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PAIR Newsletter · Issue 16 · December 2025 is now available

We are excited to release the latest issue of the PAIR Newsletter! In Issue 16, we proudly introduce “Impact Stories”, a new article series dedicated to the work of PAIR researchers who are making a positive difference in the world.  Selected PolyU innovations for this issue include colour management technologies, novel fungus-based fat replacer, smart city index, and cooling clothes—research achievements that combinedly help improve our health, advance technologies and optimise living spaces. This issue’s Feature Stories delve into pressing issues in two very different scientific fields: geographical information science and energy science.  Pioneering geographer Prof. Michael GOODCHILD discusses the continuing problem of “uncertainty” in modern-day maps and geospatial data, alongside the booming development of AI.  E-fuel developer Prof. ZHAO Tianshou explains how his innovation provides a “two birds one stone” strategy for the energy sector. Furthermore, multiple PAIR constituent research units have established partnerships with industry and governments for influential collaborations in a variety of fields spanning sports science, healthcare, smart city, and sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Read on to discover the latest updates at PAIR! PAIR Newsletter · Issue 16: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-16/

Prof. TAM Hwa Yaw featured in 21st Century Business Herald: Reflecting on thirty years of fibre optics research and start-up incubation

Prof. TAM Hwa Yaw, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Chair Professor of Photonics, was recently featured in 21st Century Business Herald.  He shared insights from more than thirty years of dedicated research and application in fibre optic technology, as well as his experience in successfully incubating seven companies. Prof. Tam candidly remarked, “It wasn’t that I chose fibre optics, but rather that fibre optics chose me.” This statement reveals the profound bond he has with the technology.  Born in Brunei and raised in Malaysia, Prof. Tam once faced the challenge of being stateless and without a passport due to his unique circumstances.  To broaden his career prospects, he switched from physics to electronic engineering, and it was at the University of Manchester in the UK that he first encountered fibre optic communications—thus beginning his academic and industrial journey. In 2014, Prof. Tam led his team to establish the world’s first city-scale fibre optic sensing network, covering 90% of Hong Kong’s railways, and later expanding the technology to Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia, and other regions.  His railway laser sensing technology earned him the Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis, one of the highest-prized international innovation awards in laser technology.  In recent years, Prof. Tam has further applied fibre optic sensing technology to the medical field, collaborating with the university and hospital in Australia to develop plastic fibre optic sensors for cochlear implant surgery, significantly enhancing the safety and precision of the procedure.  This technology is now entering clinical trials. Prof. Tam places great emphasis on the integration of academia, industry and research, encouraging students to engage in hands-on practice.  He founded the Engineering Entrepreneurship Club to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among undergraduate students. Speaking on the transformation of research into industry in Hong Kong, he believes that government policy support is crucial, and suggests that young scholars should focus on research, while senior academics should actively drive the industrialisation of research outcomes.  Prof. Tam’s journey exemplifies innovative breakthroughs and outstanding contributions, spanning from academia to industry, and from large-scale railway systems to microscopic medical applications. Online coverage: The 21st Century Business Herald - https://polyu.me/4rsJNV9

Gerontech for smart ageing: how AI-powered assistive technology empowers ageing-in-place and elderly care

