News

Prof. Wong Ka-hing elected as the Election Committee Member (Agriculture and Fisheries Subsector)

Congratulations to Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Member of the Management Committee of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, for being elected as member of the Election Committee’s Agriculture and Fisheries Sub-sector after winning the Election Committee Subsector (ECSS) By-elections 2025 held on 7 September 2025. Prof. Wong also currently holds various public and organisational appointments, serving as Member of the Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of The Government of HKSAR; Vice-Chairman of the Expert Committee on Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, HKSAR; Committee Member of the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HKSAR; and Governing Board Member of the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre. Our warmest congratulations again to Prof. Wong! Full list of election results: https://www.elections.gov.hk/ecss2025by/eng/results_s3.html Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News 當選選委1/4為區議員 30人屬「三會」 19人關愛隊成員 6界別總投票率97.3% 8 September 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU

Innovative Green Technology: Prof. Daniel Lau Transforms CO2 into Valuable Products for Industry and Space Exploration

Prof. Daniel Lau Shu-ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials from the Department of Applied Physics, is set to revolutionize carbon capture technologies with a dual vision: transforming carbon dioxide into ethylene for industrial use and miniaturizing the process for future space missions. His cutting-edge technology is poised for integration at the I.PARK1 waste-to-energy plant, which will process 3,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily upon completion. Prof. Lau's innovative system captures CO2, reacting it with water using renewable electricity to produce ethylene, a key petrochemical traditionally made through energy-intensive methods. His second-generation technology has already demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency, maintaining functionality for 2,000 at industrial-scale electricity levels in lab tests. As global industries face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, Prof. Lau’s approach offers a viable solution. A state-owned petrochemical plant in Shanghai has agreed to trial his technology, marking a potential breakthrough in commercial viability. With plans to miniaturize the device for space applications, Prof. Lau's work not only addresses emissions but also aligns with Hong Kong’s sustainability goals, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. This pioneering effort underscores the critical role of innovation in tackling climate change and fostering a sustainable future.     Online coverage: China Daily Pioneering Green Tech Eyes Space Application, Industry Boost 26 August 2025 China Daily Hong Kong The answer to climate change 29 August 2025  Source: Department of Applied Physics, PolyU

RCNN Held Strategic Meeting to Review Progress and Plan Future Collaborative Initiatives

The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) held a meeting on 25 August, 2025 at PolyU, to review recent achievements and outline strategies for future growth and collaboration. The meeting was chaired by Director Prof. Jianhua HAO and attended by Co-Director Prof. Sushanta MITRA, along with team members including Prof. Yi JIANG, Prof. Biao ZHANG, Prof. Ming YANG, and Prof. Linli XU. Prof. Hao presented a comprehensive update on RCNN’s recent progress, highlighting the following: Team and Collaborations: The current team structure, including collaborative researchers and committees, remains strong and active. Publications and Output: RCNN continues to produce high-impact publications and academic talks. Research Projects: The centre has successfully secured both external and internal funding, including support for six interdisciplinary projects through its seed funding program. Partnership with University of Waterloo (UW): Collaborative efforts with UW have intensified over the past year, marked by an MOU signing, mutual visits, a joint workshop, and management committee meetings. Recognition and Engagement: RCNN members have received prestigious honors, including Top Scientist awards and fellowship elections to esteemed academies. Events: RCNN organized several high-profile events, including the Forum on Nano Research for Innovation, InfoSummit 2024, and the PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop. Global Standing: RCNN is now the sole representative from PolyU and Hong Kong to join N4SNano as an academic member. PolyU’s global subject ranking in “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” (Source: U.S. News Best Global University Subject Ranking) has risen significantly—from 68th to 39th—since RCNN’s establishment. Prof. Sushanta Mitra introduced some seed funding opportunities with international partners from Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology in University of Waterloo. Upcoming opportunities include funding collaborations and Student Attachment Programmes. Moving forward, RCNN aims to continue its trajectory of excellence by publishing top-tier papers, pursuing strategic initiatives, and expanding collaborations in cutting-edge applications and knowledge transfer.  

PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop on Nano Research Concludes Successfully

Hong Kong, March 29 – The PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop on Nano Research for Functional Device Applications was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, bringing together nearly 60 distinguished scholars and researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and The University of Hong Kong. The workshop commenced with opening addresses by the workshop Chair, Prof.Jianhua Hao, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at PolyU, and Co-chair Prof. Jiangyu Li, Chair Professor and Director of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Oxide Materials and Device and Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at SUSTech. They highlighted the significance of bilateral collaboration in advancing nanotechnology research. Five renowned professors from SUSTech's Department of Materials Science and Engineering delivered insightful invited speeches on cutting-edge developments in nano research for functional device applications: Prof. Jiazhen Wu Prof. Rui-Tao Wen Prof. Yanhao Yu Prof. Changjian Li Prof. Boyuan Huang The subsequent Q&A and discussion sessions fostered vibrant academic exchanges, with active participation from attendees that sparked thoughtful dialogue between presenters and the audience. The workshop provided an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and potential research collaboration opportunities in the field of functional device applications. This bilateral event marks an important milestone in strengthening academic ties between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Southern University of Science and Technology, paving the way for future cooperation in nanotechnology research and development.

PolyU RCNN hosted the International Conference on Information Technology and Materials 2024

The InfoSummit 2024, the International Conference on Information Technology and Materials, was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 8 to 11 November. This prestigious event was organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, WILEY, InfoMat, and InfoScience, with the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as the host. The conference gathered renowned scholars from various countries and regions, including China, the USA, Germany, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau. Participants engaged in discussions on cutting-edge research topics related to new information technologies, materials, and devices, focusing on areas such as the info-technology in energy storage and conversion and conversion (InfoEnergy), artificial intelligence applications based on the info-materials (InfoAI), advanced optoelectronics for state-of-art info-technology (InfoOptronics), and the info-materials and info-technology in cross-disciplinary research areas (InfoX). Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President and Chair Professor at PolyU, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the conference organizer. He warmly welcomed the global experts and scholars attending the conference, expressing gratitude for their participation. As a top global university, PolyU is committed to cultivating future leaders with a global perspective and social responsibility while promoting impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address pressing global challenges. Prof. Wong emphasized that the theme of “Information Technology and Materials” will play a vital role in achieving these goals. The Chairman of the conference and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, Prof. Yanrong Li, underscored the swift evolution of emerging industries, particularly those propelled by next-generation information technologies and renewable energy. He emphasized that these advancements place increasing demands on materials, highlighting the need to tackle both original challenges and fundamental issues in system and product applications. Prof. Li called for a concerted effort to drive technological innovation and societal progress through these critical developments. Dr. Guangchen Xu, Director of Physical Sciences China at WILEY, briefly introduced the development history of WILEY. WILEY is committed to building a strong research community and promoting impactful research, centered around the belief in the transformative power of science and academia. He mentioned that the journals InfoMat and InfoScience are at the forefront of materials science and information technology, witnessing the rapid development of materials science in diverse applications such as electronics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology. Finally, he expressed hope that scholars would actively communicate at the conference, showcase groundbreaking research, promote cooperation, and inspire innovation. Prof. Jianhua Hao, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at PolyU, and Associate Editor-in-Chief of InfoMat and InfoScience, presided over the opening ceremony of the conference. The conference included four major parallel sessions and an editor roundtable forum. Plenary speakers included Prof. Xiaoqing Pan from the University of California, Irvine. Prof. Rengen Xiong from Southeast University/ Nanchang University. Prof. Jiannong Cao from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Prof. Cheolmin Park from Yonsei University. Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt from Chemnitz University of Technology, and Prof. Huiyun Liu from University College London. The InfoSummit 2024 provided a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas and research, reinforcing the vital link between information technology and materials science in the advancement of global scientific endeavors.  

