Media Releases

PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) has announced achieving several milestones in Generative AI (GenAI) research. The PAAI team is pushing the boundaries of AI with a novel collaborative GenAI paradigm known as Co-GenAI, which has the potential to transform frontier model training from a centralised, monolithic approach into a decentralised one. Significantly lowering training resource requirements, protecting data privacy and removing resource barriers such as graphics processing unit (GPU) monopolies paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible environment for global institutions to participate in AI research. Advances in GenAI research are presently constrained by three major barriers: training foundation models being so computationally prohibitive that only a few organisations can afford it, effectively excluding global academia from frontier model development; domain knowledge and data remaining siloed due to privacy and copyright concerns, particularly for sensitive information in healthcare and finance; and foundation models being static and unable to evolve with emerging knowledge, while retraining each frontier model ab initio consumes an enormous amount of resources and makes rapid iteration impossible. To tackle these challenges, the PAAI team has developed a novel model training framework that enables ultra-low-resource training and decentralised model fusion. The framework is theoretically grounded and has been validated through extensive real-world applications. PolyU is the first academic institution to open-source an end-to-end FP8 low-bit training solution that covers both continual pre-training (CPT) and post-training stages. This approach will set a new standard for training models with FP8 ultra-low resources while maintaining BF16 precision, in turn revolutionising the practice of model training and positioning PolyU among the few institutions worldwide to master this advanced training technique. Compared with BF16, FP8 delivers over 20% faster training, reduces peak memory by over 10% and dramatically lowers training overheads while maintaining performance. The pipeline integrates CPT, supervised fine-tuning (SFT) and reinforcement learning (RL) to achieve BF16 quality while shortening training time and reducing memory footprint. The team has begun exploring even lower-cost FP4 precision training, with initial results reported in academic publications1. In medical applications, the models trained by these pipelines outperform all peer models on diagnosis and reasoning across all key areas2. In research agent application, the models also demonstrate exceptional performance in complex task handling, generalisation and report quality3. Until now, foundation model training has followed scaling laws: more parameters yield broader knowledge and stronger performance. However, centralised training typically requires millions of GPU hours—a resource available to only a few organisations. The PolyU InfiFusion model fusion achieves a key milestone in model fusion research: it uses only hundreds of GPU hours to fuse large models that would otherwise require 1–2 million GPU hours to train from scratch. The team has merged four state-of-the-art models in 160 GPU hours4-5, avoiding million-scale training budgets while delivering fused models that significantly outperform the originals across multiple key benchmarks. The team has published the first theoretical validation of model fusion—a concept championed by Thinking Machines Lab. Through rigorous mathematical derivation, they proposed the “Model Merging Scaling Law,” suggesting there is another viable pathway to artificial general intelligence (AGI)6. Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of PolyU PAAI, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, stated, “Ultra-low-resource foundation model training, combined with efficient model fusion, enables academic researchers worldwide to advance GenAI research through collaborative innovation.” The team has also demonstrated the potential of its training pipelines through applications across specific domains, including state-of-the-art medical foundation and cancer AI models that achieve best-in-class performance. With the integration of high-quality domain-specific data, these models can adapt to medical devices for different scenarios, including personalised treatment and AI-based radiotherapy for oncology. In this context, the team is now collaborating with Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. PAAI has also introduced a leading agentic AI application in deep search and academic paper assistance—a graduate-level academic paper writer with agentic capability that supports a multimodal patent-search engine for end-to-end research and manuscript drafting. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “AI is a key driver in accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. The newly established PAAI is dedicated to expediting AI integration across key sectors and developing domain-specific models for diverse industries. These initiatives will not only solidify the leading position of PolyU in related fields, but also help position Hong Kong as a global hub for GenAI.” The research project led by Prof. Yang Hongxia is supported and funded by the Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26 under the Research Grants Council, the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, and the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme under Cyberport. It marks a significant step forward for Hong Kong in global AI innovation and accelerating the democratisation and industrial implementation of AI technology.   1InfiR2: A Comprehensive FP8 Training Recipe for Reasoning-Enhanced Language Models,  https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22536v3 2InfiMed: Low-Resource Medical MLLMs with Advancing Understanding and Reasoning, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.23867 3InfiAgent: Self-Evolving Pyramid Agent Framework for Infinite Scenarios, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22502 4InfiGFusion: Graph-on-Logits Distillation via Efficient Gromov-Wasserstein for Model Fusion, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.13893 5InfiFPO: Implicit Model Fusion via Preference Optimization in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.13878 6Model Merging Scaling Laws in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.24244   ***END***

