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PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing 29 May 2025 Events School of Nursing

The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He added, “With PolyU’s extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to leverage the University’s robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.” Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations in integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy and, as such, the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing. Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR, stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government’s strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the Conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers and academics to come together and address trends and the pressing challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, “PolyU’s School of Nursing has made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing.” The Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 brought together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements: Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates “urinary incontinence management”, “social care and support”, “carer support” and “vaccination advocacy”, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds “yes” to any ofquestions asked, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, remarked, “ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also requires the bolstering of support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions.” To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline ICOPE 2.0 educational materials, with a training video premiered at the Conference. The video not only explain the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the Conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This Workshop aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Beyond promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the Conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific region.  Prof. Leung envisioned that the Conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy ageing. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the Conference.

PolyU hosts the inaugural Master Lecture by Prof. Zhang Wenhong, Director of the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases, on the value of medical innovations in combating pandemics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI), together with the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), today co-hosted the inaugural PolyU Master Lecture. Prof. ZHANG Wenhong, Director of the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases and Head of the Institute of Infection and Health at Fudan University, gave the keynote speech, “The Race between Evolving Infectious Diseases and Human Technology”, sharing insights on how medical innovation and technology can rapidly anticipate and counteract the challenges posed by the unpredictable progress of infectious diseases before the next pandemic emerges. The event attracted approximately 450 participants, including PolyU faculty members, students, alumni, healthcare professionals and members of the public. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed gratitude to Prof. Zhang for sharing his profound insights on the prevention and control of infectious diseases, which enriched participants’ understanding. He remarked, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus genome monitoring system developed by a PolyU research team became a pivotal tool for the HKSAR Government’s precise pandemic response. In recent years, PolyU has been actively promoting interdisciplinary innovation through PAIR and other research platforms, and advancing research in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. PolyU has submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to leverage the University’s robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of healthcare professionals who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.” Prof. Zhang Wenhong is a world-renowned expert on infectious disease control, specialising in the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. He is currently Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, Director of the Shanghai Sci-Tech Inno Centre for Infection and Immunity, and Dean of the Department of Internal Medicine at Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University. He has been appointed as an Honorary Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics and serves as an Expert Advisory Committee member for the University’s proposed third medical school. A prominent figure in the field of infectious diseases in Mainland China, Prof. Zhang has been honoured as a COVID-19 fight role model and a Young and Middle-Aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions of the National Health Commission in recognition of his exceptional professional excellence in the Nation’s fight against the pandemic. He is also a recipient of the 2nd National Award for Excellence in Innovation, as well as other awards, for his scientific and technological achievements. During his lecture, Prof. Zhang shared insights on the origins and evolution of infectious diseases, the importance and challenges of vaccination during pandemics, and how medical innovations can predict and counter pandemic outbreaks. Prof. Zhang pointed out that infectious diseases evolve in unpredictable patterns, constantly reshaping themselves in ways that challenge the medical community’s ability to anticipate the next dangerous variant. While medical researchers methodically develop vaccines and treatments through careful scientific processes, disease-causing organisms rapidly adapt through random mutations that can bypass the most sophisticated defences. Prof. Zhang further pointed out that while vaccination can effectively reduce the severity and mortality rate of infections, the silent transmission chains within communities and the emergence of new variants can weaken the protection vaccines provide. Developing new vaccines will enable the global community to respond more effectively and help prevent future outbreaks and epidemics. Key strategies in addressing the next pandemic include achieving herd immunity, scaling up vaccine production, improving treatment plans, and developing tools and methods for the detection, response and containment of future infectious threats. The following Q&A session was moderated by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of PAAI and Prof. Gilman SIU, Professor of the HTI. Prof. Zhang engaged in in-depth exchanges with participants, inspiring all present.   Prof. Wing-tak Wong, PolyU Deputy President and Provost (right) conferred a certificate of appointment as an Honorary Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics on Prof. Zhang Wenhong (left).

