News

Moving Against Neurodegeneration: PolyU RISA & FHSS Symposium Unites Global Experts to Advance the Science of Exercise for Brain Health

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted The 1st International Symposium on Moving Against Neurodegeneration: The Science and Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health on 27 August 2026. The event brought together leading academics, clinicians, and researchers worldwide to explore how physical activity combats neurodegenerative decline and promotes cognitive longevity. The Symposium opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Zheng Yongping, Director of RISA, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering. The programme featured keynote presentations by esteemed international scholars, including Prof. Wei-Peng Teo from Nanyang Technological University, who discussed compositional time-use as a mechanistic risk factor for dementia; Prof. Teresa Liu-Ambrose from the University of British Columbia, who shared findings on exercise to promote cognitive health in at-risk older adults; Prof. Liye Zou from Wuhan Sports University, who highlighted mechanistic pathways from sedentary behaviour to strategic exercise; and Prof. Zhang Li from Jinan University, who examined exercise in relation to neuroprotection and mental health. Leading scholars from PolyU also presented pioneering research spanning muscle-brain communication, ultrasound assessment, fall prevention, and smart lifestyle interventions. The event concluded with an interactive panel discussion and closing remarks from Prof. Zheng Yongping, fostering vibrant dialogue on translating exercise neuroscience into actionable clinical and community practices. RISA and FHSS sincerely thank all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions and support in making the inaugural symposium a resounding success.

PolyU RISA Scholars Attend “The 2nd International Forum on Proactive Health and Aging”, Demonstrating Frontier Strength in Smart Ageing Technology

The 2nd International Forum on Proactive Health and Aging took place successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 23 to 25. During the event, scholars from the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) actively participated and showcased the University's frontier strength in smart ageing technology. Prof. Zheng Yongping, Director of RISA, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, attended the Opening Forum on August 24 as an Officiating Guest to kick off the event alongside government officials and international experts. On August 25, two RISA members delivered keynote presentations at thematic sub-forums. Prof. Wen Chunyi, RISA Management Committee Member and Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, spoke at the "Chronic Disease Management and Integrated Care" sub-forum, sharing his team's latest research breakthroughs in AI-driven knee osteoarthritis management and healthy longevity technologies. Meanwhile, Prof. Liu Justina, RISA Member, Associate Head (Education) and Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at PolyU, presented at the "Digital Intelligence Empowering Active Health and Elderly Care" sub-forum, highlighting her team's innovative applications of gerontechnologies, such as virtual reality, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence in health interventions for frail older adults and in nursing education. Overall, the event highlighted the academic impact of PolyU scholars in gerontechnology and demonstrated RISA's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and clinical applications to address global population ageing challenges. 理大智齡研究院學者出席第二屆「主動健康與老齡化」國際論壇 展現樂齡科技前沿實力 第二屆「主動健康與老齡化」國際論壇（The 2nd International Forum on Proactive Health and Aging）於8月23日至25日假香港會議展覽中心盛大舉行。香港理工大學（理大）智齡研究院學者積極參與是次盛會，展現理大在智齡科技領域的前沿實力。 鄭永平教授，智齡研究院院長、生物醫學工程講座教授、梁顯利生物醫學工程教授，於8月24日以主禮嘉賓身分出席開幕論壇，與政府官員及國際專家共同為論壇揭開序幕。 8月25日，兩位智齡研究院成員於專題分論壇發表主題演講。理大智齡研究院管理委員會成員兼生物醫學工程學系副教授溫春毅博士於「慢病管理與整合照護」分論壇進行分享，介紹其團隊在人工智慧驅動膝骨關節炎管理及健康長壽科技方面的最新研究突破。同時，理大智齡研究院成員、護理學院副學院主任兼副教授雷逸華博士於「數智賦能主動健康與老年照護」分論壇發表演講，重點介紹團隊運用虛擬實境、可穿戴設備及人工智慧等樂齡科技於高齡體弱長者健康干預與護理教育的創新應用。 理大智齡研究院團隊將繼續推動跨學科合作，加速樂齡科技的研發與臨床應用，為香港及全球應對人口老齡化挑戰貢獻理大智慧。  

AI x Smart Ageing: Reshaping Community Healthcare & Ageing-in-Place

As populations age, the pressure on healthcare systems continues to grow. Fortunately, the rise of AI is offering new breakthroughs in eldercare, making smart ageing an essential trend. Recently, Prof. Angela Leung, Associate Director of RISA, Professor and Associate Head (Research) at the School of Nursing at PolyU, was featured on Metro Finance’s show "AI in Action". She shared how combining AI, IoT, and big data is driving a shift in healthcare from traditional reactive consultations to data-driven proactive prevention and personalized care. From home health monitoring and flexible rehabilitation to VR instructors and emotion analysis, technology is making care far more real-time and comprehensive. Beyond being a powerful tool, AI empowers healthcare professionals and carers to deliver an experience that seamlessly blends precision with human warmth. Tune in to learn how PolyU and RISA leverage unique research and clinical strengths to develop thoughtful AI-driven care and rehabilitation solutions. 📺 Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/gfy-T-wa