PolyU research achieves record efficiency in semi-transparent solar cells, advancing the development of building-integrated photovoltaics

Transparent solar cells can be integrated into windows, screens and other surfaces, with immense potential for them to revolutionise the renewable energy sector. However, there are challenges to overcome, one of which is balancing transparency with power conversion efficiency. Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) that offer the dual advantages of efficient energy generation and visually appealing design are thus attracting significant research interest. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have recently developed an innovative parameter to evaluate the potential of photoactive materials for ST-OPVs. By screening for the most promising materials and their combinations, the research has advanced the development of high-performance ST-OPVs and paved the way for their widespread applications in smart windows and sustainable buildings. With their unique discrete absorption, low-cost production and environmental sustainability, ST-OPVs have very significant development potential in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). To fully realise their potential in the BIPV market and beyond, scientists have combined different materials and leveraged advanced device engineering technologies to enhance the efficiency and stability of ST-OPVs, while ensuring that the colour of the product appears natural under sunlight so that the photovoltaic system does not compromise the building’s visual appeal. Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, together with Research Fellow Dr YU Jiangsheng, introduced a dimensionless parameter, FoMLUE, to screen a series of classic photoactive materials. It takes into account the materials’ average visual transmittance, bandgap and current density by investigating their normalised absorbance. The researchers found that ST-OPVs based on the ternary materials with the highest FoMLUE values demonstrated enhanced thermal insulation and operational stability compared with their counterparts, and achieved record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% - the highest figure of merit reported for any semi-transparent solar cell. Their research additionally revealed the influence of geographical factors on ST-OPV performance. To explore the power generation and energy-saving performance of ST-OPV glazed windows, the research team developed a transient model to simulate power output and assess its impact on building space cooling and heating loads. The model, applied in 371 cities across China, has shown that over 90% achieved annual load reductions. Geographical analysis has further indicated that regions with hot summers and warm winters are the most suitable for the installation of ST-OPV glazed windows, with the annual total energy saving in these regions reaching up to 1.43 GJ m ⁻². A paper reporting the research, “Semitransparent organic photovoltaics with wide geographical adaptability as sustainable smart windows,” has been published in Nature Communications. Prof. Li said, “As an emerging solar photovoltaic technology, solar windows offer new possibilities for practical deployment in BIPV, renewable energy vehicles and agricultural greenhouses. Our findings highlight the multifunctionality and geographical adaptability of high-performance ST-OPVs in the construction of sustainable and energy-saving smart windows without compromising the integrity of architectural design, showcasing their highly promising commercial prospects.” Moving forward, the research team will continue to enhance the long-term stability of ST-OPVs and scale up development to large-area solar modules, both of which are essential for achieving commercialisation.   ***END***

PolyU scholars and startups win four awards at HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

