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PolyU recognises six scholars with the Young Innovative Researcher Award

Talent is an important asset for the innovation and technology ecosystem. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to supporting and encouraging young researchers. The Young Innovative Research Award 2023 recognises faculty members aged under 35 who have demonstrated research excellence in addressing global challenges. This year’s six young awardees are dedicated to research in fields that include renewable green energy, wearable medical rehabilitation devices, nanotechnology, soft materials to aid the visually impaired, human-machine collaborative manufacturing systems and information networks. Their research is geared towards constructing a sustainable future and improving human life, and showcases PolyU’s academic and research excellence in meeting societal demands and creating practical solutions. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the awardees and said, “It gives me great pleasure to chair the award assessment panel for the second year running and witness the original and innovative research conducted by our young researchers. With a vision for a positive future, their remarkable work showcases novelty, contributes to technological advancement and drives transformational innovation towards solutions for addressing societal problems. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our exceptional awardees and express my pride in having them as particularly valued members of the PolyU community.”   The six awardees of the Young Innovative Researcher Award 2023  Awardee(s)  Research Focus Dr Songhua CAI Assistant Professor Department of Applied Physics Research project Towards next-generation halide perovskites: In situ STEM characterizations assisted structure engineering Details This project aims to improve the lifespan and efficiency of perovskite solar cells by revealing the microscopic mechanisms that cause perovskite solar cell performance degradation in the working environment. The research results are expected to equip industry with the knowledge necessary to promote the practical application of perovskite solar cells. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ap/people/academic-staff/dr-cai-songhua/ Dr Ho Lam HEUNG Research Assistant Professor Department of Building and Real Estate Research project Robot-assisted recovery system for stroke survivors Details The project focuses on developing a lightweight, wearable and easy-to-use medical-grade rehabilitation robotic exoskeleton. The system is designed to detect the movement intent of users and provide adaptive assistive force to empower joint movement. Regular use during rehabilitation training can aid in the reorganisation of the brain cortex and recovery of mobility. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/people/academic-staff/dr-heung-holam-kelvin/ Dr Kai LENG Assistant Professor Department of Applied Physics Research project Scalable growth of 2D hybrid perovskite film Details A set of nanotechnology tools and methods has been developed for the molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskite. Development has included preparation, materials transfer, atomic characterization and nano-device fabrication. Her team is currently focusing on achieving scalable growth for hybrid 2D perovskite monolayers and their integration into large-scale devices, to further enable the realisation of their impactful applications. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ap/people/academic-staff/dr-leng-kai/ Dr Yuan MA Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Research project Flexible surface haptics technology for aiding the visually impaired Details To help individuals with visual impairments interact with digital devices and the digital world more easily, this project aims to develop a novel touch feedback technology on soft materials that can generate various touch sensations. Advanced haptic technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms will be combined to create a more efficient and user-friendly experience. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/me/people/academic-teaching-staff/ma-yuan-dr/ Dr Shuowen ZHANG Assistant Professor Department of Electronic and Information Engineering Research project Smart and reconfigurable 6G wireless networks aided by intelligent reflecting surfaces Details With the increase in the volume of mobile data traffic and emergence of mobile applications like virtual reality, this research focuses on intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) as a pivotal technology to achieve high data rates in 6G wireless communication networks. This project also aims to devise efficient IRS phase shift optimisation algorithms, thereby approaching the data rate limits of IRS-aided 6G networks in practice. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/eee/people/academic-staff-and-teaching-staff/dr-zhang-shuowen/  Dr Pai ZHENG Assistant Professor Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Research project Towards futuristic human-machine symbiotic manufacturing system Details This project aims to establish a holistic human-machine symbiotic manufacturing environment by exploring manufacturing system technologies, immersive human-robot interaction mechanisms and robot learning methods. The environment will enable humans and machines/ robotics to more effectively and efficiently co-exist, collaborate and evolve together through improved collaborative intelligence. https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ise/people/academic-staff/pai-zheng/

