News

SCRI Hosts Mid-Autumn Tea Gathering for Students

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and strengthen interactions among students and research team members, Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), hosted a Mid-Autumn Tea Gathering with PhD students and newly enrolled Master's students from the Master of Science in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities and Master of Science in Geomatics programmes.   During the gathering, Prof. Shi extended his sincere festive greetings and best wishes to all students. He encouraged them to make the most of their academic journey, pursue excellence in research, and actively engage in scholarly exploration.   Prof. Shi also introduced the research team, its major activities, and key research areas, including Smart Cities, Spatial Data Science, GeoAI, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Information Systems. He shared insights into the latest developments and future trends in these fields, helping new students gain a better understanding of the team's research strengths and vision.   The tea gathering concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Participants noted that the event provided a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the research team and its key research directions, while also strengthening connections with faculty members and fellow students. Through open discussions and exchanges of ideas, students broadened their perspectives and developed greater enthusiasm for their future studies and research. The event further enhanced team cohesion, fostered a collaborative academic culture, and marked a meaningful start to the new semester.  

Director of SCRI Delivered a Lecture on Urban Informatics at the School of Urban Design, Wuhan University

Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and President of the International Society for Urban Informatics, was invited to deliver the first lecture of the“大师哲思” course at the School of Urban Design, Wuhan University on 18 September 2026. The lecture, entitled “Urban Informatics”, attracted faculty members and students from the School of Urban Design and related disciplines.   During the lecture, Prof. Shi shared his perspectives on the scientific foundations, development, and future directions of Urban Informatics. Drawing upon decades of research experience in geographic information science, spatial data quality, smart cities, and urban analytics, he discussed how Urban Informatics has evolved into an interdisciplinary science integrating urban science, computer science, and geographic information science. He also highlighted the importance of developing new theories, methods, and knowledge frameworks to better understand and address the increasingly complex challenges facing modern cities.   Prof. Shi further introduced his team's recent research achievements in areas including urban sensing, urban computing, digital twins, smart city assessment, infrastructure monitoring, and urban governance applications. Through a series of examples and case studies, he demonstrated how advanced spatial data technologies, artificial intelligence, and urban analytics can contribute to more efficient, sustainable, and people-oriented urban development. Based on years of research and practical experience, he emphasized the importance of combining scientific innovation with real-world applications to support evidence-based decision-making and smart city development.   The lecture also featured an engaging discussion session, during which faculty members and students exchanged views with Prof. Shi on emerging research frontiers, the impact of artificial intelligence on urban studies, and future opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The lively interaction reflected participants' strong interest in Urban Informatics and its growing importance in understanding and solving complex urban problems.   The event concluded successfully with enthusiastic feedback from the audience. Participants noted that the lecture broadened their understanding of Urban Informatics and provided valuable insights into future academic and professional development. The visit further strengthened academic exchange between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Wuhan University, while promoting the dissemination and development of Urban Informatics within the broader academic community.     Related News from the School of Urban Design, Wuhan University: https://sud.whu.edu.cn/info/1491/51521.htm

SCRI Member Prof. HUANG Xinyan proposes novel autonomous firefighting emergency response agent integrating smart fire prediction and LLMs

A research team led by Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has published a pioneering “LLM-AI” autonomous firefighting emergency response agent framework in Engineering, a flagship journal of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The study presents a new solution for the future development of smart firefighting.   Powered by a Large Language Model (LLM) as its reasoning and task coordination core, the system integrates the ConvLSTM-Fire prediction model based on artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technology. To overcome the constraints of manual data handling during emergencies, the system incorporates a self-driven mechanism. It can autonomously translate users’ natural-language requests related to fireground conditions and emergency response needs into executable tasks, generate and execute code, and automatically debug and retry upon encountering errors. This establishes a fully closed-loop workflow spanning data acquisition, model invocation, analytical reasoning, and result visualisation.   Experimental evaluations demonstrate that even under extreme fireground conditions where sensor failures occur, the system maintains a prediction accuracy of over 97% for two-dimensional temperature fields and smoke propagation pathways, exhibiting exceptional robustness. This research advances LLMs beyond conventional “static Q&A” interfaces, transforming them into intelligent firefighting emergency decision-making entities endowed with perception, computation and execution capabilities, thereby enhancing the usability and reliability of smart firefighting technologies in real-world fireground environments. Moving forward, the team aims to incorporate multimodal sensory data, strengthen cross-scenario generalisation capabilities, and accelerate the real-world deployment of this technology in smart buildings and municipal firefighting.   Prof. Huang is currently a member of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), and the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) at PolyU.   Read the full paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095809926001244?via%3Dihub   Online coverage: Sciencenet - https://polyu.me/4yhr5Cj

