Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the esteemed Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025 from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Prof. Chao stated that the recognition reflects not only his work but also the dedication and innovation of PolyU over the years.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the esteemed Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025 from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This prestigious recognition was presented at the ASHRAE Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, USA on 21 June 2025.
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serving humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. The ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, initiated in 1979, honours individuals for their continuing preeminence in engineering and research work. As one of ASHRAE’s most prominent awards, the Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award is presented to one Fellow each year, or sometimes not awarded at all if no suitable nominee is identified.
Prof. Chao is the third recipient from Asia to receive this distinguished honour, joining professors from the University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapoe.
As the only awardee invited to deliver his acceptance speech on stage, Prof. Chao stated, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from ASHRAE. This award reflects not only my work but also the dedication and innovation of my colleagues at PolyU over the years. Together, we strive to advance research and innovation in the field of building energy and environment, contributing to the academic and professional communities that inspire us to push the boundaries of engineering excellence.”
Prof. Chao’s research integrates intelligent building systems with infectious disease prevention. Using AI-driven energy optimisation, he creates infection-resilient, energy-efficient environments. This dual focus positions smart buildings as essential for health and sustainability.
This recognition of Prof. Chao’s work underscores PolyU’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation, reinforcing its status as a leading university in the region. His contributions to the field, particularly in sustainable building technologies, have made a significant impact on both academic and practical applications.
For more information about the ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, please visit ASHRAE’s official website.