AI x Ultrasound: Shift from Reactive to Proactive Healthcare

Traditional ultrasound relies heavily on a clinician's manual technique and clinical experience, making early, subtle lesions difficult to spot with the naked eye. The introduction of AI brings a revolutionary breakthrough to medical imaging diagnosis. Recently, Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, and Dr Edmond LAM, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, were invited to Metro Broadcast’s latest show “AI in Action” to share how AI is revolutionising ultrasound technology. From adolescent scoliosis, fatty liver and liver fibrosis to brain disease risks, and prostate cancer screening, AI can assist doctors in capturing subtle abnormalities in images for more precise early diagnoses. The PolyU team goes a step further by driving the miniaturisation of ultrasound equipment to develop palm-sized, home-use devices, making daily health management simpler and more thoughtful. Want to know how home AI devices actually operate, the underlying working principles, and what challenges are faced in clinical trials? All these topics are unpacked in the interview! Online coverage: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uJU5QELzow

Prof. Elaine Kwong on revolutionary AI ultrasound technology for swallowing assessment

From hospital to community: Portable AI ultrasound technology makes dysphagia assessment more accessible Prof. Elaine KWONG Yee-lan, Associate Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Associate Professor in the Department of Language Science and Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a speech therapist, was recently featured on RTHK’s radio programme “Under the Sun”, where she explained in detail the portable artificial intelligence (AI) ultrasound swallowing assessment technology developed by her and her team. Traditionally, swallowing disorder (dysphagia) assessments require patients to make in-person visits to hospitals or clinics for X-ray imaging or invasive endoscopic swallowing examinations. This ground-breaking AI-powered ultrasound solution harnesses advanced algorithms to overcome these limitations, enabling objective swallowing assessments in community settings or at home, greatly improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, and allowing patients to receive timely and appropriate treatment. Online coverage RTHK - https://polyu.me/44GcIL7 (00:53-21:49)  從醫院走入社區：可攜式人工智能超聲波技術推動吞嚥障礙評估普及化 香港理工大學智齡研究院副院長、語言科學及技術學系副教授兼言語治療師鄺伊蘭教授，近日接受香港電台第一台節目《太陽底下新鮮事》訪問，詳細介紹了她與團隊研發的可攜式人工智能（AI）超聲波吞嚥評估技術。 傳統上，吞嚥障礙評估需要患者親自前往醫院或診所，接受由醫護人員或言語治療師進行的X光造影或侵入性內窺鏡吞嚥檢查。這項突破性的AI超聲波解決方案利用先進算法克服了這些限制，讓患者能夠在社區或家中接受客觀的吞嚥評估，大大提高了診斷效率和準確性，使患者能夠得到及時和適切的治療。 網上重溫 香港電台 - https://polyu.me/44GcIL7 (00:53-21:49)

The 4th Asia Pacific Alliance for Obesity and Sarcopenia Metabolism (APAOSM) Scientific Meeting

The 4th Asia Pacific Alliance for Obesity and Sarcopenia Metabolism (APAOSM) Scientific Meeting, concurrently with the 2nd Academic Conference of the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Professional Committee, was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 11 July. Co-organized by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) of PolyU, alongside the Hong Kong Nutrition Association and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, the symposium gathered leading experts, clinicians, and researchers from across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. The hybrid event, which attracted over 50,000 online and offline participants, fostered deep academic exchanges on cutting-edge topics in obesity, metabolic medicine, clinical nutrition, bariatric surgery, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Representing RISA’s core research in innovative gerontechnology, Director Professor Yongping Zheng delivered a featured presentation during the morning session on the clinical application of palm-sized ultrasound in the precise evaluation of sarcopenia and fatty liver. The symposium also featured diverse academic sessions, oral presentations, and e-poster showcases covering advanced topics such as gut microbiota, precise nutritional interventions, and the latest international guidelines. Through co-organizing this high-impact international event, RISA continues to strengthen its regional and global collaborations, driving forward multidisciplinary research, technological innovation, and practical solutions to enhance the metabolic health and well-being of the ageing population.   Online coverage: ifeng - https://polyu.me/455O0DW