SCRI Retreat 2026 Successfully Held in Futian, Shenzhen

The SCRI Retreat 2026, themed "Connecting Ideas, Building Collaboration, Shaping SCRI's Future", was successfully held on 21 August 2026 in Futian, Shenzhen. The retreat brought together SCRI members, accompanied by their research team members, providing a valuable platform for academic exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and future strategic planning. The retreat commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). In his opening address, Prof. Shi introduced the theme and objectives of the retreat, emphasizing the importance of fostering stronger connections among SCRI members, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and identifying research opportunities that will contribute to the future development of the Institute. He also shared SCRI's recent achievements and highlighted its strategic directions in advancing smart city research and innovation. A key component of the retreat was a series of sharing sessions, during which all participating SCRI members delivered presentations. Members introduced their research backgrounds, shared key achievements and current project progress, and discussed emerging research directions and interests. These sharing sessions enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of one another's expertise and explore potential opportunities for future collaboration. Following each sharing session, round-table discussions were held to encourage open dialogue and knowledge exchange. Participants actively shared their perspectives on emerging research frontiers, individual research strengths, and potential opportunities for future collaboration. The engaging discussions demonstrated the members' strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and their shared vision for advancing innovation within the SCRI community. Participants also visited WiseLaw Digital Technology Limited, a PolyU-incubated startup founded by Prof. LU Haitian, a member of the SCRI Management Committee. The visit offered an opportunity to learn about the company's development and exchange views on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the translation of research outcomes into practice. The retreat concluded with closing remarks and a group photo session. Participants expressed that the event had greatly enhanced mutual understanding, strengthened academic connections, and inspired new ideas for future research collaboration. The successful retreat further reinforced SCRI's commitment to fostering a vibrant research community and advancing impactful interdisciplinary research for smart cities and sustainable development.

Delegation from Tongji University Visits Smart Cities Research Laboratory

A delegation from the College of Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Tongji University visited the Smart Cities Research Laboratory of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 19 August 2026. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). During the visit, the delegation toured the Smart Cities Research Laboratory and gained insights into the latest research and technological developments in smart cities, geospatial science, spatial big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies. The visitors actively engaged in discussions with Prof. Shi, exchanging views on emerging trends and future opportunities in surveying, geo-informatics, and smart city innovation. The visit also provided an opportunity for both institutions to strengthen academic ties and explore potential areas for future collaboration in research and talent development. The visit enriched the delegation's understanding of cutting-edge smart city research and applications, while fostering greater academic exchange between Tongji University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Summer Camp Delegation Visits Smart Cities Research Laboratory

A summer camp delegation comprising students from Anhui University of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, China University of Mining and Technology, Shandong University, Shenzhen University and Wuhan University visited the Smart Cities Research Laboratory of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 28 July 2026. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). During the visit, Prof. Shi introduced the students to the latest developments in smart city technologies and shared insights into how geospatial technologies, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and big data are shaping the future of sustainable urban development. The students were also given a tour of the laboratory and learned about the Institute's research activities and innovative smart city applications. Prof. Shi patiently explained the key concepts and practical applications of smart city technologies, engaging with students through interactive discussions and real-world examples. He encouraged the students to remain curious, embrace innovation, and pursue excellence in their academic studies. Prof. Shi also expressed his expectations for the younger generation and inspired them to contribute to the development of smarter and more sustainable cities in the future. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain first-hand exposure to cutting-edge smart city research and strengthened their understanding of emerging technologies and their role in addressing urban challenges.

