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PolyU and HKUST inaugurate State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities and gather global experts for Symposium to tackle challenges of climate change

Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China, the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKL-CRCC) – jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – was officially inaugurated today. Dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, the Laboratory aims to enhance infrastructure resilience in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and coastal cities worldwide. Its core missions include strengthening climate-risk early-warning systems and emergency response capabilities, and promoting sustainable development to address challenges posed by climate change. Concurrently, a two-day international symposium is being held, bringing together world-leading experts and scholars to discuss how climate resilience in coastal cities can be strengthened globally. The inauguration was held at PolyU’s Hotel ICON and officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Xiangdong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Director of SKL-CRCC and Director of the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) of PolyU; Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, Director of SKL-CRCC, and CLP Holdings Professor of Sustainability; and Prof. Qingrui YUE, Chairman of the Academic Committee of SKL-CRCC. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng emphasised, “The establishment of SKL-CRCC not only closely aligns with the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035, but also supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s focus on climate-resilient urban development. Its significance is far-reaching: it reflects the nation’s commitment to technological self-reliance, scientific excellence and sustainable development, and exemplifies the synergy of Hong Kong’s world-class universities. By leveraging our complementary advantages, this strategic collaboration will drive national innovation and global scientific progress. PolyU sincerely thanks the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their foresight and support. We will continue translating research into impactful solutions and make the laboratory a ‘core engine’ for resilient urban development, strengthening public safety, urban resilience and sustainable development.” Prof. Nancy Ip said, “We extend our profound gratitude to the Central Government and the HKSAR Government for their steadfast and visionary support in establishing this inaugural State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities. This endeavour powerfully demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to unite world-class research expertise from leading institutions in a strategic collaboration to address one of our generation’s most urgent challenges. By pioneering solutions for urban disaster mitigation and infrastructure resilience, this laboratory represents a strategic national initiative. It will serve to enhance Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub, contributing steady and meaningful momentum to our nation’s scientific advancement and long-term sustainable development.” Prof. Xiangdong Li and Prof. Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Directors of SKL-CRCC, stated that PolyU and HKUST teams leverage the advanced facilities of both universities to conduct research in multiple areas: Climate Change and Extreme Weather, Urban Infrastructure and Resilience, Urban Compound Disasters and Evolution, Extreme Rainstorm Disasters and Nature-based Solutions, Coastal Engineering and Technology, and Climate Change Risk Perception, Early Warning, and Response Policy Management. They pointed out that data collected through various research initiatives will significantly improve coastal cities’ future forecasting accuracy and response capabilities under severe weather conditions. Group photo of the officiating party and distinguished dignitaries. Group photo of the officiating party and key members of SKL-CRCC. The two-day international symposium features approximately 30 keynotes by experts from renowned universities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, other parts of Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Topics include marine heatwaves, earthquakes, urban water management and artificial intelligence applications. Through academic exchange and in-depth discussion, the Symposium aims to advance world-class knowledge to strengthen climate resilience in coastal cities globally. SKL-CRCC was officially accredited as the status of a State Key Laboratory by MOST in August 2025. To address climate change and disaster risks, it aims to deeply integrate its work into the national strategic frameworks and global development initiatives, focusing on resilience construction and disaster mitigation. It is committed to enhancing the resilience of coastal urban infrastructure to address the compound challenges posed by climate change. The Symposium brings together world-leading global experts and scholars to discuss how climate resilience in coastal cities can be strengthened globally.

