The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pursuing world-class research and fostering innovation to address global challenges. Prof. Charles Chunbao XU, Chair Professor of Advanced Biorefinery in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science for 2026.
This fellowship is one of Canada’s highest honors for scholars and scientists. Prof. Xu is recognised for his vision, creativity and dedication to developing transformative biorefinery technologies that benefit multiple sectors, including agricultural, forestry and chemical industries. Of the 105 top-tier scholars worldwide elected as new fellows this year, Prof. Xu is one of only three scholars from Hong Kong to receive this prestigious honor.
Prof. Xu is a leading international expert in biorefineries, specialising in the transformation of biomass and renewable carbon resources, at both molecular and system levels, into energy, fuel, chemicals and materials. His research aims to convert organic waste and bioresources into high-value bioproducts and to advance transformative biorefinery technologies for industrial-scale application.
Prof. Xu said, “I am deeply honored to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science. This fellowship recognises my team’s ongoing research in advanced biorefinery technologies for sustainable development. With strong support from PolyU’s research resources and facilities, we continue to advance transformative biorefinery technologies to industrial scale, turning organic waste into high-value bioproducts.”
With over 20 years of research experience, Prof. Xu has developed eco-friendly biofuels, green chemicals, and biopolymer materials. He holds 19 patents in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China, and has published more than 400 journal articles, accumulating over 30,000 citations.
Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada comprises international top-tier scholars from the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It is dedicated to recognising academic excellence, promoting knowledge and innovation, and providing independent, evidence-based expert advice on public policy and major global challenges.
