News

Smart Adaptation: The Fusion of AI and Robotics for Dynamic Environments

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of automated robotics that are adaptive to their environments.   The field of robotics has made remarkable strides over the past few decades, yet it continues to face challenges that hinder the full utilisation of its potential. Traditional robots often rely on pre-programmed instructions and restricted configurations, limiting their ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances. AI technologies - encompassing cognition, analysis, inference, and decision-making-enable robots to operate intelligently, significantly enhancing their capabilities to assist and support humans.  By augmenting robots with AI technologies within engineering systems, we can expect more ever-present applications in industry, agriculture, logistics, medicine, and beyond, allowing robots to perform complex tasks with greater autonomy and efficiency. This technological enhancement unleashes the potential of robotics in real-world applications, offering solutions to pressing medical and environmental problems and facilitating a paradigm shift towards intelligent manufacturing in the context of Industry Revolution 4.0.   With the application of AI, a research team led by Prof. Dan ZHANG, Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has fabricated a number of novel robotic systems with high dynamic performance. Prof. ZHANG’s research team has recently proposed a grasp pose detection framework that applies deep neural networks to generate a rich set of omnidirectional (in six degrees of freemen “6-DoF”) grasp poses with high precision. To detect the objects to be grasped, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are applied in a multi-scale cylinder with varying radii, providing detailed geometric information about each object’s location and size estimation. Multiple multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs) optimise the precision parameters of the robotic manipulator to grasp objects, including the gripper width, grasp score (for specific in-plane rotation angles and gripper depths) as well as collision detection. These parameters are fed into an algorithm within the framework, extending grasps from pre-set configurations to generate comprehensive grasp poses tailored for the scene. Experiments reveal that the proposed method consistently outperforms the benchmark method in laboratory simulations, achieving an average success rate of 84.46% compared to 78.31% for the benchmark method in real-world experiments. In addition, the research team leverages AI technologies to enhance the functionality and user experience of a novel robotic knee exoskeleton for the gait rehabilitation of patients with knee joint impairment. The structure of the exoskeleton includes an actuator powered by an electric motor to assist knee flexion/extension actively, an ankle joint that transfers the weight of the exoskeleton to the ground, and a stiffness adjustment mechanism powered by another electric motor.  A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network in a machine learning algorithm is applied to provide real-time nonlinear stiffness and torque adjustments, mimicking the biomechanical characteristics of the human knee joint. The network is trained on a large dataset of electromyography (EMG) signals and knee joint movement data, enabling real-time adjustments of the exoskeleton’s stiffness and torque based on the user’s physiological signals and movement conditions. By predicting necessary adjustments, the system adapts to various gait requirements, enhancing the user’s walking stability and comfort.  The integration of an adaptive acceptance control algorithm based on Radial Basis Function (RBF) networks enables the robotic knee exoskeleton to automatically adjust joint angles and stiffness parameters without the need for force or torque sensors. This enhances the accuracy of position control and improves the exoskeleton’s responsiveness to different walking postures. This data-driven approach refines the model’s predictions and improves overall performance over time. Experimental results demonstrate that the model outperforms traditional fixed control methods in terms of accuracy and real-time responsiveness, generating the desired reference joint trajectory for users at different walking speeds.   Prof. ZHANG’s innovation reveals that AI techniques, particularly deep learning, have improved the ability of robots to perceive and understand their environments. This advancement contributes to more effective and flexible solutions for handling tasks beyond fixed configurations in standard settings. The melding of AI and robotics not only enhances precision and accuracy but also introduces new capabilities for robotic automation, enabling real-time decision-making and continuous learning. As a result, robots can improve their performance over time, leading to extended utilisation of robotics in society for future endeavours. Source: Innovation Digest, Issue 1  For more about research  

PolyU shines at the 4th Nanchang Healthcare Expo, showcasing innovations in medicine-engineering integration and AI