PolyU develops an innovative multi-tier intelligent bridge inspection system to identify structural issues

With Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure facing immense pressure from some of the world’s highest densities of traffic, ensuring bridge safety is more critical than ever. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has unveiled a groundbreaking, intelligent bridge inspection system. This system can detect cracks and uncover hidden structural flaws invisible to the human eye. Deployed across 11 local bridges, this multi-tier system integrates PolyU’s proprietary non-destructive testing technologies (NDT) with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models. The result: inspection times slashed by a significant margin of 50% and overall accuracy rate dramatically improved to 80%, paving the way for Citywide adoption. Traditional infrastructure visual inspection (VI) methods in Hong Kong are labour-intensive, subjective and often miss subsurface defects like rebar corrosion, which necessitate road closures. Led by Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Professor of the PolyU Department of Building and Real Estate, the team’s innovation can replace these manual practices with a trio of cutting-edge tools: drones, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT). These technologies collect comprehensive data from both the surface and subsurface of bridges, while AI models automate analysis for unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Surface crack identification is vital for structural health. Using drone-enabled VI and a self-developed deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model—Smart Bridge Deck Efficiency (SBDE)—the team has achieved superior crack detection, even in challenging conditions such as low light or shadows. SBDE outperformed other leading object detection models, reducing false positives and confusion with surface scratches. Surface cracks often signal deeper issues like rebar corrosion, i.e., subsurface defects. The team’s fully automated GPR data interpretation model locates rebars with over 98% precision and maps potential corrosion zones using advanced amplitude analysis and clustering. The newly developed tool significantly streamlines the GPR-based corrosion assessment process, making it both faster and more straightforward. Concrete deterioration, such as spalling and delamination, is another major concern. The team developed an optimum thermal gradient threshold (OTGT) system for IRT, adjusting thresholds based on environmental conditions for more accurate detection. Their smart OTGT-based model automatically generates delamination maps, further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. “This hybrid system— for surface and subsurface defects—enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of bridge inspection through an integrated, AI-powered approach,” said Prof. Tarek Zayed. “We have also standardised inspections with a five-point severity scale to facilitate diagnosis and prioritise repairs. The comprehensive SBDE tool thoroughly assesses bridge conditions based on data collected from various sensing devices.” He added, “We are currently exploring further collaboration with relevant government departments and industry partners to implement this system for regular bridge inspections in the City, marking a significant step towards smarter infrastructure management in Hong Kong. Our goal is to ensure that Hong Kong’s bridges remain safe and reliable for decades to come.” This two-year project was supported by the Smart Traffic Fund. With findings published in leading international journals including Construction and Building Materials, Automation in Construction and Advanced Engineering Informatics, Prof. Zayed’s team is exploring ways to advance related technologies and further promote smart bridge inspection in Hong Kong.

Delegation from Zibo Municipal Science and Technology Bureau Visited PolyU

A delegation from the Zibo Municipal Science and Technology Bureau visited PolyU on November 19 for an exchange visit. The purpose was to deepen innovative collaboration between the two regions in cutting-edge technology fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence. It also aimed to promote the introduction of Hong Kong’s scientific achievements and talent resources, fostering regional synergy in science and technology development. Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and Immunology at PolyU, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the university’s latest developments in scientific research. Following this, Prof. Liqiu WANG, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering at PolyU, presented the recent progress of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation directions and exchanged views on promoting the construction of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. The delegation also toured several research facilities on campus, including the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, the Industrial Centre’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory, and the Human-Machine Symbiotic Design and Manufacturing Laboratory. This visit laid a solid foundation for future collaboration. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to continually promoting the transformation of research outcomes and talent exchange, jointly advancing technological innovation and industrial development.