PolyU research reveals rising soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate change and fertilisation accelerate global ozone pollution

Ozone pollution is a global environmental concern that not only threatens human health and crop production, but also worsens global warming. While the formation of ozone is often attributed to anthropogenic pollutants, soil emissions are revealed to be another important source. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have examined global soil nitrous acid (HONO) emissions data from 1980 to 2016 and incorporated them in a chemistry-climate model to unveil the pivotal role soil HONO emissions play in the increase of the ozone mixing ratio in air and its negative impact on vegetation. Soil microbial activities and agricultural practices, notably fertiliser application, release various gases from soil into the atmosphere. Previous studies found that soil HONO emissions contribute up to 80% of the atmospheric HONO mixing ratio. The interaction of HONO with other pollutants in the atmosphere is crucial to the chemical production of ozone. HONO also promotes ozone formation by elevating concentrations of its precursors nitrogen oxide (NOₓ). Prof. Tao WANG, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with his research team, has compiled a dataset of soil HONO emission measurements from diverse ecosystems worldwide and pioneered a quantitative parameterisation scheme to quantify the impact brought by the emissions. The research made possible the comprehensive dataset measurements by integrating multiple variables, including climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, and fertiliser type and application rates into the scheme. For unquantifiable factors such as microbial activities, land use and soil texture, the team applied diverse parameterisations based on latitude, longitude and land use data of the corresponding soil samples. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, with Dr Yanan WANG, PolyU Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr Qinyi LI, Professor at Shandong University, being the co-first authors.   Global soil HONO emissions continue to increase The researchers found that soil HONO emissions have increased from 9.4 Tg N in 1980 to 11.5 Tg N in 2016. Using the chemistry-climate model to simulate the impact of these emissions on atmospheric composition, they discovered an average 2.5% rise annually in the global surface ozone mixing ratio, with localised increases reaching up to 29%. Such increases may lead to the overexposure of vegetation to ozone, adversely affecting ecosystem balance and the production of food crops. In addition, ozone damage will reduce the capacity of vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby further aggravating the greenhouse effect. The team pointed out that soil HONO emissions are influenced by the combined effects of nitrogen fertiliser usage and climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, resulting in seasonal and geographic variations. Global soil HONO emissions peak in the summer when soil temperature is higher and crops are in their growing season. The northern hemisphere was found to contribute to two-thirds of global emissions, with Asia being the largest emitter, accounting for 37.2% of the total. Emissions hotspots mainly clustered in agricultural areas in India, eastern China, central North America, Europe, African savannahs and South America.   Regions with lower pollution levels are more affected Notably, the influence of soil HONO emissions on the increase of the ozone mixing ratio is more significant in low anthropogenic emission regions. This is because ozone formation is closely related to the concentrations of its precursors NOₓ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air. Typically, NOₓ concentrations are lower while VOC concentrations are higher in areas with low anthropogenic emissions, placing these areas predominantly in a NOₓ-limited regime where ozone is more sensitive to NOₓ. An increase in NOₓ concentration will thus lead to a greater rise in ozone levels. With the global trend in recent years of decreasing anthropogenic emissions, more regions are likely to shift towards a NOₓ-limited regime, driving up the impact of soil HONO emissions on ozone levels. Prof. Wang said, “Climate change and the increasing use of fertiliser will lead to continued rise in soil HONO emissions, which may offset some of the benefits expected from reduced anthropogenic emissions. It is crucial to understand and manage soil emissions to foster sustainable development. We therefore recommend considering soil HONO emissions in strategies for mitigating global air pollution.”   Advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets In the development of the robust parameterisation scheme, the research team integrated advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets, including global soil HONO emissions measurement data from 110 previous laboratory experiments and data derived from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2) reanalysis. The research team also leveraged the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry (CAM-Chem) climate-chemistry model developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research of the United States for simulating the impacts of soil HONO emissions on atmospheric chemistry and vegetation exposure risk. Prof. Wang said, “Our future research will focus on expanding the global observational network for soil HONO emissions, as well as on offering a deeper understanding of microbial roles in HONO emissions by soil. These two approaches can facilitate a more accurate assessment of ozone and other secondary air pollutants production caused by soil HONO emissions and their impact on vegetation. Further studies should also explore mitigation strategies to optimise fertiliser use, such as deep fertiliser placement and the use of nitrification inhibitors, with the aim of reducing soil HONO emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity.”

