News

RISA Director signed MoU with Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited to advance Brain-Computer Interface and intelligent prosthesis knowledge transfer

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ms Nyx HE, Partner of the Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited (Qiangnao Technology) at Cyperport on 29 September 2025. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Mr. Bicheng HAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology. The strategic partnership will explore the future collaboration of establishing the “PolyU- Qiangnao Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface”. The collaboration will enable PolyU and Qiangnao Technology to integrate their expertise in research and development of brain-computer interface (BCI) related products. Qiangnao Technology is the first unicorn in the BCI field in China and the first Chinese team to be selected by Harvard Innovation Lab. Contributing his robust experiences on research and knowledge transfer on ultrasound imaging, rehabilitation and smart ageing technologies, Prof. Zheng will lead the PolyU team. Through joint installation and evaluation of intelligent bionic limbs, this strategic partnership also supports the two-year scheme for granting full subsidies to amputees in Hong Kong for configuring and utilizing high-tech prostheses, as announced in “The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address”. RISA welcomes this synergy between academia, enterprise and the government for driving healthcare technology transfer and innovation in Hong Kong, China and the world. We are looking forward to this exciting collaboration between Qiangnao Technology and stakeholders on delivering accessible, cutting-edge medical technologies to the community. Please click here for further coverage. Press release: English- https://polyu.me/4pU0TdN   智齡研究院院長、香港理工大學（理大）梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授與強腦科技合夥人何熙昱錦女士分別代表理大及強腦科技簽署合作備忘錄。簽署儀式在2025年9月29日於數碼港舉行，由香港特別行政區政府創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授、理大校長滕錦光教授、強腦科技創始人兼首席執行官韓璧丞先生共同見證。是次合作將探討共建「香港理工大學 — 強腦科技腦機接口聯合研究中心」。 此合作將有助雙方結合研究及開發腦機接口產品的專業知識。強腦科技是中國首家腦機接口領域獨角獸企業及首支入選哈佛大學創新實驗室（Harvard Innovation Lab）的中國團隊。鄭教授將運用他在超聲成像、復康及智齡科技研究與知識轉移的扎實經驗帶領理大團隊。是次合作亦呼應《行政長官2025年施政報告》中透過創科基金支持新科技義肢落地配置的兩年全額資助計劃，雙方將攜手推動高科技智能仿生手及仿生腿的安裝及評估。 智齡研究院歡迎是次銳意推動香港、中國及全球醫療保健科技轉移及創新的政產學協作。我們期待未來能與強腦科技及持分者合作，向社區提供可負擔的醫療前沿技術。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿： 中文版- https://polyu.me/4nTuguJ

RISA member featured in the interview with Ming Pao Daily News

Prof. LING Kar-kan, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities), Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), was recently featured in the interview with Ming Pao Daily News. In the interview, Prof. Ling outlined the future plans of HKHS for supplying properties. To address ageing population, he highlighted that HKHS had integrated elements of ageing in place and intergenerational inclusion in the design of residential units and public spaces, which aimed to create safe and accessible environment for people of all ages. In response to the trend of ageing population, RISA believes that creating age-friendly communities through multisectoral collaboration is essential. We will remain committed to advocating for age-friendly policies, driving impactful ageing research and innovation. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - http://polyu.me/46aEu2R; http://polyu.me/4mMXLy7 (Chinese version only)   智齡研究院管理委員會成員、香港理工大學暫任副校長（校園發展及設施管理）及賽馬會社會創新設計院總監、香港房屋協會（房協）主席凌嘉勤教授早前接受《明報新聞網》專訪。 凌教授在專訪中分享房協在房屋供應的未來計劃。為應對人口老化，他强調房協在設計單位及公共空間時加入居家安老及跨代共融元素，希望建構安全、通達及能滿足各年齡層需要的環境。 面對人口老齡化的趨勢，智齡研究院深信透過多界別協作創建年齡友善社區至關重要。我們會繼續積極倡議年齡友善政策及推動具影響力的老齡化研究與創新。 網上報導: 明報新聞網- http://polyu.me/46aEu2R; http://polyu.me/4mMXLy7 (只有中文版)

