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PolyU scholars pioneer smart and sustainable personal cooling technologies to address global extreme heat

Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. Currently, about 3.6 billion people worldwide live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. From 2000 to 2019, more than 480,000 heat-related deaths occurred globally each year. Extreme heat also impairs focus and productivity and worsens mood by elevating stress hormones and disrupting sleep. In response to the increasing frequency of heat waves, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scholars are developing next-generation personal cooling solutions that push the limits of conventional clothing and promote sustainability. Prof. Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles, Associate Director of the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, and Associate Director of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, has published a peer-reviewed paper in Science, offering new insights into sustainable personal cooling using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Smart technologies, especially intelligent wearables and AI, can be key to sustainable personal cooling. Prof. Dahua Shou said, “According to the World Meteorological Organisation, there is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be the hottest on record, making personal cooling increasingly vital for well‑being, health and productivity. We have been creating intelligent, superhero‑like garments that provide on‑demand adaptive cooling and clinician‑like health monitoring to help address the challenge of extreme heat.” By integrating the four cooling mechanisms of radiation, conduction, convection and evaporation, this stand‑alone perspective outlines strategies to adaptively regulate body heat and moisture in dynamically changing real‑world settings. The paper also presents an AI‑driven, closed‑loop framework that connects sensing, prediction, and actuation to deliver personalised, energy-efficient cooling, with a scalable and recyclable design that supports public health, workplace safety, and performance. Sustainable personal cooling is evolving from the use of passive fabrics to the integration of smart systems. Notably, spectrum‑selective textiles effectively release mid‑infrared body heat while blocking external solar and urban heat gain. Thermal insulation is being engineered with conduction-tunable fillers, while ventilative and evaporative cooling is boosted by moisture-responsive fibres. Lightweight wearables, such as variable emittance devices, and electrocaloric and thermoelectric modules paired with flexible solar and on-body energy storage, enable active and controllable cooling. These emerging technologies strategically employ model-selective cooling and incorporate human‑centered design for comfort, durability, washability, and low weight, expanding comfort zones and reducing dependence on air conditioning. Despite promising progress, key challenges in personal cooling remain. Sweating helps cool the body, but limited sweat management increases fabric weight and cling, while reducing permeability and radiative cooling efficiency, especially during heavy perspiration. Real-time adaptive thermoregulation, which responds to changing environments and individual physiology while ensuring comfort and safety, is ideal but difficult to achieve. Prof. Dahua Shou said, “We also need interdisciplinary integration across textiles, thermodynamics, flexible electronics, and AI, along with scalable, recyclable manufacturing that balances sustainability, wearability, fashion, and performance. Standardised, user‑centric metrics, such as cooling power per watt, thermal sensation, and user acceptance, are essential for fair comparison and adoption.” Prof. Shou and his research team are tackling extreme heat with various innovative technologies. iActive™ intelligent sportswear uses low‑voltage-driven artificial “sweat glands” and a root‑like liquid network mapped to sweat zones to quickly eject perspiration as droplets, reducing weight and cling, keeping the skin dry, and removing sweat up to three times faster than peak human sweating. Omni‑Cool‑Dry™ is a breathable skin‑like fabric that routes sweat directionally while providing spectrum‑selective cooling. By reflecting solar and ground radiation and emitting mid‑infrared body heat, it helps keep wearers cool and dry even under the sun, lowering skin temperature by about 5°C compared to conventional fabrics. For hot workplaces, thermo‑adaptive Soft Robotic Clothing embeds temperature‑responsive soft actuators that expand to thicken fabric and trap still air, solving the problem of “one‑level” thermal insulation. Thermal resistance varies from 0.23 to 0.48 K·m²/W, keeping the inner surface 10°C cooler than conventional insulating garments even when the exterior temperature reaches 120°C. SweatMD is an all‑textile, non-invasive wearable that channels fresh sweat through a nature‑inspired microfluidic network and uses skin‑friendly sensing yarns to track biomarkers like glucose and potassium. It delivers real‑time, molecular‑level health insights such as indicators of fatigue and dehydration to a smartphone. Collectively, these innovations form an AI‑ready ecosystem: sensors quantify physiology, models predict cooling demand, and intelligent clothing actuates targeted responses. Integrating textile sensors, fiber‑based coolers, and on‑body energy harvesters has the potential to enable self‑sustained cooling. Spanning everyday wear, as well as sports, and protective gear, these innovations bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications to address global challenges. PolyU translational research institutes across Mainland cities and interdisciplinary research centres, such as the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute and the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, allows the University’s scholars to tap into these cities’ diverse application scenarios and collaborate with leading enterprises to accelerate the transformation and scalable deployment of scientific research achievements. These research innovations earned the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury (2025) and a Gold Medal (2024) at the Geneva Invention Exhibition, as well as the TechConnect Global Innovation Award. Prof. Shou also received The Fiber Society’s Distinguished Achievement Award, a prestigious honour awarded annually to a single scholar worldwide.

