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PolyU HEROCARE revolutionises paediatric radiotherapy with immersive technology, achieving an 88% reduction in anaesthesia use

Children undergoing radiotherapy often face intense fear and anxiety due to the intimidating environment of large machines, loud machine noise, and being alone in the treatment room. To combat this, a multidisciplinary team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), comprising experts from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and the Industrial Centre, has leveraged cutting-edge mixed reality technology at the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) to create a more reassuring setting for children during radiotherapy preparation. The HEROCARE (Holistic Empowerment in Radiation Oncology) programme at PolyU utilises HiVE technology to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of paediatric cancer patients and their carers throughout the course of radiotherapy. Supported by the Lee Hysan Foundation and the Research Grants Council’s Research Matching Grant Scheme, this four-year initiative is backed by over HK$4 million in funding. Each year, 40–60 paediatric patients in Hong Kong require radiotherapy. The HEROCARE programme seeks to include all eligible children aged 3–17 in its comprehensive workshops, which feature personalised preparatory sessions, treatment rehearsals, and on-site hospital support. Led by Dr Shara Lee, Associate Professor; Dr Helen Law, Associate Professor; and Dr Vincent Leung, Associate Professor of Practice from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, alongside engineers Ir Dr Kevin Wong, Trista Leung, and Astin Wu from the Industrial Centre, this multidisciplinary effort aims to significantly reduce the reliance on anaesthesia in paediatric radiotherapy. To date, the programme has achieved a 70% reduction in daily treatment times, along with notable improvements in participants' physical and emotional health. By utilising an experiential learning model, the programme also enhances the compassionate learning of future radiographers, providing them with hands-on experience and deepening their understanding of patient-centred care. The initiative is advocating for its adoption as a standard service model by the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong. Beyond improving the radiotherapy experience for children, HEROCARE is working to validate its effectiveness, expand its benefits to a wider patient population, and establish itself as the standard approach for paediatric radiotherapy in Hong Kong. Initial research has shown that 88% of participating children have completed radiotherapy without anaesthesia, securing extensive support from hospitals, experts, and universities across Hong Kong. The HEROCARE programme was launched during the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic when carers and social workers were restricted from hospital areas. By leveraging PolyU’s research facilities and expertise, the team developed this innovative programme to support paediatric patients' clinical preparation outside of hospitals. The programme also addresses the trauma and adverse effects associated with repeated anaesthesia in paediatric radiotherapy. HEROCARE is more than just a transformative initiative for paediatric cancer care—it is an exemplary model of integrating experiential compassionate learning with clinical service, fostering a sustainable support system that benefits patients, carers, and future healthcare professionals.

PolyU and Hefei government jointly establish research institute for technological advancement

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government have jointly established the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute). By harnessing professional academic research and cutting-edge technology through collaboration, the Research Institute aims to transform outstanding scientific research projects to achieve sustainable development. Hefei stands as one of the key national hubs for comprehensive technological innovation development. The Research Institute will actively drive  diverse projects encompassing technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation.  The Research Institute is dedicated to fostering and facilitating innovative advancement in research areas including deep space exploration, the low-altitude economy, and sensing technology. Throughout the years, PolyU has participated in various national space projects. Being the only university from Hong Kong actually involved in space endeavours, PolyU has developed and manufactured space instruments for the Nation’s space mission, effectively putting them into practical use. PolyU and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government held an official ceremony on 21 November to sign a cooperation agreement establishing the Research Institute, marking a milestone in promoting scientific research and technological advancements. This partnership underscores the commitment of Hong Kong and Hefei to innovation and excellence, serving as a dynamic platform connecting academia, industry and the community. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU led a PolyU delegation to Hefei to attend the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Mr YANG Binghong, Deputy Secretary and Mayor of Hefei City Luyang District. Representatives from PolyU and the Hefei Government attended the ceremony to celebrate the official establishment of the “PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute.”  Building upon the exceptional academic and research strengths of PolyU and Hefei, the Research Institute is dedicated to propelling technological innovation, cultivating scientific and technical expertise, and fostering strong global partnerships to drive progress in the Nation, Hong Kong, and worldwide.  By leveraging Hefei's rich resources and strengths, the Research Institute strives to optimise PolyU's research achievements, support the transformation of innovative outcomes, and empower the practical application of scientific research results. The successful establishment of the Research Institute reflects the strategic vision of both parties and will create a bright development prospect in the future.   