PolyU participates in Asia Summit on Global Health, showcasing innovations in healthcare technology

The global demand for healthcare continues to rise due to an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Scholars, startups, and research teams from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 26 and 27 May. They shared insights with industry experts from around the world and showcasing the University’s research achievements in healthcare technology innovations. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “PolyU has consistently harnessed expertise and research capabilities in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, public health, and engineering. We leverage the unique advantages of medical and engineering integration and empowering medicine with AI to develop innovative solutions that meet societal needs. As a pioneer in innovation and entrepreneurship, PolyU is committed to nurturing startups and promoting the commercialisation of research outcomes to contribute to the well-being of society and humanity globally.” Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar, participated in a thematic session on the theme of “Data-driven Healthcare Transforming Patient Journey”. With industry peers, he explored innovative applications of and prospects for using big data and AI technologies in optimising patient healthcare processes. Prof. Zhang highlighted the importance of healthcare data for researchers and the need for long-term collaboration among all stakeholders to collectively advance healthcare research and innovation. Additionally, seven PolyU startups, three research teams, and The InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research showcased their research and technological achievements in healthcare technology at the “InnoHealth Showcase” and ASGH exhibition respectively. Their innovations cover areas such as pharmaceutical and therapeutics, AI and digital health, medical device and diagnostics, and community health and wellness, highlighting PolyU’s strengths in these fields. PolyU is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship development that benefits to the world. Through PolyUVentures, its signature startup ecosystem, the University bolsters PolyU startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration and fundraising. Over the years, PolyU has nurtured about 600 startups, including two listed companies, three unicorns and 26 ponies.

PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, promoting the development of biomedicine and health industry of the two cities

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HKAE and PolyU PReCIT co-organise the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award Ceremony cum Distinguished Lectures, celebrating excellence in engineering innovation

The Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award Ceremony cum Distinguished Lectures, organised by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) and co-organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was successfully held at PolyU campus yesterday. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, along with Ir Dr Alex CHAN, President of the HKAE and Ir Dr Humphrey LEUNG, Chair of the HKEST Award Selection Committee and Court Member of PolyU, and was attended by Ir Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President of the HKAE, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT. The event brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, and research sectors to celebrate the awardees’ achievements in the field of engineering science and technology. The third HKEST Award has attracted broader support than in previous years with government departments and more R&D institutions joining as nominating organisations. The number of nominations reached a record high this year, reflecting the growing recognition and interest that the Award has received from the engineering and technology community. Following a rigorous review process conducted by the Selection Committee, six outstanding individuals and teams were recognised for their significant contributions to engineering science and technology. Ir Dr Alex Chan officiated at the ceremony and delivered the welcoming speech. He emphasised the exceptional talent and dedication of this year’s laureates, adding, “It is our hope that the HKEST awards gain more recognition within industry and academia, enhancing competitiveness and fostering a more productive environment.” Prof. Sun Dong then expressed his pleasure in celebrating the success of the laureates during his opening remarks and noted that “This award is much more than just recognition. It plays a pivotal role in identifying the engineering and technology talent and strengthening Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) landscape. This mission aligns seamlessly with the government’s strategic vision of creating a vibrant I&T ecosystem and expanding our talent pool, thereby developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.” Following the award presentation, each laureate delivered a Distinguished Lecture, showcasing their innovative work and its impact in their respective fields. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ir Dr Humphrey Leung, who thanked the nominating organisations, selection panel and supporting partners for their contributions to the success of this year’s Award.   Winners of the HKEST Award 2024-25 Winners (in alphabetical order) Organisations Prof. Allen AU Man Ho Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development), Department of Computing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Jonathan CHOI Chung Hang Professor and Vice-Chairman (Undergraduate), Department of Biomedical Engineering The Chinese University of Hong Kong Prof. Kevin TSIA Kin Man Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Program Director, Biomedical Engineering Program; Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning - UG), Faculty of Engineering The University of Hong Kong Ir Prof. Edwin TSO Chi Yan Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) and Associate Professor, School of Energy and Environment; Co-Founder, i2Cool Limited City University of Hong Kong Prof. WANG Han Professor and Associate Head, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Director, Center for Advanced Semiconductors and Integrated Circuits The University of Hong Kong Airport Authority Hong Kong (Team) Ms Nicola LU Yuk Ying Manager, Airport Autonomous Transportation System Mr Jeff LAI Tsz Fai Project Engineer Mr Tom MOK Ying Yiu Assistant Engineer Airport Authority Hong Kong For more information on the HKEST Award 2024-25 and laureate bios, please visit: https://hkestaward.hkae.hk/. About the HKEST Award The Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award was established in 2022 to recognize and honour the exceptional accomplishments of young scientists, engineers, and technologists (aged 45 or below) who have demonstrated remarkable talent, dedication, and influence in the field of engineering science and technology within Hong Kong. With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission, HKSAR, the award has now entered its third round, with a total of 14 outstanding laureates recognized since 2022. All laureates are emerging leaders, talented scholars, engineers, and industrial experts who have made profound impacts in engineering science and technology across various sectors. About the Organiser — HKAE Founded in 1994, the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) is a prestigious organisation dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the field of engineering in Hong Kong. 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, recognized as leaders in their professions, with remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications. For more information, please visit the HKAE website: https://hkae.hk. About the Co-organiser — PReCIT, PolyU The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for impactful research in innovation, technology and policy, recommending actionable solutions to significant societal challenges. This synergises with the HKEST Award’s commitment to honoring young scientists and engineers whose achievements align with HKAE's mission of advancing engineering excellence to create real-world impact. For more information, please visit the PReCIT website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/.

PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre and PolyU Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (Qianhai) officially unveiled

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PolyU hosted The Fiber Society 2025 Spring Conference, showcasing the future of fiber technology

The leading global event in fiber science and technology—The Fiber Society 2025 Spring Conference successfully concluded at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 21 to 23 May. Held under the theme "Future Fibers for Wellbeing, Intelligence, and Sustainability," the conference brought together over 300 scholars, experts, and industry representatives from approximately 20 countries and regions. A total of 200 high-quality academic presentations were delivered, showcasing the latest advancements in fiber science. The conference attracted a diverse audience, including renowned scholars from prestigious universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Oxford, Cornell University, Tsinghua University, and Peking University, alongside representatives from major international companies in the fiber, textile, and apparel industries. It served as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and insights on cutting-edge advancements and future trends in fiber science and technology. The event was jointly supported by PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Joint Research Centre for Fiber Innovations and Sustainable Materials, and PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute (XGRI), along with the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials at Donghua University and the flagship journal Advanced Fiber Materials, further demonstrating the collective commitment to advancing fiber science and technology. Prof. Dahua SHOU, Conference Chair, Associate Director of RCTFF and XGRI, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of SFT, gave the welcoming remarks. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. Meifang ZHU, President of the Fiber Society, Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor of Donghua University, respectfully delivered the opening presentations. They also shared their perspectives on the future of fiber innovation and technological translation. The conference programme featured six plenary lectures delivered by world-renowned scholars, addressing cutting-edge advancements in fiber materials, intelligent technologies, and their applications in energy and safety. The plenary sessions were moderated by Prof. Xungai WANG, Associate Dean and Chair Professor of SFT, Prof. Jintu FAN, Chair Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Engineering of SFT and Director of RCTFF and Prof. Shou. The conference comprised 11 thematic breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, including advanced fiber materials, intelligent wearable technologies, healthcare and biomedical applications, energy and environmental fibers, sustainable textiles, and fiber composites and industrial textiles. In addition, the conference explored several emerging areas of significant interest, including fiber-based sensors, actuators and batteries, fiber modelling and mechanics, and new applications of fiber technology in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the metaverse, highlighting the diverse applications of fiber technology. During the conference banquet, Prof. Xiangwu ZHANG, Vice President of The Fiber Society and Professor of North Carolina State University, announced the poster competition winners. The awards were presented by Prof. Liejin GUO, Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor of Xi’an Jiaotong University, who was joined by Prof. Zhuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, along with other distinguished plenary and keynote speakers for a group photo. In addition, Prof. Jintu Fan delivered a special presentation, sharing valuable insights into the historical development and innovative trajectory of Hong Kong's textile industry. Conference Chair Prof. Shou is dedicated to the research and development of fiber materials and wearable technologies. His research breakthroughs in personal thermal and moisture management, intelligent wearables, and soft robotics have led to the practical application of these technologies. His work has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Award from The Fiber Society in 2023 and the PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Award in 2024.

