News

UBSN Newsletter Issue 14

We are excited to share with the 14th issue of our UBSN Newsletter (click here to view online), featuring a study on photoreceptor-mimetic microflowers in a degenerative retina, by an Associate Professor from the School of Optometry, and celebrating the hosting of our first-ever conference!   Please enjoy the newsletter. Thank you for your support!

UBSN Best Paper Award 2025

UBSN is pleased to announce the results of the UBSN Best Paper Award 2025. This award is to acknowledge and honour UBSN users for their outstanding papers published in academic journals in the past year. The aim is to promote neuroscience research and help advance the quality of research conducted by UBSN PIs.   This year, we received a remarkable number of impressive applications, and we extend our sincere appreciation to all the applicants. After a rigorous evaluation process by our panel of judges from the UBSN Management Committee, we are delighted to announce the winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. The winners have showcased outstanding research accomplishments by utilising UBSN equipment.   We would like to congratulate the following winners and their innovative research:   Award Winner Dept. Paper Title Journal Gold Prof. Ping LI CBS Onscreen presence of instructors in video lectures affects learners’ neural synchrony and visual attention during multimedia learning PNAS Silver Prof. Feng PAN SO Photoreceptor-Mimetic Microflowers for Restoring Light Responses in Degenerative Retina through a 2D Nanopetal/Cell Biointerface Small Bronze Prof. Lei SUN BME Nanobubble-actuated ultrasound neuromodulation for selectively shaping behavior in mice Nature Communications   Each winner will receive funding support for using UBSN equipment to encourage their ongoing pursuit of impactful research. Please join us in congratulating the winners of the UBSN Best Paper Award 2025 for their excellent achievements.

Photo Album of Upright Confocal Microscope Seminar Workshop and Lab Visit

UBSN is grateful to have Edwin and Enoch from ZEISS give our participants a thorough technical workshop and lab demo.

Photo Album of Lab Visit with BNU Scholar

UBSN is pleased to have Dr. Harry Chen Lu Yao from Beijing Normal University visit us at UBSN!

Charging Scheme Update Effective July 2026

Dear UBSN Payment Source Owners and Users,   We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an upcoming update to the charging scheme at UBSN that will be effective starting July 2026. The new charging scheme is viewable and accessible on the Downloads page on our website. (Please note that equipment list and prices may be subject to further changes) These changes ensure that our facilities are maintained with regular checks and upgrades, so we can continue to deliver high-quality services to all our users. We understand the importance of transparency in these matters and want to assure you that we are working diligently to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding these changes, please contact ubsn.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk or our officers for more information. We appreciate your continued support and trust in UBSN. Thank you for being a part of our community.   Regards, University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

UBSN Newsletter Issue 13

We are excited to share with the 13th issue of our UBSN Newsletter (click here to view online), featuring a study on the influence of distractors in decision making, by an Associate Professor from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.   Please enjoy the newsletter. Thank you for your support!

Photo Album of Geodesic HD EEG and Transcranial Electrical Neuromodulation Workshop

UBSN hosted a workshop titled “Geodesic High Dense EEG and Transcrainial Electrical Neuromodulation” with MagstimEGI.

Calling for Abstracts! - UBSN Conference and Workshops 2025

Dear All,   UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025 is calling for abstract submissions! SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT NOW !   Key Dates Submission Deadline: 31st March 2025 Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 30th April 2025   Join UBSN and RIO at the forefront of innovation! The upcoming conference on the "Applications and Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Neuroscience Research and Healthcare" invites pioneers, researchers, and experts to submit their groundbreaking abstracts. UBSN is inviting abstract submission of research works that have made valuable contributions to the field of neuroscience, whether it is Neuroimaging, Brain Stimulation, Neurophysiology, or Neurobehavioural research, we welcome abstracts from all domains of neuroscience.  Showcase your research, insights, and discoveries to a global audience of like-minded professionals. Share your vision to unlock new frontiers in understanding the brain, advancing healthcare solutions, and improving patient outcomes. Submit your abstract now to be part of this transformative dialogue shaping the future of neuroscience and healthcare!       EVENT DETAILS: Title: "UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025" Co-organiser: Research and Innovation Office, PolyU HK Invitied Speakers: - Prof. Surjo R. SOEKADAR - Prof. Uri HASSON - Prof. Yu ZHOU - Dr. Calvin MAK - Dr. Georg KRANZ - Dr. Chun Liang HSU   (for event info speaker bio, abstracts and more on our event page) Language: English Date: Conference: 7 June 2025 (Sat) Workshops: 8 June 2025 (Sun) Time: 09:30 - 18:00 Venue: Block Z, Hong Kong Polytechnic University: - 2/F Podium (Exhibits) - To be determined (Seminars) - Rm ZB216-218 (Lab tours) Eligibility: All are welcome, first-come-first-severed. Fees: Conference: Free of charge. Workshops: Early Bird Rate (available until March 31, 2025): -PolyU Participants (Students/Staff/Alumni): 500 HKD -External Participants: 800HKD Standard Rate: -PolyU Participants (Students/Staff/Alumni): 1000 HKD -External Participants:1500 HKD Event Information:   https://events.polyu.edu.hk/ubsn_conference_2025/   *Access to campus will be given to non-polyU-affliates/ external visitors. **Campus map can be viewed here. For enquiries, contact: +852 27667773 (Dr. Patrick YEUNG) patrick-kk.yeung@polyu.edu.hk      