Harnessing materials and mechanics science for a sustainable future

Cutting-edge materials science and engineering play a key role in clean energy conversion. Sustainable development sets the goal for researchers across disciplines, requiring active collaborations to optimise impacts. Dr Xiao ZHANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is leading research efforts focused on advanced materials and electrochemical reactors for clean energy conversion.  Dr ZHANG’s research on sustainable energy sources and production has received significant citations, spanning multiple disciplines such as materials science, chemistry, chemical and mechanical engineering. The research focuses on achieving decarbonisation through clean electricity with special emphasis on the production of valuable chemicals from the earth’s abundant resources.  Engineering plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development by creating solutions for energy systems, production, and resource management that can reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources and protect the environment. The primary focus of Dr ZHANG’s highly cited papers is the exploration of novel layered materials for clean energy conversion. His research interests also extend to the conversion of waste pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrate and biomass into valuable chemical and fuels.  Dr ZHANG said, “I am thrilled by this prominent achievement to influence frontier sciences and subsequent innovative applications. Our research has enhanced scientific knowledge in materials science and chemical engineering, particularly in the understanding of 2D materials and development of electrochemical reactors for sustainable production.” Advancing the knowledge of material structures and catalytic processes is crucial to clean energy production. Dr ZHANG said, “Our research has facilitated the development of practical reactors capable of producing valuable chemicals at an industrial-relevant rate. These novel findings have significant impact on the development of sustainable manufacturing, environmental remediation and resources efficiency.”    Novelty in research Researchers work tirelessly to bring scientific breakthroughs. Dr ZHANG’s works have unravelled fundamental theories and technologies in materials sciences which serve as useful references for other researchers to explore further across various disciplines.  Dr ZHANG said, “I’m encouraged by our highly cited works, which eventually bridge the gaps between frontier scientific findings and practical production applications.” For instance, one of his highly cited research on catalytic interface engineering and electrochemical reactor has facilitated the design for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production.  The study “Electrochemical oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide at practical rates in strong acidic media” was published in Nature Communications in 2022. The research presented a cation-regulated interfacial engineering approach to promoting the H2O2 selectively under industrial-relevant generation rates in strongly acidic media. A double-PEM (proton exchange membrane) solid electrolyte reactor was further developed to realise a continuous, selective and stable generation of H2O2.  Practically, the acidic H2O2 solution delivers a wider range of applications and greater demand. This strongly motivates studies in the high-performance electrochemical generation of H2O2 in acidic media. Another novel study in material sciences demonstrated a unique approach to structure tuning of material, resulting in effective manipulation of its catalytic properties and functionalities. The research meticulously investigated structural change during the lithiation-induced amorphization process. The highly cited research, “Lithiation-induced amorphization of Pd3P2S8 for highly efficient hydrogen evolution” was published in Nature Catalysis in 2018.  The study showcased a breakthrough in the amorphization of layered materials, transforming inherently non-catalytic materials into highly efficient catalysts for cathodic hydrogen production. The atomic-level structural engineering of inorganic materials has proven to be a compelling strategy for tuning their physical, chemical and electronic properties, thus enhancing their performance in various applications, particularly in electrocatalysis.  Increasingly concerns about the rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its influence on climate change have made it essential to create efficient strategies to reduce CO2 emissions. Dr ZHANG's team identifies the potential of integrating CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion as a promising approach to tackle this challenge. Recently, Dr ZHANG and his research team have made a noteworthy advancement in the sustainable energy field through their groundbreaking study published in  . The review paper "Integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion" delves into the exploration of combining CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion. A comprehensive investigation was conducted in the study to develop an efficient and sustainable system that captures CO2 from emission sources, and subsequently converts it into valuable chemicals or fuel. The findings provide valuable insights and practical strategies for researchers, policymakers, and industries working towards sustainable CO2 management and developing a circular carbon economy. The integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion can help us move toward a greener and more sustainable future.   Go beyond Constraint The transition from the ubiquitous goal of sustainability and clean energy to intricate scientific concepts and discoveries poses the challenge of consistently pushing the boundary of knowledge while upholding high research standards and adapting to evolving technological landscape. Throughout the research journey, Dr ZHANG’s studies have fostered interdisciplinary collaborations in pursuit of sustainable developments across various fields.   “Knowing that your work has significantly impacted the field, leading to further discoveries and innovations, is immensely rewarding. While keeping up with the latest advancements and addressing new research questions can be demanding, it is also highly fulfilling,” said Dr ZHANG.  The high citation rates would increase the researcher’s visibility within the scientific community and attract more opportunities for collaboration, driving the vision to shape the future of sustainable research on a global scale.  Looking forward, Dr ZHANG said, “I am actively seeking collaborative opportunities while staying focused on my research vision. My goal is to drive positive change and advance the field of clean energy conversion.”  Research Interests: Electrocatalysis, Carbon Capture and Conversion, Electrochemical Reactor Design; Membrane Electrode Assembly, 2D Nanomaterials Highly Cited Researcher: 2020-2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: X. Zhang, Z. Luo, P. Yu, Y. Cai, et. al., Lithiation-induced Amorphization of Pd3P2S8 for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution, Nature Catalysis, vol 1, 460, 2018. X. Zhang, H. Xie, Z. Liu, C. Tan, et. al., Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54, 3653, 2015. X. Zhang, X. Zhao, P. Zhu, ZY Wu, et. al., Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide at Practical Rates in Strong Acidic Media, Nature Communication, vol 13, 2880, 2022. X. Zhang, Q. Xia, K. Zhang, T. Zheng, et. al., Integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion, ACS Energy Letters, June 2023.  Download Version