PolyU scientist develops next generation of space-qualified navigational cameras supported by Innovation and Technology Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has a strong research track record in space technology, with its researchers involved in several national and international space exploration projects. A PolyU project has recently been awarded the Innovation and Technology Fund under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) for key space technology capability research and development with application in terrain cameras. Led by Ir Prof. Kai-leung Yung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at PolyU, the project “Key space technology capability research and development with application to terrain cameras” has received a grant of HK$32 million by the Innovation and Technology Fund. The project aims to advance PolyU's contributions to the nation's future space missions, building on the university's past successes with the Chang’e-3, 4, 5, 6, and Tianwen-1 missions. This research focuses on developing next-generation space-qualified navigational cameras designed for future deep space missions. Prof. YUNG and his team will tackle several technological challenges, including the development of new materials and processes that offer high strength-to-weight ratios, high thermal conductivity, and controllable optical properties such as absorptivity, reflectivity, emissivity, and refractivity. The project will also address space weather mitigation characteristics, including radiation resistance and chemical compatibility in the space environment, as well as manufacturability factors like void-free 3D printing. Additionally, the research will explore key technologies related to image capturing and processing, including thermal modelling to maintain neutral optical performance under extreme temperature fluctuations, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for terrain identification and navigation on the lunar surface under varying sunlight conditions. Prof. YUNG expressed his gratitude for the support and said, "This encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries of space technology for the advancement of aerospace science. It is anticipated that the key technologies can be demonstrated through new camera designs, ready to support the nation's future missions.” ITF, administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), aims to increase the added value, productivity and competitiveness of economic activities. ITSP was introduced to encourage universities funded by the University Grants Committee to collaborate with leading research institutes worldwide to conduct more theme-based interdisciplinary and translational R&D work in focused technology areas.

PolyU research overcomes major obstacle to solar technology development, achieving record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency in solar cells

Significantly surpassing their single-junction counterparts in power-conversion efficiency (PCE), two-terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have emerged as a game-changer in photovoltaics. However, due to the lack of effective optimisation of the device interface to maximise charge extraction efficiency and reduce energy loss, their widespread application has been limited. Researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have pioneered a novel bilayer interface passivation strategy to develop tandem solar cells that achieve a record-high PCE of 33.89%, representing a milestone in the development of solar technology. Interfacial recombination at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface has long been considered a major obstacle to enhancing the efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, and his research team have made a breakthrough in interface engineering towards addressing this critical challenge. They have integrated advanced material design and a device optimisation strategy to develop high-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem devices. This research was conducted in partnership with LONGI Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd and Soochow University. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature. The team introduced a nanoscale, discretely distributed ultrathin lithium fluoride (LiF) layer combined with a short-chain ethylenediammonium diiodide (EDAI) molecule deposition, inducing field-effect and chemical passivation simultaneously and thereby achieving a bilayer-intertwined passivation. This strategy significantly improved electron extraction and effectively suppressed non-radiative recombination. The researchers then applied the strategy to perovskite stacked on a double-textured silicon heterojunction cell, which featured a mildly textured front surface and a heavily textured rear surface, and successfully constructed the perovskite/silicon tandem devices. This unique design can enhance photocurrent while also maintaining robust rear passivation, effectively optimising both light absorption and power transfer. The resulting perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have achieved an independently certified PCE of 33.89%, marking the first reported certified efficiency of a two-junction solar cell that exceeds the single-junction Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7%. In addition to their record-breaking efficiency, the cells demonstrate an impressive fill factor of 83%, an open-circuit voltage approaching 1.97 V, as well as significantly improved long-term stability.  This breakthrough helps overcome long-standing efficiency barriers to improving power-conversion efficiency of solar cells and unlocks the application potential of perovskite technologies in photovoltaics. It also serves as a strong motivation for continued innovation and advancement in solar technology, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Prof. Yin said, “Our research is driven by the vision of breaking traditional efficiency barriers in solar cells. By integrating advanced materials like perovskites with established silicon technologies, we harness the best of both worlds to redefine solar cell performance. This multidisciplinary approach not only showcases the tremendous potential of photovoltaic technology, but also lays a solid foundation for the development of renewable energy and new quality productive forces.” Prof. Yin has been awarded the Excellent Young Scientists Fund for 2024 by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for his outstanding contributions to materials science. Moving forward, he and his research team will continue to explore the optoelectronic properties of advanced perovskite materials and their applications in next-generation photovoltaic devices.