PolyU and University of Waterloo partner to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology for advanced applications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has teamed up with the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at the University of Waterloo (UW), Canada’s largest nanotechnology institute, to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN). This Centre will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research, advancing fundamental knowledge of nanotechnology and addressing societal challenges. The RCNN aims to enhance nano research, foster collaborative research for cutting-edge applications and promote knowledge transfer between the two institutions. By leveraging the strengths and resources of PolyU and UW, this international strategic partnership is set to make impactful contributions towards tackling global challenges across various domains, including functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, and biomedical technologies. The Centre’s launch ceremony was held alongside the Forum on Nano Research for Innovation at the PolyU campus on 3 September. The event attracted the participation of over 80 scholars, researchers and industry professionals. The ceremony to celebrate the official establishment of the Centre was officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Jianhua HAO, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of the RCNN; Prof. Raymond Wai-yeung WONG, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Prof. Daniel S.P. LAU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of the Research and Innovation Office; and Prof. Sushanta MITRA, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering of UW. In his welcome address at the launch ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao emphasised the significant impact of nano research in its connection to various fields of science and engineering. The partnership between PolyU and UW marks a major milestone in their shared pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation. The RCNN serves as a unique research platform and facility that harnesses international research expertise to develop novel approaches and technologies in nanoscience for diverse applications, ultimately enhancing human life. Prof. Jianhua Hao explained that in the face of the rapid development of nanotechnology, the RCNN is committed to strengthening its research efforts and addressing challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The Centre seeks sustainable funding to propel advanced applications and foster knowledge exchange between academia and industry. By leveraging publications in respected journals, the RCNN also aims to build up an international reputation and global standing in the field. Prof. Sushanta Mitra highlighted the fact that the application of nanotechnology not only enhances efficiency, strength and cost-effectiveness but also creates new development opportunities. WIN has a substantial 285,000 square feet of expansive technology research and development space and facilities, which play a key role in the development of advanced materials, interconnected devices and innovative energy systems, as well as in the establishment of the RCNN. The Forum brought together international speakers and participants with the aim of sparking innovative ideas to drive technological advancements and impactful solutions. Prof. Zhong Lin WANG, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and International Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering and Prof. Zhongwei CHEN, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, delivered keynote speeches aimed at promoting new technologies and impactful solutions by inspiring innovative thinking. Distinguished international speakers, including UW researchers, shared their expertise and insights on nano research related to functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, as well as biomedical and health technologies. Earlier, in June, Prof. Jianhua Hao visited UW to discuss future research collaborations, including joint research proposals, faculty and researcher mobility, co-supervision of PhD and postdoctoral fellows, and the co-organisation of international conferences and workshops. WIN is a global leader in discovering and developing smart and functional materials, connected devices, next generation energy systems, and therapeutics and theranostics. These discoveries made by scientists and engineers are fundamentally transforming the world and addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Joint Research Centre with Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology

Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) has assembled academic staff from five departments (AP, ABCT, FSN, BME, CEE) within three faculties (FS, FENG and FCE) of PolyU to research on the relevant topics of the three areas, including nano research for functional device, clean energy and environmental applications, biomedical and healthcare technologies. In the last decade, more and more researchers have involved in nano research research field and a number of works by PolyU have been done in nanomaterials, multifunctional nano devices, nanotechnology for biomedicine and sustainable development. On the other hand, the University of Waterloo (UW) holds Canada's largest nanotechnology institute, namely Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) committed to the UN sustainable development goals.    The RCNN aims to advance fundamental knowledge of nano research, initiate collaborative research activities for cutting edge applications, and promote knowledge transfer. In this June, Professor Jianhua Hao, Chair Professor and Director of RCNN paid a visit to UW and the signing ceremony was held there. The potential areas of collaboration between PolyU and UW include coordinating joint research proposals for various funding agencies, support mobility of faculty members and researchers between the two institutions, Joint workshop and international conference, and co-supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.    Through this partnership, RCNN and the WIN are poised to make significant contributions towards solving pressing global challenges in the areas of functional devices, clean energy and environmental applications, and biomedical and health technologies.