Media Interview: PolyU integrates Innovation and heritage conservation to unfold lost WWII heritage in Hong Kong

Prof. Wallace Lai Wai-lok, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was interviewed by Nanfang Daily to introduce his project “Unfolding the lost WWII heritage: A new chapter of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies in HK.” The project aims to promote an integrated Art-Tech approach and maximise public awareness of historical interpretation, heritage conservation, STEAM education, public engagement, and exhibitions for remembrance in the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In the interview, Prof. Lai emphasised that cross-disciplinary collaboration with historians is essential for identifying wartime sites using archival documents and diaries. By utilising advanced geospatial technologies, including geo-referencing and mapping techniques, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, and geophysical methods, his research team recreates the hidden remains within PolyU's Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment. Prof. Lai is committed to using technology to record war relics before they disappear, enabling younger generations to engage with the past history. This research not only represents groundbreaking scientific work but also makes a lasting contribution to cultural memory and historical understanding.  

PolyU and Lands Department join forces to drive surveying and geospatial innovations for Hong Kong’s digital transformation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework for advancing the development of smart survey, mapping and geospatial services that incorporate authoritative standards. Through pioneering research, providing technological training and facilitating technology enhancement, this partnership aims to accelerate the City’s transformation into smart Hong Kong. At the signing ceremony held on the University campus, Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr CHANG Kwok-fai, Deputy Director (Survey and Mapping) of the Lands Department, signed the MoU. They were joined by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR); Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI); Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS); Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of the PolyU Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI); Prof. WENG Qihao, Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG); Mr CHU Siu-ki, Assistant Director (Survey and Mapping) of the Lands Department; and other guests to witness this noteworthy occasion. In his welcoming address, Prof. Wang Zuankai said, “From urban planning and environmental monitoring to disaster response and resource management, spatial data and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way we understand and interact with our environment. We envision that, by bringing together Survey and Mapping Office (SMO)’s authoritative expertise and professional experience, with PolyU’s academic excellence, cutting-edge research and innovative drive, this MoU will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city leader and create a legacy of innovation and prosperity for our community.” Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Chang Kwok-fai said that the partnership combines the PolyU’s research excellence with the Lands Department’s practical experience, marking a significant step towards modernising Hong Kong’s geospatial technologies. Through the partnership, Lands Department will promote the application of innovative solutions to enhance land administration efficiency and support Hong Kong’s development as a smart city. Under the collaborative framework, four academic and research units at PolyU—namely LSGI, RILS, SCRI and RCAIG—will join forces to collaborate with SMO in research, education and knowledge transfer, primarily focusing on interdisciplinary areas of land surveying, geographic information systems, remote sensing, smart city, AI and location-based technology. In pursuing related initiatives, the two parties plan to establish a joint research centre, where PolyU will contribute personnel and technical resources, while SMO will offer professional and industrial insights. The centre will seek to optimise and apply a range of methods, practices and technologies related to surveying, Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network (SatRef), advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, geospatial data integration and analytics, and smart address management for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in urban planning and development of Hong Kong. In addition, PolyU and SMO will consider providing industry practitioners and relevant government staff with training on the latest surveying and geospatial technologies and practices. Prof. Chen Qingyan highlighted the significance of PolyU’s interdisciplinary research in supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong. He said, “Smart and sustainable cities is one of the key domains of PolyU’s interdisciplinary research. Under this theme, we combine expertise from diverse fields—spanning land surveying, geo-informatics, civil engineering, computing and AI—to pursue research innovations in spatial data analytics, system integration, infrastructure design and sensing technology. We then translate our discoveries into technologies and recommendations for adoption by industry and government, with the aim of making meaningful contributions to improving urban planning and land resource management.” Prof. Wu Chen stressed the importance of this government-academia collaboration. He elaborated, “SMO possesses valuable datasets, regulatory frameworks and practical insights into urban challenges, while PolyU contributes cutting-edge research, technical expertise, and innovative solutions. By working together, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that scientific advancements are effectively translated into real-world applications. Ultimately, this collaboration will accelerate the creation of a smarter, more sustainable Hong Kong by leveraging the strengths of both sectors to address complex urban issues and improve the quality of life for citizens.”   Prof. Chen Qingyan highlighted the significance of PolyU’s interdisciplinary research in supporting Hong Kong’s sustainable development. Prof. Wu Chen stressed the importance of this government-academia collaboration. Fostering closer ties between academia, government and industry, this collaboration will drive the development of smart Hong Kong by embracing advanced surveying and geospatial innovations, and deeply integrating robust technologies to promote the City’s sustainable development.

