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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.

PolyU scholar honoured among Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders 2025 for advancing mental health and brain research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) takes pride in its diverse research community, whose innovative work drives impactful societal and global advancements. Prof. QIU Anqi, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU and Global STEM Scholar, has been recognised as one of the “Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders 2025”. This recognition stands as a testament to Prof. Qiu's outstanding contributions to the fields of neuroimaging and biomedical engineering, particularly in advancing research on mental health and brain development. Prof. Qiu has spearheaded groundbreaking projects utilising advanced neuroimaging and computational techniques, significantly advancing research on early brain development. Her innovative approach has uncovered critical insights into how maternal mood influences fetal brain health, leading to transformative changes in prenatal mental health screening. Additionally, she pioneered a non-invasive imaging method that enhances MRI safety for pediatric patients, setting new standards in the field. Moreover, Prof. Qiu has introduced novel research that advances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and its implications on cognitive health in adults. The research underscores the clinical importance of a multifaceted approach to the long-term monitoring and management of obesity. It reveals a distinct and progressive pattern of brain deterioration linked to obesity, suggesting that sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing. Beyond Prof. Qiu’s professional achievements, this award also recognises her remarkable leadership. As a dedicated mentor, she continues to inspire and empower women in STEM. Her influence and commitment to fostering the next generation of female technology leaders are commendable. The Asia Women Tech Leaders Awards was recently held in Singapore. Its “Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders” aims to honor women who drive technological innovation, lead research, and manage complex tech projects with expertise and operational excellence. For more about Prof. Qiu’s impactful research: PolyU research reveals sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing PolyU scholar confirms maternal positive mental health correlated to children’s brain development  

PolyU harnesses AI and data science to enhance maritime and shipping management and foster sustainable development within the industry

Facing a complex and ever-changing international environment, the maritime and shipping industry requires more efficient and precise data collection and analysis technologies to enhance management efficiency. A  research team at The Maritime Data and Sustainable Development Centre (PMDC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a series of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and big data driven tools, including advanced technology for estimating the supply and demand for typhoon shelter berths in Hong Kong to improve vessel monitoring and emergency response, a shipping data analytics platform that uses the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to assess real-time port congestion index and other maritime statistical indicators, and a trajectory analysis technology to effectively detect illegal fishing activities. These innovations not only provide governments and industry stakeholders with cutting-edge management solutions but also drive the sector’s digital transformation and sustainable development. Automatically identifying vessels and estimating the supply and demand for typhoon shelter berths As a coastal city frequently affected by typhoons, Hong Kong must take effective preventive measures to ensure the safety of vessels. The research team, led by Prof. YANG Dong, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies and Director of the PMDC, has collaborated with the Hong Kong Marine Department to develop an innovative monitoring technology. It utilises images of local vessels captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), combined with deep learning-based computer vision algorithms to automatically identify and classify ships, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.6%. This new technology is used to predict the supply and demand for local vessel typhoon shelter berths from 2022 to 2035, optimising the design of berth management plans. The method significantly enhances the government’s monitoring and emergency management efficiency for local vessels and typhoon shelters while greatly reducing labour and time costs. The research results have been adopted by the Hong Kong Marine Department as a technical reference for local typhoon shelter planning, assisting the government in developing shelter facility plans and establishing benchmarks for the digital management of coastal vessels. The technology has broad applications in port state control inspections and port congestion management. Looking ahead, the team plans to develop techniques for data collection and processing based on videos and images, integrating deep learning algorithms to create an intelligent regulatory system for vessels and navigation areas. To date, the team has collected over 50,000 images of local vessels, laying a solid foundation for future research and analysis. Utilising intelligent algorithms to calculate port congestion index Accurately and timely obtaining maritime statistical indicators, such as port congestion index and shipping line connectivity index, remains a major challenge for the maritime industry. Traditional manual data collection methods are error-prone, and the macro information released by administrative agencies or port departments often suffers from delays and lacks comprehensiveness. To address this, Prof. Yang Dong and his team have collaborated with researchers from Tsinghua University to develop advanced big data analysis algorithms for processing AIS data. They constructed a global, multi-level shipping and trade network database and created an online platform capable of calculating key indicators in real-time, such as port congestion index, port connectivity index, and port turnover rate. This research substantially broadens the application scenarios of maritime big data technologies, enabling the current shipping analysis from micro to macro levels, accurately capturing industry dynamics, and providing a reliable basis for maritime operational analysis and decision-making, thereby supporting the sustainable development of the industry. Analysing trajectories to identify illegal fishing vessels In the past, combating illegal fishing primarily relied on random sea patrol, which is costly and inefficient. To enhance the management efficiency of fishing vessels in Hong Kong waters, Prof. Yang Dong and his team developed a fishing vessel behaviour pattern recognition model by applying a novel trajectory feature engineering method combined with a semi-supervised machine learning framework. This model effectively identifies abnormal fishing behaviours with an accuracy rate of up to 90%. This technology integrates maritime domain knowledge with AI algorithms to establish precise distinctions in vessel trajectory features under different navigation states. It greatly reduces the time and labour required for manual data collection and labelling process and can be flexibly adapted for vessel trajectory prediction and emissions monitoring. The team has collaborated with the Hong Kong Tourism Commission and the Marine Department to assess the risks associated with large cruise ships navigating Hong Kong’s central channel using multi-source maritime data such as AIS, maritime radar, and CCTV footage. Recently, the team have utilised graph neural networks to accurately predict the future trajectories of multiple vessels in Hong Kong’s busy waterways, further strengthening real-time navigation safety supervision. Prof. Yang Dong said, “AI and big data technologies are bringing revolutionary changes to the maritime and shipping industry. These innovative assessment and monitoring tools combine domain knowledge in the maritime field with cutting-edge technology, significantly improving the speed, quality, and accuracy of data collection. They also address key operational challenges faced by the industry and make substantial contributions to academic research in related fields, promoting the intelligent development of maritime operations and further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre.”