Impactful ideas need both support and talent to thrive. This summer, PolyU celebrated two achievements that reflect the strength of its research community. The University secured a record high of more than HK$124 million in Research Grants Council (RGC) funding across the RGC’s three flagship major grant schemes (see below) for four major projects, marking an all-time high in both project count and funding, and placing PolyU among the sector’s top performers in these highly competitive grants. At the same time, four PolyU scholars were named RGC Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows. These accomplishments highlight a research environment where ambitious ideas are translated into solutions for some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Innovating for a greener, smarter and more inclusive future

The newly funded projects span diverse fields. From developing green energy and promoting responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), to advancing smart manufacturing and supporting Hong Kong’s ageing population, the projects tackle issues that will shape the future of cities, industries and communities.

Two projects secured funding under the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), which supports research of strategic importance to Hong Kong’s long-term development. Led by Professor Lianzhou Wang, Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar, the Intelligent Artificial Photosynthesis project will combine AI, advanced chemistry and smart engineering to accelerate the conversion of carbon dioxide into storable green fuels, advancing carbon neutrality and future energy security. Meanwhile, the project of Professor Feng Tian, Associate Professor of the School of Accounting and Finance, called Managing AI Risk for Businesses in Hong Kong, will develop an evidence-based framework to help organisations navigate the governance, compliance and misinformation risks associated with the growing adoption of AI.

The University also received support through two other RGC schemes. Under the Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme, Professor George Q. Huang, Chair Professor of Smart Manufacturing of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, will establish a Centre of Smart Manufacturing to pioneer next-generation Industry 4.0 technologies, strengthening the resilience and efficiency of manufacturing and supply-chain networks. Under the Strategic Topics Grant (STG), the project led by Professor Xue Bai, Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, will examine Hong Kong’s silver economy. The research will generate longitudinal evidence and intergenerational action strategies to foster a more inclusive, age-friendly society as the city’s population ages. To learn more about the awarded projects, please click here.

The minds shaping tomorrow

Four PolyU scholars were also honoured as RGC Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows. Their fellowships provide dedicated time and resources for sustained research, enabling them to pursue breakthrough discoveries while nurturing the next generation of researchers.

The awardees’ work reflects the breadth of expertise across the University. Professor Benny Chi-fai Cheung, Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, was named an RGC Senior Research Fellow. His research is advancing novel imaging technologies to enable highly precise measurement of nanostructured surfaces for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. Professor Min Dai, Chair Professor of Applied Statistics and Financial Mathematics of the Department of Applied Mathematics and the School of Accounting and Finance, and Director of the Research Centre for Quantitative Finance, was also named an RGC Senior Research Fellow. His work focuses on developing new theories and algorithms to address complex financial decision-making problems, with applications ranging from investment strategies to risk management.

Among the RGC Research Fellows, Professor Bolton Chau, Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Associate Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, is investigating how distraction influences human decision-making by combining computational modelling, neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques. Professor Yuanqing Zheng, Professor of the Department of Computing, is pioneering new approaches to software-defined wireless networks that can support large-scale Internet of Things applications, including smart metering, precision agriculture and emerging low-altitude economy developments. To learn more about the awardees and their projects, please click here.