accolades a scientist can achieve,” he said, extending his gratitude to his family, research team, and collaborators at PolyU.

For PolyU, this election represents a significant institutional milestone. As one of the very few scholars from the University to ever receive this honour, Professor Chen’s recognition reinforces PolyU’s growing international stature and underscores its role as a hub of leading minds and scholars dedicated to impactful innovation.

PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng praised the historic achievement, noting, “We are proud of Professor Chen’s contributions to the scientific community. His work has played an important role in advancing human well-being and safety.” Over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Chen’s work has also earned recognition from major international organisations, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology; the International Building Performance Simulation Association; the Scandinavian Federation of Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Engineering Associations (SCANVAC); the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan; and the U.S. National Science Foundation.