Chinese only

PolyU leads nine startups to shine at GITEX Dubai, expanding international collaboration and opportunities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led nine prominent startups to GITEX Expand North Star (GITEX), one of the world’s largest and most influential technology and startup events, held in Dubai from 12 to 15 October. Leveraging this premier platform, the startups showcased their forward-thinking visions and cutting-edge technologies, and explored global opportunities and collaborations. As the only university representative from Hong Kong, PolyU demonstrated its exceptional capabilities in research and knowledge transfer on the international stage. PolyU’s participation in GITEX Dubai aligns with its strategic direction of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and bringing Hong Kong’s technological advancements to the global stage. This initiative also supports the HKSAR Government’s drive to promote economic development by strengthening ties with Middle Eastern markets and leveraging global economic opportunities. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU takes pride in its signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, which provides comprehensive support to PolyU startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys. By guiding them to international platforms like GITEX, we empower them to explore new markets, connect with global investors and establish impactful partnerships. This marks another milestone in PolyU’s efforts to drive innovation and foster the growth of Hong Kong’s technology industry globally.” Leading the nine startups to participate in GITEX, PolyU provided a dynamic platform for them to showcase their innovations in the exclusive PolyU Pavilion. The startups were able to engage in business networking and investor matchmaking, connect with industry leaders and explore opportunities in the Dubai market, building valuable connections with local business leaders and stakeholders. They also took part in key events organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, further broadening their international outlook and exposure. Among the nine startups representing PolyU, Blue Pin was shortlisted for the prestigious Supernova Challenge—GITEX’s flagship pitch competition and the world’s largest startup pitch event. Blue Pin presented its innovative solutions live to top investors, global judges and tech media, competing for significant funding to power its future growth. Further highlighting its excellence, Blue Pin was also selected for the renowned TASMU Accelerator programme, which chose 26 exceptional startups from 15 nations, including Blue Pin, from over 1,000 applications spanning 77 countries. With support from TASMU, Blue Pin will further explore collaboration opportunities with other enterprises. These recognitions showcased the innovative capabilities of PolyU startups, while also underscoring the global reach and pioneering spirit of the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The nine participating PolyU startups presented a range of innovations at GITEX, including an algae photobioreactor system, intelligent smart hotel solutions, advanced medical ultrasound technology, an artificial intelligence-powered digital health platform, and more. Please refer to the Appendix for more information. Held under GITEX Global, GITEX Expand North Star is a premier annual event in Dubai that connects startups with international investors, industry leaders and accelerators. By driving innovation, forging partnerships and showcasing future-forward technologies, it serves as a catalyst for startup success and growth of the global tech ecosystem. Standing at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, PolyU will continue to nurture future leaders through education and strategic initiatives, empowering them with international exposure and networking opportunities through events such as GITEX. Such initiatives enable startups to become full-fledged entrepreneurial leaders, showcasing transformative innovations with lasting societal impact and driving meaningful change. ***END***

PolyU receives HK$ 5 million funding support from alumni startup to develop innovative technologies for myopia and presbyopia management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received generous funding support of HK$5 million from Vision Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (VST), a PolyU startup specialised in pioneering myopia control technologies. This significant contribution will support cutting-edge research projects with a focus on innovative interventions for myopia (or short-sightedness) and presbyopia control, enhancing public eye health while further strengthening PolyU’s leading position in optical innovation. VST was co-founded by Prof. Chi-ho TO, Visiting Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry of the PolyU School of Optometry (SO), and Mr Jackson LEUNG, both of whom are SO alumni. The company has successfully developed and commercialised spectacle lenses and contact lenses designed to control the progression of myopia. Supported by the PolyU Micro Fund and the PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund, it obtained a licence from PolyU in 2018 to commercialise the University’s patented Defocus Incorporated Soft Contact (DISC) technology. VST now manufactures and distributes DISC lenses at authorised optometric clinics and fitting centres in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. VST will fund the research project “Optimisation of Vision with Novel Optical Designs and Engineering” led by Prof. Rachel CHUN, Assistant Professor of SO, and Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of SO. The three-year project aims to advance next-generation optical designs for myopia control by optimising visual performance with innovative lens technology. Integrating advanced optical engineering, visual psychophysics and clinical validation, the initiative seeks to introduce personalised solutions that prevent myopia onset and development, and slow axial elongation in children. Additionally, the project aims to develop innovative optical designs for presbyopia. By addressing critical gaps in precision optical design and patient-centred customisation, the research team envisions that this project will generate novel research outcomes and valuable intellectual property, thereby accelerating industry translation and delivering accessible, high-impact solutions for primary eye care. Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), highly commended VST’s contribution. He remarked, “It exemplifies the synergistic development between PolyU and its alumni startups, setting a strong example for other PolyU alumni and inspiring them to support the University’s research. When more forces join in, we can speed up translational research and knowledge transfer, foster more outstanding startups in the process and expand the societal impact of PolyU research.” Mr Jackson Leung, Co-founder of VST said, “As alumni of PolyU, we wish to express our gratitude for our alma mater’s unwavering support that has fuelled the pursuit of our entrepreneurial dreams and made possible our success and achievements. We are proud to support our alma mater in conducting further vision research to advance the development of eye care. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children and adults in Hong Kong and beyond.” PolyU is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs eager to tackle societal challenges with innovative solutions. Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University supports its startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. To date, it has nurtured over 600 startups, among which three are unicorns and two listed on stock markets. ***END***

PolyU hosts International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, gathering global leaders from government, industry, academia and research to power development of low-altitude economy ecosystem

Organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA), the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) was held today at PolyU. The Summit brought together local, Chinese Mainland and overseas representatives from government, industry, academia and research sectors to share forward-looking insights into a range of key topics, that spanned low-altitude airspace management policies, research and development of innovative technologies, industry development models and urban applications, while also showcasing numerous innovations in related technologies. The full-day event attracted over 1,200 government and business leaders, scholars, industry experts and public, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique strengths in standards, regulation, and alignment with international practices. The opening took place at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, and was attended by Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Legislative Council Member of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Mr Arthur LEE, Treasurer of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of PolyU.  In his opening address, Mr Michael Wong said, “The development of the low-altitude economy requires not only government effort but also the support of partners from various sectors. I am very pleased that PolyU is a close collaborator in this regard. The government is rapidly advancing the development of the low-altitude economy. Among the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced, and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. In addition, next year, the advanced ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ pilot projects will be introduced, covering more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and low-altitude passenger aircraft. The government will continue to refine the civil aviation legislation and regulatory framework while actively promoting the development of related infrastructure.” Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “PolyU has been working hand-in-hand with the government and industry to promote the development of the regional low-altitude economy and to accelerate the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as an aviation and logistics hub. This Summit provides an excellent opportunity for in-depth exchanges among experts from the government, industry and academia across different regions. As an emerging industry strongly promoted at the national level, the low-altitude economy is regarded as a key driver for developing new quality productive forces. In light of this, PolyU earlier submitted recommendations for the Policy Address which proposed advancing Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy through measures in areas such as infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and civil service training. Leveraging our strengths in interdisciplinary research and higher education, PolyU will continue to work collaboratively with various sectors to help Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area seize the opportunities in this emerging field.” The Hon Elizabeth Quat said, “The low-altitude economy will bring revolutionary changes to transportation, logistics, public services, and different industries, creating numerous job opportunities and new direction for the younger generation. These changes will also bring the public an unprecedented level of convenience and efficiency. However, we still need joint efforts from the government and all sectors of society to safely develop the low-altitude economy. Collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors is essential to drive breakthroughs and promote innovation in policies, systems, regulations, and technology. The LAEA will continue to work together with cities across the Greater Bay Area and different stakeholders to help the region become a global pioneer and demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy. It will also play the roles of both ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, supporting the nation’s low-altitude economy in reaching out to the world.” The first highlight of the Summit was a keynote speech by Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, with the theme “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy.” It was followed by two fireside chats. The first, moderated by Mr Kevin Choi, gathered officials from the Chinese Mainland, the European Union and Singapore, together with international enterprise representative to explore the policies and regulatory regime that support the low-altitude economy; the second, hosted by Prof. Christopher Chao and attended by scholars and industry leaders—including leading electric vertical take-off and landing and low-altitude systems developers—discussed how collaborative innovation across industry and academia can drive breakthroughs in and the translation of low-altitude flying and related technologies. Dr Bi Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, delivered a keynote speech, “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy”. In the afternoon, the Summit featured four thematic parallel sessions. “Sandbox Project Progress Sharing” showcased the progress of ongoing Sandbox projects and highlighted the pilot outcomes, key challenges and policy recommendations. “UTM and UAV Technology” spotlighted research on infrastructure design for unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM), integration with manned airspace, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and related safety mechanisms in the Greater Bay Area. “Policy and Regulation” discussed policy frameworks that foster low-altitude economy development, covering public–private collaboration models and regional integration. “Industry Forum” presented UAV innovations in hardware, software and systems, with live demonstrations and video showcases of their applications in public services. Another highlight of the Summit, an Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged, where nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented edge-cutting technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. These included a sentry drone system for early warning of GNSS interference, 5G-connected drone technology, a 5G drone integrated management cloud platform, an AI-powered aerial intelligence drone platform, an advanced wireless charger for drones, an integrated real-time precise point positioning-real-time kinematic infrastructure for cross-border low-altitude positioning and navigation in the Greater Bay Area, and drone-assisted urban logistics systems. An Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged during the Summit. Nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented cutting-edge technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and a core member Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU, introduced some of the University’s innovations. Providing all-round support for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy development  PolyU is committed to providing comprehensive support for low-altitude economy development in Hong Kong—from technology innovation, knowledge transfer and policy recommendations to talent cultivation. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The University last year established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) to advance interdisciplinary research that drives technological advancements in the field, while its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology has made policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government on various topics related to low-altitude economy. Meanwhile, PolyU is actively expanding its industry collaboration network, driving innovation and knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy. PolyU also this year launched a MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy to cultivate a variant talent pool for the sector.” Prof. Christopher Chao (centre), The Hon Elizabeth Quat (left) and Prof. CHEN Wen-hua, Interim Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous System , and Director of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU (right), attended the media briefing session. Prof. Christopher Chao shared key PolyU initiatives and plans to help promote the low-altitude economy. The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit demonstrated PolyU’s strong research capabilities, cross-sector collaboration network and advantages in knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy field. It also showcased the thriving low-altitude economy ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, enhanced Hong Kong’s international influence in this field and gathered expert insights on multiple critical topics—making a significant step towards the vision of propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.    ***END***

