News

Exploring the Future of Synthetic Biology in Shenzhen

April 15, 2026 – Led by DoRCMI, Prof. Wong Man-sau, RCMI scholars visited the Shenzhen Major Scientific and Technological Infrastructure for Synthetic Biology, hosted by Academician Yao. This cutting-edge facility stands at the convergence of biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence. The center features state-of-the-art capabilities—from high-throughput robotic platforms and automated strain design workflows to fully integrated end-to-end biofoundry operations. These innovations reflect China’s strategic investment in next-generation biomanufacturing and its potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and green chemistry. We extend our deepest gratitude to the facility’s team for their insightful tour and warm hospitality. Their pioneering work embodies a powerful truth: the future of science isn’t just approaching—it’s being built here, one engineered cell at a time. #SyntheticBiology #BioInnovation #ScienceAndTechnology #Shenzhen #Biotech #ResearchInfrastructure #FutureIsNow

Three RCMI Scholars Visit Jinan University

On April 13-14, a delegation of three scholars Research Centre for Chinese Medicine and Innovation visited Jinan University for a high-level academic exchange. The team met with Academician Yao Xinsheng and his distinguished research group to discuss the industrialization of the Sambucus (Elderberry) project and the strategic application for the RAISe+ program. The visit was marked by productive dialogue focused on translating academic research into commercial health solutions. The RCMI scholars and Academician Yao reviewed the technical roadmap for the Sambucus project, exploring opportunities to leverage the university's expertise in natural product chemistry to accelerate product development and market entry. In addition to these strategic discussions, the delegation toured the university's advanced research facilities. They held specialized academic exchanges with Jinan University professors regarding the Long COVID research initiative. Building on their previous collaboration, the teams outlined a framework to extend the study, focusing on long-term patient recovery and post-viral syndrome management. The successful meeting highlights a continued commitment to global scientific collaboration, bridging the gap between academic discovery and public health application.

Research Corner

Strengthening Our TCM Community: RCMI Research Corner Highlights On April 10, 2026, our RCMI Research Corner served as a vital bridge between our leadership and our staff, specifically focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the session, our 4 MC (Member Committee) members gained valuable insights into the diverse backgrounds and specific TCM research interests of our staff members. This open dialogue allowed the MC to better understand the unique expertise within our organization. Impressed by the depth of interest and the strong alignment with our mission, 5 staff members who attended the session formally accepted invitations to join RCMI as official members. This successful exchange marks a significant step in expanding our TCM research network. We look forward to collaborating with our new members and continuing to foster a culture of shared knowledge. #RCMI #TCM #ResearchCommunity #StaffEngagement #TraditionalChineseMedicine #NewMembers

A Historic Visit from SHUTCM

We are pleased to announce a successful collaborative visit with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), co-hosted with RCMI from March 30 to April 1, 2026. The primary objective was to deepen our understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of Medicine and Food Homology. The delegation, led by distinguished academics including Dean Prof. Hailei ZHAO, Prof. Qi XU, and Prof. Lihong SUN, engaged in rigorous academic exchange with our faculty and MSc Dietetics cohort. Key engagement points included: Facility Showcase: A detailed inspection of our food processing, sensory evaluation, and teaching infrastructure. Curriculum Alignment: Strategic discussions on integrating TCM principles into modern dietetics education. Joint Seminar: A critical examination of the historical origins and contemporary relevance of TCM in food science. This visit underscores our commitment to global research collaboration and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern science. Thank you to all participants for a productive and meaningful dialogue. 🤝📚 We are thrilled to wrap up an incredible three-day collaboration between RCMI, FSN and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM)! From March 31 to April 1, 2026, we didn't just talk about the future of food—we lived it. What we accomplished: Connected: Curated curriculum discussions over a welcome dinner. Explored: Walked through our high-tech Food Processing, Sensory, and Teaching labs. Inspired: Our MSc Dietetics students shared ideas with international experts. Learned: A groundbreaking seminar on "Medicine and Food Homology" led by Prof. Hailei ZHAO, Prof. Qi XU, and Prof. Lihong SUN. Discovering how food and TCM have been intertwined for centuries was the highlight of our week. A huge thank you to everyone who made this exchange so impactful! 

RCMI Joins Shouchuang Chinese Medicine Trade Platform to Advance Industry Transformation

On 9 April, our Director joined the launch ceremony of Shouchuang Chinese Medicine Trade Platform—a strategic initiative dedicated to advancing the centralization, standardization, and transparency of Chinese herbal medicine trade. As a key participant, RCMI will contribute scientific expertise to support: Co-development of unified TCM quality and trading standards with Hong Kong Mutual recognition of testing methodologies and certification Interoperable data systems for traceability and market integrity Through this collaboration, RCMI also aims to learn from cross-border best practices, strengthen regulatory alignment, and help build a trusted, modern ecosystem for Traditional Chinese Medicine—one that serves the innovation-driven vision of the Greater Bay Area.

