News

Strengthening School and Regional Cooperation

The Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, welcomed a delegation from the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on 15 October 2026. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for school-local cooperation and regional development. High-Level Visit The Garze delegation was led by Ms. Xie Hongxia, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. On the RCMI side, Administrative Director Dr. Daniel Mok and RCMI Member Dr. Zhang Huan hosted the visit and facilitated the discussions. During the meeting, Dr. Mok delivered a comprehensive presentation introducing RCMI’s research mission, facilities, and ongoing projects. This provided the delegation with a clear understanding of the Centre’s capabilities in medical innovation and interdisciplinary research. Strategic Focus Areas The discussion focused on learning from advanced experiences in education management, talent training, and technology transfer. Both parties identified three key areas for potential collaboration: Tibetan-Chinese Medicine Integration: Leveraging academic research to support the development of traditional medicine. Cultural and Tourism Innovation: Applying research insights to enhance industry growth. Sichuan-HK Cultural Exchange: Strengthening people-to-people bonds between the two regions. Commitment to Mutual Benefit The visit concluded with a strong commitment to exploring normalized school-local cooperation models. The parties agreed to work towards a framework that ensures complementary advantages and mutual benefit for both the university and the prefecture. RCMI looks forward to implementing these collaborative initiatives to drive innovation and regional development.

RCMI Delegation Visits Ningbo University

A delegation from the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), PolyU, visited Ningbo University to attend its 40th Anniversary Celebration and the 30th Anniversary of the Tri-merger. Led by the Vice President (Research) Prof. Xiang-dong Li, the visit aimed to strengthen academic collaborations and explore future research opportunities between the two institutions. Strategic Partnership MoU Signed On 24 October 2026, as part of the anniversary celebrations, Prof. Li signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ningbo University. This agreement marks a significant step in fostering long-term cooperation in research, education, and talent development. Research Exchange at New Drug Technology Institute During the visit, the delegation visited the New Drug Technology Research Institute at Ningbo University. The team toured the laboratories and engaged in technical discussions regarding potential joint research projects in pharmaceutical innovation and medical technology. Dialogue Among Chinese and Foreign University Presidents A key highlight of the visit was the participation in the “Dialogue Among Chinese and Foreign University Presidents,” held as one of the main events of the anniversary. The dialogue centred on the theme: “New Horizons · New Governance: Reshaping the Role and Institutional Reform of Universities in the AI Era.” Prof. Li joined roundtable forums to share insights on how artificial intelligence is influencing higher education governance, curriculum development, and research methodologies. The discussion emphasized the need for institutional reform to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology. Commitment to High-Quality Development The delegation also attended the High-Quality Development Conference, where leaders from across the region discussed strategies for sustainable growth in the academic sector. The RCMI team expressed strong support for the partnership and looks forward to implementing the agreed-upon collaborative initiatives in the coming months.

8th Greater Bay Area Traditional Chinese Medicine Conference

Prof. Simon Lee, Management committee member of RCMI represented RCMI at the 8th Greater Bay Area Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Inheritance, Innovation, and Development Conference, held in Macau on September 22, 2026. Prof. Lee participated in a high-level signing ceremony with Dr. Huang, representing the Affiliated Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University (Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a strategic partnership to advance collaborative basic and clinical research in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Key Focus Areas of Collaboration The partnership will concentrate on the scientific evaluation and therapeutic application of TCM in the following fields: Musculoskeletal disorders Stroke rehabilitation Neuroprotection Sleep and mood disorders Tumor treatment A primary objective of this collaboration is to jointly apply for the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance, Innovation, and Development Conference Collaborative Project. The conference also featured specialized sub-forums dedicated to TCM and Chinese Medicine. These sessions brought together leading experts and scholars from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau to share the latest research findings and clinical practice experiences. The event underscored a shared commitment to promoting resource sharing and synergistic innovation across the Greater Bay Area. Prof. Lee expressed optimism about the future prospects of this partnership, noting that it marks a significant step toward enhancing cross-border healthcare solutions and strengthening TCM research capabilities in the region.