Two PolyU research projects receive funding supports from Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding supports from the RGC’s Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) for two social sciences projects, driving the development of human mental and psychological wellbeing.  The two awarded projects demonstrate PolyU’s academic and research excellence in addressing human and social needs. Led by Prof. Juan CHEN, Professor of Department of Applied Social Sciences, the project titled “Developing Community Mental Health Care in Rural China: Local Policy Network, Implementation, and Advocacy,” has been awarded funding support of HK$396,000. The other project led by Prof. Krishna SAVANI, Professor of Department of Management and Marketing, titled “The Choice Mindset: A Nudge to Improve the Quality of People’s Decision Making,” has been granted HK$211,700 in funding support. Prof. CHEN’s project, leveraging on her social work expertise, seeks to advocate local and/or national policy changes and viable social service provisions for mental health care. The ultimate objective is to contribute to sustainable development of community mental health care within and beyond China. The research also aims to identify feasible strategies and potential resources that local government and social organisations can utilise to build a community health care system tailored to the local context.  Prof. SAVANI’s project, with the focus on the psychology of decisions making, explores whether a choice mindset can mitigate decision-making biases resulting from people’s lack of awareness about the options that are available to them. The research investigates whether a choice mindset can lead to better decision-making through a deeper cognitive processing.  Introduced in 2012/13, HSSPFS aims at granting extend time-off and supporting funds to the outstanding investigators under the social sciences and humanities disciplines. Each awardee receives funding support for a period of up to 12 months. 