PolyU breakthrough in underground navigation unlocks hidden cultural heritage

Sustainable city management recognises the importance of not only the busy above-ground urban systems but also the invisible underground infrastructure, utilities, and hidden heritage and their stories. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is at the fore-front of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies, advancing land surveying research that supports cultural preservation and the sustainable development urban environment. Harnessing a range of advanced technologies, Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics of PolyU, and his research team have made significant strides in underground exploration. His research supports a wide range of impactful applications, from detecting urban infrastructure issues such as voids and pipe leakages to uncovering hidden historical heritage.  Prof. LAI said, “Imagine a time when doctors had to drill into a patient’s body to make a diagnosis. Today, non-invasive imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans have transformed medical diagnostics. Similarly, in construction, the way we access infrastructure has evolved from drilling holes for inspection to using non-invasive technologies. Advances in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology have enabled applications that go beyond simple locating, imaging, inspection and monitoring of construction works, including underground utilities, road pavements, tunnel liners and more.” Uncovering cultural heritage with geospatial technology-driven archaeology Leveraging PolyU’s multidisciplinary research strengths, one focus of Prof. LAI is the innovative use of geospatial and near-surface geophysical technologies in archaeological exploration. Collaborating with partners in history and archaeology from various institutions, his research team contributes to both the interpretation of historical contexts and community education.  Notably, the team has initiated a four-tier geospatial technology approach for applications in heritage and archaeological mapping, including the exploration of wartime heritage in Hong Kong and the Dairy Farm heritage in Pokfulam. Their research projects were supported by two Innovation Technology Fund grants from the Innovation and Technology Commission from 2023 to 2026.  To begin the four-tier approach, the research team starts by identifying potential features of interest at hidden historical sites, such as lost World War II locations, through the analysis of old maps, texts, images, and aerial photos. The team then uses point cloud data, either from the Government’s airborne or drone/terrestrial LiDAR from the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatic, to remove forest and generate 3D digital terrain models for geo-referencing within a geographic information system (GIS).  A red relief image map (RRIM) is used to reveal detailed underground features by analysing topographical openness. Guided by satellite navigation, they arrive at the sites, conduct on-site terrestrial LiDAR scanning, and fill in the unknown gaps in history. Deep learning-based characterisation is also being developed for large-scale surveys. Finally, the field work involved survey and validation for hybrid air-ground 3D modelling of the heritage sites, which were then applied to generate 3D augmented reality experiences in indoor environment.  Through this approach, Prof. LAI’s research revealed both hidden features, such as war relics and burials, using geospatial technologies, as well as buried structures identified through GPR, drone-based infrared thermography, magnetometer, and metal detector. The research, titled “Unfolding WWII heritages with airborne and ground-based laser scanning” was published in Heritage.  Furthermore, the project team successfully helped a Canadian family locate the most likely burial of their great-grandfather, Mr. Pickthrone, a lost seafarer who died and was buried in 1900, bringing great relief to the family. The story and the science behind it, titled “Archaeological investigation of burials preluded by ground penetrating radar and geospatial technologies,” was published in Archaeological Science.  Prof. LAI said, “Our research allows us to step beyond our traditional boundaries as scientists. By collaborating with historians, archaeologists, schools and non-government organisations, we innovatively apply the three-tier geospatial technology approach to uncover and understand valuable but hidden historical features concealed within forests or vegetation. In the past two and a half years, the multidisciplinary team has delivered more than 40 STEAM talks, workshops, field visits, and Art-Tech exhibition tours, directly engaging over 4,800 students and members of the public. This cross-disciplinary effort demonstrate that science and the humanities can meaningfully complement each other, and that genuine collaboration always leads to unexpected discoveries.”   

PolyU receives three awards at CES Innovation Awards 2026

Three innovations developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. Among the award-winning projects, the Smart Firefighting Robots received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category, earning the coveted “Best of Innovation Award”, the best result PolyU has achieved since first participating in the event. PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous firefighting operations, the Smart Firefighting Robot was developed by the research team of Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE)  and Co-founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, together with Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of BEEE as well as the Founder and CEO of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited. This AI-driven robot can navigate smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, and select and release optimal extinguishing agents. By sending real-time data to command centres, it can also enhance firefighting efficiency and help safeguard the health and safety of firefighters and the public. PolyU was also recognised for its Arm Rehabilitation Robot (also known as “Powered Rehab Skateboard”) and FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, which received awards in the Accessibility & Longevity and Digital Health categories respectively. These accolades highlight the University’s strong capabilities in health technology research and development. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable training device designed to support home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. Developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs, particularly for stroke survivors. Unlike traditional rehabilitation devices that are often bulky and expensive, this solution allows users to engage in effective therapy in the comfort of their homes or in community centres, catering to patients’ needs with simple setup and real-time tracking of training progress. Development of the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection, the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, was spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are excited by the remarkable accomplishments of PolyU researchers and start-ups on the international stage. As PolyU marks its third consecutive year at CES, the growing number and diversity of award-winning innovations signal a new milestone in its journey, highlighting PolyU’s rising prominence in the global technology arena.” Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. PolyU and its startups will showcase the award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations at CES 2026, to be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January next year.