PolyU and CIOMP Sign MoU to Advance Deep Space and Optical Technology Collaboration

On 12 September, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Changchun Institute of Optics Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIOMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for collaboration in deep space exploration, optical instruments, and intelligent equipment. During the signing ceremony, Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU emphasised PolyU’s mission of “Advancing Knowledge and Benefiting Society,” highlighting its commitment to transforming cutting-edge research into societal benefits. He also commended CIOMP’s global leadership in optics and precision mechanics, expressing enthusiasm for the deepened partnership. The collaboration focuses on optical instruments for deep space exploration, intelligent aerospace optical imaging and remote sensing, ultra-precision machining, and artificial intelligence applications. The two institutions will establish a joint laboratory for “Intelligent Aerospace Optical Imaging and Remote Sensing” and promote personnel exchanges and joint postgraduate training. Following the ceremony, the CIOMP delegation visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration and Jockey Club STEM Lab of Quantum Technology, engaging in in-depth discussions on future cooperation. The partnership aims to drive breakthroughs in aerospace technology and facilitate technology transfer, contributing to national aerospace endeavors and global scientific progress while deepening the integration of technological innovation between Hong Kong and the Mainland.  

Media Interview: PolyU student’s 3D-printed oyster reef innovation wins James Dyson Award 2025 Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University PhD candidate Mr Dean Chan has won the James Dyson Award 2025 (Hong Kong) for his innovative 3D-printed oyster reef, designed to address its declining trend in the region while enhancing marine biodiversity. The invention will progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award, for a chance to win £30,000. The project, named “Reef of Hope,” features an innovative topological design and uses a printing substrate infused with oyster shell calcium carbonate to help restore oyster reefs, more than 85% which have disappeared globally in recent decades, due to pollution, overharvesting and urban development.  Reef of Hope is designed and engineered to actively support and sustain marine life. Its innovative topological structure features a curved, porous geometry that enhances stability in water, improves material efficiency, and optimises water flow.  The project already conducted field trials along Hong Kong’s shoreline, demonstrating significant environmental benefits. Oyster settlement rates were three times higher than those achieved using traditional methods. Within one month, the reef attracted shrimp, small crabs, juvenile fish, and algae, indicating a positive impact on local biodiversity.  For more: Reef of Hope – AR for Oyster Reef Restoration                  MediaOutReach  

Sustainability Lecture Series Shines at ReThink HK

PolyU is dedicated to advancing its leadership in education and research while championing a carbon-neutral Hong Kong. At ReThink HK, the Sustainable Business Conference & Expo, PolyU co-presented a forum titled “Building the Future: Where Construction Meets Sustainability, Innovation, and Finance” in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau, Business France, and the French Foreign Trade Advisors on 11 September. The event was supported by PolyU’s Research and Innovation Office and Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology. More than 100 attendees gathered at the ReTHINK HK Expo to engage with prominent leaders from academia and industry. Prof. Kar-kan Ling, SBS, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of PolyU, alongside Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France to China, inaugurated the event, highlighting the shared dedication of France and Hong Kong to sustainable development. The event featured keynotes by Ir Prof. C.S. Poon, Distinguished Research Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, on green construction materials, and Prof. Joel Idt from Université Gustave Eiffel on the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games. These presentations sparked engaging panel discussions with experts, including Prof. Jeff Shen, Associate Professor in the PolyU Department of Building and Real Estate, as well as representatives from Swire Properties, Saint-Gobain, Siveco, and more. The event concluded with resounding success, bringing together thought leaders, industry pioneers, and passionate attendees for an afternoon of insightful dialogue and forward-thinking ideas. Together, PolyU looks forward to continuing this journey toward a more sustainable and resilient future.  

