Media Releases

PolyU partners with Elsevier to advance collaboration on academic publishing and scholar cultivation, amplifying the University’s global academic impact

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Elsevier today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) forging a strategic collaboration focusing on academic publishing, talent cultivation, and enhancing global academic impact. Leveraging PolyU’s research strengths across multiple disciplines, as well as Elsevier’s extensive international influence and publishing experience, this partnership will strive to promote high-quality research outcomes, nurture young scholars, and contribute to the advancement of the global academic community through a wide range of initiatives. The signing ceremony took place on PolyU campus, with Prof. WONG Wing-tak, PolyU Deputy President and Provost, and Dr Peter HARRISON, Senior Vice President of Physical Sciences, STM Journals (STMJ) at Elsevier, representing the two parties in signing the MoU. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); Ms Yan SUN, Managing Director of STMJ China at Elsevier; and Ms Judy BAI, Publishing Director of Materials Science, STMJ at Elsevier. Prof. Wong Wing-tak said, “As an innovative world-class university, PolyU has long pursued world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of society. With the highest number of Elsevier editors in Hong Kong, the University’s collaboration with Elsevier is a testament to our shared vision for societal advancement, through joint journal development, enhanced academic impact, and collaborative events and projects. I am confident that this partnership will yield fruitful results and pave the way for ground-breaking advancements in the academic community, particularly in empowering young scholars, amplifying academic influence, and broadening global knowledge dissemination.” Dr Peter Harrison remarked, “At Elsevier, our goal is to strengthen confidence in trusted research, and publish high-quality content that advances knowledge and helps researchers and policymakers solve challenges and deliver better outcomes. We have had several productive collaborations with PolyU in recent years and published more than 13,000 papers from PolyU authors over the past five years. This MoU will provide a strategic framework to further increase our collaborations. In particular, we welcome the opportunity to increase the representation of PolyU scholars in our editorial teams across all subject areas.” Under the MoU, the two parties will discuss the opportunity of PolyU authorising Elsevier for international publication and distribution of their partnership journals. For this purpose, Elsevier will provide strategic advice for journal development and management, drawing on its in-house data analytics and professional experience, to support PolyU in launching new journals in its areas of strength. To develop the partnership journals, both parties will also explore elevating the scope and quality of services for authors, reviewers and editorial board members, and organising joint courses and seminars to train relevant personnel in academic publishing standards, operations, and ethics. These initiatives seek to increase PolyU’s academic impact while also fostering international academic collaboration and exchange. To enhance the global visibility of PolyU’s research, the University and Elsevier will explore collaboration in several key areas: Providing training in paper writing, submission, and the review process, with the support of Elsevier’s premium e-learning platform, the Research Academy, to increase the number of PolyU publications in Elsevier’s prestigious academic journals. Publishing periodic special issues on emerging research topics of mutual interest, with PolyU researchers as guest editors. Promoting significant PolyU research outcomes through Elsevier’s global channels, including its official website, the ScienceDirect journal platform, and social media. Co-organising academic events and collaborative projects. Following the signing ceremony was the Editors Forum, which attracted around a hundred scholars and researchers from local tertiary institutions, as well as editors and industry experts from Elsevier. The Forum began with Dr Peter Harrison’s presentation on “The Future of Research Impact & Emerging Narratives”. Elsevier’s Publishing Ethics Expert Dr Hong Jin then spoke about how, in the face of increasingly complex challenges to research integrity, publishers work to detect potential fraud or unethical behaviours before publication of articles to stop unethical research from entering the scientific literature. During the Fireside Chat themed “Harnessing AI for Research Advancement & Innovation,” Prof. Ben Young, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Constructional Steel Research published by Elsevier; Prof. LIU Yang, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Computing and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Associate Editor of ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology published by Association of Computing Machinery; alongside Prof. SONG Xu, Associate Professor of Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Editor-in-Chief of Materials & Design published by Elsevier, shared insights into AI from a scholar’s perspective. They ignited discussion on how AI has transformed research workflows, driven breakthrough innovations, and enhanced collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Other key topics, including ethical considerations and transparency in AI research tools, as well as the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into traditional research practices, were also explored. PolyU and Elsevier have maintained a longstanding and collaborative relationship. Since 2023, the University has partnered with Cell Press under Elsevier to publish the journal Nexus, advancing innovative research in applied sciences, engineering, technology, and inter- and multi-disciplinary fields. The MoU signed today will further leverage both parties’ expertise to drive leading academic collaborative projects.   ***END***