PolyU 13 projects awarded under NSFC/RGC Collaborative and Joint Research Scheme, advancing innovation and interdisciplinary excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded 13 research projects with total funding support of approximately HK$20.3 million under  the 2025/26 funding exercise of the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) and Joint Research Scheme (JRS), jointly administered by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong. As one of the top three universities in terms of funding awarded under both schemes, PolyU is committed to advancing impactful research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted by this recognition of PolyU’s sustained research leadership and collaborative strength. It reflects the dedication and talent of our researchers in addressing critical scientific and societal challenges. We will continue to foster impactful research and strong partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to Hong Kong’s growth as a vibrant center for technology and knowledge, thereby supporting the Nation’s development.” The NSFC/ RGC CRS supports collaborative research proposals jointly submitted by the Mainland and Hong Kong researchers. It aims to support research projects with a duration of four years.  The two awarded CRS projects are led by scholars from the Faculty of Construction and Environment, paving the way for scalable technologies in the transition to a sustainable future. Led by Prof NI Meng,  Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at PolyU, the project titled “Development of high performance and durable solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for coupling with Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reactor for green synthetic liquid fuel production”, in collaboration with Prof. HAN Minfang, Professor of Department of Energy and Power Engineering at Tsinghua University,  has received HK$3.6 million in funding from the RGC.  This project  aims to develop advanced solid oxide electrolysis cells for efficient co-electrolysis of water and carbon dioxide, enabling integration with Fischer-Tropsch reactors for green synthetic liquid fuel production. The team will engineer novel perovskite cathode materials using entropy engineering and in situ nanoparticle exsolution, supported by machine learning and theoretical modelling.  Multiphysics simulations will evaluate system performance under fluctuating renewable power input, and a coupled system will be developed to demonstrate fuel production. The project will support carbon neutrality by advancing renewable energy storage, carbon dioxide utilization, and clean fuel technologies, contributing to sustainable energy development in Hong Kong, the Nation and globally. Led by Prof. YU Tao,  Associate Head (Research) and Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU, the project titled “FRP-Reinforced Concrete Structures for Marine Environments: Material and Structural Innovations for Ductility Enhancement and Prefabricated Construction”, in collaboration with Prof. XUE Wei Chen, Professor of Department of Structural Engineering at Tongji University,  has received HK$3.57 million in funding from the RGC. This project  aims to develop innovative prefabricated FRP-reinforced concrete structures (PFRSs) tailored for marine environments. Key objectives include enhancing ductility and stiffness through hybrid FRP rebars, designing two types of beam-column connections for seismic resilience and rapid assembly, and establishing predictive models for long-term performance.  The research addresses urgent infrastructure needs in coastal/marine and earthquake-prone regions, offering corrosion-resistant, cost-effective solutions that improve safety, reduce maintenance, and boost construction productivity. The project outcomes will support sustainable development of coastal and marine infrastructure in Hong Kong, the Nation, and other densely populated coastal areas worldwide. In addition, 11 PolyU projects have received approximately  HK$13.2 million in funding support from the RGC under the NSFC/RGC JRS. These projects span a broad spectrum of disciplines, including biomedical imaging, musculoskeletal health, infrared sensing, superconducting materials, ferroelectric crystals, energy storage, organic photovoltaics, navigation systems, and urban resilience. They exemplify PolyU’s continued commitment to research excellence and knowledge transfer that addresses societal needs and contributes to technological advancement. The NSFC/RGC JRS aims to promote collaboration between researchers and research teams in Hong Kong and the Mainland by leveraging the complementary strengths of both sides. It also offers up to two conference grants to sponsor conferences held in Hong Kong.     List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme 2025/26 List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme 2025/26    