At the PAIR Seminar on 26 November 2025, Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS from the University of Toronto shared his latest tech-enabled rehabilitation projects at the AgeTech Futures Institute (AgeTech).  His presentation, titled “Supporting and rehabilitating older adults through AgeTech: from prevention to personalised care” explored how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) drive elderly care and rehabilitation services to go beyond the institution-based, recovery-focused model and move towards home-based, personalised care, while also providing support to caregivers and alleviating their burden.  The seminar attracted over 110 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,000 across various social media platforms. Prof. Mihailidis began his presentation by highlighting AgeTech’s pioneering projects, which include sensors for fall detection and home safety; a home-based reminder system called “Remindful” for people living with dementia and their caregivers; AI-driven predictive systems; and AI-driven solutions for generating synthetic memories for helping people with dementia to reclaim lost memories and improve cognitive functions.  Drawing on practical case studies and early machine-learning insights, he demonstrated how integrated data, user-centred design and systems-level approaches can shift rehabilitation from a passive, reactive model to an active, anticipatory one. Prof. Mihailidis further explained how AgeTech, as an independent think tank, is advancing global policy, education and partnerships to scale equitable, human-centred innovation.  Collectively, these efforts outline a path towards a more responsive and empowering future of ageing—one in which technology complements, rather than replaces, care and supports older adults in leading healthier, more connected lives. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Arnold WONG, Associate Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.  Both the on-site and online audiences engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Mihailidis. Please click here for an online review.

PAIR Research Impact Video Series | Episode 4 | Dissecting mental health with mathematical models: From complexity to simplicity, from distress to a matter of choice

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is delighted to present the fourth episode of the PAIR Research Impact Video Series. This series invites PAIR researchers to share their latest research achievements and innovative solutions to major societal challenges. The fourth episode, titled “Dissecting Mental Health with Mathematical Models: From Complexity to Simplicity, from Distress to a Matter of Choice”, features Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar. In this episode, Prof. Qiu discusses her research on applying mathematical and engineering approaches to mental health.  These novel methods enable psychologists to provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Her studies in model analysis and deep learning AI also demonstrate that mothers’ emotions during pregnancy have a direct impact on foetal brain development.  Furthermore, Prof.Qiu’s research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Watch the video now to discover how Prof. Qiu’s research is offering new perspectives and making a significant impact on mental health! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HiO6NDtmg

PolyU research sheds light on century-old mystery — The excitation of Chandler Wobble

Prof. CHEN Jianli, Core Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, together with a team of international experts, has recently published a ground-breaking study in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).  The study provides the first observational evidence confirming the Chandler wobble (CW) excitation theory proposed by British geophysicist Harold JEFFREYS in 1940, which suggests that annual variability in polar motion is a significant mechanism for exciting the CW. The Chandler wobble is an oscillation of the Earth’s rotational axis relative to its surface, with a period of approximately 433 days.  Discovered and named after American astronomer Seth CHANDLER in 1891, the CW is a resonant motion of the Earth’s rotational axis.  Without continuous geophysical excitations, the intensity of the CW naturally weakens over time due to energy loss caused by deformation of the Earth’s mantle material, and friction between the solid Earth, ocean and atmosphere. The amplitude of the CW is variable, but generally falls within the range of 150–350 milliarcsecond (equivalent to 5-10 metres on the Earth’s surface).  However, the CW has experienced two periods of significant decrease (near-absence) since 1900: one in the 1920s and another more recently in the 2010s.  Although movements of water and air masses within the Earth’s climate system are believed to be responsible for maintaining the CW, the precise geophysical excitation mechanism has remained a mystery for over a century.  The driving forces behind the two unprecedented reductions in CW amplitude also remain unknown. The team identified episodes of a near six-year oscillation (SYO) in prograde annual polar motion excitation amplitude over the past 125 years, which they traced to variability within the climate system.  Furthermore, they discovered that the SYO of annual polar motion plays a major role in CW excitation: the team identified SYO episodes in the 1920s and 2010s, which coincide with the reductions in CW amplitude. Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2520272122

Conformal bioelectronic interfaces for enhanced human–machine interaction: Prof. CHEN Xiaodong of NTU delivers PAIR Distinguished Lecture

