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PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at 31st Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 31st Congregation today, presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG. At the ceremony held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures, while Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded to the graduating students. The two honorary degree recipients were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Mr HAN Bicheng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology - Doctor of Technology honoris causa Prof. Barry James MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate (Physiology or Medicine); Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia; PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor - Doctor of Science honoris causa Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his warmest congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates. In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming the way people live, learn and work, he encouraged the graduates to embrace technology with curiosity, responsibility and creativity. He added, “PolyU is committed to preparing our students for the AI era. At the forefront of integrating AI into education, the University implemented compulsory AI education for all undergraduates back in September 2022. We also established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January this year to meet the growing demand for talent and expertise in the age of AI and set up the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence in April to propel the University to the forefront of AI research and applications. Looking ahead, we will further leverage AI to transform our educational offerings. We have launched the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, aiming to integrate AI and smart technologies into a student-centred approach that fosters innovation and promotes the wider use of AI and educational technologies in learning and teaching.” Prof. Teng advised the graduates, “As Hong Kong develops into an international innovation and technology centre and our Nation grows into a global science and technology powerhouse, exciting opportunities await those who are ready to innovate and lead. With the strong foundation you have developed at PolyU, we are confident that you are well-positioned to seize these opportunities and shape a brighter future.” The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 11,519 students this year, including 477 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 204 professional doctoral degree graduates, 37 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 6,371 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,401 bachelor’s degree graduates, 15 postgraduate diploma recipients and 14 higher diploma recipients.

醫工結合｜理大以人工智能輔助藥研 破解抗生素耐藥性危機 實現精準治療

香港面對基層醫療和公共衞生挑戰，注重預防，以社區為本，早發現早治療，從根本解決各項醫療問題。基層醫療支援個人預防及自我管理，解決各項疾病和公共衞生問題。 抗生素發現是人類醫學里程碑，不少細菌感染都可以抗生素治癒。但不少病原出現抗生素耐藥性，多重抗藥性超級細菌更構成嚴重的公共衞生問題。2019年，世界衞生組織已宣布，耐藥性問題是全球十大健康威脅之一。去年《刺針》研究指2025年至2050年間，全球預計超過3,900萬人死於抗生素耐藥性（AMR，也稱抗菌素耐藥性）。 香港理工大學（理大）研究從基層醫療和公共衞生解決挑戰，應用生物及化學科技學系副教授馬聰教授通過人工智能輔助藥物開發平台進行抗生素研究，理大「化學生物學及藥物研發國家重點實驗室」更是本港新藥研發重鎮。 細菌耐藥性危機 細菌對抗生素的耐藥性，正在以驚人速度惡化，抗生素研發卻愈來愈少。2000年以來，全球約只有兩種具有新作用機理抗生素出現，原因是傳統開發需時甚長。 理大正通過深度學習，快速準確分析大量基因組、蛋白質組和臨床數據，確定潛在藥物標靶，評估生物活性物質結構生成新分子，預測具有最佳生物活性、安全的候選新型抗生素藥物。理大研發成為香港科技園與上海醫藥集團聯合培育計劃在本港唯一孵化項目，候選藥物已被證實有效對抗多重耐藥性病原，包括耐藥性金黃葡萄球菌（MRSA）和肺炎鏈球菌，顯示出良好臨床應用前景。 80年代初，2005年諾貝爾生理學或醫學獎得主、理大傑出名譽教授Barry Marshall發現幽門螺旋菌是造成胃炎和消化性潰瘍主因。理大最近成立了「馬歇爾醫學微生物學科技研究中心」，由馬聰教授擔任中心主任，Marshall教授擔任管理委員會成員，聚焦幽門螺旋菌診療研究。幽門螺旋菌在東亞區感染率達50-60%，早期無明顯症狀，增加早期檢測重要性。 人工智能精準診斷 幽門螺旋菌帶菌者較非帶菌者患胃癌機會，高出四至六倍，較易引起胃黏膜慢性發炎，以至胃、消化道及十二指腸潰瘍及胃癌。由於大部分帶菌者無徵狀，篩檢一直是挑戰，流行的非侵入性的呼氣測試法（Urea Breath Test）有不少限制，影響準確性，胃鏡抽取組織檢驗屬於侵入性檢查，令人不適，亦有潛在併發症風險。馬聰教授指出：「照胃鏡成本貴，培育細菌耗時要幾天至一周，理大通過人工智能研究關鍵基因，開發快速檢測方法，數十分鐘內得出結果，大幅縮短診斷時間和降低成本。」   早期檢測個人預防 胃癌通常在出現症狀時已屬中後期，早期檢測至為關鍵。Marshall教授開發出一種吞服膠囊裝置，成本低、操作簡單，短時間（15分鐘）取樣檢測，可用於胃鏡檢查前診斷取樣，減輕病人痛苦，有潛力成普及篩查工具。幽門螺旋菌也能產生抗藥性，馬聰教授再以人工智能分析人與細菌及抗生素用藥之間的基因交互作用，篩選關鍵基因，選擇出最有效的抗生素和治療方案，結合Marshall教授開發出的吞服膠囊裝置與理大開發的快速檢測方法，快速診斷，精準治療，避免無效治療。 基層醫療強調社區合作和及早預防，馬聰教授指技術可推廣至社區層面，甚至市民自行在家檢測。理大亦將建立電子生物資料庫（eBioBank），儲存幽門螺旋菌相關基因與關鍵基因信息，聯同用藥信息，供醫院或診所付費使用。 香港面對人口老化，慢性疾病病患率持續上升。成立第三所醫學院對香港未來醫療服務發展至關重要，政府亦可以此為契機，加大力度發展預防醫學，以應對社會對醫療需求不斷增長的挑戰。憑藉理大在醫療科技、工程及人工智能領域的堅實基礎，可通過基層醫療和公共衞生的創新技術，推動香港的預防醫學技術發展。

