HONG KONG – October 28, 2026 — The 16th International Conference on Atmospheric Sciences and Applications to Air Quality (ASAAQ 2026) has drawn to a successful close after three days of intensive academic exchange hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Bringing together more than 300 distinguished researchers, industry practitioners and young scholars originating from 15 countries and regions worldwide, the event serves as a flagship international forum advancing atmospheric science and air quality governance.
Co organised by National Central University, Hong Kong Baptist University and the Research Institute for Land and Space of PolyU, ASAAQ 2026 featured opening remarks by Prof. WANG Zuankai, PolyU Associate Vice President (Research), and gathered world renowned plenary speakers, including Prof. Rajasekhar BALASUBRAMANIAN, Prof. Donald R. BLAKE, Prof. Gregory CARMICHAEL, Prof. CHEN Jianmin, Prof. Lidia MORAWSKA, Prof. TAO Shu, Prof. TSAI Chuen Jinn, Prof. WANG Tao, Prof. ZHU Tong and Prof. Ralf ZIMMERMANN, alongside an international advisory committee of leading global experts in the field.
The comprehensive scientific programme featured 10 plenary lectures, 43 keynote speeches, 154 oral presentations and 40 poster presentations, covering frontier topics spanning urban air quality under climate warming, atmospheric chemistry aerosol ozone climate feedback, AI driven atmospheric modelling, multi platform environmental observation, air quality policy assessment, and health related atmospheric impacts and community oriented climate resilience solutions. Throughout the conference, participants shared cutting edge research outcomes, debated urgent environmental challenges, and built cross border, interdisciplinary research partnerships to tackle global air pollution threats.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. WANG Zuankai underscored that ASAAQ 2026 acts as a vital window showcasing Hong Kong’s research strengths in atmospheric observation, pollution control and sustainable urban development to the global scientific community. The conference reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an international knowledge hub for air quality science and atmospheric environmental innovation. In his opening welcome address, Conference Chairman Ir Professor GUO Hai highlighted ASAAQ’s core mission as a high level, inclusive academic platform for global researchers to disseminate latest discoveries, develop actionable mitigation solutions and strengthen international scientific collaboration. “We are delighted to host this global gathering at PolyU. Beyond knowledge sharing, we aim to foster new partnerships that support real world progress for atmospheric environment protection,” Prof. GUO remarked. A significant moment of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the ASAAQ Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. WANG Wenxing. This award recognised his outstanding and enduring contributions to environmental science, his decades-long leadership in environmental protection efforts in China, and his lasting impact on shaping future generations of scientists.
The conference banquet offered a relaxed atmosphere for scholars to continue academic conversations and nurture prospective research collaborations. To offer delegates an immersive taste of local heritage, the host specially arranged a traditional Hong Kong style lion dance performance during the dinner, presenting the unique cultural charm of Hong Kong to international attendees. Many participants also took the opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s unique culture, city skyline and local hospitality.
During the closing session, the organising committee presented a suite of conference awards, including one Best Exhibit Award, one Best Technology Innovation Award, ten Young Scientists Best Poster Presentation Awards, and twenty Young Scientists Best Oral Presentation Awards, to recognise outstanding research outputs from participating early career investigators. Special appreciation was extended to all speakers, session chairs, presenters, sponsors, supporting organisations and the conference secretariat, whose collective dedication underpinned the full success of ASAAQ 2026.
As participants return to their home institutions, the scientific networks and collaborative ideas forged during ASAAQ 2026 will continue to grow. The organising committee looks forward to further advancing atmospheric science research and welcoming the global community to future editions of the ASAAQ conference series.
| Research Units | Research Institute for Land and Space |
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