The 4th China (Nanchang) International Healthcare Industry Conference and Expo 2025 was successfully launched on 6 June at the Nanchang Greenland International Expo Centre in Jiangxi. This prominent event serves as a key platform for exchange and collaboration within Mainland China’s healthcare industry. As the sole representative of Hong Kong's higher education institutions, PolyU invited 11 research teams to the expo to showcase cutting-edge research and technological achievements in healthcare. The teams demonstrated PolyU’s innovative strengths in medicine-engineering integration and artificial intelligence.  Held under the theme “Technology-Driven Health and Reshaping New Business Models,” the expo covers the entire healthcare value chain, including biomedicine, medical devices, the silver economy, smart healthcare, traditional Chinese medicine, health consumption, and smart living. PolyU’s exhibition included:  “Portable, self-testing retinal fundus camera integrated with AI system”, led by Prof. Mingguang HE, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the PolyU School of Optometry and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health  “An intelligent ankle rehabilitation robot” developed by Prof. ZHANG Dan, Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering  “An AI-Assisted Pharmaceutical Product Development Platform” led by Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology  “A wearable Smart Navigation and Interaction System for the Visually Impaired” developed by Prof. Weisong WEN, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering  “Liverscan, a palm-sized ultrasound device for fatty liver and liver fibrosis assessment" and "Scolioscan, 3D ultrasound imaging device to provide radiation-free assessment of scoliosis" led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping,  Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering “Digital Strolling” for alleviating depression in mobility-impaired individuals led by Prof. Yan LI, Assistant Professor (Presidential Young Scholar) of the PolyU School of Nursing  “Virtual MRI Contrast Enhancement System” led by Prof. CAI Jing, Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics  “The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” led by Prof. HU Xiaoling, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering  "E-bibliotherapy App for Caregivers of People with Dementia" led by Prof. Shanshan WANG, Assistant Professor of the PolyU School of Nursing  "Dementia Simulation Game Kit" led by PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation  Mr Victor ZHAO, Associate Director of the PolyU Research and Innovation Office, attended the opening ceremony, alongside industry leaders, including representatives from the Jiangxi Provincial Government, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, representatives from the Nanchang Municipal People's Government, and other distinguished guests. The event fostered vibrant academic exchanges and business discussions. Local media also conducted interviews with the PolyU research teams, further broadening public awareness of PolyU's cutting-edge scientific research and its contributions to the field.  PolyU has a strong foundation in medical education and innovation. By integrating healthcare with artificial intelligence, engineering, and data science through interdisciplinary strategies, PolyU is committed to addressing diverse medical challenges, enhancing healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and advancing Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for health and medical innovation.  

PolyU and Peking University Third Hospital join forces to establish Joint Research Laboratory on Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking Third Hospital (PUTH) signed a collaboration agreement last month to officially establish the “Joint Research Laboratory on Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation”. This partnership aims to advance cutting-edge research and innovation in musculoskeletal health and sports rehabilitation by leveraging the clinical expertise, medical engineering and translational research strengths of both institutions, and to promote the translation and application of research outcomes. The agreement signing ceremony and the plaque unveiling ceremony of the joint research laboratory were held at PUTH. The agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU and Prof. FU Wei, President of PUTH. Following this, witnessed by Prof. Dong Cheng and Prof. Fu Wei, the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Joint Research Laboratory on Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation” was jointly officiated by Prof. Marco PANG, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) of PolyU, and Prof. LI Rong, Vice President of PUTH and Director of the Reproductive Medicine Department, symbolising the official launch of the joint research laboratory and marking a significant step forward in academic and medical research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland China. Prof. Dong Cheng remarked, “In the face of global population ageing and the increasing burden of chronic diseases, sports rehabilitation plays an increasingly vital role in improving quality of life and alleviating healthcare pressures. This collaboration between PolyU and PUTH will not only deepen academic exchange between the two institutions but also inject new momentum into the field of sports rehabilitation in the Greater China region. We look forward to working closely with PUTH to develop the joint laboratory into a hub for research innovation and talent development serving the Asia-Pacific region.” Prof. Fu Wei stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with PolyU to advance impactful research projects and promote the translation of innovative achievements in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, benefiting patients and fostering the further development of rehabilitation medicine.” PolyU and PUTH will leverage their respective strengths to establish an integrated and interdisciplinary joint research laboratory. The partnership will promote scientific research, technological innovation and talent cultivation in the field of sports rehabilitation, with the goal of improving patient recovery outcomes and contributing to healthy ageing.