PolyU and Jinchuan Group sign strategic cooperation agreement to jointly advance high-quality development in non-ferrous metals industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Jinchuan Group Co., Ltd (Jinchuan Group) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to address major national strategic needs and jointly promote high-quality development in the non-ferrous metals industry. The partnership will focus on green, low-carbon development of nickel, copper, cobalt and rare precious metals, as well as the advancement of new materials. By leveraging the strengths of both parties, the collaboration aims to foster in-depth collaboration among industry, academia and research sectors and drive innovation in response to national strategic needs. The signing ceremony was held on 21 August at the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Ying RUAN, Chairman of Jinchuan Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. H. C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, and Mr Yonghong CHENG, International Business Director of Jinchuan Group. Following the signing, Prof. Jianquo LIN, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, provided an overview of the collaboration. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “As an industry leader addressing major national strategic needs, Jinchuan Group has achieved remarkable accomplishments in research innovation. PolyU looks forward to leveraging this partnership to help fully utilise our strengths in research and talent cultivation, in conjunction with Jinchuan Group’s extensive industrial resources and sector expertise. Together, we aim to overcome key technological bottlenecks, promote efficient and green production within the industry, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.” Mr Ying Rung stated, “PolyU is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and is internationally recognised for its excellence in research innovation and talent cultivation, making significant contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. Building on PolyU’s extensive experience in university-industry collaboration, combined with Jinchuan Group’s technological strengths and strategic positioning in non-ferrous metals smelting, new energy and new materials, we will explore new models for deep integration of among industry, academic and research sectors. Jinchuan Group is committed to deepening cooperation with PolyU in cutting-edge technology research and development as well as high-end talent cultivation. Through this partnership, we aim to drive technological advancement in the industry and make greater contributions to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.” PolyU and Jinchuan Group will adhere to the principles of long-term vision, complementary strengths, resource sharing and mutual benefit as they collaborate in areas such as platform development, technological innovation, research commercialisation and talent cultivation. During the visit, the Jinchuan Group delegation held in-depth discussions with the Faculty of Engineering at PolyU and toured the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the University Research Facility in 3D Printing and the Industrial Centre. ***END***

PolyU research boosts garment fit and performance for sports and medical apparel with groundbreaking anthropometric method to precisely measure tissue deformation

Soft tissue deformation during body movement has long posed a challenge to achieving optimal garment fit and comfort, particularly in sportswear and functional medical wear. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a novel anthropometric method that delivers highly accurate measurements to enhance the performance and design of compression-based apparel. Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, and her research team pioneered this anthropometric method using image recognition algorithms to systematically access tissue deformation while minimising motion-related errors. The team also developed an analytical model to predict tissue deformation using the Boussinesq solution, based on elastic theory and stress function methodology. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, this innovation quantifies tissue deformation during movement, addressing a longstanding challenge in sportswear and wearable tech design. Inaccurate deformation measurements, especially during motion, often lead to ill-fitting designs that undermine functionality. This innovative approach tackles the issue by minimising motion artifacts and providing a systematic framework to correlate garment pressure with tissue response, which is vital for optimising wearables’ the biochemical efficacy. Soft tissue deformation is a critical factor directly influencing appearance, comfort, performance, and physiological effects such as blood circulation and muscle support. With the integration of mechanical property testing, the method accurately predicts tissue deformation. Validation against body scanning measurements showed deviations within 1.15 mm under static condition and 2.36 mm in dynamic condition. The remarkable precision of this method equips designers with reliable data that accurately reflects soft tissue deformation. Prof. Joanne Yip said, “Our technology is highly adaptable to compression-based garments, including sportswear such as leggings and functional medical wear like compression stockings and post-surgical garments. The analytical model can be tailored to different garment types by adjusting parameters like material mechanical properties and circumferential dimensions.” Sports leggings with different material mechanical properties, pattern designs and circumferential dimensions were used as experimental samples. Research findings offer actionable insights that link material properties to garment fit and performance. This framework not only advances biomechanical simulation techniques for wearable applications but also provides a practical tool for optimising sportswear ergonomics, enabling data-driven design of compression garments that enhances athletic performance while preventing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This innovative technology holds promising transformative potential for the industry, offering feasible and cost-effective applications. It can be integrated into existing CAD/CAM system to streamline prototyping and reduce reliance on trial-and-error filling. By quantifying individual tissue response, this technique supports personalised garment design, particularly beneficial for medical compression wear tailored to specific patient needs. Additionally, the image-based tools reduce dependence on expensive motion-capture systems, making the approach accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises. The research has been published in a paper titled “A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation” in the academic journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. This technology breakthrough underscores PolyU excellence in interdisciplinary translational research, integrating its strengths in fashion, biomechanics, materials science, computing, and engineering to solve real-world compression sportswear design and wearable design challenges. ***END***