Media Interview: PolyU scholar supported by RGC Senior Research Fellow Scheme to transform research for a sustainable green future

Prof. Christina WONG, Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles and Director of Research and Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been granted the title of “Research Grants Council (RGC) Senior Research Fellow” with a total grant of approximately HK$8 million for her research project, “Beyond Regulatory Exertion: Circular Economy Governance, and its Institutionalization and Performance Impacts”.  During a recent media interview, Prof. Wong pointed out that only 7.2% of global resources that enter the market are recovered and recycled annually. Her research focuses on enhancing circular economy governance and promote its institutionalisation and performance impacts. Proactive governmental action plans and policies are critical to promote the circular economy. Collective industrial efforts are also essential for monitoring and controlling waste and resource efficiency. Prof. Wong highlighted the importance of sustainable supply chains in waste reduction. By advocating for green procurement practices and integrating environmentally friendly design principles, there is a significant effort to reduce waste at its source, extend product lifecycles, and motivate consumers to support the adoption of sustainable materials. The RGC funding supports Prof. Wong to transform theory into practical solutions for sustainable development in Hong Kong and the global community, addressing environmental and social problems while nurturing the next generation of research talents.

PolyU, CAICT and HKPC signed a strategic partnership agreement to promote computing infrastructure innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), signed a strategic partnership agreement at the 2024 International Symposium on Computility Technology Standards and Applications in Shanghai. This collaboration focuses on joint research in key areas vital to the development of a smart and secure digital economy. These include computing infrastructure, industrial internet, smart manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity to build a new industrial ecosystem. The three parties will also establish a joint laboratory and introduce domestic and international testing and certification services. The focus will be on the "Three Bigs and One New" （「三大一新」）areas: new industrialisation, big communications, big digitalisation, and big security, aiming to deepen the industrialisation of research outcomes and promote the high-quality development of strategic emerging industries. During the Symposium, the strategic partnership ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Li Wenjie Maggie, Professor of the Department of Computing of PolyU, Ms Zhiqin WANG, Vice Dean of CAICT and Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC. PolyU leverages its expertise in research and development (R&D) for hardware, software, and standard setting to deepen the commercialisation of research outcomes and accelerate the “One Accessment, Multiple Certifications” approach and the feasibility of joint testing certifications. This will incubate pilot cases with international impact, enhancing new productive forces in Hong Kong and accelerating national information technology development. The collaboration with HKPC and CAICT will serve as a vital conduit, bridging the Mainland and Hong Kong in the fields of industry and information technology, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation with a primary focus on computing technology. Together, we will concentrate on infrastructure, IT equipment, and platform applications related to various types of computing power, including general computing power, intelligent computing power, edge computing power, and supercomputing power, aiming for multi-dimensional and comprehensive cooperation. This partnership will connect regional technological innovation, promote the international development of the industrial information sector, and enhance new productive forces.