PolyU study uncovering Hong Kong’s hidden history with cutting-edge geospatial technologies receives Innovation and Technology Fund grant

Hong Kong’s rich history is interwoven with layers of untold stories, many buried beneath the surface of its bustling modern landscape. A project led by researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics seeks to reveal and record the City’s lost history hidden underground by utilising cutting-edge geospatial technologies and to launch public education programmes to promote the conservation and better understanding of the City’s cultural heritage. The project has received funding of HK$3.22 million from the General Support Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF-GSP) of the Innovation and Technology Commission. The two-year project “Antiquity and Heritage Lost, Found and Revealed: Promotion of 21st Century Geo-spatial Technologies,” led by Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, aims to identify and capture images of hidden and buried wartime relics, cultural antiquities, and heritage sites in Hong Kong by utilising advanced geospatial technologies. These technologies include geo-referencing and mapping techniques, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, and geophysical technologies, enhancing the understanding of Hong Kong’s battlefields and cultural heritage sites. The research is being conducted in collaboration with Prof. Chi-Man KWONG, Associate Professor of the Department of History of Hong Kong Baptist University, and local amateur war historians. PolyU research team has collaborated with the Government, universities and industry partners, while also working closely with National Geographic Magazine, Scientific American, as well as the Pokfulam Farm, a collaboration between NGO and community in Pokfulam village, to promote public engagement and the use of advanced geospatial technologies in uncovering Hong Kong’s hidden stories. Utilising geospatial and geophysical technologies to reconstruct and revive Hong Kong’s history, the team has recently uncovered “lost and found” stories from five cultural and wartime heritage sites. These include the Gin Drinkers Line; Mount Davis Battery, the East Brigade Headquarters in Tai Tam; Pokulam Village and the Old Dairy Farm; Fan Lau Fort on Lantau Island, and Tung Chung Fort. To promote technology-driven historical interpretation, geo-spatial mapping and conservation, and STEAM education, the PolyU team will provide a range of education programmes including field visits to cultural and wartime heritage sites in Hong Kong, STEAM-focused seminars and talks, interactive workshops, and immersive learning exhibitions. The project has been supported by advanced facilities at the PolyU Industrial Centre, including its Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) and 3D printing facilities, to enable an immersive learning experience for secondary and tertiary students on combining art-tech with history to depict Hong Kong’s hidden stories. This initiative is expected to leverage 21st Century geospatial technologies to enrich STEAM education, deepen public appreciation for cultural heritage, foster widespread community participation, and promote effective knowledge sharing. Prof. Wallace Lai said, “The project combines cutting-edge technology with historical investigation, uncovering and preserving cultural legacies. More than just an educational platform, it also serves as a vital reminder to safeguard our collective memories in humanities. Through advanced technologies, interactive education, and innovative approaches that blend art, technology, and historical interpretation, we aim to ignite a passion for learning in the next generation. Our mission is to preserve and revitalise Hong Kong’s rich history, ensuring it remains a vibrant and enduring presence in their hearts and minds.” With support from the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, Prof. Lai is expanding this study to Southeast Asia, building on Hong Kong’s experience in applying geo-spatial technologies. In May of this year, the team embarked on its first expedition to Malacca, where they conducted 3D-scanning and mapping of the iconic fortification gate and St. Paul Church, both dating back to the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods. Using digitised old maps alongside advanced scanning and mapping techniques, they also uncovered traces of lost and buried colonial fortification walls. Further expeditions are planned for other regions in Malaysia To raise public awareness and deepen understanding of the importance of innovation and technology, the ITF-GSP aims to support non-research and development projects that contribute to the upgrading and development of Hong Kong’s industries, the fostering of an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong, as well as promoting popular science.

PolyU young researcher to lead carbon-free energy conference with support from NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to fostering the development of young scholars by promoting their collaborative networks and the pursuit of research excellence. A project led by a young PolyU scholar has received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) /RGC Joint Research Scheme (Conference Grant) 2025/26 to host a conference on carbon-free energy. Led by Prof. Yu GUAN, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Carbon-free energy utilization empowered by AI” has been awarded a grant of HK$249,800 for a duration of 12 months under the NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme (Conference Grant). This project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Xi Xia from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme’s conference proposals are assessed based on the research standing of the Main and Co-organisers, guest speakers, the level of participation by local and Mainland researchers and students, and prospects for new/longer-term research collaboration between Hong Kong and Mainland researchers. The RGC provides applicants with funding for a two or three-day conference in Hong Kong. The maximum amount of RGC grant per conference is HK$250,000.