Unlocking the Science of Tradition with Prof. Lijia Xu

We are thrilled to have successfully concluded our seminar on "Innovative Applications of Medicinal Plant Taxonomy Theory in the Basic Research of Medicine-and-Food Homologous Substances," featuring the distinguished Prof. Lijia Xu. Prof. Xu, Director of the Research Center for Medicinal Plant Taxonomy at the Institute of Materia Medica (CAMS & PUMC), took us on a fascinating journey through the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science. Key Highlights from the Session: 🔬 Bridging Theory & Practice: Prof. Xu demonstrated how medicinal plant taxonomy provides a rigorous scientific framework for validating "Medicine-Food Homology" (药食同源). ☕ Decoding Traditional Teas: We explored groundbreaking research revealing the scientific mechanisms behind how specific folk traditional teas can delay aging and prevent chronic diseases. 🏆 A Legacy of Innovation: As an award-winning researcher (First Prize of Science and Technology, China Association of Chinese Medicine) and author of over 100 papers, Prof. Xu shared insights from his extensive work on the material basis of plant-based health solutions. A massive thank you to Prof. Xu for sharing his visionary research and to everyone who attended. The discussion on how taxonomy can revolutionize the future of preventive medicine and functional foods was truly inspiring. Stay tuned for more updates from our research community!

RCMI Leaders Strengthen Global Pathways for TCM at International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine at ICMCM 2026

We are thrilled to announce that the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) played a pivotal role in the International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, held from August 13–15, 2026. This landmark event convened global experts to shape the future of Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies, and Innovative Pathways for Traditional Medicine. 🤝 Representing PolyU On August 13, Dr. Mok, Associate Director of RCMI, attended the opening ceremony and key plenary sessions as a distinguished guest. Her participation underscored RCMI's unwavering dedication to fostering global collaboration and advancing the standards of Chinese medicine. 🎙️ Shaping the Global Dialogue The highlight of our delegation was Session 3 on August 14. Prof. Wong Man-sau, Director of RCMI, served as Co-Moderator for the high-level panel: "Traditional Medicine / Chinese Medical Development and Clinical Research" (傳統醫學/中醫科研發展與臨床研究). Standing alongside Prof. Feng Yibin (Co-Director, HKUMed Centre of Integrative Medicine, HKU), Prof. Wong led insightful discussions on strategies to elevate evidence-based TCM on the global stage. Her leadership facilitated critical conversations on bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific rigor. We are incredibly proud of our team for contributing to the future of this vital field! 

RCMI and Shanghai Yueyang Hospital Forge Strategic Alliance in Integrative Medicine

In a significant step forward for global healthcare collaboration, the Research Center for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (hereinafter "Yueyang Hospital") officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 4, 2026. The ceremony was held at the state-of-the-art facilities of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI), bringing together delegations from both prestigious institutions to formalize a partnership dedicated to advancing the frontiers of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medical integration. Key Collaboration Scope: Joint R&D: Focused on kidney diseases, dermatological external drugs, tumor immunology, gynecology, organ anti-aging, and medicine-food homology. Talent & Education: Joint student training, faculty exchanges, and regular academic symposiums. Resource Integration: Shared access to clinical databases, literature, and research facilities.   Prof. Lee signed the MoU on behalf of RCMI.This alliance underscores SZRI's commitment to serving as a hub for international medical innovation. As both institutions move forward, the partnership aims to develop new treatment protocols for complex chronic diseases and share findings with the global medical community. With this MoU in place, RCMI and Yueyang Hospital are poised to lead the next wave of breakthroughs in integrative medicine, ensuring that the wisdom of tradition meets the precision of modern science.  

Dr. Poon Showcases Team Breakthroughs at CGCM 2026 in Taichung

RCMI members- Dr. Poon successfully presented our latest findings at the CGCM 2026 conference, held from July 25–27 in Taichung, Taiwan. It was a privilege to showcase our team's work in two distinct formats: a detailed poster session that facilitated a deep dive into our data and methodology, and an oral presentation where Dr. Poon shared key insights and future directions with the global scientific community. The conference provided an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of our field. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who stopped by our booth to engage, ask questions, and share their insights. These valuable conversations have further strengthened our network and will undoubtedly continue to drive our research forward.

