News

PolyU and Beijing Sport University sign MoU to contribute to building a leading sports nation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), leveraging its strengths in sports technology research and advanced experience in nurturing sports talent, is actively expanding strategic collaborations with top sports institutions. On 29 September 2025, Dr Tai-fai LAM, Council Chairman of the PolyU Council, led a delegation to Beijing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Sport University (BSU). The two parties will collaborate in high-quality sports talent development and sports innovation technology, empowering talent cultivation through technology and contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s goal of becoming a leading sports nation. BSU, renowned as the “Cradle of Chinese Champions,” is affiliated with the General Administration of Sport of China and is a key university under the national “Project 211” and “Double First-Class” initiatives. The signing ceremony was held on the BSU campus, witnessed by Dr Tai-fai LAM, Council Chairman of the PolyU Council, and Mr. Jian ZHANG, President of BSU. The MoU was signed by signed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Mr. Ping HONG, Member of Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Beijing Sport University. PolyU has long contributed to national development through innovative sports technology. The University was designated by the Science and Education Department of Chinese Olympic Committee as a collaborative research partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporting national athletes with its strengths in physiotherapy, optometry, nursing, and other disciplines. This was later extended to become the partnership with China’s National Sports Training Centre (NSTC). To further lead the frontier of sports technology innovation, PolyU established the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports)in 2022, focusing on interdisciplinary research in sports biomechanics, sports product design, sports measurement, and rehabilitation therapy, dedicated to enhancing athlete performance and promoting healthy living for all. PolyU and BSU will join hands in nurturing Postgraduate and Doctoral talents through collaborative education models and establish a “Collaborative Innovation Center” focusing on areas such as sports apparel, sports nutrition, and rehabilitation medicine, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and the fusion of sports engineering. The strong partnership between PolyU and BSU will drive breakthroughs in sports technology, injecting new momentum into the nation’s development as a leading sports nation. Media Release (Chinese only): https://polyu.hk/HEkFe

PolyU and Li Ning Group jointly establish sports science research centre to advance sports science and industry innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd (Li Ning Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre aims to conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, drive innovative design and optimisation of high-performance sports products, nurture talent in sports science and technology, and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, thereby enhancing technological application and promoting industrial transformation within the sports and health sector. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Ning LI, Founder of the Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Yuru HONG, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group, officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”. Jointly operated by PolyU RISports and Li Ning Group, the Centre aims to contribute to the Healthy China Initiative and foster innovation in the sports industry. The inaugural centre coordinators are Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, and Prof. Ye TIAN, from Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center. Media Release: https://polyu.hk/mGjmZ

International Society of Sports Science and Technology (ISSST) Announces Formation of Inaugural Council, Headquartered at PolyU

The International Society of Sports Science and Technology (ISSST) is proud to announce the formation of its inaugural council, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of global sports science and technology. With its headquartered established at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), ISSST unites leading academics, practitioners, and industry experts worldwide to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote cutting-edge research, and drive innovation in athletic performance, health, and well-being. With its headquarters established at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), ISSST brings together leading academics, practitioners, and industry experts from around the world to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote cutting-edge research, and drive innovation in athletic performance, health, and well-being. Professor Ming ZHANG, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, has been elected as the first Council President of ISSST. Internationally renowned for his pioneering work in sports biomechanics and technology, Professor ZHANG – together with the newly formed council – will lead ISSST in its mission to promote excellence and innovation in the field. PolyU’s commitment to sports science and technology is demonstrated through the establishment of RISports in 2022, the launch of academic programmes such as the MSc in Sports Technology and Management, and the upcoming BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology under Department of Biomedical Engineering. PolyU also offers custom-designed curricula and scholarships for elite athletes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, empowering them to excel both academically and athletically, and to contribute to the advancement of sports science and technology. Together with ISSST, PolyU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports science and technology on a global scale.

RISports members spoke at the "Future Living Virtual Experience Zone" forum

The "Future Living Virtual Experience Zone" organised by the Esports Association of Hong Kong, China (ESAHK) set up a forum on 25 August 2025, allowed the public to experience how innovation and technology can be integrated into daily life. RISports' Principal Researcher Fellow, Dr Jason Cheung, and member, Dr Billy So, were invited as forum guests to share their insights on the AI+ new era of sports and smart life.

Distinguished Sports Research Seminar Series – Iontronic Sensing-Enabled Sports Technologies

The Distinguished Sports Research Seminar "Iontronic Sensing-Enabled Sports Technologies" delivered by Prof. Tingrui PAN, Chair Professor of the Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), jointly organised by the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) was successfully held yesterday. This seminar attracted over 50 PolyU staff and students to share Prof. Pan's approach of applying iontronic sensing to sports technologies.

Research Showcase at the PolyU Alumni Sports and Wellness Day

The “PolyU Alumni Sports and Wellness Day” was successfully held last Saturday, bringing together over 3,300 participants. Researchers from RISports showcased our innovative projects, including 3D-printed bicycle saddle and customised insoles, interactive sports training tracker and portable golf training set blended with modern technology.

Prof. Ming Zhang visited Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science & Shanghai University of Sport

On 24 Jun 2025, Prof. Ming Zhang's team visited Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science. They toured the training centres including for the Paralympics. Subsequently, representatives led by Prof. Lijuan Mao, President of Shanghai University of Sport, also met the team and hope to strengthen cooperation.

Prof. Ming Zhang visited Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital

Last Monday, Prof. Ming Zhang's team was invited to visit Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center) and explored collaboration opportunities on the research for sports science and technology.

Prof. Billy So received Outstanding Presentation Award at the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025

Prof. Billy So, a member of RISports and Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been awarded the Specialty Group Outstanding Presentation Award (International Organisation of Aquatic Physiotherapists, IOAPT) for the abstract titled "Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Aquatic Exercise Applications: The Underwater Analysis System and Wearable Sensors" at the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025, which was held on 29-31 May in Tokyo. Prof. So’s outstanding achievement in swimming technology has been recognised.

East China University of Science and Technology delegates visited RISports

Delegation from the School of Sports Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology and Lux Academy visited RISports on 30 May. Prof. Ming Zhang, Director of RISports, and Prof. Hector Tsang, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, discussed the education in sports science and brought them to visit the related laboratories.