A vision to enhance image quality and analysis

Being open and embracing new techniques are crucial to scientific research.  The high-quality images and videos on our smartphones and digital devices nowadays are the product of scientists’ scrupulous research on innovative solutions. Prof. Lei ZHANG, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has contributed to this field of study with a vision of enhancing image resolution and quality for our daily life applications.  Better picture quality is an end result of image enhancement and analysis, which are increasingly helpful for diverse digital and computer products. Prof. ZHANG’s research has substantially influenced the field of image restoration, enhancement and quality assessment.  Image restoration and enhancement aim to reproduce a high-quality image from a low-quality input that is noisy, blurred or low-resolution, while quality assessment seeks to predict the perceptual quality of a given image. Prof. ZHANG’s works in these areas are frequently cited by academics and industry professionals for useful and novel ideas and references.    Highly cited research on image enhancement With research interests focused in computer vision and image processing, Prof. ZHANG’s studies have profoundly benefited ubiquitous applications on smartphone and digital cameras. Over the decade, research outputs have contributed to enhancing the quality of photographs on cameras, image editing software and biomedical image analysis.  Prof. ZHANG said, “Being open and embracing new techniques are important to scientific research. The honour to be a highly cited researcher has driven me to a more valuable contribution in this field, with impactful research to generate sustainable influence and value to the society.”    Enhancing images Prof. ZHANG’s research “Weighted Nuclear Norm Minimization with Application to Image Denoising” showed that the weighted nuclear norm minimization (WNNM) algorithm outperforms many previous state-of-the-art denoising algorithms such as block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) for noise reduction in terms of both quantitative measure and visual perception quality. WNNM has become one of the most representative denoising algorithms before the deep learning era.   One of Prof. ZHANG’s highly cited papers, titled "Beyond a Gaussian Denoiser: Residual Learning of Deep CNN for Image Denoising" on IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, presented one of the first denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) models. This research finding not only produces favourable image-denoising performance quantitatively and qualitatively but also delivers promising run time by GPU implementation. Significantly, it paves the way to investigate proper CNN models for denoising images with complex noise and image restoration tasks.  With the rapid proliferation of digital imaging and communication technologies, image quality assessment (IQA) is crucial for numerous applications such as image acquisition, transmission, compression, restoration and enhancement. A novel feature similarity (FSIM) index for full reference IQA was introduced in the paper named “FSIM: A Feature Similarity Index for Image Quality Assessment.” It is proven that FSIM can achieve much higher consistency with subjective evaluations than state-of-the-art IQA metrics.    Open to change Technology, particularly in the field of computer science, moves incredibly fast. However, research does not necessarily move at the same speed. In the past 20 years, the dominant technologies in image processing, computer vision and pattern recognition, which are of Prof. ZHANG’s research interests, have significantly changed and evolved. From 2006 to 2016, sparse representation, dictionary learning and low-rank analysis dominated the area of image restoration and enhancement. Currently, the focus is on deep learning.  Prof. ZHANG said, “Every time new techniques emerge, the field is greatly impacted. If you cannot catch up, you will lag behind your peers and lose the opportunity. Therefore, being open to new techniques and keeping exploration for them are key drivers to produce impactful research outputs.”  Looking ahead, the computing resources required for artificial intelligence (AI) research also bring many challenges. Nevertheless, Prof. ZHANG added the honour of being a highly cited researcher is a driver to think more and explore deeper to create innovative solutions and excel in technological development.   Research Interests: Computer Vision, Image/Video Processing, Pattern Recognition Highly Cited Researcher: 2015-2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: K. Zhang, W. Zuo, Y. Chen, D. Meng, L. Zhang, Beyond a Gaussian Denoiser: Residual Learning of Deep CNN for Image Denoising, IEEE Trans. on Image Processing, vol 26, July 2017.  S. Gu, L. Zhang, W. Zuo, and X. Feng, Weighted Nuclear Norm Minimization with Application to Image Denoising, Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR),  pp. 2862-2869, 2014. Lin Zhang, Lei Zhang, X. Mou, and D. Zhang, FSIM: A Feature Similarity Index for Image Quality Assessment, IEEE Trans. on Image Processing, vol. 20, no. 8, 2011.  Download Version  

PolyU Project Receives Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award from the Ministry of Education