PolyU ranks 83rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings, maintaining top 100 place for five consecutive years

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has risen to rank 83rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, marking its fifth consecutive year among the world’s top 100 universities. This highlights PolyU’s overall strength and global impact in research, teaching and knowledge transfer, as well as its achievement in fostering an international academic environment. A total of 2,191 universities from 115 countries and territories were evaluated based on 18 indicators across five areas: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook and Industry. PolyU continued to perform well in several research-related indicators. Particularly, the University attained full scores in “Research Excellence” and “Research Productivity” for three consecutive years and has demonstrated excellent performance in various indicators, including “Research Strength” and “Research Influence”.  PolyU also achieved full scores in “Patents” for two consecutive years which measures the number of patents from any source that cite research conducted by the university. This remarkable achievement highlights PolyU’s dedicated commitment to knowledge transfer and its contribution to national economic development. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, said, “We are pleased with PolyU’s impressive performance in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, which reaffirms the University’s internationally recognised academic and research excellence. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer while strengthening its ties and collaborations with partners around the world. The University is dedicated to advancing world-leading research and innovation and attracting outstanding students from around the globe, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education and an international innovation and technology centre.” For more information on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, please visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking. ***END***

PolyU researchers uncover target and mechanism of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine, paving the way for new treatments for viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease

Tetrandrine, a compound isolated from the root of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Stephania tetrandra, has shown promise in combating Ebola virus infection in previous studies. Its precise mechanism of action, however, had remained unclear. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting the calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Tetrandrine is known for its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated calcium efflux, thereby suppressing the activity of the Ebola virus. Scientists have long believed that tetrandrine elicits its pharmacological activity by directly blocking calcium channels and their release of calcium, which is a key regulator of cellular function and physiology including immune response, metabolism, brain and neuron functions, and viral replication. Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has led his research team in using a specially designed photoaffinity probe alongside other advanced tools to visualise tetrandrine’s cellular target. They discovered that, instead of directly targeting the calcium channels, tetrandrine binds to the lysosomal integral membrane protein type-2 (LIMP-2) on the lysosome – the metabolic hub of the cell – and blocks the discharge of sphingosine from it. The team further found that it is the amount of cellular sphingosine that controls the activity of calcium channels: the less sphingosine released, the less calcium that can enter the cells. With this ground-breaking discovery, the researchers propose that tetrandrine can be used to disrupt processes critical to the survival and replication of viruses, such as Ebola and COVID-19, by targeting LIMP-2 to alter lysosomal calcium release. Importantly, these findings highlight lysosome-related mechanisms as a new frontier for drug discovery, offering novel strategies for treating diseases caused by calcium imbalance, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as certain metastatic cancers. Prof. Ko said, “This is the first time a function of LIMP-2 in calcium signalling has been uncovered. From a cell biology perspective, our study has revealed a completely new pathway for NAADP-regulated calcium signalling, through LIMP-2 and sphingosine. From an anti-viral treatment perspective, the study has identified LIMP-2 as a key target of tetrandrine for the treatment of Ebola virus infection, with broader applications in other antiviral therapies.” While illuminating tetrandrine’s biological mechanism, the research team has developed a technology platform that combines photoaffinity probe and multi-omics analysis. This platform not only facilitates studies of natural product biology, but also enables researchers to identify the molecular targets of other natural compounds, particularly those derived from TCM. By integrating modern analytical techniques with TCM, it modernises the use of natural products and expands their therapeutic potential in the fight against the most challenging diseases, supporting the development of innovative drugs. The research redefines how natural compounds, such as tetrandrine can be applied in modern therapeutic strategies. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Tetrandrine regulates NAADP-mediated calcium signaling through a LIMP-2-dependent and sphingosine-mediated mechanism.” ***END***