Establishment of New Research Centre

Establishment of New Research CentreOn 21 March, the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology celebrated its official opening, marking a major step forward in the field of medical research. The Centre is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, with a particular focus on Helicobacter pylori.Beyond its research ambitions, the Centre is firmly committed to fostering international collaboration, thereby strengthening the global impact of its work in medical microbiology. It also places a strong emphasis on the development of novel antibiotics to combat the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of PolyU and the Faculty to transforming healthcare and improving health outcomes on both local and global scales.  新研究中心的成立理大馬歇爾醫學微生物學科技研究中心於3 月 21 日正式開幕，標誌著醫學研究領域的重要進展。研究中心專注於提升細菌感染相關的診斷及治療，尤其針對幽門螺旋菌的研究。中心同時致力於促進國際合作，加強其在醫學微生物學領域的全球影響力，並積極研發新型抗生素，以應對日益嚴峻的抗藥性問題。新研究中心的成立充份展現出理大及理學院致力革新醫療、改善本地及全球健康水平的宏大理念。

Opening Ceremony of PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology at AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health Forum

PolyU hosts AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health Forum, featuring a Nobel Laureate and an expert to explore the future of AI-driven medicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science today co-hosted the “AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health” Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Barry MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, who shared his research journey and provided insights into the future of medicine. Prof. Ya-Qin ZHANG, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) of Tsinghua University also participated in the panel discussion. The event attracted about 500 faculty members, students, alumni, leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, academia, and members of the public, fostering academic exchange and inspiring the pursuit of innovation.

Professor Barry Marshall shares insights on AI-driven medicine

PolyU is advancing the integration of AI into medical science, recently hosting the "AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health" Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Professor Barry Marshall, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and Distinguished Honorary Professor at PolyU, and marked the opening of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology followed by a panel discussion. Attracting around 500 attendees, including academic staff, students, alumni, and leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, the Forum fostered academic exchange and inspired innovation.   Exploring his research journey and award-winning discovery Co-hosted by PolyU’s Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science, the Forum highlighted Professor Marshall’s groundbreaking discovery of Helicobacter pylori with Dr J. Robin Warren, which earned them the Nobel Prize. In his keynote speech, “Theory and Practice: Innovation and Curiosity Driven Research”, Professor Marshall shared his research journey and offered valuable insights into the future of medicine.   Panel discussion exploring the future of AI in medicine and education The panel discussion, hosted by Prof. Yang Hongxia (left), featured Prof. Marshall (centre) and Prof. Zhang Ya-qin (right), who discussed the future of AI-driven medicine.   A panel discussion was held, exploring the future of AI in medicine and education. Professor Marshall was joined by the Guest of Honour of the event, Professor Zhang Ya-qin, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) at Tsinghua University. The discussion was facilitated by Professor Yang Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU.   Professor Marshall remarked, “AI is revolutionising our ability to diagnose diseases, personalise treatments and predict patient outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. By harnessing vast amounts of data, AI enables us to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach, ultimately improving patient care and advancing medical research.”   Professor Zhang said, “The field of life sciences and biomedicine has entered the era of Digitalisation 3.0, where AI plays a pivotal role, driving advancements toward greater speed, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. However, challenges remain in terms of algorithm transparency, interpretability, security, privacy, and ethics.”   Opening of new research centre An opening ceremony was held for the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology.   The event also marked the opening of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology. Led by Professor Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, with Professor Marshall serving as a member of its Management Committee, the Centre aims to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. It will leverage Professor Marshall's pioneering research to establish AI-driven e-biobanks, and develop novel antimicrobial therapies.   PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests of honour for making the Forum a valuable platform to explore emerging AI trends in medicine and to collaborate for a healthier future.