Advancing Integrative Medicine: Key Insights from the 14th GP‑TCM RA Annual Meeting

We are proud to share the success of the 14th Annual Meeting of the GP‑TCM Research Association (GP‑TCM RA), held July 7–9, 2026, at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Under the theme "Bridging East and West: Global Collaboration in Integrative Medicine," the event united global leaders to shape the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 🎤 Featured Presentations: Our team made significant contributions to the dialogue: Prof. Jerry Yeung (Associate Director of RCMI) delivered a pivotal talk on "Major Interventions in Clinical Practice Guidelines of Major Depressive Disorder," offering critical insights into evidence-based mental health care. Prof. Simon Ming Yuen Lee (RCMI Management Committee & GP‑TCM RA President‑Elect) presented on "Natural Products and Neuroprotection," highlighting the potential of TCM in protecting neurological health. Prof. Lee also emphasized the Association's commitment to strengthening international collaboration and advancing scientific rigor across the integrative medicine landscape. 🔬 Key Themes: The three-day agenda covered a vast spectrum of topics, including: ✅ Quality Control & Pharmacology ✅ Regulatory Science & Industry Perspectives ✅ Clinical Practice Guidelines ✅ Acupuncture-Moxibustion & Meridian Science ✅ Translational Research & Scientific Publishing Through poster sessions, networking, and an awards ceremony, participants forged new partnerships and reaffirmed the need for harmonized standards to drive the modernization of TCM globally. A huge thank you to all speakers, attendees, and partners for making this event a resounding success!

Advancing Global Standards for Chinese Materia Medica

Our team recently represented our institution at the 14th Meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS), convened by the Department of Health (DH). Associate Director Dr. Mok Kam Wah Daniel, RCMI International Advisory Board (IAB) Chairman Prof. Che Chun Tao, and IAB Member Prof. Rudolf Bauer joined over 60 experts from the Chinese Mainland, overseas, and Hong Kong for the event held on July 14. Key Outcomes: Standards Review: The board successfully concluded a review of safety and quality standards for 16 types of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) commonly used in Hong Kong. Safety Testing: Experts examined updated safety testing requirements for CMM. Future Development: The meeting included strategic discussions on the future development of the HKCMMS framework. Since 2002, the DH has implemented the HKCMMS project in phases to ensure the safety and quality of commonly used CMM. Site Visit: On July 15, IAB members visited the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI). The visit provided an overview of the institute's work in: Establishing quality standards Researching and developing innovative testing methods Supporting the industry in CM identification Promoting CM culture

🌿 Unlocking the Gut-Brain Axis: A Recap of RCMI's Latest Event

On July 13, 2026, the RCMI community gathered for a fascinating deep dive into the complex interactions between herbal extracts and the human gut microbiota. We were honored to host Prof. Rudolf Bauer (Emeritus Professor, University of Graz; PAIR Fellow, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), a global leader in pharmacognosy and ethnopharmacology. Key Takeaways from the Session: 🔬 The Symbiotic Relationship: Gut microbiota are not just passive residents; they actively metabolize plant constituents, often turning them into the true active principles of herbal medicine. 🧪 Research Platform: Prof. Bauer showcased a cutting-edge platform combining LC-HRMS and 16S rRNA sequencing to track these metabolic shifts. 💊 Case Studies Presented: STW 5: Rapid metabolic turnover by fecal microbiota creates anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic products, explaining its efficacy in functional GI disorders. St. John's Wort (STW 3-VI): Flavonoids and hypericins act as prodrugs, transformed by the microbiome to influence the gut-brain axis in treating depression. Valerian Extract: Metabolites like enterolactone and phenylpropionic acid derivatives were linked to reduced depressive symptoms and improved sleep. The Verdict: Gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation is a critical factor in the pharmacological activity of herbal medicinal products. A huge thank you to Prof. Bauer for sharing his insights and for his continued leadership in bridging traditional medicine with modern microbiome science.