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Three PolyU Scholars elected as Fellows of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to excellence in research, making far-reaching contributions to the development of society and the well-being of humanity by leveraging the advancement of scientific research. Three PolyU Scholars have been elected as Fellows of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) for recognition of their remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications. The three PolyU Scholars are (in alphabetical order) Prof. TAO Xiaoming, Chair Professor of Textile Technology at the School of Fashion and Textiles and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Ir Prof. YIN Jian Hua, Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Ir Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Prof. TAO has gained international recognition for her leading research in intelligent fibrous materials, nanotechnology, photonic fibres and fabrics, flexible electronic and photonic devices, yarn manufacturing, and textile composites. She has spearheaded a team of innovative inventors, achieving the acquisition of over 40 international and national patents. Her invented technologies have been licensed to companies worldwide for industrial applications. She discovered a novel yarn structure, which can achieve combined properties of low torque, low twist and high strength. Additionally, she invented a series of devices for spinning machines and testing instrument. The Nu-TorqueTM technology was commercialised by Central Textiles in Hong Kong and later licensed to thirteen companies worldwide. Her research on smart textiles and sensing technologies has been adopted for personal healthcare in commercial wearable products for ECG, respiration, and gait. Prof. Yin is a world-leading scholar in developing an original non-linear rheology theory and one-dimensional (1D) and 3D Elastic Visco-Plastic (EVP) constitutive models for soils. His works, including the Yin and Graham’s 1D and 3D EVP models developed from his non-linear rheology theory, are applied in the consolidation analysis of soils. And this was considered as a main milestone contribution by Géotechnique, the world’s top 1 geotechnical journal, over 60 years (1948-to-2008) in the UK. His two methods, - a numerical approach applying Yin and Graham’s 1D and 3D EVP models and a simple method for consolidation settlement analysis - have been adopted in “Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual” (5th-edition-2023).  Also, his EVP models have been implemented in popular international software “Plaxis” and “ICFEP” software package developed by Imperial College London, both of which are used by the global geotechnical community. He also invented a transducer for direct measurement of effective stress in saturated soils. This invention has solved “a centennially unsolved case” and is recognised as “an unprecedented achievement in the field of soil mechanics, following Terzaghi’s seminal work.” Prof. ZHAO’s significant research impact in structural and civil engineering has earned him numerous prestigious international awards and honours, including the Humboldt Research Award and fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. His current research focuses on high-performance sustainable materials for civil engineering applications, steel-concrete-FRP hybrid construction, and floating structure technology. His international leadership in the development and construction of steel and hybrid tubular structures is widely recognised. His research team has also made significant contributions to understanding the behaviour of steel structures and concrete-filled tubular structures under various conditions, including static and blast loading, fire, earthquake, and fatigue. His research achievements have been incorporated into standards in Australia and America, as well as  Eurocode and ISO standards. Additionally, he has chaired a technical committee of the International Institute of Welding, contributing to the development of two ISO standards and four international design guides, which are widely used by engineers worldwide. The HKAE aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering, contributing to the advancement of society and the development of Hong Kong and our Nation. It comprises a distinguished group of Fellows from various disciplines, recognised as leaders in their profession, with remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications.

Ministry of Education Delegation visits PolyU and commends Unversity’s efforts on industry-academia integration

