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PolyU Advances Smart Sewage Management Through Innovative Research

Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, putting growing pressure on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. To address these challenges, researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed an innovative smart sewage management model to enhance the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of underground sewerage networks. Led by Prof. Tarek ZAYED, a member of RICRI and Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate, the research team developed a model that uses deep learning algorithms to analyse sewer pipeline conditions with high accuracy. The system helps infrastructure operators detect deterioration, defects and potential blockages at an early stage, enabling more timely and effective maintenance. The study responds to the urgent need for smarter infrastructure management in dense urban environments, where ageing sewer systems are increasingly vulnerable to extreme rainfall and other climate-related pressures. By integrating intelligent assessment, real-time monitoring and predictive analysis, the model supports a proactive approach to sewer inspection and maintenance. This data-driven solution can help reduce service disruptions, lower operational risks and improve resource allocation. It also highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies in infrastructure management by supporting preventive maintenance and evidence-based decision-making. As cities face the combined pressures of climate change, urbanisation and ageing infrastructure, such innovations will be vital in strengthening urban resilience.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Distinguished Lecture Series

RICRI hosted a distinguished lecture in January, featuring Prof. WANG Huijun, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Climate System Prediction and Risk Management, Professor in the School of Atmospheric Sciences at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as keynote speaker. Titled “Challenges of the Accelerated Global Warming and the Intensification of Climate Extremity”, the lecture brought together faculty members, researchers, students and practitioners to discuss one of the most urgent issues facing the world today. Prof. WANG highlighted the growing risks of heatwaves, droughts, heavy precipitation and compound extreme events, and their impacts on public health, ecosystems, agriculture, water security and renewable energy infrastructure. He emphasised the need to strengthen understanding of climate extremes through integrated Earth system research and to improve climate prediction by combining statistical-dynamic models with artificial intelligence. The lecture was well received and reflected RICRI’s commitment to advancing dialogue on climate resilience and sustainability.

PolyU develops hydrogel coating for solar panels, boosting power generation efficiency towards urban climate resilience

Prof. YAN Jinyue Jerry, a member of RICRI and Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings, has led a PolyU research team in developing an innovative hydrogel coating for solar panels, offering a promising new way to improve solar energy performance in hot weather conditions. Solar panels typically lose efficiency when their temperature rises under prolonged sunlight exposure. This is a common challenge, particularly in regions with strong solar radiation and high ambient temperatures. To address this issue, Prof. YAN’s team developed a hydrogel-based coating that helps cool solar panels passively, enabling them to operate more efficiently and generate more electricity. This research represents an important step forward in renewable energy technology. By using an advanced material to regulate panel temperature without relying on additional energy-consuming cooling systems, the innovation has the potential to enhance the practicality and sustainability of solar power. It also demonstrates how cutting-edge materials research can be translated into solutions for real-world energy challenges. This achievement is not only a testament to Prof. YAN’s research leadership, but also an encouraging example of how innovative technologies can contribute to the broader adoption of clean energy. With further development, the hydrogel coating could support more efficient and reliable solar power systems in a wide range of climates and applications. 

PolyU Study Reveals Arctic Wildfires Threaten Global Climate Resilience by Reducing Snow Cover

A pioneering study led by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that increasingly frequent wildland fires across the Arctic are significantly delaying snow cover formation and could reduce the duration of snow cover by up to 18 days in the future. These findings have profound implications for global ecosystems and underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies. The comprehensive quantitative assessment, spearheaded by Professor WANG Shuo, Associate Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and member of the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, was conducted in collaboration with international experts from the University of California, Irvine, and Columbia University. The research has been published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The study demonstrates that seasonal wildland fires in the Arctic have already delayed the onset of snow cover by at least five days. Projections indicate that, under high-emission scenarios, the annual duration of snow cover could decrease by 18 days by the end of this century. This reduction threatens the Arctic’s critical role in reflecting solar radiation, regulating the planet’s energy balance, and maintaining global hydrological cycles. Professor WANG explained, “Global warming has intensified Arctic wildland fires, making them more frequent and severe. Our research quantifies the links between wildfires, snow formation, and snow cover duration, providing insights into land-atmosphere interactions under climate change.” The study identifies black carbon deposition from wildfires as a key factor reducing surface albedo and increasing solar energy absorption. This leads to higher land and air temperatures, suppressing snow accumulation and delaying snow formation. The resulting feedback loop—where reduced snow cover further exacerbates warming and fire risk—highlights the vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems to cascading climate impacts. These findings provide robust scientific evidence for predicting future hydrological cycles and climate dynamics in the Arctic. They also offer essential guidance for assessing ecosystem resilience and formulating effective climate adaptation strategies, supporting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure worldwide. This research aligns with the United Nations’ “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences” and reinforces PolyU’s commitment to advancing global climate resilience through scientific innovation.