PolyU hosts Aerospace Innovation Research Summit and establishes Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy to support national development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings. At the opening ceremony, Ms WU Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr Christian FEICHTINGER, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation; Ms LI Tingting, Division Director of Satellite Data and Application International Cooperation Center, China National Space Administration; Dr Hon Hoey Simon LEE, Hon Duncan CHIU, Dr Hon Wendy HONG Wen, Hon SHANG Hailong, Prof. Hon William WONG Kam-fai, Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Members of Legislative Council of the HKSAR; Mr Allen YEUNG, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), inaugurated the event. Prof. WU Weiren, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program and Ms Aarti HOLLA-MAINI, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs also delivered video speeches to wish the Summit great success. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to fostering international outreach and partnerships in the field of aerospace. Last year, PolyU proudly became the first educational institution in Hong Kong to join the International Astronautical Federation, which has a network of over 500 leading corporate members from 77 countries worldwide. Last month, we also presented seven pioneering research projects at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. As an innovative world-class university, now ranked 57th in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific, engineering and research excellence to further contribute to the development of aerospace.” In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering–LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications. A highlight of the thematic parallel sessions was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between PolyU and two industry partners. In the parallel session themed “Commercialising Space”, PolyU signed an MoU with the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy (Hong Kong) Limited (OASA), to promote innovation and advancement of space technology. The two parties will collaborate to establish a “Space Accelerator” aimed at nurturing future talent for the NewSpace Economy and related industries. Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating. In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.” RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations. The AIR Summit showcased PolyU’s interdisciplinary research strengths and capabilities across various fields. The University will continue to leverage its influence by working closely with the higher education sector, research institutions and industry partners to bring valuable innovations to society through education, research and knowledge transfer.

PolyU research in advanced sensory AI recognised by BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that unlocks new insights across diverse fields, ultimately driving innovation and transforming our understanding of complex systems. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has garnered recognition in the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024 (STIP) for its remarkable achievements in the category of “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”. Prof. Yang CHAI, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, is recognised in the “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics” field for his contributions to Artificial Intelligence (AI) sensor technology. His groundbreaking works, particularly in developing disruptive in-sensor computing paradigms for artificial vision sensors, enable information processing directly within the sensors. The award highlights how Prof. CHAI’s innovation minimises the need for frequent data transfers to external computing units, enhances computational efficiency, and enriches sensor functionalities for visual processing applications. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “We take pride in this honourable award, which acknowledges our talented scholar’s remarkable achievements for excellence in AI sensory technology. The pioneering and innovative research at PolyU is inspiring and laying the foundation for widespread applications, promising a bright future in both technology and human life.” The BOCHK STIP is an annual accolade open to key fields of Hong Kong’s scientific and technological innovation. Each year, five awards are presented, with each winner receiving a cash reward of HKD 2 million. Since the inception of this award, PolyU has had six scientists recognised over three consecutive years, spanning fields such as “Advanced Manufacturing”, “FinTech”, “Life and Health”, and “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”. Prof. CHAI has made significant strides in sensory AI systems by addressing critical challenges in power consumption, latency, and data compression. His innovations have unlocked the potential of sensory AI across various industries, enhancing decision-making and situational awareness while improving privacy and security. Targeting the development of neuromorphic computing devices for efficient processing of complex visual information, he has developed novel hardware architectures and optimisation techniques that facilitate the application of advanced sensory AI in mobile devices, IoT sensors, and edge computing. This transformation offers promising applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. Inspired by natural bioinspired sensory systems, his research team is committed to exploring how to fuse sensing and processing functions through new hardware design. By mimicking biological visual systems, the team has developed vision sensors that can improve image recognition accuracy, adapt to extremely dim/bright lighting and different wavelengths, and agilely perceive dynamic motion. The BOCHK STIP, hosted by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, is a non-governmental merit-based award. It aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation.

PolyU and Tsinghua University collaborate on joint STEAM lab to foster innovation in art and design