Scientific research on air quality conducted by researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award (Science and Technology) 2022.  Led by Prof. Tao WANG, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU, the project entitled “Atmospheric Chemistry of Reactive Nitrogen Oxides and its Impacts on Regional Atmospheric Environment” has been bestowed the Second-Class Award in Natural Science. The Awards from the Ministry of Education aim to recognize outstanding contributions made by researchers towards advancing scientific and technological development.  Prof. WANG, said, “This achievement inspires us to strive for outstanding research and efforts towards enhancing air quality in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and China.” The research started 20 years ago with systemic study on nitrogen oxides in Hong Kong and other places in China.  Nitrogen oxides (NOx), comprising nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are mainly produced through high-temperature combustion in road vehicles, ships, and fossil-fuel-powered electricity generation facilities. NOx undergoes chemical reactions to form the so-called secondary pollutants such as ozone and PM2.5. Therefore, understanding the atmospheric dynamics of NOx is crucial to developing strategies for mitigating NO2, ozone and PM2.5 pollution.  By employing field observations, laboratory experiments and computer simulations in the research, Prof. WANG’s team discovered important chemical processes of NOx and their roles in photochemical and haze pollution. The findings have enhanced the knowledge on atmospheric chemistry and also improved an extensively used air quality model for global air quality forecasting and research.  Prof. WANG has made significant contributions to scientific research on sustainable development, with research focus on the origin, transformation and destiny of air pollutants, and their implications on air quality management. The awarded project is Prof. WANG’s core research area, and it is conducted in collaboration with Shandong University, Nanjing University and Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. 

PolyU scientist develops new catalyst materials recognised by Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023

Dr Bolong HUANG, Associate Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been selected as a finalist for the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 in the category Engineering and Technology, in recognition of his research achievement in nanocatalysts for broad carbon-strategic applications of sustainable energy. Dr Huang is one of the three awardees from Hong Kong in this category.  Dr HUANG’s research interests include theoretical calculations of electronic structures on nanomaterials, energy materials, solid functional materials, and rare earth materials, as well as their applications in multi-scale energy conversion and supply systems. He is dedicated to research in catalysis for the development of new catalyst materials that support sustainable energy supply and conversion technologies, aligning with the global vision of protecting the environment. By leveraging his expertise and experiences in theoretical calculations and machine learning techniques, he is committed to develop novel catalysts for important chemical reactions in sustainable development. These include water-splitting hydrogen (H2) generation, oxygen reduction and evolution for fuel cells and metal-air batteries, and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction for controlling carbon emission. Dr HUANG said, “My theoretical calculations not only accelerate the discovery of novel catalysts but also gain crucial insights into fundamental reaction mechanisms. I am driven to pursue catalysis research to identify more novel functional materials that can be applied in sustainable developments.” The Award aims to foster research and innovation across all disciplines by celebrating cutting-edge discoveries. The Falling Walls Foundation, based in Berlin, established the Award to acknowledge the most recent breakthroughs in science and society worldwide.

PolyU signs MoUs with leading Jinjiang-based enterprises to drive cooperation between Hong Kong and Fujian