Semi-wet carbonation: Transforming construction waste into sustainable resources

Hong Kong’s skyline generates vast amounts of construction waste through daily demolition. While some of this waste is used for land reclamation, much still ends up in landfills. Prof. C.S. Poon, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is dedicated to advancing construction waste recycling and had developed a new semi-wet carbonation technique, transforming waste into valuable building aggregates and promoting more sustainable construction practices in the city.  Recycling concrete not only diverts substantial material from landfills but also presents a significant opportunity for reducing carbon emission. Central to this recycling effort is the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), which can serve as a substitute for natural aggregates that typically comprises 60%–80% of concrete’s volume in new construction. However, RCA’s higher porosity and water absorption compared to natural aggregates pose challenges for its widespread adoption, as these properties can compromise the mechanical strength and durability of new concrete. To address these limitations, PolyU researchers have turned to carbonation—a process that reacts CO₂ with calcium-bearing phases in RCA, forming calcium carbonate and thereby improving the properties of an aggregate. Beyond enhancing RCA’s performance, carbonation also offers a route for permanent CO₂ sequestration, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.  Traditionally, two main carbonation techniques have been explored: semi-dry carbonation and wet carbonation. Semi-dry carbonation employs water vapour as the reaction medium, typically under high humidity conditions (50–100% relative humidity). This method is relatively simple but suffers from slow reaction rates, with degrees of carbonation ranging from 10% to 20% after several days. The limited water availability in semi-dry carbonation restricts the diffusion of CO₂ and calcium ions, thereby impeding the formation of calcium carbonate. In contrast, wet carbonation immerses RCA in liquid water, facilitating faster and more complete reactions. Here, the water-to-solid ratio is a critical parameter, often ranging from 5 to 100, to ensure sufficient moisture for efficient carbonation. Wet carbonation can achieve degrees of carbonation between 10% and 20% within a few hours. However, the process is not without drawbacks: it demands significant water input and involves energy-intensive pre- and post-treatment steps such as drying, filtration and washing. These requirements complicate large-scale implementation and raise concerns about water consumption and wastewater management. Recognising the need for a more practical and sustainable approach, Prof. Poon and his research team have introduced a novel semi-wet carbonation method in Cement and Concrete Research. This technique bridges the gap between semi-dry and wet carbonation by employing a fine water mist at the solid-liquid interface of RCA.  The semi-wet environment creates a thin, spatially confined water film on the RCA surface, which proves highly effective for carbonation reactions. Remarkably, the process achieves a carbonation degree of 10.6% within just 30 minutes—comparable to, or even surpassing, the rates observed in wet carbonation under similar conditions.    The semi-wet method also brings about a 3.6% reduction in water absorption and a 20% decrease in porosity, both of which are critical for improving the quality and durability of RCA in construction applications.   Another key innovation in this approach is the use of sodium bicarbonate as an accelerator. The addition of sodium bicarbonate creates a weakly alkaline environment that lowers the free energy barrier for CO₂ speciation, as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. This environment favours the rapid conversion of CO₂ into carbonate ions, thereby accelerating the overall carbonation process.  Comparative analysis between semi-wet and wet carbonation reveals several important distinctions. While both methods achieve similar degrees of carbonation in the initial stages, the semi-wet process is markedly more efficient in terms of water usage and energy consumption. Furthermore, the semi-wet process influences the evolution of the silicate phase in RCA. It suggests enhanced reactivity of the treated RCA and potentially better bonding of RCA within new concrete.  In summary, the semi-wet carbonation technique represents a significant advancement in the sustainable utilisation of recycled concrete aggregate. By combining high carbonation efficiency with minimal water consumption and simplified processing, this method addresses the key limitations of existing carbonation strategies. The use of sodium bicarbonate as an accelerator further enhances the process, offering a practical route for industrial CO₂ capture and utilisation. As the construction industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, the adoption of semi-wet carbonation could play a pivotal role in converting concrete waste from a liability into a valuable resource for both material recovery and climate mitigation.   Source: Innovation Digest  

PolyU delegation participated the 8th COMAC International Science and Innovation Week