PolyU scholar named Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is home to accomplished researchers whose work continues to drive progress in science and technology. Prof. SUN Defeng, Head and Chair Professor of Applied Optimization and Operations Research, and RGC Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) in the 2026 class. The AMS Fellows program celebrates members who have made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilisation of mathematics. Prof SUN joins a distinguished cohort of 40 international scholars whose work has shaped the global mathematical landscape. This prestigious honour highlights Prof. SUN’s achievements in optimization, nonsmooth analysis, and optimization solver development. His research has driven key developments in matrix optimisation, high-dimensional statistical optimisation, second-order variational analysis, and computational finance, delivering wide-ranging impact across academia and industry. Prof. SUN is internationally recognised for advancing both the theoretical foundations and algorithmic innovations that underpin modern optimisation and decision analytics. His work has led to robust software systems and practical methodologies adopted in engineering, data science, and financial risk management.

20 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has 20* scholars recognised on the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” by Clarivate Analytics, with one scholar recognised in two categories, underscoring the University’s internationally recognised research and academic excellence and highlighting its contributions to societal development and technological advancement across diverse fields. Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers list recognises academics who have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their respective fields of research. This year, 6,868 scholars from 60 countries and regions have been named. The selected scholars have authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year over the past 11 years. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are 1 in 1,000. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to advancing world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. A total of 428 PolyU scholars are listed in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 for their career-long citation impact or single-year citation impact, placing the University second among Hong Kong institutions and highlighting the strong research capabilities of PolyU academics. The PolyU scholars featured in the Highly Cited Researchers 2025 are listed below (in alphabetical order by surname): Category Name Title and Faculty/Department/School Computer Science Prof. CHENG Ran Associate Professor of the Department of Computing, Presidential Young Scholar Prof. TAN Kay Chen Head and Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Cross-Field Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. Daniel LAU Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. LI Gang Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. NI Meng Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. Harry QIN Professor of the School of Nursing Prof. Geoffrey SHEN Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Director of Global Engagement, Chair Professor of Construction Management of the Department of Building and Real Estate Prof. WANG Peng Former Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Prof. WU Tao Chair Professor of Frontier Materials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YAN Feng Chair Professor of Organic Electronics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YANG Guang Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Engineering Prof. YAN Jinyue Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. ZHANG Lei Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing Prof. ZHENG Pai Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Wong Tit Shing Young Scholar in Smart Robotics Materials Science Prof. WANG Lianzhou Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Mathematics Prof. ZHOU Zhi Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics For the full list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025, please visit: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/ *including one PolyU scholar recognised in two categories and one former scholar.

PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test

The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” The PolyU research team has successfully completed a test on an optical fibre network of approximately 55 kilometres, connecting four nodes across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” Prof. Ai-Qun Liu (centre) with his research team at the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology. He reiterated that RIQT will continue to refine and test the multipoint transmission technology at scale, leveraging existing network infrastructure. This will pave the way for the widespread adoption of quantum communication across various scenarios, encompassing multiple industries. Ultimately, Hong Kong can seamlessly transition to the next generation of smart quantum networks, supported by a comprehensive and secure environment.

PolyU participates in life and health industry roundtable conference, creating a new future for the industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the life and health industry roundtable conference in Changsha on 12 November, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan of the HKSAR Government. The event attracted over 70 representatives from enterprises, government, and media to explore the future of the life and health industry, with fruitful discussions and sharing. PolyU is dedicated to leveraging the University’s academic and research excellence in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and drug development to foster impactful applications and advance research translation in collaboration with industries and institutions.