PolyU PReCIT submits 2025 Policy Address Recommendations, focusing on economic development and improvement of people’s livelihoods

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address. The recommendations focus on two key themes: driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said, “Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a global innovation hub and PolyU’s research excellence, we are committed to proposing policy recommendations that foster sustainable growth, stimulate economic vitality, and enhance community well-being.” Key recommendations include: 1. Driving Economic Development Consolidating Hong Kong’s Aerospace Research Resources to Support Industry’s Development Currently, universities, enterprises and researchers working in the Hong Kong aerospace sector operate in a fragmented manner, with limited collaboration. To promote cross-sector collaboration and national integration, PReCIT recommends that the HKSAR Government establish a “Hong Kong Aerospace Coordination Office” and create a “Hong Kong Aerospace Special Fund” to support research development and public education. Additionally, a “Fast-Track Transfer Scheme” is proposed to accelerate the commercialisation of aerospace technologies and promote the civilian application of aerospace technologies developed through national projects. To strengthen talent development, PReCIT suggests that the Government support the establishment of aerospace engineering programmes, fund curriculum development, attract international experts as visiting professors and implement a “Hong Kong Young Aerospace Talents Scheme” to sponsor young researchers for technical training, internships and mission participation in mainland laboratories or launch sites. Accelerating Digital Transformation in Hong Kong’s Tourism and Service Industries To enhance customer experience and operational efficiency in Hong Kong’s tourism and service industries, PReCIT recommends that enterprises adopt AI-powered tools to optimise customer service, streamline booking processes and provide personalised travel recommendations. Furthermore, PReCIT advises the Government to expand funding support and incentives, such as tax benefits and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to help tourism enterprises adopt relevant technologies. The establishment of the Digital Tourism Academy is also recommended to upskill staff and foster innovation, with an emphasis on integrating culture, sports and tourism for diversified development in the Greater Bay Area. Advancing the Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) Strengthening ground infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the implementation of LAE applications. PReCIT recommends that the Government utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GISs) for precise analysis to identify suitable infrastructure locations and integrate solar-powered charging infrastructure into urban spaces. To further advance LAE, the Government should deepen cooperation with Guangdong and Macao in building smart city clusters and enhance civil servants’ skills in AI and GISs applications to improve data analysis and ensure smoother project implementation. Investing in drone logistics networks and infrastructure is key to establishing a mature and efficient logistics system. PReCIT suggests that the Government prioritise the development of drone logistics networks to drive innovation and efficiency, including constructing take-off and landing stations to centralise drone operations, reduce safety risks, and improve logistics efficiency and the opening of low-altitude flight corridors. As drone technology rapidly evolves, safety remains a major challenge. The Government and industry regulators should expedite the development of technical standards and certification protocols. Advancing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Green Energy in Hong Kong PReCIT emphasises the urgency of expanding NEV infrastructure and promoting NEV adoption through policy and education; strengthening the NEV ecosystem; deploying floating solar photovoltaic systems and energy storage technologies; leveraging hydrogen energy and a complementary green