The 8th Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) International Science and Technology Innovation Week, themed “Sky Link: Sustainable Aviation for the Future,” was launched on 8 September at the Beijing Civil Aircraft Technology Research Center of COMAC. This year’s event focused on new‑energy aircraft, artificial intelligence, the low‑altitude economy and transformation of the air transport system, bringing together over 500 experts and stakeholders from government, academia, industry, research institutes, and industry associations across nine countries and regions. A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated this event, including Prof. WEN, Chih Yung, Head of AAE and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering and Director of the COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA); Prof. Siyang ZHONG, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; as well as representatives from the PolyU Research and Innovation Office and RILA. The PolyU delegation took part in the opening ceremony, the SciTech and Young Talent Forum, and thematic seminars such as the Low‑Altitude Economy seminar, engaging in in‑depth discussions with representatives from leading institutions including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Khalifa University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, exploring opportunities for future collaboration. COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA) Established in November 2024 as a joint initiative between COMAC and PolyU, RILA is dedicated to advancing the development, innovation, and deployment of large‑aircraft technologies in support of China’s strategic aviation objectives. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in aeronautical engineering and digital technologies, alongside COMAC’s extensive expertise in aircraft design, manufacturing and operations, RILA addresses critical challenges across the full aircraft lifecycle.  Currently, RILA is supporting research projects focusing on digital‑intelligent manufacturing, predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and sustainable recycling solutions. Through joint efforts between PolyU and COMAC in research projects, patent applications, high-quality publications, and training for postgraduate students, RILA aims to enhance the competitiveness, reliability, and sustainability of China’s large aircraft sector, positioning Hong Kong as a significant contributor to both national and global aerospace innovation.  

PolyU and Li Ning Group jointly establish sports science research centre to advance sports science and industry innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd (Li Ning Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre aims to conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, drive innovative design and optimisation of high-performance sports products, nurture talent in sports science and technology, and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, thereby enhancing technological application and promoting industrial transformation within the sports and health sector. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Ning LI, Founder of the Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Yuru HONG, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group, officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to nurturing sports talent and advancing research innovation and technology transfer in sports. Focusing on interdisciplinary research in sports science, the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions for the sports sector. The newly established Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science will harness the University’s robust research strengths and Li Ning Group’s extensive market expertise to drive innovation in sports science and technology, fostering positive impacts on industry and society and contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development.” Mr Ning Li said, “Innovative applications derived from sports science are essential for sports brands to upgrade their research and development capabilities and are critical for driving the innovative development of China’s sports industry. PolyU’s research excellence and academic impact in sports science and related interdisciplinary areas are among the best in the world. This opportunity enables us to fully leverage our understanding of industrial trends, experience in industrial applications, and sports and market resources to initiate deep collaboration with PolyU. Together, we will advance research at the forefront of sports science and create an internationally competitive innovation ecosystem.” Jointly operated by PolyU RISports and Li Ning Group, the Centre aims to contribute to the Healthy China Initiative and foster innovation in the sports industry. The inaugural centre coordinators are Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, and Prof. Ye TIAN, from Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center. The Centre will conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, focusing on areas such as elite athlete performance, exercise characteristics and musculoskeletal health in youth, and exercise pattern in women, supporting the innovative design, functional validation and optimisation of high-performance sports products. The parties will also jointly nurture research and engineering talent in sports science and technology, and promote industry-academia-research collaboration to enhance technological applications and drive industrial transformation in the sports and health sector, thereby achieving synergistic innovation. PolyU will leverage its academic strengths by assembling a team of scholars, researchers, sports experts and industry professionals to pursue impactful research. Meanwhile, Li Ning Group will utilise its extensive resources in product development, market demand and user feedback to provide practical direction for the research and support the smooth implementation of the projects.  

PolyU co-organised the 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum)

The 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum) was held in Hefei, Anhui Province, from 4 to 5 September, attracting over 400 participants from various regions to discuss frontier topics in deep sea exploration, advanced technology, and scientific research. As one of the co-organisers, Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Prof. Wu Bo, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, also hosted an academic and scientific session, engaging fruitful discussion and sharing. A highlight of the conference was the official induction of PolyU into the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA) with Prof. Wu accepting the membership certificate on behalf of the University. Looking ahead, a delegation from PolyU will participate in the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia. The University will host a booth exhibition to showcase its latest breakthroughs in space research and innovation. On 30 September, PolyU will organise the ‘PolyU Space Connect’ event in Sydney, a gathering that will bring together global space enthusiasts, researchers, and innovators to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore future collaborations in an inspiring and friendly setting. Registration is now open to all interested partners.