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with several leading enterprises in Jinjiang city to strengthen industry-academia-research cooperation between the two cities. During a three-day visit to Hong Kong, a delegation led by Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City, visited PolyU to have an in-depth exchange with the University’s senior management and researchers. The delegation included representatives from the Communist Party, and the Jinjiang Municipal Government including the Office of the Municipal Party Committee, United Front Work Department, Science and Technology Bureau and Commerce Bureau, as well as representatives from leading Jinjiang-based enterprises in the industries of textiles and clothing, sportswear and footwear, new materials, and microelectronics. On the first day of the visit on 26 June, the delegation paid a visit to the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design and the Centre for Eye and Vision Research at the Hong Kong Science Park, gaining insights into PolyU’s interdisciplinary research, achievements in industry-academia-research collaboration, as well as its future development plans. The research centres are co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative. On 27 June, PolyU participated in the Fujian-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference-cum-Signing Ceremony. Witnessed by local and Mainland government officials including Mr ZHOU Zuyi, Fujian Provincial Party Committee Secretary and Director of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the Fujian Province; Mr CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City, inked a cooperation framework agreement to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Jinjiang outlining the future development plan of the research institute. On June 28, during the last day of their visit, the delegation toured the PolyU campus and visited laboratories and research centres related to the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute. To take forward in-depth industry-academia-research collaboration, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, signed MoUs with representatives from three Jinjiang-based corporates, namely Mr YANG Jianxiang, Director of Research and Innovation of ANTA Group; Mr XU Jintai, Executive Director of SinceTech Group; and Mr SHI Junqiao, Executive President of Fujian Huaqing Electronic Material Technology Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang, Mr HUANG Tiankai, Member of the Standing Committee of the Jinjiang Communist Party Committee and Head of the Jinjiang United Front Work Department; and Mr ZHANG Qingchang, Director of the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau. In his speech, Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “With the staunch support of the Jinjiang Municipal Government, PolyU has signed MoUs with leading enterprises. We will collaborate deeply and effectively in various fields, such as new textile materials, fashion design, intelligent wearable systems and microelectronics. Through this collaboration, we hope to leverage the research strengths of Hong Kong and PolyU, further connect with enterprises in Mainland China, promote complementary advantages between Fujian and Hong Kong, and contribute to Hong Kong's integration into the country's overall development." Mr Zhang Wenxian said, “The visit to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was an exciting experience. Jinjiang, the birthplace of the 'Jinjiang Experience', is a vibrant city that nurtures entrepreneurs. The city's shoe and apparel industry is valued at over 300 billion yuan, while its textile industry is worth over 100 billion yuan. Additionally, there are thriving building material and food industries worth over 50 billion yuan, alongside cutting-edge sectors such as new generation information technology, advanced equipment manufacturing, and medical and healthcare industries that are worth over 10 billion yuan. PolyU's strengths can be effectively integrated with Jinjiang's industrial development, and there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two parties. We aim to take this opportunity to expand the scope and level of cooperation between PolyU and Jinjiang. Jinjiang will provide full and sincere support for collaboration between the two parties, ensuring that our joint projects thrive and prosper, creating a new model of cooperation between the universities of Hong Kong and Mainland cities.” In the first half of 2023, PolyU and Jinjiang have engaged in various collaborations and exchanges. In February, PolyU and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government reached initial agreement and signed a cooperation framework agreement to drive the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute with the aim to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations and foster development along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Meanwhile, PolyU’s PReCIT signed an agreement with the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau to carry out research projects that leverage Hong Kong’s resources and strengths in innovation and technology in response to Jinjiang’s industrial modernisation needs. In April, PolyU was invited by the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau to participate in the 24th Jinjiang Footwear and the 7th Sports Industry International Exhibition where the University showcased its latest research achievements, including bionic robotic hands, high-precision flexible pressure sensors and 3D printed insoles for diabetic patients. Lined up by Jinjiang City government, a PolyU delegation also paid visits to the major industries and institutions in Jinjiang to explore and discuss the potential collaborations. In mid-May, a PolyU delegation visited Jinjiang to discuss the implementation plan of the “PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. Subsequently, the relevant agreement was signed at an event held in the Quanzhou Nanyi National High-tech Zone in early June. The research institute will leverage PolyU’s research strengths and achievements to meet Jinjiang’s industrial needs and facilitate the city’s industrial transformation. Through such collaboration, PolyU expects to unleash the strengths of its researchers and innovative technologies. The University also aims to draw more quality Hong Kong-based innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises and talents to engage in research exchanges in Jinjiang, so as to promote complementary advantages and synergistic development between Fujian and Hong Kong in order to establish a leading I&T base and achieve mutual benefits. Looking forward, PolyU will continue to strengthen collaboration with enterprises and maintain close connections with Mainland China to conduct impactful research and accelerate the commercialisation of research outputs. The University will strive to integrate into the country’s overall development and make contributions to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub. On 26 June, Mr Zhang Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of Quanzhou Municipal Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang Committee (middle), led a delegation to visit the Centre for Eye and Vision Research at the Hong Kong Science Park. The research centre is co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative.   On the first day of the visit on 26 June, the Jinjiang delegation visited the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design at the Hong Kong Science Park, gaining insights into PolyU’s interdisciplinary research, achievements in industry-academia-research collaboration, as well as its future development plans. The research centre is co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative.