SCRI co-organises inaugural Urban Systems Forum to advance smart and sustainable urban development

The inaugural Urban Systems Forum was successfully held on 19 July 2026.  The forum, themed  “Advanced Modeling of Urban Systems for Sustainable Cities”, was organised by the Urban Systems Institute of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and co-hosted by the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the HKU Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality, the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science Hong Kong Base, and the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society Hong Kong Chapter.   The forum served as a premier international platform for academic exchange. Renowned scholars from across the globe gathered to explore cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, remote sensing and spatiotemporal analytics. Discussions focused on multi-scale urban modelling of population, environmental, ecological and infrastructure systems, aiming to drive theoretical research and facilitate its translation into policy and practice.   Prof. John SHI, Director of SCRI and Chair Professor of Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing at PolyU, delivered a keynote presentation titled "Scientific System of Urban Informatics". Prof. Shi and his team pioneered the discipline of “Urban Informatics” in 2013.  During the presentation, analyzed its unique scientific problems and development direction, thus demonstrating that it has become a new interdisciplinary science. He also illustrated how urban informatics can effectively address complex urban challenges such as transportation, public health, and spatial governance by showcasing representative core technologies and empirical cases.   Prof. Shi also introduced the ISUI Global Smart City Index developed by his team using urban informatics methodologies. The Index encompasses six dimensions and nearly 100 indicators, enabling systematic benchmarking of urban development levels across cities worldwide.   The forum provided an important platform for dialogue on global urban challenges and opportunities, while exploring innovative strategies and technologies for building more liveable and sustainable urban environments. The diverse perspectives and forward-looking insights shared will serve as valuable references for future research and development in urban systems and planning.     ISUI Smart City Index: https://www.isocui.org/smart_city_index Article elucidating the science of urban informatics: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2025.12.036   Online coverage: Bauhinia – https://polyu.me/4fSrSlw Eurek Alert - https://polyu.me/3RL5jY9   首屆「城市系統論壇」於2026年7月19日圓滿舉行。是次論壇由香港大學城市系統研究院主辦，並由香港理工大學（理大）潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院、香港大學氣候與碳中和研究院、亞熱帶建築與城市科學國家重點實驗室香港基地，以及 IEEE 地球科學與遙感學會香港分會共同協辦，主題為「面向可持續城市的前沿城市系統建模」。   論壇旨在搭建高水平的國際學術交流平台，活動匯聚全球知名學者，圍繞人工智能、數字孿生、遙感及時空分析等前沿技術，深入研討人口、環境、生態和基礎設施等多尺度城市建模方法，全力推動前沿理論探索與政策行動落地。   理大潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院院長兼地理資訊系統及遙感講座教授史文中教授，以《城市信息學的科學體系》為題發表演講。史教授團隊早於 2013 年首創「城市信息學」的學科概念，並於演講中剖析其獨特科學問題與發展方向，從而論證了其已成為一門新交叉科學。他亦通過展示城市信息學代表性核心技術與實證案例，闡釋城市信息學如何有效應對交通、公共衛生及空間治理等複雜的城市難題。此外，史教授亦分享了團隊以城市信息學方法論自主研發的「ISUI 全球智慧城市指數」。該指數覆蓋六大維度及近百項指標，能精準橫向對比全球各城市的發展水平。   是次論壇為應對全球城市面臨的挑戰與機遇提供了深度的交流平台，並就建設更宜居、更可持續的城市環境，探討創新策略與技術。與會專家的多元視角與前瞻見解，將為未來城市系統研究及規劃發展提供寶貴的啟發與參考。