RISA member showcased research achievement at Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientists Conference

Dr Bruce WANG, member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Communication, showcased his research achievement at the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macao Young Scientists Conference held in Beijing last week. He shared how his team was using ultrasound imaging technology to study speech disorders and sublingual muscle dysfunction caused by Parkinson’s disease, facilitating innovations in speech therapy.   His project highlights the research impact of RISA young scientists on healthcare, demonstrating the potential of utilizing innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. The Conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration among global researchers and paving the way for future advances in health, sustainability and technology.   Online coverage: The Paper - https://polyu.me/4ftzjip Toutiao - https://polyu.me/4ldSPkh     智齡研究院成員兼英文及傳意學系助理教授（研究）王笑博士在上週在北京舉行的京港澳青年科學家大會上展示他的研究成果。他分享其團隊透過利用超音波成像技術研究由帕金遜症引起的言語障礙以及舌底肌功能障礙，以推動言語治療的創新。 王博士的項目突顯了智齡研究院青年科學家在醫療保健領域的影響力，展現出運用創新解決方案應對迫切社會挑戰的潛力。是次會議提供了寶貴的知識交流平台，促進全球研究人員互相合作，為未來在健康、可持續發展與科技領域的進步鋪路。   網上報導： 澎湃新聞 - https://polyu.me/4ftzjip 今日頭條 - https://polyu.me/4ldSPkh

RISA scholars showcase medical innovations to the delegation led by the Minister of Education

A delegation led by Mr HUAI Jinpeng, the Minister of Education, visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 13 August 2025. During the tour to the University’s Industrial Centre AIR Lab, PolyU scholars showcased 10 groundbreaking AI-driven medical innovation. The Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA) featured 4 projects led by Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA; Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of RISA and Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of RISA respectively. Their innovations included: Project Leader A portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping Director of RISA Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub A 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system A virtual MRI contrast enhancement system for precise tumour detection and treatment Prof. CAI Jing Management Committee Member of RISA Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Robots for post-stroke telerehabilitation Prof. HU Xiaoling Member of RISA Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering During the demonstration, the delegation expressed strong interest in learning the research achievements of PolyU scholars across medicine, engineering and healthcare. Mr HUAI Jinpeng praised PolyU researchers for developing practical innovations which address pressing societal needs and global challenges. Aligned with PolyU’s mission, RISA is committed to leveraging our research capabilities and cross-disciplinary expertise to drive impactful research and innovation, ultimately addressing global societal and health challenges of ageing population. Please click here for further information. Press release: https://polyu.hk/bYBjv   國家教育部部長懷進鵬先生於2025年8月13日率團到訪香港理工大學（理大）。在理大工業中心人工智能機器人實驗室的參觀中，理大學者向訪問團介紹了10項由人工智能驅動的醫療創新前沿研究。 智齡研究院展示了4個分別由院長鄭永平教授、管理委員會成員蔡璟教授及成員胡曉翎教授領導的項目: 項目  項目領導  無線掌上式超聲波脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備 鄭永平教授 智齡研究院院長 賽馬會智齡匯總監 理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授兼生物醫學工程學系講座教授 無輻射三維超聲脊柱側彎評估 人工智能賦能癌症精準診療的虛擬增強磁共振影像系統 蔡璟教授 智齡研究院管理委員會成員 理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授 支援中風患者遠端復康自動化管理功能的移動式外神經肌骨系統 胡曉翎教授 智齡研究院成員 理大生物醫學工程學系副教授 在展示環節中，訪問團對理大學者在醫學、工程及健康領域的研究成果展現濃厚興趣。懷進鵬部長讚揚理大研究人員能研發出滿足社會迫切需要及應對全球挑戰的實用創新項目。 配合理大的使命，智齡研究院致力運用研究實力及跨學科專業知識，推動具影響力的科研與創新，以應對人口老齡化帶來的全球社會與健康挑戰。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿- https://polyu.me/45AtL1l    

