Media Releases

PolyU and HKAABJU co-organise “Together with Scientists” thematic event, featuring talks by Nobel laureates sharing their cutting-edge research ideas

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities (HKAABJU) co-organised the “Together with Scientists” thematic event, as part of the key events of the second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference 2025. Dr Elizabeth LEE,  HKAABJU President, accompanied Prof. Andre GEIM, 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics and Prof. Harvey James ALTER, 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to the PolyU campus, where the two Nobel laureates shared their outstanding research outcomes and unique insights in their respective fields of research during their keynote presentations. The event aimed to promote academic exchanges and inspire innovative thinking, attracting over 150 faculty members, students, scholars and researchers onsite, and more than 126,000 participants who joined online through various social media platforms to explore cutting-edge scientific issues. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President expressed his gratitude to Prof. Geim and Prof. Alter for sharing their invaluable insights with the participants. He added, “As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is dedicated to advancing its research endeavours. The University has established numerous research institutes and research centres, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research and, more recently, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence. PolyU is also actively pursuing the opportunity to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, with AI as a key enabler.” Prof. Geim delivered a keynote presentation on “Wonder Materials”, sharing applications of graphene. Together with physicist Konstantin Novoselov, he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking contributions to the study of two-dimensional graphene materials. He is Director of the Manchester Centre for Mesoscience and Nanotechnology, Director of the Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua–Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Royal Society and Foreign Academician of the National Academy of Sciences, the United States. His research interests range from nanomaterials to buoyancy quantum states. Prof. Alter shared his thoughts and experience on the theme “Roadmap to Success”. He was the co-recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with the virologists Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice for their contribution to the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus. His research proved that Hepatitis C is a separate viral disease and enabled development of testing methods that help ensure blood safety. His work has paved the way for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C, saving the lives of millions. During the subsequent panel discussion and Q&A session, the two speakers shared their insights on scientific research, encouraging the students and young researchers to continue to explore and advance in their academic pursuits. ***END***

PolyU’s study on Hong Kong neon signs culture receives Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Led by Prof. Brian KWOK Sze Hang, Associate Professor of PolyU Design, the project “Fading Neon Lights: An Archive of Hong Kong’s Visual Culture” has meticulously documented the visual culture of Hong Kong’s neon signs. The findings have been published in a book that captures the unique visual allure of neon signs through text and images, while also including details of the collection process. The team has preserved the visual aesthetics and craftsmanship of neon signs through photographic documentation, interviews with veteran neon masters and visits to neon light manufactories. In organising and analysing the data, the team has investigated their development and transformation, as well as the role of these signs in Hong Kong’s socio-cultural landscape, particularly the evolving relationship between streetscapes and consumer culture. The resulting archive, spanning over 60 years of history, showcases the originality, scale and completeness of this unique art form, providing a valuable reference for the history of Hong Kong’s design and arts, as well as its social, economic and cultural development. Prof. Kwok said, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, which highlights the impact of our research on the preservation of neon tube making and styling techniques — an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, and its contribution to fostering deeper understanding and inspiration in urban visual culture.” Prof. Kwok is a prominent figure in the field of design, with his work receiving widespread recognition. His research interests focus on user-centred design and visual culture, encompassing a broad range of areas, including health communication design, Chinese typography, wayfinding design, spatial representation in Hong Kong, and the visual culture of neon signs. Established by the MoE in 1995, the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) are the most prestigious in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China. They are awarded every three years to higher education institutions nationwide and aim to recognise researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences. ***END***

PolyU’s flagship International Future Challenge opens all competition regions to global technology innovators and startups

The PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with seven competition regions across Hong Kong and Mainland cities, is inviting technology talents, project teams and startups from across the globe to address industry challenges with their innovative solutions. PolyU recently held an Information Session for the Hong Kong Region, featuring experienced industry experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in various sectors. The IFC features a unique “1+N” framework with a main competition region in Hong Kong, alongside multiple regions across six Mainland cities, including Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang. This marks the first time PolyU elevates its Future Challenges to an international level, opening to projects and teams worldwide. International teams are welcome to apply as long as they team up with members of the PolyU community, license PolyU technologies, or land on the incubation centres of PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs). In partnership with leading domestic enterprises and PolyU’s MTRIs, IFC ensures participants to have access to diverse resources and opportunities, including trips to Mainland China, consultation and corporate visits for shortlisted teams. Selected teams will have the opportunity to embark on overseas journeys to enhance their international experience. With an Open Track for all competition regions, the Hong Kong and Jinjiang Regions also uniquely offer a Student Track to engage students with high potential and interest in entrepreneurship. Participating students will benefit from a variety of activities, including comprehensive training sessions and immersive exploratory tours in multiple regions and countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Xinjiang and the Greater Bay Area, with a view of broadening their perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation. The cash prize across seven competition regions totals over HK$ 2 million. Winning teams from each region will compete in the finals for a grand prize of up to HK$ 500,000, as well as receive funding for trial and adoption, and comprehensive entrepreneurial support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem. The focus areas of each competition region are aligned with local industry needs and priority areas of PolyU’s MTRIs. The domains of each competition region are listed below: Competition Regions Domains Hong Kong Fintech and Insurtech, Information and Communications Technology, Cargo and Travel, Sports, Health Huizhou Spatial Computing and Imaging, Manufacturing, New Energy and Materials, Fashion and Textiles, AI integrated with any of these Wenzhou Advanced Manufacturing, New Energy, Marine Engineering, Soft and Flexible Electronics, AI integrated with any of these Qianhai in Shenzhen Metaverse, AR/VR, Intelligent Wearable, Health, AI integrated any of these Shanghai Blockchain, AI integrated with Medical, Low Altitude Economy, Digital Transformation, AI integrated with any of these Nanjing Healthcare, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Rehabilitation Technology, Internet of Things, AI integrated with any of these Jinjiang Textile and Fashion Technology, Future Food, Microelectronics, Tourism Management, Healthcare, AI integrated with any of these During the Information Session, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) said, “As PolyU’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, the IFC is committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of innovators. It integrates education, translation of research outcomes, incubation and investment for startups, creating a holistic platform for budding entrepreneurs.” He also encouraged innovative talents and startups worldwide to embrace the excellent opportunities offered by the IFC and become part of the driving forces to advance the economic development of participating regions and cities. In addition to sponsorship from PolyU’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, IFC boasts an expanding list of sponsors, including NYSE-listed Waterdrop Inc. founded by Outstanding PolyU Alumnus Dr SHEN Peng; Flair Capital Limited founded by alumnus Mr Benny CHAN Yik-chung; Suzhou Kowloon Hospital; CHINT Group Co., Ltd; Xinjiang Xiangfu. Apart from sponsors, IFC has gained support from partners such as Cathay Pacific Airways; Nike; and NTT Com Asia. Both sponsors and partners will provide their real-world problem statements for participants to develop demand-driven solutions. Four experienced industry representatives from these organisations shared the latest development and pain points in the fields of healthcare, air cargo, fintech, insurtech, sports technology and information and communications technology during the Information Session. For more details about the IFC, please visit the official website. The Information Session of the Hong Kong Region of the PolyU International Future Challenge attracted a full house. ***END***