Director of SCRI Elected ISPRS Fellow 2026

Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Chair Professor of Geographic Science and Remote Sensing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been elected as an ISPRS Fellow 2026 by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS). The ISPRS Fellowship is regarded as one of the highest honours within the global photogrammetry, remote sensing, and spatial information science community. It is awarded to distinguished scholars in recognition of their sustained and outstanding contributions to the advancement of the discipline and dedicated service to ISPRS. Since 2010, ISPRS Fellows have been elected every four years, with no more than five scholars receiving this honor per four years. Beyond his research achievements, Prof. Shi has demonstrated outstanding international academic leadership. He has served in numerous leadership positions within ISPRS, including Technical Commission President, Working Group Chair, and member of the International Science Advisory Committee. Through these roles, he has contributed substantially to shaping the global research agenda and fostering international collaboration in photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences. Prof. Shi is also widely recognised as a pioneer and global advocate of Urban Informatics, an emerging convergent science that integrates geographical information science, computer science, and urban science to address complex contemporary urban challenges. He is the Founding President of the International Society for Urban Informatics, as well as the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Urban Informatics, the first international journal dedicated to this field. The election as an ISPRS Fellow represents international recognition of Prof. Shi's sustained scholarly achievements, visionary leadership, and dedicated service to the global geospatial community. SCRI extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Shi on this prestigious honour and wishes him continued success in advancing research and innovation for smart cities and spatial information science.   香港理工大學潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院（SCRI）院長、地理資訊科學與遙感講座教授史文中教授，獲國際攝影測量與遙感學會（International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, ISPRS）選舉為 2026年度ISPRS會士（ISPRS Fellow）。 ISPRS會士是國際攝影測量、遙感及空間資訊科學領域最具聲望的學術榮譽之一，旨在表彰長期為攝影測量、遙感及空間資訊科學的發展作出卓越貢獻，並持續服務於國際學術界的傑出學者。自2010年開始，ISPRS每四年進行一次會士增選，每次僅有不多於五位學者獲此殊榮。 除了卓越的科研成就外，史教授亦展現了傑出的國際學術領導力。過去二十五年來，他一直積極參與ISPRS的學術與組織工作，先後擔任技術委員會主席、工作組組長及國際科學顧問委員會委員等多個重要職務，為推動國際攝影測量、遙感及空間資訊科學領域的學術發展與國際合作發揮了重要作用。 史教授同時被公認為國際城市信息學的開拓者和宣導者。城市信息學融合地理資訊科學、計算機科學與城市科學，為解決城市發展中的複雜挑戰提供創新方案。史教授為國際城市信息學會（International Society for Urban Informatics）創會主席，並擔任本領域第一部國際學術期刊《Urban Informatics》的創刊主編，持續引領這一新興科學的發展。 此次當選ISPRS會士，是國際學術界對史教授長期以來在空間資訊科學、遙感與城市信息學領域所取得的重要學術成就、卓越領導力以及持續國際服務貢獻的高度認可。 智慧城市研究院謹向史文中教授致以最誠摯的祝賀，並期待他未來繼續推動智慧城市、空間資訊科學及相關領域的創新研究與國際合作。   

Forum on the Cross-Border Data Flow System in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area

The Forum on Cross-boundary Data Flow Systems in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was successfully held at the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 2 July 2026. The forum brought together representatives from academia, government departments, and research organizations from both Hong Kong and Mainland China to discuss opportunities and challenges in advancing cross-boundary data collaboration in the Greater Bay Area. Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of SCRI, delivered the welcoming remarks. During the forum, GUO Renzhong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, introduced the research project on the development of a cross-boundary data flow system for the Greater Bay Area. Representatives from the Chief Executive's Policy Unit, the Digital Policy Office of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department, and the Spatial Data Office of the Development Bureau shared their insights and exchanged views on data governance, digital policies, and spatial data development. The participants engaged in fruitful discussions on promoting secure and efficient cross-boundary data flow, strengthening regional digital connectivity, and supporting the development of smart cities in the Greater Bay Area. Representatives from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University also shared their latest research and innovation initiatives in smart cities and geospatial technologies. The forum concluded with a productive exchange of ideas and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in data governance, digital innovation, and smart city development in the Greater Bay Area.

Delegation Led by Dr GUO Dajin Visits Smart Cities Research Institute

A delegation from Yunnan Province, led by Dr GUO Dajin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 24 June 2026, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 14 January 2026. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). During the visit, the delegation toured Smart Cities Research Laboratory and was introduced to the latest research and technological developments. Prof. Shi presented a number of innovative smart mobility solutions, including technologies for road sign risk detection and intelligent road condition monitoring. The visit concluded with a fruitful exchange of ideas, fostering mutual understanding and exploring potential opportunities for future collaboration.