PolyU scholar honored with the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award for contributions to Web3 and digital economy

Scholars from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) are committed to pioneering research excellence and providing innovative solutions to the ever-changing needs of society and technology. Prof. AU Man Ho Allen, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Department of Computing at PolyU, has been recognised with the prestigious Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award 2024-25 for his outstanding contributions to the Web3 ecosystem and the digital economy. Prof. AU has made significant contributions to information security, applied cryptography, and blockchain technology, pioneering innovative research in these fields. His work focuses on developing practical, secure, and privacy-preserving cryptographic solutions for Web3 and the digital economy. Prof. AU’s research is vital to enhancing the security of digital transactions, decentralised finance, and identity verification in the digital economy. His inventions have been widely recognised and adopted by leading IT companies and blockchain platforms. As a founding member of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group, he is dedicated to establishing industry standards and forward-thinking strategies that support the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem. His contributions to science and technology have been highly acknowledged, earning him the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize in FinTech, two consecutive ZPrize awards, and multiple Best Paper Awards. Over his distinguished career, he has published more than 200 research papers, accumulated over 11,200 citations, and achieved an h-index of 59,  highlighting the profound impact of his research in the academic community. Prof. AU said, “This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but also a testament to the collective efforts of my research team and the unwavering support from PolyU. It encourages us to continue pursuing impactful innovations that address real-world challenges. We remain committed to advancing the development of Web3 and digital finance through secure, privacy-preserving technologies that empower both individuals and the industry.” Established by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE), in collaboration with the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the HKEST Award aims to recognise the exceptional accomplishments of young scientists, engineers, and technologists who have showcased remarkable talent, dedication, and influence.

PolyU and Anhui University sign MOU to enhance academic and research collaboration

Chinese version only

PolyU honours six early-career scholars with Young Innovative Researcher Award in recognition of their outstanding interdisciplinary innovative research achievements

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has presented the Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2025 to six early-career scholars in recognition of their  research excellence. Their innovative work spans a range of fields including biomedical engineering, materials science, smart city development, sustainable construction, speech therapy and green energy, underscoring the University’s robust capacity and potential in interdisciplinary research. Prof Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), extended his heartfelt congratulations to all awardees and said, “PolyU is committed to excellence in scientific research and knowledge transfer. The research achievements of the young researchers fully demonstrate remarkable dedication to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact on society through research innovations. We look forward to witnessing the continued excellence of their research endeavours and long-term contributions to the well-being of society and humanity globally.” The six winning entries exemplify the transformative power of cutting-edge technologies in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The projects focus on: novel therapy that precisely targets joints to provide effective osteoarthritis treatment; an efficient deep learning framework for facilitating the design of high-performance crystal materials; data-driven models and solutions for smart city operations to reduce carbon emission; upcycling waste concrete into low-carbon building materials for sustainable construction; ultrasound scans to investigatehow tongue muscles work in those with speech difficultiesfor better treatment plans; and an efficient electrostatic wave energy converter that harnesses abundant wave energy resources. Now in its fourth year, YIRA aims to recognise early-career scholars for their outstanding research excellence, fostering impactful, interdisciplinary research that drives the development of innovative technologies and addresses the evolving needs of society and industry. Individual researchers under the age of 35 who demonstrate exceptional research capabilities are eligible for the Award. Each awardee will receive HKD500,000 in research funding, along with a personal cash prize of HKD20,000, to further support their pursuit of forward-looking research and career development. The Young Innovative Researchers 2025 awardees (in alphabetical order): Awardees Project Title Project Description Dr AU Man Ting Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering Revitalising Joints – In situ Chondrocyte-specific Endothelial Receptor-targeted CAR Tregs for Osteoarthritis Treatment This therapy uses engineered immune cells to precisely target joints, block harmful signals, reduce inflammation and repair damage, providing effective osteoarthritis treatment. Prof. LIN Wanyu Assistant Professor, Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Department of Computing An Interpretable Deep Learning-based Computational Framework for Crystal Materials Design This project aims to build an efficient and interpretable deep learning framework for generating crystal materials and predicting their properties. It will facilitate the design of high-performance crystal materials. Prof. PAN Kai Associate Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies Data-driven Smart Cities Operations towards Carbon Neutrality This research develops data-driven models and solutions for smart city operations and facilitates an energy-efficient integration of the power grid with electrified ground/air mobility to create a carbon-neutral society. Dr TAO Yong Research Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Advancing CO2Mineralisation and Waste Concrete Valorisation for a Sustainable Future This project upcycles waste concrete into high-performance, low-carbon building materials with CO2mineralisation, paving the way for sustainable construction and carbon neutrality. Dr WANG Xiao Bruce Research Assistant Professor, Department of English and Communication Tongue Skeletal Muscle Examination Using Ultrasonography as a Diagnostic Tool for Dysarthric Speech This research uses ultrasound scans to investigate how tongue muscles work in people with speech difficulties, helping speech therapists create better treatments to improve speech intelligibility. Prof. XU Wanghuai Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Developing a Charge Path-Modulated Wave Energy Generator with High Efficiency and Power Density This project will develop an efficient and durable electrostatic wave energy converter to harness abundant wave energy resources around Hong Kong for offshore power generation and self-powered wireless systems.