Register Now - UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025

Dear All,   UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025 is happening soon! REGISTER NOW and enjoy early bird pricing on our workshops!   You are cordially invited to join us at Block Z!   Join UBSN and RIO at the upcoming UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025 as we delve into the transformative theme of "Applications and Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Neuroscience Research and Healthcare." This groundbreaking conference will serve as a platform to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience, shedding light on the remarkable scientific advancements and implications for healthcare. Throughout the event, esteemed speakers and experts in the field will share their insights on how AI is revolutionizing neuroscience research and healthcare practices. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on the latest technologies, innovative applications, and their profound impact on neuroscience research and advances. From machine learning algorithms assisting in complex data analysis to AI-driven approaches enhancing brain imaging techniques, the conference will showcase the diverse applications of neuroscience research. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the current scientific trends can reshape the future of healthcare. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic exchange of ideas and discoveries at the UBSN Conference, where the endless possibilities of neuroscience research and healthcare will be explored and celebrated.     Title: "UBSN Neuroscience Conference and Workshops 2025" Co-organiser: Research and Innovation Office, PolyU HK Speakers: - Prof. Surjo R. SOEKADAR - Prof. Uri HASSON - Prof. Yu ZHOU - Dr. Calvin MAK - Dr. Georg KRANZ - Dr. Chun Liang HSU (for event info speaker bio, abstracts and more on our event page) Language: English Date: Conference: 7 June 2025 (Sat) Workshops: 8 June 2025 (Sun) Time: 09:30 - 18:00 Venue: Block Z, Hong Kong Polytechnic University: - 2/F Podium (Exhibits) - To be determined (Seminars) - Rm ZB216-218 (Lab tours) Eligibility: All are welcome, first-come-first-severed. Fees: Conference: Free of charge. Workshops: Early Bird Rate (available until March 31, 2025): -PolyU Participants (Students/Staff/Alumni): 500 HKD -External Participants: 800HKD Standard Rate: -PolyU Participants (Students/Staff/Alumni): 1000 HKD -External Participants:1500 HKD Registration:   Register NOW! (https://events.polyu.edu.hk/ubsn_conference_2025/)   *Access to campus will be given to non-polyU-affliates/ external visitors. **Campus map can be viewed here. For enquiries, contact: +852 27667773 (Dr. Patrick YEUNG) patrick-kk.yeung@polyu.edu.hk More information:   https://events.polyu.edu.hk/ubsn_conference_2025/      

"UBSN Best Paper" Award 2025 Is Now Open for Application!

UBSN has established an annual “UBSN Best Paper” award to acknowledge and honour UBSN users for their outstanding papers published in academic journals in the past year. The aim is to promote neuroscience research and help advance the quality of research conducted by UBSN PIs. The details of the award are as follows: Frequency: Annually Timeline: Submission deadline: 31 March of each year This year's results will be announced on 7 Jun 2025 Eligibility: The corresponding author of the paper should be both a PolyU and UBSN PI. The paper should acknowledge UBSN in the “acknowledgment” section or list UBSN in the affiliation. The paper should be published in the preceding calendar year (i.e., from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024). Selection Criteria: The publication should be published in Q1 journals. The UBSN Management Committee will vote on all eligible applications. Awards: Gold Award (1 awardee): $2000 for using UBSN equipment (If the group plans to use Human MRI with an approved project, it will be upgraded to $16000) Silver Award (1 awardee): $1000 for using UBSN equipment (If the group plans to use Human MRI with an approved project, it will be upgraded to $8000) Bronze Award (1 awardee): $500 for using UBSN equipment (If the group plans to use Human MRI with an approved project, it will be upgraded to $4800) Each awardee will receive a certificate of commendation signed by the UBSN Director. Award results will be announced in the the UBSN Newsletter (June issue). Awardees will be invited to present their work through a poster display at UBSN.   Awardees will be invited to present their study at workshops or venues as deemed appropriate by UBSN. Application Form: You may download the application form by clicking HERE. Submit the completed form to UBSN via celia.dong@polyu.edu.hk before 31 March 2025. For any enquiries, please contact Dr. Celia Dong (E-mail: celia.dong@polyu.edu.hk), Tel: 2766 5384