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University have collaborated to establish a Joint Lab for STEAM, fostering art and design innovation in research, technology and talent development by leveraging the two universities’ exceptional expertise and knowledge in this cross-disciplinary area. This signifies the inaugural collaborative laboratory formed by PolyU and Tsinghua University. The Joint Lab for STEAM will enhance and bolster art and design innovation within the conventional STEM platform which encompasses science, technology, mathematics and engineering. It will also promote STEAM professional education and technology development through seminars and promotional activities, highlighting how blending arts and design with STEM enhances innovation, and economic and societal well-being. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU led a PolyU delegation to Tsinghua University to attend the signing ceremony. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. Sai MA, Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design and Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. This significant partnership between PolyU and Tsinghua University leverages the expertise and achievements of both universities in multidisciplinary research, particularly focusing on knowledge transfer in art and design for impactful social applications. Collaboratively, the Joint STEAM lab strives to cultivate a culture of creativity, innovation and technological excellence. The principal investigators of the Joint Lab for STEAM are Prof. Stephen Jia WANG, Professor of the School of Design and Director of the Research Centre of Future (Caring) Mobility (RcFCM) at PolyU and Prof. Sai Ma, Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. The research focus areas of the Joint Lab include artificial intelligence and design, intelligent interactive systems, sustainable design and technology, innovative educational methods, data-driven design and human-machine symbiotic design. The PolyU RcFCM has developed a design-led innovations platform for conducting high-impact research with a vision that highlights an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge, STEAM and innovative design approach focusing on the caring and well-being of human life. It has made significant innovative research advancements in various areas including intelligent, interactive and experiential design. The Art and Science Research Center of Tsinghua University was established in May 2001 through the collaborative efforts of the renowned contemporary Chinese painter, Mr WU Guanzhong and the Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Mr LEE Tsung-Dao. Led by Prof. Sai Ma as Director and with the late Mr Lee Tsung-Dao as Honorary Director, the Art and Science Research Center has developed a comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates teaching, research and academic publications in arts and sciences. Furthermore, the Center actively nurtures talents, with a strong emphasis on individuality and innovation. Together with the Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University, the vision for this collaboration was supported by Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of the School of Design of PolyU and Prof. Winco YUNG, Senior Consultant of the Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety of PolyU. The Joint Labaims to advance STEAM research, education and product development to foster a sustainable future. Research projects will be undertaken with a view to fostering collaboration among academia, research and industry, while also strengthening inter-university cooperation and bolstering the overall academic standing of the universities.

PolyU and COMAC sign agreement to establish Research Institute for Large Aircraft

On November 12, 2024, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) signed an agreement to jointly establish the COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft. The COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft aims to promote the development of the large aircraft industry. Leveraging the academic strengths of PolyU and Hong Kong’s technological innovation resources, the Research Institute will focus on key tasks such as tackling challenges in domestically-produced commercial aircraft technology and exploring future new technologies. It will bring together regional industry and research capabilities to foster collaborative innovation, providing strong support for the development of the large aircraft industry.