PolyU and Hangzhou government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hangzhou Gongshu District People’s Government have reached an agreement to promote industry-academia-research collaboration and complementarity between Hong Kong and Hangzhou. At the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong & Macao - Zhejiang Week & Zhejiang and Hong Kong Cooperation Theme Forum 2023 on 26 June, Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr YI Lianhong, Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, and Mr LU Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang People's Government witnessed the signing of co-operation agreements between Zhejiang and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHEN Jianli, Vice District Mayor of Gongshu District, signed a framework agreement to promote the establishment of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute to carry out in-depth and effective industry-academia-research collaboration. The Research Institute will set up three research centers in the initial stage, tentatively named the “Rail Transit Intelligent Center,” “Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Research Center,” and “Digital Medical Beauty Research Center”. The research centers will focus on three key aspects: technology research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. They aim to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between Hangzhou and Hong Kong, which will work together to develop innovative solutions, with the development of a first-class technology innovation base to achieve mutual benefit. During the same event, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr YU Zhihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group), signed a Zhejiang-Hong Kong cooperation agreement in scientific research. PolyU’s rail transit research team and Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group will cooperate in various aspects, such as research and development of new products and technologies, global promotion of innovative achievements, talent cultivation, and scientific research collaboration. On 27 June, Mr SONG Xinjian, Second-Level Inspector from the Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau, led a delegation from several major administrative regions of Hangzhou (Qiantang District, Gongshu District, Yuhang District, and High-tech Industry Development Zone) and executives from several companies to PolyU campus and visited the Chinese National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Rail) and the Biomaterials Laboratory, so as to gain a deeper understanding of PolyU’s scientific research talent advantages and innovative research technology. Both parties will further explore the working plan of the Research Institute and jointly seek future cooperation opportunities. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to focus on cooperation with enterprises and closely connect with the Mainland, in order to carry out influential scientific research in various cutting-edge technology fields, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, integrate with national development, and fully support Hong Kong in building an international innovation and technology center.

PolyU and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (tentative) to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (“EIT”, tentative) have reached an agreement to establish the PolyU-Ningbo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, aiming to strengthen and facilitate research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations in Hong Kong and Ningbo. PolyU and EIT will collaborate in multiple fields, including advanced manufacturing, chemical energy and low-carbon sustainability development, with the overall aim of advancing innovative research technology and transforming core technologies. The operational objective is to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between the two universities, and together develop innovative solutions to establish leading innovation hubs. PolyU envisions effective collaboration between the two universities in industry, academia and research, leveraging the advantages of PolyU's scientific talents and innovative research technologies, and attracting more high-quality Hong Kong enterprises and researchers. The collaboration will involve PolyU faculty members, students and alumni engaging in scientific research, exchanging ideas and starting businesses in Ningbo. The framework agreement was signed on the PolyU campus on 25 June 2023 by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. ZHANG Dongxiao, Executive VP and Provost of EIT. The signing was witnessed by Mr. PENG Jiaxue, Zhejiang Provincial Committee Standing Committee member and Ningbo Municipal Party Secretary, Mrs Carrie LAM, Former Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Prof. CHEN Shiyi, President of EIT.

PolyU scientist honoured with prestigious European research award and Academy membership

Prof. Xiao Lin ZHAO, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been bestowed with the Humboldt Research Award 2023 and elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, in recognition of his achievements in civil engineering. The Humboldt Research Award is granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany for up to 100 leading international researchers whose discoveries, findings or insights have made significant impact in their disciplines and beyond with cutting-edge achievements. While the Award is open to researchers in all disciplines, Prof. Zhao’s Award is for research excellence in civil and structural engineering. Prof. Zhao has also been elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in the field of technical and environmental sciences. An esteemed non-governmental association, the Academy’s 2,000 members comprise leading scientists, artists and practitioners of governance, and among their members are 37 Nobel Prize winners. As a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Prof. Zhao’s research focuses on improving the resilience and safety of engineered structures, developing innovative and environmental-friendly construction materials, and the strengthening of ageing metallic infrastructure. He said, “These two achievements are encouraging for me in my endeavours to achieve impactful research and translational innovation. In collaboration with researchers in various PolyU research institutes, I am now undertaking initiatives to develop floating structure technology for innovative land creation as well as floating farms for food sustainability in Hong Kong. These aim to increase Hong Kong’s capacity for sustainable growth and liveability with reduced environmental impact and construction costs.”