A delegation from the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at the University of Waterloo (UW) from 9 to 14 May 2026. The PolyU RCNN delegation included Prof. Jianhua Hao (Director of RCNN), Prof. Raymond Wai-yeung Wong, Prof. Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, and Prof. Ming Yang.
During the visit, a UW-PolyU Joint Workshop on Sustainable Nanotechnology was held. The workshop featured opening remarks by Prof. Kirsten Müller (Associate Vice-President, Research Grants and Infrastructure, UW), Prof. Todd Holyoak (Associate Dean of Faculty of Science, UW), Prof. Sushanta Mitra (Executive Director of WIN, co-Director of RCNN, UW), and Prof. Jianhua Hao, followed by presentations from Prof. Yimin Wu (member of UW RCNN), Prof. Ming Yang, Prof. Boxin Zhao (member of UW RCNN), Prof. Lawrence Lee, Prof. Juewen Liu (member of UW RCNN), and Prof. Dayan Ban (member of UW RCNN). Prof. Lili Liu (Dean, Faculty of Health, UW) and Prof. Shirley Tang (member of UW RCNN) also attended this workshop.
In addition to the workshop, the RCNN delegation toured WIN’s state-of-the-art laboratories, including the facilities of Prof. Boxin Zhao and Prof. Yimin Wu. During these tours, it was discussed that Prof. Boxin Zhao will send a student to exchange in Prof. Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee’s group at PolyU, with Prof. Lee serving as co-supervisor. The delegation also attended the WIN Distinguished Lecture delivered by Prof. Arben Merkoçi. Finally, the two sides held discussions on future projects and next steps, including ongoing collaborative projects and student exchange programmes.
This visit holds great significance for RCNN in strengthening its strategic partnership with UW WIN. By engaging directly with WIN researchers, touring world-class facilities, initiating a concrete student exchange, and exploring joint funding opportunities, RCNN has laid a solid foundation for long-term collaboration in sustainable nanotechnology. The outcomes position both centres as global leaders in advancing nanomaterials, energy systems, and bioinspired technologies.