PolyU’s INTACT: Pioneering Urban “Health Checks” to Mitigate Typhoon Risks in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is at the forefront of disaster risk reduction with the development of the INTACT: Intelligent Tropical-storm-resilient System for Coastal Cities. This innovative project, led by Professor Ni Yiqing from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, member of Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), is transforming how cities like Hong Kong assess and respond to the growing threat of extreme weather events. A New Era of Urban Wind Risk Assessment In recent years, Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges from super typhoons such as Mangkhut (2018), Wipha, and Ragasa, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing the highest-level Typhoon Signal No. 10 twice in a single year for the first time in over half a century. These events have highlighted the limitations of traditional wind risk assessment methods, particularly in densely built urban environments where wind flows between high-rise buildings can become highly complex and unpredictable. The INTACT addresses this gap by providing a “precision health check” for the city. Unlike conventional typhoon warnings that focus on the size and path of the storm, INTACT leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to create dynamic “wind maps” of Hong Kong. These maps predict not only the intensity of typhoons but also the actual wind flows at different building heights and locations, identifying areas and structures at greatest risk. Advanced Monitoring and Real-Time Data Collection To achieve this, the research team has deployed Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) instruments at six strategic locations across Hong Kong. These devices continuously monitor wind speed, direction, and temperature, with real-time data shared with the Hong Kong Observatory to enhance weather and typhoon alerts. Building Hong Kong’s Meteorological AI Model By integrating data from LiDAR, the Hong Kong Observatory’s 40-year historical records, and advanced AI-driven modelling, the INTACT project is constructing a high-resolution “Hong Kong Meteorological Large Model.” This model enables real-time forecasting of wind risk for the entire city, supporting the development of a city-wide typhoon risk warning system. Pilot Projects and Future Vision In the coming years, the team plans to pilot the system along the Victoria Harbour waterfront and in the Northern Metropolis, providing early risk warnings for selected buildings and gradually expanding to broader applications. The vision is to implement a “graded warning, zonal notification” system: within 24 hours of an approaching typhoon, dynamic risk maps will be generated and disseminated to the public via the Observatory and mobile platforms. Building owners and managers in high-risk zones will receive tailored recommendations, such as reinforcing specific windows or facades. A Safer, Smarter Future for Hong Kong Professor Ni Yiqing and his team envision a future where cities are equipped with intelligent systems that not only predict the path of typhoons but also provide actionable insights to protect lives and property. The INTACT represents a significant step towards a safer, more resilient Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area.

Statement of Intent Signing Event between RICRI and Partner Universities

A Statement of Intent signing event between Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) and partner universities was successfully held on 5 December 2025 (Friday). Prof. LI Xiangdong, Director of RICRI, represented PolyU, together with representatives from the partner universities listed below in alphabetical order, in the signing event. This signing signifies a mutual commitment to explore opportunities for establishing an International Consortium for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, with the aim of fostering collaborative partnerships and facilitating the practical application of research initiatives. The signing was witnessed by Ir Dr Otto POON, Member of RICRI Steering Committee, Founder and Director of ATAL Engineering Group, Prof. ZHU Songye, Associate Director of RICRI, Interim Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Prof. DUAN Huan-feng, Associate Director of RICRI. Representatives: Prof. Shahria ALAM, The University of British Columbia Prof. Noboru KOSHIZUKA, Vice Dean of Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo  Prof. Richard LIEW, Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore  Prof.dr.ir. Bregje K. van WESENBEECK, Professor of Nature-based Solutions for Flood Risk and Climate Adaptation, Technische Universiteit Delft   