RISA successfully hosted the 2025 Symposium on Ultrasound AI

To foster the development of ultrasound AI and healthcare fields, the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) organised the 2025 Symposium on Ultrasound AI, which took place on 15 July 2025 at PolyU. We were honoured to welcome 17 distinguished speakers, including leading experts and scholars from both academia and industry, to share their valuable insights and latest research findings on how AI can empower ultrasound imaging and revolutionize clinical practice. The event enticed over 250 participants, achieving a resounding success. The event commenced with a welcoming speech by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. During her keynote speech, Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing, illustrated the potential of Co-GenAI and its application in the medical field. In the invited talk sessions, speakers presented their cutting-edge research which applied AI to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound imaging and broaden its application. The panel discussion moderated by Prof. LI Anhua, Professor and Former Director at the Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre and Prof. Zheng sparked insightful discussions on the current limitations of ultrasound AI and their possible solutions. The Symposium also featured poster presentations to facilitate knowledge exchange in ultrasound AI and collaboration among participants. The Symposium was concluded successfully with a tour of the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, where Prof. Zheng showcased innovative gerontechnology products integrated with ultrasound AI, the invited speakers and participants showed great enthusiasm. RISA extends our sincerest thanks to all invited speakers and participants for making this Symposium enriching and fruitful. We are delighted to see that the event serves as a hub for global experts in pursuing the advancement of ultrasound AI. We are looking forward to seeing you at our future events.     為推動超聲人工智能與健康領域的發展，智齡研究院與香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系舉辦2025超聲人工智能會議。 會議在2025年7月15日於理工大學順利舉行。 我們很榮幸邀請到17位來自學術界及業界的專家，分享他們在人工智能提升超聲成像技術及革新臨床應用方面的寶貴見解和最新研究成果。 會議成功吸引超過250位參加者。 會議由智齡研究院院長、香港理工大學梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監、生物醫學工程學系講座教授鄭永平教授的歡迎辭揭開序幕。在主講嘉賓演講環節中，香港理工大學人工高等研究院執行院長、計算機及數學科學學院副院長（環球事務）、電子計算學系教授楊紅霞教授展示協作式生成人工智能的發展潛力及其在醫學領域上的應用。 在受邀講者演講環節中，講者展示了其前沿研究，透過人工智能技術提升超聲波成像的準確度與效率，並拓展其應用層面。由中山大學腫瘤防治中心超聲科原主任、教授、主任醫師李安華教授及鄭教授主持的專題討論環節成功啟發與會者探討超聲人工智能的不足及可能的解決方案。 會議亦設有學術海報展示時間，促進與會者在超聲人工智能領域上的交流和合作。 會後鄭教授於賽馬會智齡匯的導賞團中介紹了結合超聲人工智能的樂齡科技產品，獲得與會講者及參加者的熱烈回應，為會議畫上完美句號。 智齡研究院衷心感謝每位受邀講者和與會者的貢獻，令是次會議具啟發性及富有成果。 我們樂見會議成功匯聚全球專家一同推動超聲人工智能在健康領域的應用和發展。我們期待在未來的活動上見到大家。

