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Funding Opportunity: New Cornerstone Investigator Program

The “New Cornerstone Investigator Program” was launched on 30th April 2022 with the goal of invigorating research into basic sciences. The non-profit program aims to provide long-term support to a group of outstanding scientists who focus on fundamental research projects that are of profound importance to humankind. The "New Cornerstone Investigator Program" is an independent program, led by scientists with funding from Tencent. The Shenzhen-based company has pledged to provide RMB 10 billion to the program over 10 years while explore the feasibility of a long-term sustainable fund. The Program focuses on two fields: Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and encourages interdisciplinary research. With substantial financial support, this Program hopes to facilitate scientists to discover new phenomena, achieve scientific breakthroughs, and create new fields via dedicated efforts in doing fundamental and interdisciplinary research. Further details on application requirements and procedures will be available in due course.

理大副校長(研究及創新) 趙汝恒：從人、地、時看本港創科生態圈如何茁壯成長

(In Chinese only) 創新科技不但是國家和特區政府施政策略重點，也是改善市民生活質素、推動社會和經濟發展的重要範疇。而要令香港的創科生態圈蓬勃發展，為本港帶來豐碩科研成果和鞏固其獨特優勢，則須重視人才培養、設施配套，以及把握機遇這三大因素；而三者又環環緊扣。如果能夠認清挑戰和把握自身優勢，香港就可以更好地融合國家和全球的發展。 匯聚人才 鞏固科研發展根基 具備高學術水平的科研人才是香港的最大優勢，他們都有豐富的基礎研究和品質控制的經驗；然而面對人才流失的挑戰，由近至遠應如何吸納及培育更多科研精英呢？在栽培本地人才方面，如要培養年輕一代對科研的興趣，必須提供更多體驗式學習機會，並要加強面向公眾的宣傳，提高科研界的社會地位，以吸引更多優秀的年輕人才投身科研行業，拓闊科研界的基礎。 帶動科研由學術走向實踐，也是留住人才及長遠發展的關鍵。本港大學一方面可在上中游研發創新技術、尋找突破；另一方面可與香港應用科技研究院、香港紡織及成衣研發中心、物流及供應鏈多元技術研發中心、納米及先進材料研發院和生產力促進局轄下的汽車科技研發中心等本地公營研發機構，進行中下游的開發和實踐，促進這種緊密合作及共贏模式，推動科研成果落地轉化至業界生產，令創新技術與社會接軌並得以應用。 