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing 29 May 2025 Events School of Nursing

The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He added, “With PolyU’s extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to leverage the University’s robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.” Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations in integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy and, as such, the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing. Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR, stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government’s strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the Conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers and academics to come together and address trends and the pressing challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, “PolyU’s School of Nursing has made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing.” The Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 brought together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements: Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates “urinary incontinence management”, “social care and support”, “carer support” and “vaccination advocacy”, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds “yes” to any ofquestions asked, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, remarked, “ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also requires the bolstering of support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions.” To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline ICOPE 2.0 educational materials, with a training video premiered at the Conference. The video not only explain the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the Conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This Workshop aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Beyond promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the Conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific region.  Prof. Leung envisioned that the Conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy ageing. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the Conference.

PolyU hosts the inaugural Master Lecture by Prof. Zhang Wenhong, Director of the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases, on the value of medical innovations in combating pandemics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI), together with the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), today co-hosted the inaugural PolyU Master Lecture. Prof. ZHANG Wenhong, Director of the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases and Head of the Institute of Infection and Health at Fudan University, gave the keynote speech, “The Race between Evolving Infectious Diseases and Human Technology”, sharing insights on how medical innovation and technology can rapidly anticipate and counteract the challenges posed by the unpredictable progress of infectious diseases before the next pandemic emerges. The event attracted approximately 450 participants, including PolyU faculty members, students, alumni, healthcare professionals and members of the public. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed gratitude to Prof. Zhang for sharing his profound insights on the prevention and control of infectious diseases, which enriched participants’ understanding. He remarked, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus genome monitoring system developed by a PolyU research team became a pivotal tool for the HKSAR Government’s precise pandemic response. In recent years, PolyU has been actively promoting interdisciplinary innovation through PAIR and other research platforms, and advancing research in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. PolyU has submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to leverage the University’s robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of healthcare professionals who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.” Prof. Zhang Wenhong is a world-renowned expert on infectious disease control, specialising in the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. He is currently Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, Director of the Shanghai Sci-Tech Inno Centre for Infection and Immunity, and Dean of the Department of Internal Medicine at Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University. He has been appointed as an Honorary Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics and serves as an Expert Advisory Committee member for the University’s proposed third medical school. A prominent figure in the field of infectious diseases in Mainland China, Prof. Zhang has been honoured as a COVID-19 fight role model and a Young and Middle-Aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions of the National Health Commission in recognition of his exceptional professional excellence in the Nation’s fight against the pandemic. He is also a recipient of the 2nd National Award for Excellence in Innovation, as well as other awards, for his scientific and technological achievements. During his lecture, Prof. Zhang shared insights on the origins and evolution of infectious diseases, the importance and challenges of vaccination during pandemics, and how medical innovations can predict and counter pandemic outbreaks. Prof. Zhang pointed out that infectious diseases evolve in unpredictable patterns, constantly reshaping themselves in ways that challenge the medical community’s ability to anticipate the next dangerous variant. While medical researchers methodically develop vaccines and treatments through careful scientific processes, disease-causing organisms rapidly adapt through random mutations that can bypass the most sophisticated defences. Prof. Zhang further pointed out that while vaccination can effectively reduce the severity and mortality rate of infections, the silent transmission chains within communities and the emergence of new variants can weaken the protection vaccines provide. Developing new vaccines will enable the global community to respond more effectively and help prevent future outbreaks and epidemics. Key strategies in addressing the next pandemic include achieving herd immunity, scaling up vaccine production, improving treatment plans, and developing tools and methods for the detection, response and containment of future infectious threats. The following Q&A session was moderated by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of PAAI and Prof. Gilman SIU, Professor of the HTI. Prof. Zhang engaged in in-depth exchanges with participants, inspiring all present.   Prof. Wing-tak Wong, PolyU Deputy President and Provost (right) conferred a certificate of appointment as an Honorary Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics on Prof. Zhang Wenhong (left).