Prof. CHEN Xiaodong of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Conformal Bioelectronic Interface” on 24 November 2025 at PolyU.  The event attracted over 80 in-person participants and an online audience of over 15,300 across various social media platforms. Prof. Chen commenced his presentation by highlighting the paradigm shift in human-machine interface.  He observed that such interaction is moving beyond graphical interfaces towards natural language, evolving into multimodal experiences that engage all five senses for truly immersive human-digital interaction.  He explained that electrode deformation and skin-stretch can significantly affect electrode-tissue impedance, resulting in signal drift and noise during bioelectronic monitoring.  As the skin generates bioelectric signals, stretching disrupts charge distribution at the electrode interface, temporarily altering skin potential.  Flexible, skin-mounted sensors are particularly sensitive to mechanical deformation—stretching, bending or twisting can alter device geometry and electrical properties, leading to signal drift, motion artefacts and waveform distortion.  Signal drift occurs as a sensor’s baseline readings deviate from its true original values, undermining the reliability of long-term monitoring.  Motion artefacts, caused by relative movement between the device and the skin, produce transient spikes and increased noise that may have obscure physiological signals.  Signal distortion, resulting from non-linear strain effects and anisotropic deformation, alters waveform shapes and reduces the accuracy of data interpretation and machine learning models. Prof. Chen also suggested that materials such as water-responsive supercontractile polymer (WRAP) films demonstrate supercontraction when exposed to moisture, driven by molecular changes and water uptake, enabling electrodes to conformally wrap around tissues. Inspired by the supercontraction of spider silk, this biomimetic technology allows for easy placement of sensors on a surface, followed by tight, conformal contact upon activation.  Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) utilises modalities such as evoked potentials, electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to assess the integrity of a patient’s nervous system during surgery, providing real-time feedback for enhancing procedural safety and preventing neurological injury.  Conformal bioelectronic interfaces offer the promise of seamless integration with biological systems; however, challenges remain in maintaining signal fidelity under deformation to ensure reliable human-machine interaction. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices.  Both the on-site and online audiences engaged in an in-depth discussion with Prof. Chen. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU ranks 46th in “Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2026” by Times Higher Education

In the “Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026” released by the Times Higher Education (THE) and the Schmidt Science Fellows, PolyU is ranked 46th among global universities.  This year, five Hong Kong universities including PolyU are placed among the global top 70, achieving an average score of 71.3 out of 100, making Hong Kong scoring the highest among regions with five or more ranked institutions. PolyU’s achievement in the ranking reflects the University’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary science.  The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), established in 2022, is dedicated to creating a robust ecosystem that supports interdisciplinary research and technology transfer, and facilitates the incubation of spin-off companies for research commercialisation and translation. Introduced last year, the THE interdisciplinary science ranking assesses 911 universities across three dimensions—inputs, process, and output—using 11 metrics, including research funding, facilities, administrative support, reputation and more. Online coverage: The Standard - https://polyu.me/3LRmQuk Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3X8hdKI Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4ocp5WG Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/4iff21N Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/49OBoVJ hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/3LROHKX Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/48vugeD

Harnessing AI for the future of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: insights from Prof. CUI Zhanfeng of Oxford

At the PAIR Seminar on 18 November 2025, Prof. CUI Zhanfeng of the University of Oxford shared the latest development in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).  His presentation titled “AI and Biomanufacture of ATMPs” attracted about 100 in-person participants and an online audience of over 21,000 across various social media platforms. Prof. Cui began his presentation by outlining the current progress of ATMPs, including tissue engineering, stem cell and cell therapies, and gene therapies.  Biomanufacturing of ATMPs presents a range of complexities and challenges due to the intricate nature of these therapies.  The manufacturing processes often require highly specialised facilities and equipment to ensure product safety, consistency and efficacy.  Maintaining stringent quality control is particularly challenging, as ATMPs are predominantly patient-specific or involve living cells that are sensitive to environmental conditions.  Regulatory requirements are rigorous and continually evolving, necessitating robust documentation and validation procedures.  Additionally, scaling up production from laboratory to clinical and commercial levels can be difficult, as processes that work on a small scale may not translate seamlessly to mass production.  These factors, combined with the need for skilled personnel and high production costs, make ATMP biomanufacturing a complex and demanding endeavour. Prof. Cui therefore suggested that AI has significant potential to reduce the costs of biomanufacturing ATMPs by optimising various stages of the production process.  AI-driven analytics can streamline process development by rapidly analysing large datasets to identify optimal conditions for cell growth, gene editing or tissue engineering, thereby reducing the need for costly trial-and-error experimentation.  Machine learning algorithms can predict and prevent manufacturing deviations, improving batch consistency and minimising waste.  AI can also enhance supply chain management by forecasting demand and optimising inventory, thus reducing storage and material costs.  Furthermore, automation powered by AI can reduce labour costs and increase throughput by enabling real-time monitoring and control of complex bioprocesses.  Collectively, these advancements can make ATMP production more efficient, scalable and affordable, ultimately increasing patient access to these cutting-edge therapies. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology.  Both the on-site and online audiences engaged in an in-depth discussion with Prof. Cui. Please click here for an online review.