拓展科研用地 構建完整產業鏈 能讓科研成果產業化，也是促進本港科研發展的重要一環；而要把科研成果變成能賣出去的產品，則需要一個技術研發轉化平台。土地不足的問題制約了香港的科研發展，雖然本地對創科產品有很大的需求，但企業往往不願花長時間深度參與實地測試的階段，令科技項目欠缺了測試場地及機會；而涉及應用重型機械的再工業化策略便最受影響，窒礙了以新技術及智能生產為基礎的先進製造業發展。現有創新科技署的公營機構試用計劃，協助研發成果實踐化和商品化，推動科技應用；希望業界也能抱着敢於嘗試的精神，營造一個開放的環境，協助本港的創科發展。 內地有着龐大的市場，並積極為人才和企業提供空間和扶持政策；香港則擁有高學術水平及經驗豐富的科研人才，雙方可起互補作用，共同提升整條創科產業鏈。正如國家「十四五」規劃已進一步明確了香港未來發展的定位，支持香港建設國際創新科技中心。發展包含港深創科園在內的新田科技城，正好作為推動經濟發展的人才寶地，當局宜制訂配套扶持政策，促進人才、資金、貨物、信息等要素流動。入駐園區的科技企業可藉此進軍內地市場，與深圳產業合作，能為香港科研人員提供應用科學研究和科研轉化的機會，從而共享內地強大的研發資源。此外，通過內地和香港共同資助的計劃，香港的高等教育機構和研究機構也可以直接獲得中央財政支持，並加強與內地不同省市的技術研究合作。 香港作為國際金融和貿易中心，是推動國家對外經濟和科研合作的重要優勢。現行的InnoHK創新香港研發平台，便是特區政府引領香港成為環球科研合作中心的重點項目。該平台邀請國際知名大學和科研機構共同設立研發實驗室，吸引不少海外專家進行科研合作，值得政府繼續推廣及投放更多資源。 此外，香港科學家在國家科技建設上也有多方面的成就，與內地及國際市場緊密連通。以香港理工大學的國家鋼結構工程技術研究中心香港分中心為例，中心專注於各種鋼材的品質結構及焊接工藝研究，協助建築業界在應用鋼材上達到安全和高品質的水準，並建立與國際接軌的鋼鐵建造規格指標，協助國家鋼鐵產業走向世界。 及時把握全球機遇 綻放優勢 創科是否能成為香港第五大經濟支柱，又或如何在地區之間突圍，亦取決於我們能否順應時勢發展，把握香港具備利好優勢的時機，發展成國際創新科技中心，聚焦在一些全球熱切關注的科研領域，如碳中和，這亦是本港科研經驗豐富的領域之一。香港的碳排放主要來自發電、運輸和廢棄物，其中90%的電是用於建築物。零碳能源、建築物節能、新能源運輸及生產過程管理，就成為了碳中和的關鍵。 過去，香港不少屋宇管理公司進駐內地市場，他們有着豐富的管理和建設智能化系統的經驗。而本港科研機構近年亦開展了多項關於建築物節能的研究項目，與政府多個部門進行了不少可行性及初步試驗的研究。下一步，將結合經驗，將綠色建築物管理的整個工具包推廣至全國和全球。而生產過程管理方面，香港正推動再工業化，通過推動研發和試驗創新的減碳科技，簡化流程，可望在本地和國家發展高增值產業及產業鏈的同時，能夠切實降低生產過程中的碳排放。 去年10月公布的《香港氣候行動藍圖2050》提出「零碳排放、綠色宜居、持續發展」的願景，新的中期目標是在2035年之前，將碳排放總量在2005年的基礎上減少一半。單憑現今的科技難以達此目標，需要政府更注重綠色科技的發展，推出更多更廣泛的資助，以及調整政策讓綠色科技能在研發初期進行實地測試。就如電動車和太陽能板的普及，就是在政府、電力公司、業界和市民的共同推動下，逐漸在本港廣泛應用。香港在綠色科技上有極強實力，可以作為其中一個重點開發的創科產業。 要在日新月異和愈益重要的全球科技競爭及合作中，保持和發展香港的優勢，政府、商界和學界應加強創科策略的前瞻研究，更準確和及時把握機遇。香港理工大學也為此而出一分力，新近成立科技及創新政策研究中心，在推動碳中和、香港科研政策如何融入大灣區，以及「一帶一路」國家創新科技發展政策三方面，提供創新科技政策及策略分析，冀促進大學前沿研究更好地與工商界和政府需求協調配對，作出貢獻。 （原文刊登於《明報》文摘）