PolyU establishes eight JC STEM Labs to attract outstanding R&D talent and support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a generous donation of over HKD 74 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust) to establish eight Jockey Club (JC) STEM Labs. Spearheaded by distinguished PolyU scholars selected for the HKSAR Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme, these JC STEM Labs aspire to advance innovative research in the fields of machine learning and computer vision, healthy built environment, innovative light therapy for eye diseases, quantum technology, 2D quantum materials, earth observations, digital oncology care enhancement and genomics in healthcare. PolyU held an inauguration ceremony for the JC STEM Labs yesterday to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Trust. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; and Ms Elsie TSANG, Executive Manager, Charities (Talent & Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, together with eight JC STEM Lab Directors. Prof. Wing-tak Wong remarked, “We would like to express our immense gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their generous support in establishing the state-of-the-art JC STEM Labs. These advanced labs will spearhead research across a range of innovative fields, reinforcing Hong Kong’s standing as an international innovation and technology hub. As PolyU commemorates its 30th anniversary of achieving university status, these new facilities not only represent a pivotal milestone in the University’s development but also underscore our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement.” Ms Elsie Tsang said, “By investing in the research endeavours of these JC STEM Labs, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust aims to assist in the creation of an enabling environment that supports the development of STEM talents and strengthens their capacity in applied research and knowledge transfer. Our commitment to this initiative underscores the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society.” The eight JC STEM Lab Directors also presented their Labs’ founding objectives, research areas, key projects and anticipated outcomes, with the aim to create a positive impact on Hong Kong and the world. A brief introduction to the JC STEM Labs is featured below: Lab Lab Director Research focus JC STEM Lab of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Prof. CHAU Lap-pui Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Explore key technologies in 3D vision, general world models, spatial intelligence, trustworthy AI and robotics, as well as advancing innovations in AI perception, to empower smart manufacturing, mobility, education, entertainment and community wellness. JC STEM Lab of Healthy Built Environment Prof. CHEN Qing-yan Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary; and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Develop innovative solutionstoevaluate and design healthy and energy-efficient environments, with applications in airborne infectious disease control and thermal comfort in buildings, transportation and urban areas, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable urban development on a global scale. JC STEM Lab of Innovative Light Therapy for Eye Diseases Prof. HE Mingguang Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health; and Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision, PolyU Transform the treatment landscape for ocular diseases, including theenhancement ofinvasive Repeated Low-Level Red-Lighttechnology by refining light intensity, duration and delivery mechanisms, and extending indications beyond myopia to other eye conditions. JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology Prof. LIU Ai-Qun Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science; and Director, Research Institute for Quantum Technology, PolyU Develop the quantum computers, quantum communication networks, quantum algorithms and software, quantum machine learning, as well as metrology and quantum sensing. The quantum computing microprocessors “HK-o1”, demonstrated by PolyU, is the first quantum computer in Hong Kong that is making a significant impact on the city. JC STEM Lab of 2D Quantum Materials Prof. LOH Kian-ping Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU Develop new 2D quantum materials that can reduce energy consumption in spintronic devices, paving the way for faster and more efficient computers and memory storage devices. This will help underpin the rapid progress of information and communication technology. JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations Prof. WENG Qi-hao Associate Director, Research Institute for Land and Space; and Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, PolyU Advance Earth Observation technologies by integrating space-air-ground sensing, AI-powered image processing and urban sensor networks. The labis pioneering geomatics solutions that revolutionise urban monitoring and environmental management. JC STEM Lab of Digital Oncology Care Enhancement Prof. Janelle YORKE Head, School of Nursing; Angel S. P. Chan Lau Professor in Health and Longevity; and Chair Professor of Nursing, PolyU     Develop a platform for a virtual oncology hospital to enable real-time monitoring of cancer patients’ symptoms related to treatment toxicities, including those from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to facilitate effective clinical decision-making. This can improve patient outcomes and experiences, increase treatment completion rates, enhance survival rates, and lead to significant efficiencies in healthcare. JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare Prof. ZHANG Weixiong Associate Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research; and Chair Professor in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Develop innovative AI and genomic technologies, including the creation of foundational models,for studying diseases andidentifyingdiagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targetsfor disease diagnosis and management. This will help revolutionise personalised diagnosis and therapy for cancers and psychiatric disorders, advancing medical care for all. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust established the JC STEM Lab Initiative in 2021 to support the laboratory set-up for scholars selected for the Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme. The initiative aims to nurture STEM talent in Hong Kong and promote the translation of new science and technology to social impact. The JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology showcased Hong Kong’s first quantum computer called “HK-o1”. This groundbreaking technology is set to make a significant impact in the field of quantum computing. Besides, the JC STEM Lab is actively engaged in quantum research, including quantum communication chips and quantum sensors and more. Ms Elsie Tsang (5th from right, front row), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Laura Lo (5th from left, front row), PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement)visited the lab. Prof. Zhang Weixiong, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare introduced projects that combine artificial intelligence computing, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology to study the mechanisms of depression and develop treatment solutions. Ms Elsie Tsang (right), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club visited The JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare.

Fostering innovation through a collaborative culture and advanced research facilities

Originally from Nigeria, Dr Increase Onwachukwu, Lecturer of the School of Accounting and Finance at PolyU, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for research in international trade, environmental economics, and health economics. His work focuses on the intersection of global trade policies, environmental sustainability, and public health outcomes, aiming to develop informed policies that promote both economic growth and environmental protection. Currently, he is exploring the impact of trade on worsening health outcomes in developing countries and examining the drivers of the gender gap in healthcare utilisation. Dr Onwachukwu was attracted to PolyU due to its alignment with his values and professional goals. He values the university's commitment to academic excellence, as well as its collaborative and inclusive environment. Since joining PolyU, Dr Onwachukwu has found inspiration in the collaborative culture and access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enriching his research perspectives. He believes that diversity within academia encompasses various dimensions, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, and is essential for fostering innovation and impactful research.