solution; establishing data collaboration platforms; and driving innovation and technology development to lead the city towards sustainable transportation and a green future. Promoting Carbon Trading and Carbon Pricing in Hong Kong PReCIT recommends the establishment of a carbon trading market in Hong Kong, the implementation of carbon pricing policies and the development of comprehensive policy frameworks to promote sustainable practices and foster green economic growth. Development of Hong Kong’s Engineering Field To foster innovation in the construction industry, PReCIT suggests the adoption of building integrated photovoltaics by offering gross floor area concessions for new and renovated commercial buildings that incorporate these systems. Regional and global collaboration should be considered, including collaborative funding programmes with Guangdong and Macao, as well as training courses, conferences and exhibitions to enhance Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in the construction and engineering sectors. The Government should also consider launching financing schemes to help young professionals obtain mainland professional qualifications. 2. Improving People’s Livelihoods Promote the Development of Hong Kong as an International Hub for Post-secondary Education PReCIT recommends the Government to expand the capacity of local universities to maintain high-level performance by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town. It also proposes tripling the quota of Belt and Road scholarships to 450 and raising the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme award places to 600, attracting outstanding talents and enhancing research capabilities, thus further elevating Hong Kong’s international standing. Additionally, the establishment of a government-guaranteed loan scheme to support international students is recommended, alleviating financial pressures and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global educational hub. Enhance the Health of the People To improve Hong Kong’s healthcare services, PReCIT recommends integrating direct access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy services within all Social Welfare Department subsidised services, community care services, or district elderly community centres, together with the establishment of early disease screening mechanisms to achieve “early prevention, early detection and early treatment.” In terms of healthcare research and technology, it is advised to strengthen research in antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance and actively respond to the era of AI and machine learning to accelerate the high-quality development and use of these technologies in healthcare. The Government is also encouraged to support the development and integration of formalised optometry specialisation pathways, with a focus on paediatric optometry, vision therapy, geriatric eye care and low vision rehabilitation. Promote the Use of Sustainable Energy and Create a More Sustainable Environment PReCIT recommends that the Government to optimise energy and waste renewable structure, such as by providing financial incentives to encourage businesses and households to install renewable energy systems, therefore building a carbon neutral city. The establishment of a dedicated research institutes focused on interdisciplinary studies that integrate microbiology, agricultural science and food policy is also proposed. Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, said, “Our interdisciplinary team of scholars has drawn on the University’s cutting-edge research and expertise to formulate evidence-based solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities for the city’s sustainable growth.” Dr Chili WU, Associate Director of PReCIT and Principal Research Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, added, “We look forward to working closely with the Government and community partners to turn our recommendations into meaningful actions, contributing to a vibrant, resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong.” For the full text of the recommendation report, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/research/publications/ ***END***

Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster tops the Global Innovation Index 2025, PolyU accelerates the development of the Greater Bay Area innovation ecosystem

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) today released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, with the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster ranking first among the World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters for the first time. This achievement underscores the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) leading position in global innovation and technology. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is greatly encouraged by this recognition and is committed to advancing the innovation ecosystem of the GBA. PolyU will continue to strengthen basic research, deepen translational research, foster collaboration among academia, industry, and research sectors, and inject new impetus into the high-quality development of Hong Kong and the Nation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster’s top ranking in the Global Innovation Index is a testament to the powerful synergy of collaborative innovation in the GBA. PolyU will continue to leverage its strengths in basic research, translational research and technological innovation, actively expanding its presence in Mainland cities through our translational research institutes, and facilitating the industrialisation of research outcomes to drive socioeconomic development. We will work closely with the HKSAR Government and all sectors to nurture innovative talent with a global perspective, making greater contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.” PolyU is dedicated to translating research into real-world impact, with over 1,650 patents granted worldwide to date. Following the establishment of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute, the University has recently set up translational research institutes in 12 major Mainland cities, including Zhongshan and Huizhou, as well as the Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre. Through the cooperative model for technology transfer defined by the equation: “PolyU research + Mainland industrial chain + Mainland market = societal benefit”, PolyU actively promotes technology transfer and collaborative innovation. Since the launch of the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, PolyU has secured funding for six research projects covering advanced manufacturing, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence and robotics, Chinese medicine, computer science and information technology, and electrical and electronic engineering. Some of these projects will be accelerated for commercialisation through translational research institutes established in Mainland cities, demonstrating PolyU’s research strength and commitment to translating outcomes into societal benefits. PolyU is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through its PolyVentures ecosystem, which has incubated over 600 active start-ups founded by scholars, students, and alumni. In recent years, PolyU has also established InnoHub in multiple Mainland cities, and has organised the PolyU International Future Challenge in Hong Kong and six Mainland cities. These initiatives bring together talent in technology innovation and entrepreneurship, further accelerating the transformation and commercialisation of research outcomes. PolyU’s research excellence is internationally recognised, with 355 scholars listed among the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024 for career-long citation impact or single-year citation impact, according to the rankings compiled by Standford University. The University has also actively recruited distinguished overseas scholars, including 15 internationally renowned scholars selected for the HKSAR Government-initiated  Global STEM Professorship Scheme, who lead pioneering research projects in areas such as machine learning and computer vision, healthy built environment, innovative phototherapy for eye diseases, quantum technology, two-dimensional quantum materials, earth observation, digital oncology care enhancement, and genomics in healthcare. PolyU’s robust foundation in basic research is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, including the State Key Laboratories, namely the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities and the State Key Laboratory of Ultraprecision Machining Technology, as well as two research centres established under the InnoHK research clusters. PolyU has also established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), which is the largest interdisciplinary research platform of its kind in the GBA, comprising 19 research institutes and centres. This year, PolyU also established the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) to accelerate the deep integration of AI across key fields, further consolidating the University’s leadership in research and innovation. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to deepen collaboration within the GBA, promote the translation of research outcomes, and make even greater contributions to the innovation and development of Hong Kong and the GBA. ***END***

PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years

The rise in global mean sea level (GMSL) is a critical indicator of climate change. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have utilised advanced space geodetic technologies to deliver the first precise 30-year (1993-2022) record of global ocean mass change (also known as barystatic sea level), revealing its dominant role in driving GMSL rise. Their research further indicates that GMSL has been increasing at an average rate of approximately 3.3 mm per year with a notable acceleration observed, highlighting the growing severity of climate change. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. GMSL is primarily driven by two factors: the thermal expansion of seawater — as the oceans absorb around 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system — and the increase in global ocean mass, which is mainly caused by the influx of freshwater from melting land ice. Therefore, long-term monitoring of global ocean mass change is essential for understanding present-day GMSL rise. A research team led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, together with Dr Yufeng NIE, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and the lead and corresponding author of the research, has, for the first time, provided direct observations of global ocean mass estimates between 1993 and 2022 by utilising time-variable gravity field data derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR). In the past, scientists have relied on long-term observations from satellite altimetry to project sea-level rise. Barystatic sea level records based on satellite gravimetry only became available with the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment in 2002. SLR is a traditional space geodetic technique used to accurately measure the distance between satellites and ground stations via laser ranging. However, fundamental constraints of SLR, such as the limited number of satellites and ground stations, the high altitude of the satellites (which means SLR-derived gravitational changes capture only the longest wavelengths) and the low-degree gravitational measurements, have restricted its direct application in estimating ocean mass change. To effectively utilise SLR-derived gravitational fields for accurate estimates of ocean mass change, the research team implemented an innovative forward modelling technique that tackles spatial resolution limitations by incorporating detailed geographic information of ocean-land boundaries. This approach enables long-term monitoring of global ocean mass changes. The research revealed that an increased rate of GMSL resulted in a global average sea-level rise of approximately 90 mm between 1993 and 2022, with about 60% of this rise attributable to ocean mass increase. Since around 2005,  the rise in GMSL has been primarily driven by the rapid increase in global ocean mass. This overall increase is largely driven by the accelerated melting of land ice, particularly in Greenland. Throughout the entire study period, land ice melt from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers accounted for over 80% of the total increase in global ocean mass. Prof. Jianli Chen said, “In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise. Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios.” Dr Yufeng Nie said, “The research showed that the ocean mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies.” ***END***

PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025 encourages secondary school students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to promote sustainable development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary education and nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The University’s Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) recently organised the “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025” (the Competition), attracting over 180 students from 22 secondary schools. An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), was held on the PolyU campus today to recognise the outstanding student teams, with nearly 200 principals, teachers and students from the participating schools in attendance. The award presentation ceremony was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, along with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Dr Choi Yuk-lin also engaged in an exchange session with some of the award-winning students. Dr Choi Yuk-lin said, “The Competition provides students with high-quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom, enhancing their mastery and understanding of innovative technology applications and inspiring their creative thinking. I am particularly impressed by students’ demonstration of creativity and making good use of innovative technology to solve problems and improve the community, reflecting their sense of social responsibility, commitment and concern. These are exactly the important objectives we aim to accomplish through promoting digital education.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng applauded the creativity of the participating students and stated, “PolyU actively responds to the evolving needs of the times and is committed to promoting social innovation and sustainable development. Through the ‘Igniting Social Innovation Competition’, we have witnessed countless enthusiastic and creative secondary school students proposing innovative and practical solutions to social issues in Hong Kong, demonstrating the potential of the younger generation to build a better society.” The Competition adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the teams integrating knowledge from social science fields and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, omnidirectional cameras and Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment facilities. A series of training workshops helped to raise students’ awareness of and improve their understanding of pressing social issues. Participating teams selected one of two themes — “building a greener Hong Kong” or “public health and well-being” — and aligned their projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of “responsible consumption and production” and “good health and well-being.” The submitted projects covered multiple areas, including environmental protection, healthcare and social inclusion. Prof. Eric Chui highlighted the Competition outcomes and elaborated on how the event drove creativity and transformed innovative thinking into social value. He added, “This competition not only enhances students’ awareness of social issues, but also teaches them how to integrate technology with social science methods to explore and demonstrate relevant issues. At the same time, it stimulates students’ creative thinking and empathy, prompting them to care for those in need in society through positive actions.” After evaluation by a judging panel comprising PolyU scholars and representatives from non-governmental organisations, the teams from Marymount Secondary School, St. Francis of Assisi's College and Kiangsu-Chekiang College (Kwai Chung) won the first, second and third prizes respectively. Dr Choi Yuk-lin (centre); Prof. Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS (1st from right); and Prof. Vincent CHENG, Assistant Professor of APSS (2nd from right), engaged in an exchange session with some of the winning students. Prof. Eric Chui summarised the Competition’s outcomes and elaborated on how it drove creativity and transformed innovative thinking into social value. ***END***

PolyU International Future Challenge (Jinjiang region) names winners in open and student categories