PD-001R Wins International Accolades as Promising Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The project titled “PD-001R: A First-in-Class Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases”, led by Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen—Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation, Chair Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Founder of PolyU spin-off AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited—in collaboration with Dr. ZHAO Chen, Postdoctoral Fellow at FSN, has been awarded both the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and a Gold Medal at an international innovation exhibition. PD-001R is a novel small-molecule drug candidate derived from Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus. It uniquely promotes the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates—a key pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease—and has demonstrated strong oral bioavailability and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, overcoming major challenges in central nervous system drug development. This breakthrough exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research bridging food science, traditional Chinese medicine, biomedical innovation, and translational medicine. The global recognition underscores PolyU’s leadership in pioneering therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lee and Dr. Zhao for this outstanding achievement, which brings distinguished international acclaim to the Department and reflects our shared commitment to research excellence at the frontiers of science and health innovation.

Promoting Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer Care Seminar Successfully Concluded

RCMI was proud to co-organize the “Promoting Integrative Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Breast Cancer Treatment Symposium” held on March 29, 2026. We were honored to have the Director of RCMI deliver the opening speech, setting an inspiring tone for the event. Supported by the HKSAR Government and the Chinese Medicine Development Fund, the seminar brought together experts and scholars from multiple disciplines, including #WesternMedicine, #ChineseMedicine, #Nursing, #Nutrition, and #Pharmacy, to explore the application and development of integrative approaches in breast cancer treatment. Integrative medicine combines the strengths of Western medicine as the primary approach, complemented by Chinese medicine, to provide comprehensive care for patients. This model emphasizes collaboration and synergy, rather than replacement. The event was held in a hybrid format, attracting over 1,000 participants both online and offline. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the exchange of ideas was enthusiastic. Through in-depth discussions, we were reminded that every professional dialogue is a crucial step towards advancing integrative medicine. We firmly believe that collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine is not only the integration of two medical systems, but also a sincere commitment to holistic care for every breast cancer patient. The Cancer Information Charity Foundation and RCMI look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with all experts and partners, contributing more wisdom and warmth to breast cancer prevention and the overall development of healthcare in Hong Kong.

PolyU Research Team Identifies Sustained Antidepressant Mechanism in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula

  PolyU Research Team Identifies Sustained Antidepressant Mechanism in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula A research team led by Professor Sonata YAU, Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and member of both the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), has uncovered the long-term antidepressant effects of two bioactive compounds—geniposide (GP) and shanzhiside methyl ester (SM)—from the traditional Chinese medicine formula Yueju Pill. Using a four-week chronic unpredictable stress mouse model, the study demonstrated that chronic co-administration of GP and SM (referred to as GS) significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors. Notably, high-dose GS enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, effects mediated through PACAP signaling in the dentate gyrus—a pathway confirmed essential, as antidepressant benefits were abolished when PACAP was knocked down. These findings, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, suggest that GS offers a promising therapeutic strategy for long-term depression treatment via a mechanism distinct from conventional neurogenesis-dependent approaches. 👉🔗 Read the full paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299926001950  

Prof. Che delivered PAIR Seminar

🌿 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science 🌿 We were honored to welcome Prof. CHE Chun-tao from the University of Illinois Chicago, USA, for a PAIR Seminar titled “Chinese Medicines and Geriatric Health – A Research Perspective” on 14 January 2026. During the seminar, Prof. Che emphasized the significance of evidence-based Chinese medicine in elderly care, effectively bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific research. The event attracted approximately 90 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of over 15,850 across various social media platforms. Read more: https://polyu.hk/IHfzb  Watch the review: https://youtu.be/Wa1o9SGJkSs

Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks

Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks: Fostering International Collaboration and Innovation Following the Botanical Symposium, we were delighted to host the Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks. This event brought together young scholars and researchers from PolyU, Naresuan University (Thailand), and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, who delivered eight engaging presentations. The topics spanned a wide range of innovative research, including herbal and traditional remedies for neurological and cardiovascular health, advances in inflammation and cognitive health, phytochemical studies of medicinal plants, and new approaches in oral health and drug delivery. The forum fostered vibrant interaction and knowledge exchange, particularly with our colleagues from Naresuan University. We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions, which made the event a truly memorable and inspiring occasion. The event fostered vibrant interaction and collaboration, especially with our colleagues from Naresuan University. We thank all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions and enthusiasm, which made the forum a truly memorable occasion.