Bridging the gap between research and practice: realising healthier indoor air

Prof. William P. BAHNFLETH of The Pennsylvania State University, USA, presented a PAIR Seminar titled “How Can We Realise the Aspirations of Indoor Air Science? Lessons from 30 Years Spent Trying to Improve Indoor Air Quality” on 14 November 2025 at the PolyU campus.  The seminar attracted approximately 100 in-person participants and an online audience of over 21,300 across various social media platforms. Prof. Bahnfleth commenced his presentation by outlining his research focus on the development of intelligent building systems that monitor and respond to changes in indoor air quality, aiming to create a healthy air environment for public health.   Drawing upon his extensive experience, he emphasised four key elements for successful research: clearly defining research objectives, fully engaging with the processes required to achieve them, breaking down disciplinary silos, and fostering effective communication with practitioners, the public and regulators.  He noted that the indoor air quality challenges faced by society during the COVID-19 pandemic are not new; they have existed throughout the history of the field.    Prof. Bahnfleth further explained that a significant gap remains between scientific knowledge and practical application.  He asserted that this gap can be bridged, but only if we recognise that the major obstacles are not scientific nor technological, but pertain to human behaviours, risks and uncertainty, standards and regulations, regulatory processes and policy considerations.  He stressed that improving indoor air quality depends on broader engagement and cooperation, which is grounded in the shared vision and collective efforts of all stakeholders. In summary, Prof. Bahnfleth expressed his firm belief that the success we pursue is attainable, provided we understand our current landscape, chart a clear path towards our goals, and persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks. The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science.  Both the on-site and online audiences participated in a productive discussion with Prof. Bahnfleth. Please click here for an online review.

Sixteen PAIR members named Highly Cited Researchers 2025 by Clarivate

PAIR has 16 scholars recognised in the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” by Clarivate Analytics, with one scholar recognised in two categories, underscoring PolyU internationally recognised research and academic excellence and highlighting its contributions to societal development and technological advancement across diverse fields. Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers list recognises academics who have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their respective fields of research.  This year, 6,868 scholars from 60 countries and regions have been named.  The selected scholars have authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year over the past 11 years.  Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are 1 in 1,000. PAIR members named Highly Cited Researchers 2025 are listed below (in alphabetical order by surname): Category Name Title and Faculty/Department/School Computer Science Prof. TAN Kay Chen Head and Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Cross-Field Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. Daniel LAU Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. LI Gang Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. NI Meng Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. Harry QIN Professor of the School of Nursing Prof. Geoffrey SHEN Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Director of Global Engagement, Chair Professor of Construction Management of the Department of Building and Real Estate Prof. WU Tao Chair Professor of Frontier Materials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YAN Feng Chair Professor of Organic Electronics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YANG Guang Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Engineering Prof. YAN Jinyue Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. ZHENG Pai Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Wong Tit Shing Young Scholar in Smart Robotics Materials Science Prof. WANG Lianzhou Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering   For the full list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025, please visit: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/