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PolyU scientists receive NSFC funding for 65 research projects, marking 34% year-on-year growth in support of the Nation’s technology powerhouse goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received substantial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with a total of 65 research projects led by PolyU scientists successfully securing funding this year, marking a 34% year-on-year increase in both funding amount and the number of projects. This accomplishment underscores PolyU’s impressive innovation capabilities and highlights the University’s cultivation of outstanding researchers. Through high-quality scientific research, these talents are making significant contributions to the efforts of building the Nation into a technology powerhouse. PolyU’s young scientists have been recognised as excelling in innovative research, with three projects awarded funding under the Young Scientist Fund (Type A), four projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type B), and 48 projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type C). In addition, 10 research projects are supported by the General Programme. Distinguished young scholars at the forefront of global science research The three PolyU scholars selected by the Young Scientist Fund (Type A) have been recognised for their distinguished achievements in foundational research. The Fund supports exceptional scholars in pursuing self-directed and innovative research which addresses major national needs and advances the global scientific frontier. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2.8 million to 4 million for a period of five years. The distinguished young researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Applied Physics. Their research projects cover mathematics, physics, engineering, healthcare and interdisciplinary science disciplines. One project aims at developing new numerical analysis theories and computational methods to solve surface evolution problems in geometric curvature flows and free boundary problems in fluid dynamics. Another focuses on permeable electronic skin, proposing an innovative design strategy based on liquid metal super-elastic fibre networks. The research aims to advance flexible electronics from “stretchable” to “breathable”, providing stable, comfortable, and biocompatible wearable solutions for smart healthcare. The third project utilises in-situ electron microscopy technology to investigate the mechanics, electronics, thermodynamics, phase transitions, and related synthesis and performance of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in advanced materials science. Excellent young scientists lead innovative research PolyU continues to excel in the Young Scientist Fund (Type B) this year where four young scientists have been recognised for their excellent achievements. The Fund accelerates talent cultivation and fosters a new generation of academic leaders who will drive scientific advancement at both national and international levels. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2 million for a period of three years. The four excellent researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their projects span the fields of mathematics, chemistry, management science and engineering. One project explores the development of numerical methods for stochastic partial differential equations, featuring long-term computational stability and the ability to accurately predict key probabilistic information and the evolving dynamics of stochastic phenomena. Another investigates supply chain risk management, focusing on technology-driven risks, major disruptions and innovation-related vulnerabilities. In chemical sciences, one project focuses on the active sites of molecular sieves, precisely locating Brønsted acid and metal sites, revealing their synergistic mechanisms to guide the design and industrial application of new zeolite catalysts. Another project aims to develop precise electrochemical synthesis technology for carbon-heteroatom bonds C-X (X = nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur), using a proton exchange membrane reactor. The remarkable research capabilities of PolyU’s young scientists have also consistently earned recognition from the Young Scientists Fund (Type C), with a total of 48 scholars selected this year. These young researchers come from various faculties across PolyU. Among the projects, 23 were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI). As PolyU’s extended campus in Shenzhen, the SZRI has been integrated into the University's strategy in all aspects of space deployment, management and research. It undertakes research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as industry partners. ***END***

PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute partners with Hangzhou MTR and Hangzhou Shenhao Technology to drive innovation in smart rail technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute has signed collaboration agreements with Hangzhou MTR Corporation Limited (Hangzhou MTR) and Hangzhou Shenhao Technology Co., Ltd (Hangzhou Shenhao Technology) to jointly develop intelligent operation and maintenance technologies for rail transit and to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) technology laboratory. These initiatives are set to inject new momentum into the development and digital transformation of National railway technologies. The signing ceremony was held on 20 August in Hangzhou. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); and Mr NG Wai-hung, General Manager of Hangzhou MTR, the agreement was signed by Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Director of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (Hong Kong Branch), Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Mr TSE Che-ming, Deputy General Manager of Hangzhou MTR. The partnership between the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Hangzhou MTR will focus on the joint development of intelligent operation and maintenance technologies for rail transit, including vibration analysis of floating slabs, pantograph condition monitoring, green energy vibration power generation and Distributed Acoustic Sensing system applications. By leveraging their respective strengths, both parties aim to accelerate the transformation of research outcomes, enhance corporate innovation capabilities, and elevate the technological standards of rail transit operation and maintenance. On the same day, another agreement was signed by Prof. Yi-Qing Ni and Mr LI Tao, Vice President of Hangzhou Shenhao Technology. The agreement was witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai; Prof. Christopher Chao; Mr CHEN Rushen, Chairman of Hangzhou Shenhao Technology; and Mr CAO Guangke, Director and CEO. The Research Institute will collaborate with Hangzhou Shenhao Technology, Beijing Shenhao Computer Integration Co., Ltd and Wan Juan Rail Transit Intelligence Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd to jointly establish an AI technology laboratory. The partnership will focus on deep cooperation in vertical applications of AI large models, and intelligent operation and maintenance, as well as coordinated talent development. Key application areas will include smart rail transit operation and maintenance, and privatised government deployments, with the goal of comprehensively enhancing the competitiveness of domestic technologies. During the visit, PolyU representatives toured both companies and engaged in in-depth exchanges on innovative technologies and development directions in the rail transit sector. PolyU aims to leverage this collaboration to integrate its accumulated research achievements in rail transit with Hangzhou’s industry ecosystem, transforming them into innovative technologies for national infrastructure and contributing to the development of new quality productive forces. ***END***