Chang’e-6 team wins IAF World Space Award with PolyU-developed space payloads supporting lunar far side sampling mission

At the opening ceremony of the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, the China National Space Administration’s Chang’e-6 team was awarded the prestigious World Space Award 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed critical engineering payloads for the Nation’s Chang’e-6 mission, contributing to the world’s first lunar far side sampling. As part of the team, the University is deeply honoured to have been instrumental in this historic achievement. PolyU was also recognised with the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award, becoming the first higher education institution in China and the East Asia region to receive this distinction—underscoring its achievements in fostering diversity and inclusion in the aerospace sector. The World Space Award is one of the highest honours in the field of international astronautics, often regarded as the “Oscar of Space”. Previously, China’s Chang’e-4 mission team and the Tianwen-1 probe development team received the same award in 2020 and 2022, respectively. This award to the Chang’e-6 mission team once again signifies China’s leading position in space exploration. Led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the PolyU research team collaborated closely with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” for the Chang’e-6 mission, and was involved in the design and manufacturing of key instruments. PolyU was the only Hong Kong university to have its in-house critical payloads aboard Chang’e-6. The System successfully soft-landed on the far side of the moon in 2024 and completed fully automated surface sampling and packaging tasks, achieving the historic feat of collecting samples from the lunar far side for the first time. Meanwhile, the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award conferred upon PolyU recognises the University’s commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its outstanding performance in promoting geography, generation and gender diversity within the aerospace sector. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU takes great pride in supporting the national aerospace team in achieving international accolades, and we are honoured to have received the 3G+ Diversity Award. This not only affirms the University’s research capabilities but also recognises its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. PolyU will continue to dedicate itself to innovative research and nurturing diverse talents, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the global community.” PolyU has actively participated in the national space exploration programme since 2010, providing key technologies for the Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and Chang’e-6 lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. In recent years, PolyU established the "Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations" to further advance space research. Since joining IAF in 2023, PolyU has been an active contributor to the International Astronautical Congress. This year, the University proudly presented nine cutting-edge space research projects, spanning low-Earth orbit navigation, planetary remote sensing, spacecraft fire suppression systems, advanced spacesuit design, and an AI-driven satellite imagery localization start-up founded by two of our international undergraduate students. PolyU remains committed to aerospace research and innovation, with the aim of contributing to national space exploration and development.   ***END***

428 PolyU scholars ranked among World's Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved outstanding results in the latest list of the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025, compiled by Stanford University. Notably, 259 scholars were included based on their career-long citation impact. Together with the scholars named for their single-year citation impact, a total of 428 PolyU scholars have, this year, been recognised. This places PolyU second among Hong Kong’s universities in terms of the number of scholars listed, underscoring the international recognition of the University’s research excellence. The career-long citation impact is calculated based on citations to scholars’ publications from 1960 to 2024. PolyU has the highest number of top 2% most-cited scientists worldwide in the sub-fields of Building and Construction and Operations Research. The University leads in Hong Kong with the most top 2% most-cited scientists across 25 sub-fields^, including Building and Construction; Materials; Energy; Civil Engineering; Optoelectronics & Photonics; Operations Research; Nursing; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Transports; Sport, Leisure and Tourism; Logistics and Transportation; Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences; Ophthalmology and Optometry; and Rehabilitation. In addition, four PolyU scholars rank among the global top 10 in their respective fields, namely Building and Construction; Operations Research; Geological and Geomatics Engineering; and Civil Engineering, while 19 scholars are ranked within the global top 50. This makes PolyU the leading local university in this respect, with the highest number of global top 10 and top 50 scholars. Furthermore, PolyU is the only institution in Hong Kong with scholars listed in the subfields of Criminology; Strategic, Defence and Security Studies; and Social Work, based on career-long citation impact. The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists is compiled by Stanford University based on composite indicators of publication impact, including total citations, citations to single-authored publications and the H-index. It covers 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields, and is divided into two lists in relation to scholars’ career-long citation and single-year citation impact, recognising their long-term and recent research impact. PolyU is committed to driving research and innovation, and this international recognition is a testament to the University’s dedication to pioneering research and talent cultivation. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, leveraging impactful research to address global challenges for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. ^ Including sub-fields in which PolyU is tied with other local institutions   ***END***