The 88th Research Salon - Lok Ma Chau Loop

The 88th PolyU Research Salon was held by RIO on 20 Apr 2022 and has come to a successful conclusion. The seminar focused on the discussion of the overall development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. Larry Ming-cheung CHOW, Director of Research and Innovation, PolyU, delivered welcome remarks. Mr. Patrick Siu, CEO of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, gave insightful sharing on the topic – The Loop : Important Strategic Role in China’s National and Regional Development, the G2G Policies and Incentives to support “One Zone, Two Parks”, and the "InnoLife Healthtech Hub in HSITP".   Moderated by Prof. Chao, the panel discussion received fruitful discussion and exchanges among Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Chair Prof. Yi-qing Ni, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch), Mr. Siu and Ms. Michelle Kam, Director, Operations of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park Limited on the potential collaborations.

ASTRI Day @ PolyU

ASTRI Day@PolyU – Inspire students to explore innovation and technology careers   ASTRI Day@PolyU co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was successfully held on 13 April. The event was well-received with around 100 PolyU students attending online.   Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, Ir Sunny Lee, JP, Chairman of ASTRI and Dr. Denis Yip, CEO of ASTRI have delivered remarks for the event. R&D career opportunities including the “Top Technology Scholar Programme” have been introduced to graduates. Programme participants will have the opportunities to take part in important research projects at ASTRI, gaining valuable experiences in research and technology development. Upon completion of the two-year Top Technology Scholar Programme, master’s and Doctoral degree holders will receive a scholarship of HK$50,000 and HK$80,000 respectively.   In addition, award-winning scientists and tech experts from ASTRI have shared the latest industry development in various technology aspects like smart city development, Fintech, smart manufacturing, digital health, integrated circuits and systems and metaverse.   PolyU and ASTRI are committed to nurturing next generation I&T talents. More and more joint initiatives will be taken place to enable students flying high in their I&T careers.

PolyU Students Won the Third Prize in Huawei APAC ICT Competition 2022 & Advanced to Global Final

Huawei APAC ICT Competition 2022 is the largest ICT skills contest in the Asia Pacific region developed by Huawei to promote a sound talent ecosystem. Entrants had to compete in one of two technology tracks: Network or Cloud. The PolyU’s Polynomials team won the Third Prize in Cloud track for their multidisciplinary knowledge, outstanding performance, and good teamwork. They stood out from 114 students who advanced to the regional final.   The team is passionate on big data, AI, cloud, and geospatial technologies, and relevant applications in E-Commerce, IoT, and Smart City. Through learning from a comprehensive set of tutorials provided by Huawei, the team quickly got on board with the Huawei burgeoning ecosystem both in theory and in practice. The team obtained in-depth knowledge of four kinds of state-of-the-art IT technologies as well as their evolutionary history and applications.   The PolyU winning team will continue their journey for the Global Final in June 2022 which will be held in Shenzhen, China.   Polynomials Team members:  Feng Yun Lin, Zhong Xiu Ming and Tang Man Kit (students from Department of Computing, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics,) Instructor: Dr. Yang XU, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics

PolyU and ASTRI join hands to foster research collaboration and nurture R&D talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on research and technology transfer as well as to nurture future R&D talent, leveraging the research expertise of both parties.

Five PolyU’s projects supported by Smart Traffic Fund to drive smart transportation technologies

PolyU scholars received 5 approved projects out of the total 14 projects from the Smart Traffic Fund since its commencement in 2020-21. The University ranked first in the number of projects which encompass the development of innovative solutions: deep learning, AI, 3D Geo-spatial model, data-driven intelligence and technologies to enhance efficiency on road network and space, public convenience and road safety in the city. The funding would reinforce the University’s strength in traffic related research in the following aspects. Prediction of Traffic Speed and Volume considering Malfunctioning Detectors using Deep Learning By Professor Edward CHUNG, Department of Electrical Engineering Development and Deployment of an AI-enabled Parking Vacancy Prediction Framework using Multi-source Data By Dr. MA Wei, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Road Safety Assessment using Advanced Driving Simulation Approach with 3D Geo-spatial Model By Dr. SZE Nang Ngai, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Network-wide Traffic Speed-Flow Estimator By Ir Prof. William LAM Hing-keung, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Investigation of an Online Data-driven Intelligent Automation Platform for Drivers Considering the Psychological Condition Instability and Behaviours for a Sustainable and Safe Transportation System By Dr. NG Kam Hung, Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering The Smart Traffic Fund is a funding initiated by the Transport Department to support local organisations or enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. HK$1 billion have been earmarked for the Fund which commences operation in 2020-21, with an aim to support I&T projects for promoting smart mobility in Hong Kong.