RICRI and SKL-CRCC Join Forces to Fortify Urban Resilience Against Extreme Weather

The Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) is proud to announce the latest advancements in climate resilience research, as highlighted during the recent press conference hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event showcased the close collaboration between RICRI and the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKL-CRCC), underscoring their shared commitment to safeguarding Hong Kong and other coastal cities from the escalating threats posed by climate change and extreme weather events. Dr Otto Poon, University Fellow of PolyU and member of the RICRI Steering Committee, emphasised the growing severity of extreme weather and its profound impact on human life, property, and agriculture. He highlighted RICRI’s dedication to supporting research in four key areas: climate change and extreme weather, urban infrastructure and resilience, rural community disaster mitigation, and climate-resilient policy and adaptation. Dr Poon further stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in integrating research outcomes to build a robust defence against climate threats. Professor Li Xiangdong, Director of RICRI and Director of SKL-CRCC, outlined the synergistic relationship between the two platforms. While SKL-CRCC focuses on high-level fundamental research in climate resilience, RICRI is dedicated to engineering applications, such as mitigating flooding during intense rainfall. This partnership ensures that scientific breakthroughs are effectively translated into practical solutions, minimising the impact of extreme weather on Hong Kong and beyond. Pioneering Research Initiatives The press conference also introduced three cutting-edge research projects developed: Climate Change Monitoring on Cross-Sea Bridges The PolyU team has installed nearly 300 advanced sensors on the Tsing Ma Bridge to monitor structural responses to climate change. These highly sensitive sensors detect even the slightest vibrations, providing valuable data on the bridge’s condition. Over the past 28 years, monitoring has revealed an average annual temperature increase of 0.05°C and a yearly rise of approximately 3.6 hours in typhoon exposure. This monitoring system has also been deployed on other major infrastructures, including Ting Kau Bridge and Kap Shui Mun Bridge. LiDAR Typhoon Monitoring Network Supported by a HK$50 million grant from the Research Grants Council, the “INTACT: Intelligent Tropical-storm-resilient System for Coastal Cities” project leverages LiDAR technology to monitor wind profiles up to 1,000 metres in height. This system fills critical gaps in meteorological data, providing accurate information for the design of both low-rise and high-rise buildings, thereby enhancing urban safety during severe storms. Eco-Friendly Wave-Dissipating Seawalls Addressing the threat of storm surges to coastal areas, the PolyU team is developing innovative, nature-based coastal protection solutions. Using advanced hydraulic engineering facilities, researchers simulate wave impacts to explore new methods for reducing wave force and safeguarding coastal communities. These eco-friendly seawalls aim to balance effective protection with environmental sustainability. Looking Ahead RICRI and SKL-CRCC remain at the forefront of developing resilient infrastructure solutions for a sustainable future. For more information about our research and ongoing initiatives, please visit the RICRI official website.  

