News

Establishment of Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) with support from the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation. This institute aims to lead globally in developing resilient and sustainable solutions for urban and rural areas to address climate change challenges. The opening ceremony at Hotel ICON attracted nearly 300 participants, including academics and industry experts. RICRI collaborates with renowned experts from Mainland China and Hong Kong government departments to create an interdisciplinary research platform that integrates government, industry, academia, and research for sustainable development.Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, highlighted RICRI as a significant milestone in addressing climate change, made possible by Otto Poon's generous support. Dr. Otto Poon emphasized the need for societal collaboration to enhance infrastructure resilience through research and innovation. Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, discussed government strategies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and enhancing climate resilience.Led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li, RICRI focuses on climate change, urban infrastructure resilience, rural disaster mitigation, and climate-resilient policy. The accompanying forum covered topics like extreme climate event prediction, urban infrastructure resilience, and rural community adaptation. The Otto Poon Charitable Foundation has previously supported PolyU's smart city and energy research institutes, further strengthening its capabilities in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience. RICRI will provide research schemes and funding, including lecture series, fellowships, and research initiatives in climate-resilient infrastructure.For more information about the Research Institute, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ricri/​

Study by Prof. WANG Tao’s Team Links Soil Emissions to Global Ozone Pollution

A new study by Prof. WANG Tao, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Dr WANG Yanan, Postdoctoral Fellow, has been published in Nature Communications. The research examines how climate change and fertilisation practices are increasing soil nitrous acid emissions, which in turn worsen global ozone pollution. The study highlights the significant role of soil reactive nitrogen emissions in affecting air quality and vegetation. It recommends more efficient fertiliser use, including deep placement and precise application rates, to reduce emissions and support sustainable food production. These findings underline the importance of managing soil emissions as part of efforts to address climate change and food security.   Review the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57161-6

Advancing Sustainable Marine Infrastructure: Prof. LI Xiangdong’s Low-Carbon Concrete Initiative

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is making significant strides in sustainable construction under the guidance of Prof. LI Xiangdong, Director of RICRI. Prof. LI leads a multidisciplinary team that has secured HK$6.03 million from the HKSAR Government’s Green Tech Fund to develop a pioneering low-carbon, self-healing concrete for marine use. This project addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to natural aggregates, which are increasingly scarce. By integrating recycled aggregates enhanced through biomineralisation, the team utilises marine bacteria to capture carbon dioxide and accelerate the carbonisation process. This not only improves the durability and self-healing properties of the concrete but also reduces carbon emissions and promotes the recycling of construction waste. The innovative material is designed to withstand harsh marine environments, making it ideal for coastal engineering and marine infrastructure. The research will include field trials and lifecycle assessments to ensure the concrete meets high standards for durability and environmental protection. Expected outcomes include practical guidelines for design and mixing, as well as insights into the ecological impact of this new material. Prof. LI emphasises that this initiative will help reduce landfill pressures, conserve land resources, and contribute to carbon neutrality, supporting the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.