PolyU attains excellent results in the Environment and Conservation Fund 2021-22 research funding exercise

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved excellent results in the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) 2021-22 funding exercise for Environmental Research, Technology Demonstration and Conference Projects. Among the 41 awarded research projects from local UGC-funded universities, PolyU received the highest number of projects awarded and topped the amount of funding granted. In all, the University received a total of HK$10 million in funding from the ECF, supporting 13 research projects ranging from the study of how high purity oxygen could enhance sewage treatment, using remote sensing technology and AI for monitoring oil spills in the sea, producing hydrogen while purifying wastewater simultaneously by solar power, to the development of a smart robot that can pick up and sort litter in difficult terrain automatically. These projects will be led by PolyU researchers from the Faculties of Construction and Environment, Applied Science and Textiles, and Engineering, with details listed in the Appendix. Professor Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who leads a task force of the University on achieving the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050, congratulated all successful applicant research teams and said, “These research projects will foster more innovative and green technologies to address local and regional environmental issues and set paths for supporting the carbon neutrality roadmap in our society. We are pleased to receive the funding support from the government, which will complement our concerted efforts to advance decarbonisation technologies for a vibrant and sustainable society.” The ECF was set up by the Government in 1994 for funding educational and research projects on environmental and conservation matters. Research and Technology Demonstration Projects awarded by the ECF will contribute in a direct and practical way towards environmental improvement and conservation of the local environment, or promote and encourage adoption of green technologies in Hong Kong.

PolyU research to develop green technologies are supported by Green Tech Fund

Three PolyU research projects have been approved in the first round application of the Green Tech Fund with topics focus on decarbonisation, green transport, energy saving and efficiency. The research teams have explored new approaches with their research competence to develop various green solutions to address environmental challenges.  The three funded projects are as follows, The team led by Prof. Dan TSANG, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering develops innovative designs and science-informed manufacturing technologies for the cutting-edge production of biochar-enhanced construction materials for sustainable waste management and long-term decarbonisation. The pioneer products will include biochar partition block and biochar porous paver. This project “The Biochar-enhanced Construction Materials for Sustainable Waste Management and Decarbonisation” receives a HK$8.8 million grant.  Dr. Lawrence LEE, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has developed a new thermos (electro) chemical method to collect cathode materials from used LIBs to simplify the current procedure, reduce the use/leak of hazardous chemicals, and significantly lower the cost. This project “Recycling of Waste Lithium-ion Batteries as Highly Active Fuel Cell Catalysts” receives a HK$2.8 million grant.   The project “A Safe, Efficient and Facile Approach for Hydrogen Storage and Generation: Catalytic Hydrolysis of Solid-state Hydrogen Storage Materials” receives a HK$3.3 million grant for development. Dr. ZHENG Guangping, Department of Mechanical Engineering has developed a safe and efficient approach for hydrogen storage and efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation, that help solve the pivot issue of hydrogen storage and transportation by using solid-state materials. The technique developed in this project for hydrogen storage and generation will make the widespread utilization of hydrogen energy possible.  The Green Tech Fund of HK$200 million was set up by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support for research and development projects which can help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection towards its goal of carbon neutrality before 2050.  

Two PolyU data-driven intelligent research projects awarded Smart Traffic Fund

Two projects led by PolyU researchers awarded Smart Traffic Fund with a total amount of HK$6.9 million. These projects which embrace innovative ideas and technology advancement are designed to develop practical solutions for building a sustainable and smart city.   Network-wide Traffic Speed-Flow Estimator Led by Ir Prof. William LAM Hing-keung, Chair Professor of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The project proposes a model-based data-driven approach to develop a network-wide traffic speed-flow estimator for estimating traffic speeds and traffic flows simultaneously.   Investigation of an Online Data-driven Intelligent Automation Platform for Drivers Considering the Psychological Condition Instability and Behaviours for a Sustainable and Safe Transportation System Led by Dr. Kam Hung NG, Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering. The project aims to develop an online data-driven risk-taking behavioural prediction mechanism by identifying the driver’s psychological condition instability using intelligent automation techniques.   The Smart Traffic Fund is a funding initiated by the Transport Department to support local organisations or enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. HK$1 billion have been earmarked for the Fund which commences operation in 2020-21, with an aim to support I&T projects for promoting smart mobility in Hong Kong.