RISA member pioneers safer and AI-powered MRI imaging for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Head and Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has developed an AI-powered, contrast-free MRI imaging with his team, which offers a safer diagnostic alternative. Their innovation Multimodality-Guided Synergistic Neural Network (MMgSN-Net) can utilize information from T1- and T2-weighted to synthesis virtual contrast-enhanced images without using GBCAs. Building on this achievement, his team has introduced the Pixelwise Gradient Model with Generative Adversarial Network for Virtual Contrast Enhancement (PGMGVCE), which further improves image texture and details. Prof. Cai’s innovation showcases the contribution of RISA members in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. RISA will be dedicated to advance the healthcare field with our research and innovations. Please click here for further details.     Online coverage: Eurek Alert - https://polyu.me/45hPQ5R Bioengineer - https://polyu.me/413mNAp Technology Network - https://polyu.me/4mH2bWU Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3UsjhvF 智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授蔡璟教授領導的團隊成功研發出一種以人工智能驅動、無需顯影劑的MRI成像技術，為診斷提供更安全的選擇。他們的創新成果「多模態引導協同神經網絡」（MMgSN-Net）能利用T1及T2加權影像，生成合成虛擬對比增強圖像，過程無需使用GBCAs。團隊基於此項成果，開發一種「用於虛擬對比增強技術的基於生成對抗網絡像素級梯度模型」（PGMGVCE），進一步提升影像紋理與細節。 蔡教授的前沿研究展示智齡研究院成員在改善癌症診斷及治療規劃的貢獻。智齡研究院將繼續致力透過研究及創新，推動醫療保健領域的發展。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 網上報導： 優睿科 - https://polyu.me/45hPQ5R Bioengineer - https://polyu.me/413mNAp Technology Network - https://polyu.me/4mH2bWU Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3UsjhvF

RISA Director shared insights on biomedical research innovation at Quanzhou Health Tech Session

Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, shared insights on biomedical research innovation at Quanzhou Health Tech Session on 3 August 2025. In his invited talk, Prof. Zheng shared his research achievements on scoliosis and chronic liver disease screening, showcasing two commercialised innovations, Scolioscan and Liverscan. Prof. Zheng also featured in a media interview by Jinjiang TV, he viewed that the local government demonstrated commitment in supporting the biomedical sector through policy implementation. Drawing on his experience in knowledge transfer, Prof. Zheng underscored that the synergy between scientists and entrepreneurs could integrate technology, market insights and resources for advancing healthcare. His sharing offers valuable insights on biomedical research innovation and knowledge transfer. RISA believes that interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to advancing smart ageing. We will remain dedicated to connecting stakeholders to drive impactful research and innovation. Online coverage:  Jinjiang TV- https://polyu.me/46LCJuK (1:29 - 2:40)   智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授在2025年8月3日舉行的泉廈金生命健康硅谷院士專家泉州行暨生命健康項目對接活動中分享他對生物醫學研究創新的卓見。 在受邀演講中，鄭教授分享了他在脊柱側彎及慢性肝病篩查的前沿研究成果，並展示兩項商業化發明Scolioscan 和Liverscan。鄭教授亦接受晉江電視台的訪問，他認為晉江市政府的政策展現了它對生物醫學產業的支持。利用自身推動知識轉移的經驗，鄭教授強調科學家與企業家的協作能整合技術、市場洞察及資源，促進醫療保健領域的發展。 鄭教授的分享對生物醫學研究創新和知識轉移提供了寶貴的見解。智齡研究院深信跨專業合作對推動智齡發展至關重要，我們會繼續致力連繫持份者，攜手推動具影響力的智齡研究與創新。   網上報導:   晉江電視台- https://polyu.me/46LCJuK (1:29 - 2:40)

RISA Associate Director won the Trailblazer Award in the Medical & Health category at the Smart Ageing Award 2025

Prof. Angela LEUNG, Associate Director of RISA, Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, won the Trailblazer Award in the Medical & Health category at the Smart Ageing Award 2025, offered by Golden Age Foundation in recognition of Professor Angela Leung’s leadership in creating innovative healthcare solutions for older people. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Leung for her remarkable achievement. Her accolade is a testament to RISA members’ contributions in advancing gerontechnology across the medical or healthcare sectors. We will remain committed to promoting smart and healthy ageing research and innovation.   智齡研究院副院長、理大護理學院副學院主任（研究）及教授梁綺雯教授獲頒智齡世代傑出大獎2025醫療與健康開拓者獎項。獎項旨在嘉許在醫療或健康界別積極應用創新方案及智能健康科技以提升長者健康水平的先鋒。 我們衷心祝賀梁教授的卓越成就，此獎項肯定了智齡研究院成員在醫療或健康界別推動樂齡科技應用的貢獻。我們會繼續致力推動智齡及健康老齡化的研究及創新。  