A delegation led by Dr WU Yan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday. The delegation met with the PolyU management team and researchers to gain insights into the University’s latest developments, particularly its achievements in knowledge transfer related to artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare technology. Dr Wu commended the University’s innovative research and its effort in fostering industry-academia integration. He welcomed closer collaboration between PolyU and mainland cities, as well as national research institutes, to further translate technology into practical applications, contributing to technological development in both regions and benefiting the community. The delegation representatives included Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Mr CHEN Wei, Deputy Director of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council; Dr YANG Dan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges and Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education; Dr ZHOU Tianhua, Director of the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education; Prof. WANG Weiming, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and other representatives from the Ministry of Education, HKMAO of the State Council, and LOCPG. Accompanied by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG and other management team members, the delegation visited the AIR Lab at the University’s Industrial Centre, where PolyU scholars introduced and demonstrated a number of innovation projects in healthcare and AI. These projects included an AI diabetic retinopathy screening system, a large medical model for cancers, myopic defocus technology for myopia control in children, a liver fibrosis and fatty liver screening system, a 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, a virtual MRI contrast enhancement system for precise tumour detection and treatment, robots for post-stroke ankle-foot rehabilitation, a portable high-definition corneal topographer, an AI-based platform to enhance the discovery and development of novel drugs, and a project integrating genomics and biomedical technologies in the diagnosis, treatment, and etiology analysis of mental disorders. All these projects demonstrate the achievements of PolyU in translating research outcomes into real-world applications and drive the advancement of healthcare sector. The delegation then met with the University’s management and researchers. Dr Wu Yan highlighted ongoing efforts to establish regional technology transfer centres across the Nation, followed by the development of a network in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths. Dr Wu also noted that PolyU’s achievements in industry-academia integration, particularly in medicine-engineering integration, have been widely recognised. These achievements are evident not only in the pursuit of innovation but also in the translation of technologies into practical real-world products in areas such as ophthalmology, drug development and rehabilitation robotics. He further stated that the nation is promoting “New Engineering, New Medicine, New Agriculture, and New Liberal Arts 2.0”, incorporating AI to transform traditional industries and develop new disciplines. PolyU has excelled in facilitating medicine-engineering integration and is well-placed to participate in the strategic work of the healthcare technology transfer centre in the GBA. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked that the visit from the Ministry of Education delegation provides significant encouragement to PolyU. The University is dedicated to nurturing socially responsible talents with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective for societal benefits, supporting the goal of building China into a leading country in education. In addition to establishing the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, PolyU launched the Chinese Culture Festival last year to promote Chinese culture and has made courses on Chinese history and culture compulsory for undergraduate students. Dr Lam pointed out that PolyU’s limitation is its small campus capacity. The University has been seeking to expand its space and hopes to receive support from the HKSAR Government and various sectors to meet its future development needs. Dr Choi Yuk-lin noted that PolyU is undergoing rapid development, with its global and subject rankings constantly rising, solidifying its position as a key player in the local education sector. Hong Kong must seize the opportunities presented by national development, particularly the technology transfer network established in the GBA. In addition to securing land in the Northern Metropolis for the education sector, the Education Bureau will also innovate and adapt its policies to address future challenges effectively. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng emphasised that PolyU has over 40 years of extensive experience in healthcare education, having trained 52,000 graduates employed across various healthcare professions. The University offers a wide range of programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiotherapy, optometry, medical laboratory science, speech therapy, and nursing. These programmes are supported by more than 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff, as well as state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. With these advantages, PolyU is well-positioned to establish a medical school. In training medical professionals, the University can harness the synergy among its diverse programmes to cultivate talent in a cost-effective manner. Group photo of Dr Wu Yan (6th from left), Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, and PolyU scholars who showcased projects during the visit, including (starting from 1st from left) Prof. MA Cong from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Prof. Dennis TSE and Prof. HE Mingguang from the School of Optometry; Prof. Yang Hongxia from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Prof. ZHANG Weixiong from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Department of Computing; (starting from 7th from left) Prof. Yongping Zheng and Prof. HU Xiaoling from the Department of Biomedical Engineering; Prof. Jing CAI from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. ZHANG Dan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Prof. Chea-su KEE from the School of Optometry. The delegation and PolyU representatives exchanged views. Dr Wu Yan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, delivered a speech at the meeting. Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of HKSAR Government, spoke at the meeting. Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, delivered a welcoming address. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, introduced the latest developments of the University.

PolyU scholar awarded ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal 2025

Prof. XIA Yong, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been awarded the ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal at the 3rd ASCE Greater China Conference.  Prof. XIA is recognised for his exceptional innovative contributions and outstanding leadership in advancing the ASCE Greater China Section and the civil engineering profession in the region. The award’s selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as professional contributions, academic influence, and international engagement.  Prof. Xia has been engaging in research of large-scale civil engineering structural health monitoring, structural damage identification, and substructure methods. Being an expert in the field, his developed technologies have been applied to numerous landmark structures, including the 600-m tall Canton Tower, the 632-m tall Shanghai Tower, the 1377-m long main span Tsing Ma Bridge, the world’s longest 55-km long Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, and the PolyU Footbridge. For more of Prof. XIA’s achievements: Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges Digital Twin-based Long-span Bridge Health Monitoring PolyU Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure The ASCE Greater China Section serves as a vital platform for fostering the growth of civil engineering in Greater China. It facilitates knowledge exchange, networking opportunities and professional development among its members, uniting engineers across diverse disciplines within civil engineering, including structural, geotechnical, construction, environmental, materials and water resources. Credit: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure  

Media interview: PolyU scholar shares Eco-blocks development and construction application

As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong faces a significant challenge in carbon emissions from the construction sector, which accounts for over 50% of the city's total emissions. Promoting the green transformation of the construction industry has become critical. Green buildings aim to reduce environmental impact by integrating innovative technologies and sustainable design principles, with the widespread adoption of green building materials. Prof. Poon Chi-sun, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) focuses on converting waste materials, such as construction debris, glass aggregates and incineration ash, into sustainable building materials, thereby reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental quality. Prof. Poon was featured in the TV programme “Carbon Revolution in China” to introduce Eco-blocks, a type of green construction material produced from construction and other waste materials. These blocks utilise advanced recycling technology and are manufactured through low-carbon methods. By grinding recycled glass into powder as a substitute for cement, the production process significantly lowers carbon emissions.  In addition, Eco-blocks not only relieve the burden on overloaded landfills, but also address issues related to rainwater accumulation and flooding, as they are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration. In response to the increasing demand for green design in architecture, Prof. Poon believes that innovation and sustainable development contribute to a healthier environment and improved living conditions. He emphasises the collective responsibility to confront the challenges of climate change, fostering a path towards a more sustainable future.  