PolyU RISA at IAGG 2026 Amsterdam: Advancing Inclusive Gerontechnology for "Ageing Well in a Globalised World"

The 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics concluded successfully at the RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from July 5 to 8, 2026. Prof. Elaine KWONG Yee-lan (Associate Director of RISA, and Associate Professor in the Department of Language Science and Technology) co-chaired a high-profile symposium titled "Getting Old before Getting Rich: Challenges and Solutions." in the congress. The session addressed how assistive technology can support economically disadvantaged older adults, particularly in developing regions. During the symposium, Prof. Angela LEUNG (Associate Director of RISA, and Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the School of Nursing) delivered a key presentation on "Getting More Value Than Cost," advocating for stakeholder-inclusive technology design. Dr. Eric TAM (Director of Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Clinic and Deputy Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub) delivered an impactful oral presentation: "Lending Program to Support the Integration of Gerontechnology in Elderly Care Services." His research highlighted how structured lending and rental frameworks can lower financial barriers, enabling community care providers and families to seamlessly adopt smart technologies. The IAGG 2026 congress provided a vital global platform for RISA to advocate for socially equitable technology. PolyU RISA remains dedicated to translating scientific research into accessible health innovations, ensuring "ageing well" is achievable for older adults worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic status.

PolyU and The George Institute Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Global Health and Smart Ageing

PolyU and The George Institute Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Global Health and Smart Ageing   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The George Institute for Global Health, establishing a collaborative framework to address the evolving challenges of global ageing. The agreement was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), and Prof. Manuela Ferreira, Program Head at The George Institute  .   This partnership brings together the multidisciplinary research strengths of RISA and The George Institute’s world-class expertise in health systems. The collaboration will focus on advancing evidence-based care for musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain and sarcopenia, through joint clinical trials and the development of innovative digital health solutions. By facilitating faculty exchanges and the co-supervision of graduate students, both institutions are committed to fostering an international environment of knowledge exchange that will ultimately enhance the quality of care and life for ageing populations worldwide.

RISA Seminars Highlight Academic Mentorship and Clinical Innovation with Prof. Manuela Ferreira

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) successfully hosted two research seminars featuring Prof. Manuela Ferreira, NHMRC Investigator Fellow and Program Head at The George Institute for Global Health, on 22 and 27 May 2026. In the first seminar, "Academic Leadership & Mentorship," Prof. Ferreira explored how inclusive and values-driven mentorship can sustain research excellence and support career progression. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, she shared insights on navigating workload pressures and building the collaborations necessary to strengthen research capacity. The second session, "Knowledge Translation & Clinical Impacts," addressed the critical challenge of the "17-year gap" between research and practice. Leveraging her expertise in leading major clinical trials and informing international guidelines, she offered actionable strategies for bridging this gap to ensure evidence-based findings reach clinical settings effectively. These seminars served as an important platform for international knowledge exchange, sparking vibrant discussions among participants. RISA remains committed to connecting global experts to drive innovative solutions and research synergy for the ageing population. This news is available in English only.  

PolyU RISA at ISG 2026 Vancouver: Reshaping the Future of Smart Ageing with Innovative Technology

The 15th World Conference of the International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG 2026) concluded successfully in Vancouver, Canada, held from March 26 to 29, 2026. Dr. Eric Tam (Director of Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Clinic and Deputy Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub), led team of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to join international scholars and industry leaders to explore technology-driven solutions for the global ageing population.   Academic Leadership: Pioneering Research Presentations During the conference’s oral presentation sessions, Dr. Eric Tam presented two seminal research papers on behalf of the RISA team, underscoring PolyU’s leadership in clinical application and geriatric care: "Impact on the use of gerontechnology in group activities for persons with dementia: a pilot study" This study investigates the optimization of social engagement for individuals with dementia through technological intervention, offering critical insights into enhancing activity efficacy within residential care settings. "Use of digital imagery technology for management of post-operative delirium: A feasibility study" Addressing a critical challenge in elderly surgical care, this research demonstrates the potential of digital imagery to prevent and manage post-operative delirium, establishing a new framework for smart healthcare.   Innovation Spotlight: The "Smart Companion Robot" Beyond academic discourse, RISA hosted a booth featuring the "Smart Companion Robot," a flagship development from the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. Specifically engineered to meet local care requirements, the robot features Cantonese language capabilities and interactive cognitive games. The exhibit garnered significant acclaim for its "human-centric" design and its ability to provide person-centered companionship in diverse care environments.   The Vancouver summit provided a vital platform for RISA to showcase PolyU’s research excellence and forge strategic international partnerships. We remain committed to the spirit of innovation, translating advanced scientific research into practical health technology to address the multifaceted challenges of an ageing society.