PolyU RICRI Delegation Strengthens Climate Resilience Collaboration in Singapore

From 6 to 7 November 2025, a delegation from the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited leading partner universities in Singapore, advancing international collaboration in climate resilience research and education. The delegation, led by Professor Ben YOUNG (Vice President for Student and Global Affairs), Professor LI Xiangdong (Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment & Director of RICRI), Professor Jerry YAN (Chair Professor of Energy Engineering), and Professor DUAN Huan-Feng (Associate Director of RICRI), engaged in fruitful discussions with the Department of Architecture (DoA) at The National University of Singapore (NUS) with Professor HO Huay-Peng (Former Head of Department of DoA), Professor YUAN Chao (Deputy Head of Department of DoA), Professor COMAROFF Joshua and Professor Eddie Siu-Kit LAU. The delegation also visited the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and met Professor YANG Yaowen (Associate Vice President for Lifelong Learning – Academic) and Professor CHU Jian (Chair of CEE). Professor LI detailing the main research scopes and directions as well as ongoing research topics and tasks, including Energy Infrastructure topics led by Professor YAN Jerry and Nature-based Solutions project led by Professor DUAN during the meetings. The delegation introduced RICRI’s pioneering schemes, including the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship (CRIF) and the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Distinguished Lecture Series (CRIDLS), which were highlighted as key initiatives to foster global academic exchange and research excellence. and outlined opportunities for joint research centres and international symposium series. The PolyU team, NUS team sand NTU team expressed strong interest in collaborative research and consortium participation. Followed the meeting, the PolyU delegation was guided on a tour of the laboratories focused on structural engineering, construction, and the environment at NUS and another tour of the coastal and hydraulic engineering laboratory. During the visit to NUS’s Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI), Professor Richard LIEW (Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) and Professor QIAN Xudong (Director of CFI) introduced the broad scopes of CFI, covering fundamental research, engineering applications, and living lab programs that involve collaboration with government agencies and industry partners. Both parties underscored the shared missions of RICRI and CFI, with both institutes recognising the potential for impactful, win-win collaboration in climate resilience. Colleagues from NUS were invited to the upcoming SKL-CRCC opening and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Symposium at PolyU. RICRI remains committed to advancing climate-resilient infrastructure through international partnerships, innovative research, and knowledge exchange, paving the way for a sustainable future.

RICRI Hosts Successful Meeting with CCRS to Explore Future Collaboration

On 28 October 2025, the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) was delighted to welcome representatives from the Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (CCRS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to PolyU for a fruitful meeting aimed at exploring potential collaborations. The meeting was held at PolyU, and brought together directors and key members from both organisations. During the session, Director of CCRS, Prof. LU Mengqian and Director of RICRI, Prof. LI Xiangdong introduced their respective centre and institute, sharing insights into their missions, ongoing research, and strategic priorities. Members of RICRI also took the opportunity to introduce themselves, fostering a spirit of openness and mutual understanding. The discussions centred on the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing climate resilience and sustainability through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Both CCRS and RICRI expressed enthusiasm for working together in the future, recognising the potential to leverage their complementary expertise to address pressing global challenges. RICRI looks forward to building on this successful meeting and exploring meaningful collaborative opportunities with CCRS. We are confident that this partnership will contribute significantly to the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable solutions for Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. For further updates on our collaborative initiatives, please stay tuned to the RICRI website.

CRIRS Progress Report Presented to Steering Committee at PolyU

The first Progress Report Presentation of the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Research Scheme (CRIRS) was successfully held on 2 October 2025 in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The meeting provided a comprehensive review of the scheme’s progress and performance, and was attended by distinguished members of the Steering Committee, including Ir Frank CHAN, Dr Andrew CHAN, and Ir Otto POON. The event was further graced by the presence of President, Prof. TENG Jin-Guang, and Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher CHAO. Before the presentation, Prof. LI Xiang-dong, Director of the Research Institute for Climate Resilience and Innovation (RICRI), shared an overview of the Institute’s key research activities. His remarks highlighted the ongoing efforts and strategic directions of RICRI in advancing climate-resilient infrastructure research. CRIRS is an innovative initiative designed to support projects that not only advance our understanding of climate-resilient infrastructure, but also translate this knowledge into actionable strategies and technologies. Through these projects, RICRI aims to foster interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaborations, empowering stakeholders to work together towards a resilient and sustainable future in the face of global climate change. During the meeting, project leaders presented updates on ongoing research, highlighting significant achievements and outlining future directions. The Steering Committee members provided valuable feedback and strategic guidance, ensuring that the scheme remains aligned with its mission to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. The presence of university leadership underscored the institution’s strong commitment to advancing climate resilience research and innovation. The CRIRS Progress Report Presentation served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and strategic planning, reinforcing PolyU’s role as a leader in climate-resilient infrastructure research. The university looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders and experts to drive impactful solutions for a sustainable future.