RISA hosted Research Seminar- Molecular Endotyping of Osteoarthritis for Precision Medicine

RISA Seminar – Molecular Endotyping of Osteoarthritis for Precision Medicine, organised by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), took place on 28 July 2025. We were honoured to have Prof. Ali Mobasheri, Professor of Musculoskeletal Biology at the University of Oulu as the speaker to share his insights in researching Osteoarthritis (OA). The event enticed participants from diverse backgrounds. In the seminar, Prof. Mobasheri indicated that OA was a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease. He further highlighted the importance of understanding its endotypes and phenotypes for designing personalised and effective treatments. The seminar wrapped up with a fruitful discussion, participants actively engaged with Prof. Mobasheri to explore potential directions for future OA research. RISA is thrilled to bring together passionate researchers to advance OA research through this seminar. We will continue to drive innovative and interdisciplinary research to address OA and other health challenges of ageing and demographic changes.   由智齡研究院及香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系主辦的「骨關節炎的分子分型與精準醫療」研討會於2025年7月28日順利舉行。我們非常榮幸邀請到奧盧大學肌肉骨骼生物學教授Ali Mobasheri 教授擔任主講嘉賓，分享研究骨關節炎的心得。研討會吸引了不同專業背景的參加者。 在研討會中，Mobasheri 教授指出骨關節炎是一種異質及由多種因素構成的疾病。他繼而強調了解骨關節炎的内表型(Endotypes)和表現型(Phenotypes)對於設計個人化及有效治療方案的重要性。研討會在富有成果的討論下圓滿結束，參加者就骨關節炎的未來研究方向與Mobasheri 教授進行熱烈交流。 智齡研究院樂見研討會成功連繫富有熱情的研究人員推動骨關節炎研究的發展。我們會繼續透過促進跨學科創新研究，應對骨關節炎及其他由人口特徵轉變及老齡化帶來的健康挑戰。

RISA member honoured as RGC Senior Research Fellow in recognition of outstanding research achievements

Prof. Lei SUN, member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been awarded a fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) 2025/26. In each round of the yearly exercise, SRFS provides ten places encompassing all academic disciplines, which Prof. Sun is an awardee, recognising his exceptional research achievements in biomedical engineering. His innovative project “Development of sonogenetics for non-human primates” aims to develop a new version of sonogenetics specifically for non-human primates and to investigate its performance in terms of cellular specificity, spatial accuracy and penetration capability. This new sonogentics can contribute to the dissection of global neural network connections, establish a better understanding of the circuits underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, ultimately serve as a valuable therapeutic tool. His remarkable success recognises the contributions of RISA scholars in advancing biomedical engineering and healthcare. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Sun for his outstanding accomplishments. Please click here for further details.   Press release: https://polyu.me/44KjwrY Online coverage: Dot Dot News – https://polyu.me/419eoeA (Chinese only) hkong.hk – https://polyu.me/46VZ2hh (Chinese only)   智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系教授孫雷教授在2025/26 年度研究資助局（研資局）「高級研究學者計劃」中得獎及獲頒「研資局高級研究學者」名銜。計劃每年頒發 10 個獲獎名額，涵蓋所有學科。孫教授是其中一位得獎者，此殊榮肯定他在生物醫學工程領域上取得的非凡成就。 孫教授帶領的「開發非人靈長類動物適用的聲遺傳學」創新性項目旨在開發一種針對非人靈長類動物的新型聲遺傳學方法，並評估其在細胞特異性、空間精確性和穿透能力的表現。此方法有助剖析神經網絡的連結機制，理解與神經和精神疾病相關的迴路，為日後發展具潛力的治療工具提供新思路。 此殊榮肯定智齡研究院學者在推動生物醫學工程及醫療領域發展的貢獻。我們衷心祝賀孫教授的卓越成就。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。   新聞稿：https://polyu.me/4f3UJCC 網上報導： 點新聞 – https://polyu.me/419eoeA 香港新聞社 – https://polyu.me/46VZ2hh