Diversity fosters interdisciplinary research to tackle vital societal challenges

As an interdisciplinary researcher holding dual PhDs in Computer Science and General Literature, Prof. Johan F. Hoorn, Full Professor of the School of Design and Department of Computing and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) uniquely integrates science and the arts, focusing on logic-based artificial intelligence, human-robot interaction, and the psychological aspects of technology. His work aims to integrate personality and emotion into robot design, fostering more natural interactions between humans and machines. Drawn to PolyU after a global tour for a documentary on his social robots addressing loneliness in older adults, Prof. Hoorn appreciates the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration. His current research intersects affective computing and social robotics, exploring emotional ambiguity in decision-making through quantum probability. One of his notable projects, which was awarded a grant under the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25, focuses on "Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population." This initiative aims to develop social robots that can provide customised mental care and support, enhancing the well-being of those underserved by traditional healthcare. Prof. Hoorn highlights the importance of diversity in driving interdisciplinary collaboration to foster innovative solutions for intricate societal challenges. At PolyU, he finds an inspiring environment that encourages creative design and deep exploration of quantum models, backed by supportive leadership. Prof. Hoorn said, “It’s the only place I have ever worked where I can do creative design and simultaneously delve into quantum probability to model robot behaviour.”

PolyU and Shandong First Medical University forge partnership to nurture healthcare professionals and advance radiation oncology research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Shandong First Medical University (SDFMU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on medical education and innovation, including nurturing healthcare professionals and joint medical research. This partnership will synergise PolyU’s education and research strengths in health technology and informatics, and SDFMU’s extensive experience in clinical work and the application of cutting-edge medical technologies for tumour radiotherapy, advancing talent and research development in the field. The MoU signing ceremony was held in Jinan, Shandong Province, last month. Witnessed by Mr CHEN Ping, Vice Governor of Shandong Province; Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. Sijin LIU, Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU; and Prof. YU Jinming, Hospital President of the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Prof. WANG Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU. Prof. David Shum said, “The signing of this MoU marks an important step as PolyU and SDFMU join forces to drive medical education and research to new heights. The partnership will combine PolyU’s strong research capabilities in health technology with the rich clinical experience in cancer treatment that SDFMU has accumulated, striving to propel future development of radiation oncology.” Prof. Wang Yuxuan remarked, “This collaboration between the two universities represents our shared vision for the advancement of medicine. We hope that it will further strengthen our exchanges and cooperation in talent nurturing, research and innovation, and clinical practice, thereby injecting new impetus into the development of the Nation’s healthcare industry. Under the MoU, PolyU and SDFMU will seek to develop various academic and professional exchanges and explore potential for collaboration in nurturing healthcare professionals, establishing joint laboratories and more. Capitalising on their respective strengths, both parties aspire to cultivate future medical talents and advance research outcomes, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of healthcare standards in the Mainland and Hong Kong. During the trip, the delegation from the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics participated in the 2nd Cancer Particle Radiotherapy Conference, co-hosted by the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU and the Shandong Anti Cancer Association. The delegation members engaged in lively discussion with some of over 2,000 experts from around the world about the pioneering concept, new technology and treatment outcomes of particle radiotherapy for cancer. At the Conference, Prof. Jing Cai delivered a speech centred on the future use of artificial intelligence in radiotherapy.

PolyU and CSD sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry. The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU’s scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr NG Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), the MoU was signed by Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Mr TONG Soen, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation). Prof. Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The “food waste-derived 3D printing material” patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products. The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.

A pathway to innovation in language development studies under diversity

As a neurolinguist and a mother of two, Dr Caicai ZHANG, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), combines her personal experiences with her research on child language learning and developmental disorders. With access to PolyU's state-of-the-art neuroscience facilities, including advanced neuroimaging resources, she investigates childhood language disorders with the aim of identifying early biomarkers and developing effective intervention strategies. Her current longitudinal study tracks brain, cognitive, and language development in Chinese children aged four to six, including exploring the influence of sleep on memory consolidation. At PolyU, Dr ZHANG thrives in a collaborative environment, leveraging interdisciplinary connections to enhance her work. Supported by substantial funding and resources, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on children's speech and language development. Dr ZHANG believes that diversity within academia fosters innovation and impactful work. The importance of unique perspectives brought by women and mothers, which can lead to broader research topics and inspire future generations. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion not only inspires her research but also serves as a role model for future generations, encouraging more women and mothers to pursue careers in academia and research.

PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU Shenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengths of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globally minded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards.

PolyU project develops AI-enabled parking garage vacation prediction service supported by Smart Traffic Fund

Advanced technology in artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in managing transportation. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to harnessing its interdisciplinary research capabilities to drive the advancement of smart mobility. A PolyU project aimed at enhancing parking garage vacancy prediction services has received support by the Smart Traffic Fund. Led by Prof. MA Wei, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, the project titled “Parking Garage Vacancy Prediction Services in Hong Kong: AI-enabled Solutions for Enhanced Reliability and Extensibility” has been granted approximately $2.9 million from the Smart Traffic Fund for a period of 18 months. This project aims to develop a deep learning-based parking garage vacation prediction service for off street carparks in Hong Kong. By leveraging AI technology and combining big data with real time data, the service will predict parking vacancy and estimate queuing times for fully occupied garages, helping to reduce motorists’ cruising time and enhance road efficiency. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 22 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date.  The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety.