News

PolyU breakthrough in underground navigation unlocks hidden cultural heritage

Sustainable city management recognises the importance of not only the busy above-ground urban systems but also the invisible underground infrastructure, utilities, and hidden heritage and their stories. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is at the fore-front of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies, advancing land surveying research that supports cultural preservation and the sustainable development urban environment. Harnessing a range of advanced technologies, Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics of PolyU, and his research team have made significant strides in underground exploration. His research supports a wide range of impactful applications, from detecting urban infrastructure issues such as voids and pipe leakages to uncovering hidden historical heritage.  Prof. LAI said, “Imagine a time when doctors had to drill into a patient’s body to make a diagnosis. Today, non-invasive imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans have transformed medical diagnostics. Similarly, in construction, the way we access infrastructure has evolved from drilling holes for inspection to using non-invasive technologies. Advances in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology have enabled applications that go beyond simple locating, imaging, inspection and monitoring of construction works, including underground utilities, road pavements, tunnel liners and more.” Uncovering cultural heritage with geospatial technology-driven archaeology Leveraging PolyU’s multidisciplinary research strengths, one focus of Prof. LAI is the innovative use of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies in archaeological exploration. Collaborating with partners in history and archaeology from various institutions, his research team contributes to both the interpretation of historical contexts and community education.  Notably, the team has initiated a four-tier geospatial technology approach for applications in heritage and archaeological mapping, including the exploration of wartime heritage in Hong Kong and the Dairy Farm heritage in Pokfulam. Their research projects were supported by two Innovation Technology Fund grants from the Innovation and Technology Commission from 2023 to 2026.  To begin the four-tier approach, the research team starts by identifying potential features of interest at hidden historical sites, such as lost World War II locations, through the analysis of old maps, texts, images, and aerial photos. The team then uses point cloud data, either from the Government’s airborne or drone/terrestrial LiDAR from the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatic, to remove forest and generate 3D digital terrain models for geo-referencing within a geographic information system (GIS).  A red relief image map (RRIM) is used to reveal detailed underground features by analysing topographical openness. Guided by satellite navigation, they arrive at the sites, conduct on-site terrestrial LiDAR scanning, and fill in the unknown gaps in history. Deep learning-based characterisation is also being developed for large-scale surveys. Finally, the field work involved survey and validation for hybrid air-ground 3D modelling of the heritage sites, which were then applied to generate 3D augmented reality experiences in indoor environment.  Through this approach, Prof. LAI’s research revealed both hidden features, such as war relics and burials, using geospatial technologies, as well as buried structures identified through GPR, drone-based infrared thermography, magnetometer, and metal detector. The research, titled “Unfolding WWII heritages with airborne and ground-based laser scanning” was published in Heritage.  Furthermore, the project team successfully helped a Canadian family locate the most likely burial of their great-grandfather, Mr. Pickthrone, a lost seafarer who died and was buried in 1900, bringing great relief to the family. The story and the science behind it, titled “Archaeological investigation of burials preluded by ground penetrating radar and geospatial technologies,” was published in Archaeological Science.  Prof. LAI said, “Our research allows us to step beyond our traditional boundaries as scientists. By collaborating with historians, archaeologists, schools and non-government organisations, we innovatively apply the three-tier geospatial technology approach to uncover and understand valuable but hidden historical features concealed within forests or vegetation. In the past two and a half years, the multidisciplinary team has delivered more than 40 STEAM talks, workshops, field visits, and Art-Tech exhibition tours, directly engaging over 4,800 students and members of the public. This cross-disciplinary effort demonstrate that science and the humanities can meaningfully complement each other, and that genuine collaboration always leads to unexpected discoveries.”   

PolyU receives three awards at CES Innovation Awards 2026

Three innovations developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. Among the award-winning projects, the Smart Firefighting Robots received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category, earning the coveted “Best of Innovation Award”, the best result PolyU has achieved since first participating in the event. PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous firefighting operations, the Smart Firefighting Robot was developed by the research team of Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE)  and Co-founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, together with Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of BEEE as well as the Founder and CEO of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited. This AI-driven robot can navigate smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, and select and release optimal extinguishing agents. By sending real-time data to command centres, it can also enhance firefighting efficiency and help safeguard the health and safety of firefighters and the public. PolyU was also recognised for its Arm Rehabilitation Robot (also known as “Powered Rehab Skateboard”) and FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, which received awards in the Accessibility & Longevity and Digital Health categories respectively. These accolades highlight the University’s strong capabilities in health technology research and development. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable training device designed to support home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. Developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs, particularly for stroke survivors. Unlike traditional rehabilitation devices that are often bulky and expensive, this solution allows users to engage in effective therapy in the comfort of their homes or in community centres, catering to patients’ needs with simple setup and real-time tracking of training progress. Development of the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection, the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, was spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are excited by the remarkable accomplishments of PolyU researchers and start-ups on the international stage. As PolyU marks its third consecutive year at CES, the growing number and diversity of award-winning innovations signal a new milestone in its journey, highlighting PolyU’s rising prominence in the global technology arena.” Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. PolyU and its startups will showcase the award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations at CES 2026, to be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January next year.

PolyU scholar named Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is home to accomplished researchers whose work continues to drive progress in science and technology. Prof. SUN Defeng, Head and Chair Professor of Applied Optimization and Operations Research, and RGC Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) in the 2026 class. The AMS Fellows program celebrates members who have made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilisation of mathematics. Prof SUN joins a distinguished cohort of 40 international scholars whose work has shaped the global mathematical landscape. This prestigious honour highlights Prof. SUN’s achievements in optimization, nonsmooth analysis, and optimization solver development. His research has driven key developments in matrix optimisation, high-dimensional statistical optimisation, second-order variational analysis, and computational finance, delivering wide-ranging impact across academia and industry. Prof. SUN is internationally recognised for advancing both the theoretical foundations and algorithmic innovations that underpin modern optimisation and decision analytics. His work has led to robust software systems and practical methodologies adopted in engineering, data science, and financial risk management.

20 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has 20* scholars recognised on the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” by Clarivate Analytics, with one scholar recognised in two categories, underscoring the University’s 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. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to advancing world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. A total of 428 PolyU scholars are listed in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 for their career-long citation impact or single-year citation impact, placing the University second among Hong Kong institutions and highlighting the strong research capabilities of PolyU academics. The PolyU scholars featured in the Highly Cited Researchers 2025 are listed below (in alphabetical order by surname): Category Name Title and Faculty/Department/School Computer Science Prof. CHENG Ran Associate Professor of the Department of Computing, Presidential Young Scholar 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. WANG Peng Former Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering 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. ZHANG Lei Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing 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 Mathematics Prof. ZHOU Zhi Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics For the full list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025, please visit: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/ *including one PolyU scholar recognised in two categories and one former scholar.

PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test

The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” The PolyU research team has successfully completed a test on an optical fibre network of approximately 55 kilometres, connecting four nodes across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” Prof. Ai-Qun Liu (centre) with his research team at the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology. He reiterated that RIQT will continue to refine and test the multipoint transmission technology at scale, leveraging existing network infrastructure. This will pave the way for the widespread adoption of quantum communication across various scenarios, encompassing multiple industries. Ultimately, Hong Kong can seamlessly transition to the next generation of smart quantum networks, supported by a comprehensive and secure environment.

PolyU participates in life and health industry roundtable conference, creating a new future for the industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the life and health industry roundtable conference in Changsha on 12 November, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan of the HKSAR Government. The event attracted over 70 representatives from enterprises, government, and media to explore the future of the life and health industry, with fruitful discussions and sharing. PolyU is dedicated to leveraging the University’s academic and research excellence in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and drug development to foster impactful applications and advance research translation in collaboration with industries and institutions. 

PolyU research drives commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards 40% efficiency milestone

Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. An engineering research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a breakthrough in the field of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), focusing on addressing challenges that include improving efficiency, stability and scalability. The team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of TSC performance and provided strategic recommendations, which aim to raise the energy conversion efficiency of this new type of solar cell from the current maximum of approximately 34% to around 40%. The team hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of perovskite/silicon TSCs through industry-academia-research collaboration, while aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality and promoting the development of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence through renewable energy. The research team comprises leading scholars including Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, and Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor, both of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. They conducted a critical review of the challenges and future prospects of perovskite/silicon TSCs. Their research paper, “Towards efficient, scalable and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells”, has been published in the international journal Nature Photonics. Tackling stability and manufacturing challenges “While lab-scale devices have shown impressive efficiency advancement, further efforts are needed to improve their reliability, including minimising efficiency losses from small-area devices to large-area modules,” said Prof. Li Gang. “Special focus should also be given to ensuring that the manufacturability of materials and methods aligns with industrial standards.” To address these issues, Prof. Yang Guang and the team has highlighted several critical technical challenges. First, the intrinsic instability of perovskite materials under environmental stresses such as moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light and thermal fluctuation remain a major challenge. Secondly, translating tandem devices to commercial-scale modules requires overcoming hurdles related to uniformity, defect control and large-area fabrication. Although preliminary outdoor testing of perovskite/silicon TSCs has been conducted, certified data on their long-term reliability remain scarce. To better assess the actual lifetime and commercial potential of these cells, the researchers recommend rigorous accelerated stability testing based on standardised procedures outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Additionally, while perovskite raw materials are relatively low-cost, the use of rare elements and heavy metal lead in most cell designs raises significant environmental and regulatory concerns. The research therefore advocates for the development of sustainable alternatives, along with efficient recycling or lead sequestration strategies to enable viable commercialisation. Promoting industry-academia-research collaboration to accelerate deployment and drive cost reduction and efficiency gains The PolyU team advocates for industry-academia-research collaboration through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates material science, device engineering and economic modelling to advance this promising photovoltaic technology. “The development of efficient and reliable perovskite/silicon TSCs must address these remaining scientific challenges to achieve lower levelised electricity costs,” said Prof. Yang Guang. “The team hopes this research will facilitate the transition of the technology from laboratory studies to commercial fabrication, while closely aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality. By providing a stable supply of high-efficiency renewable energy, we aim to deliver green and reliable power support for high-energy-consuming industries such as artificial intelligence, thereby helping to achieve a low-carbon transformation of the energy structure.”

PolyU scholar named Fellow of the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge knowledge and fostering academic excellence across various disciplines. Prof. QIAO Zhonghua, Chair Professor of Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing and RGC Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named a Fellow of the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (CSIAM). The fellowship is the highest and lifetime academic honour conferred by the CSIAM, recognising of the recipient’s extraordinary achievements in the field of industrial and applied mathematics. This honor not only signifies high recognition of Prof. QIAO’s significant contributions to the design and analysis of numerical algorithms for differential equations but also highlights his groundbreaking achievements in the numerical study of multiphase complex systems. Prof. QIAO's research on semi-implicit and unconditionally energy-stable numerical methods for multiphase complex systems holds pioneering significance. He has proposed a series of original energy-stable algorithms and numerical methods preserving the maximum bound principle, while introducing efficient adaptive time-stepping strategies that achieve an optimal balance between computational efficiency and accuracy, significantly enhancing the reliability and precision of phase-field model simulations. Furthermore, he has conducted rigorous theoretical analysis of the L-infinity stability of exponential time differencing (ETD) numerical methods, providing crucial impetus for the theoretical development and computational practice of phase-field models containing high-order diffusion terms. CSIAM, incorporated in 1990, aims to promote innovation in industrial and applied mathematics research and to advance the application of mathematics to industry, science, and society. This year's the 23rd annual conference was held in Changsha, Hunan, with over 1,800 experts, academics, and enterprise leaders participating.

Media interview: PolyU scholar discusses innovation and digitalisation

Ir Prof. ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor and Wong Tit Shing Endowed Young Scholar in Smart Robotics in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was invited to present his latest research at the 2025 World Laureates Forum in Shanghai. He was later featured in a media interview to share his insights on the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of industries. In the interview, he emphasised how innovation and digitalisation are driving structural changes across sectors, creating new opportunities for growth and competitiveness. He highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies with practical applications to build resilient business models that support sustainable development strategies. Prof. Zheng also discussed the global implications of these trends, noting that enterprises must adapt quickly to remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. His perspective underscores the critical role of research and collaboration in fostering innovation ecosystems that create shared value for both industry and society.  

PolyU strengthens international ties with the German delegation focused on food innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt on 10 November for a collaborative exchange on the future of food technology and sustainable innovation. The delegation, comprising senior officials from the State Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt, leaders from the German food industry, and academics from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, embarked on a curated programme to explore PolyU’s cutting-edge research facilities. They toured the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment and the Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture, where Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food at PolyU, showcased pioneering work in urban agriculture and the development of 3D printing materials made from food waste. The delegation also visited the Food and Wine Academy at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, gaining insight into PolyU’s interdisciplinary approach to the food ecosystem. This fruitful visit marks a significant step in fostering international collaboration, and PolyU looks forward to potential partnerships that advance global food sustainability.