PolyU wins 36 accolades at International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva; Showcasing research excellence and innovation capabilities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won a total of 36 accolades at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention. This remarkable achievement highlights the University’s strong research capabilities and commitment to innovation on the global stage. 33 PolyU innovations seized 36 accolades, including 2 Special Prizes, 10 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 8 Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals, 4 Bronze Medals and 1 Special Merit Award. Among them, 2 were developed by the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo. Reflecting PolyU’s long-standing commitment to industry collaboration, two projects co-developed with MTR Corporation and The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) respectively were also granted awards. The project titled “Surface Sampling and Packing System for Chang’e-5 and -6 Lunar Sample Return Missions”, developed by the research team led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering, in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology, garnered the Saudi Arabia Award for Excellence in Innovation – Ministry of Education Prize and a Gold Medal with Jury Commendation. This is the first space-qualified robotic Sampling and automatic packaging system of its kind, and had successfully collected over 1.5kg of surface samples on the lunar front side and 1.6kg on the far side. On the Chang’e-6 mission, this system also marked the first-ever lunar far-side surface sampling. Another project titled “Hearing Hope: A Smart Sensor for Enhanced Safety and Precision in Hearing Restoration Procedures”, developed by the research team led by Prof. TAM Haw Yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, won the Thailand Award for Best International Invention and Innovation as well as a Gold Medal with Jury Commendation. This medical device enhances surgical precision and reduces trauma in cochlear implantation by incorporating an optical fibre sensor within the electrode array.  Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), attended the award ceremony in Geneva to support the participating teams and startups. He also presented the “Hong Kong Polytechnic University Award” and the “International Strategic Technology Alliance Global Innovation and Invention Award (ISTA)” on stage. Prof. Chao remarked, “I am immensely proud of PolyU’s remarkable achievements at this year’s Exhibition. These projects exemplify PolyU’s research and entrepreneurial strength across diverse disciplines and demonstrate how our researchers combine visionary thinking with cutting-edge technologies to shine on the international stage. Their accomplishments reinforce our commitment to translating innovative knowledge into impactful solutions and motivates us to pursue further breakthroughs for the betterment of society and humanity more broadly.” This year, PolyU’s award-winning projects span a broad range of fields, including life sciences and healthcare, vision and eye health, engineering, ultra-precision machining, and green technology, demonstrating the University’s advantages and potential in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology.  PolyU possesses strong capabilities in the interdisciplinary field of biomedical engineering, bringing together top-tier research teams dedicated to seamlessly combining engineering innovations with medical applications. The University’s cutting-edge research covers areas such as smart medical devices, biomaterials, and rehabilitation technologies, illustrating its solid foundation and potential to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. At this year’s Exhibition of Inventions, PolyU not only showcased advanced research breakthroughs but also provided a platform for technology commercialisation, promoting the translation of laboratory innovations into market-ready products. As a pioneer in innovation and entrepreneurship, PolyU actively fosters a vibrant start-up ecosystem. Among this year’s award-winning teams, 13 were PolyU startups. Through the University’s flagship startup ecosystem “PolyVentures”, PolyU has nurtured over 500 active start-ups, including 2 listed companies, 3 unicorns and 25 ponies, underscoring the University’s leadership in research commercialisation and entrepreneurial impact. The 50th Geneva Inventions Expo attracted over a thousand entries from close to 40 countries and regions. PolyU’s award-winning projects are listed below. To learn more about these impactful projects, please refer to the Appendix or visit the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.   Project Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) Surface Sampling and Packing System for Chang’e-5 and -6 Lunar Sample Return Missions 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 Saudi Innovation Excellence Prize - Ministry of Education Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Hearing Hope: A Smart Sensor for Enhanced Safety and Precision in Hearing Restoration Procedures Prof. TAM Haw Yaw  Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Associate Director, Photonics Research Institute (PRI)  Thailand Award for the Best International Invention & Innovation Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury   Seeing the Invisible: Generating Non-invasive Angiography as an Alternative to Invasive Retinal Examinations Dr SHI Danli Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry Special Merit Award from French Inventors Federation and Europe-France Inventors   Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury A Customisable Wearable Saliva Sensing Platform Prof. YAN Feng Associate Director, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Chair Professor of Organic Electronics, Department of Applied Physics Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Smart Fire Extinguisher for Spacecraft Prof. HUANG Xinyan  Associate Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering; Co-founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury CO2-driven Superhydrophobic Carbon-sink Concrete Prof. POON Chi Sun Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering; Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials; Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Highly Integrated Wireless Ultrasonic Motor System for Fully Enclosed Environments Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury High-efficiency GaN Converter Module for Wireless Power Transfer Facilities Prof. LIU Wei Lucian Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Highly Efficient Brushless Dual-rotor Contra-rotating Wind Power Generation System Prof. NIU Shuangxia Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury SweatMD: Health-monitoring Wearable Sweat Sensor Prof. SHOU Dahua Associate Director, PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Associate Director of Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion; Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies; Associate Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles  Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Radome Assessment and Transmission Test System (RATTS) Mr Robert VOYLE Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC) Gold Medal  A Multi-objective Yaw-control System for Wind Farm Optimisation Based on Novel 3D Wake Model Prof. YANG Hongxing Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering  Gold Medal AI-empowered Digital Twin for Smart Building Management Prof. XIAO Fu Associate Dean, Faculty of Construction and Environment; Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Gold Medal Multi-mode Optical Characterisation Interferometer (MOCI) Prof. CHEUNG Chi-fai Benny Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Director, State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology Gold Medal Smart Structural Integrity Monitoring Syste Prof. WONG Man Sing Charles Associate Dean, Faculty of Construction and Environment; Associate Director, Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development; Professor, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Mr CHAN Pak Kwan Managing Director & Co-founder, LeafIoT Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Artificial Reef for Oyster Reef Restoration in Topological Approach Mr Dean CHAN Alumnus, School of Design; Engineer, Team Orz Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Behaviour Recognition Method, Device and Wearable Device Prof.  HE Mingguang  Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology, School of Optometry; Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision Dr TO Yuen Ying Elaine Postdoctoral Fellow in Ophthalmology, School of Optometry Gold Medal Eye-on-a-chip Device Dr ZHOU Liping  Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; Director, Eyenova Biotech Limited (a PolyU startup)  Dr PHAN Chau-Minh  Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry and Vision Science, UWaterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research;  Director, Eyenova Biotech Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Last-centimetre Drone Delivery in Urban Environments   Prof.  HUANG Hailong  Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Silver Medal IHAC Film: Intelligent Humidity Control and Atmospheric Water Collection Film Prof. YAN Jinyue Jerry Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Silver Medal Intelligent Construction Site Layout Design Platform     Dr WANG Dong Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Building and Real Estate; Founder, ICC (Hong Kong) Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal AI-based Railway Obstacle Intrusion Detection System with Multimodal Transformers Prof. NI Yiqing Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures; Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit; Director, National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch); Director, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute Silver Medal LungRT Pro: Advanced Radiotherapy Support System     Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Technical Advisor, InsightRT Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Virtual Patient Simulation System Prof. CHAN Wing Chi Lawrence Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Founder, Advantage Data Vision Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal EmoFriends Prof. WANG Jia Stephen  Professor, School of Design Silver Medal The EyeFatigue Tracker: Exploring Visual Health through Wearable Devices and Deep-Learning Technology Dr CHEN Yanxian Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry Silver Medal STARS: Smartphone AI Refraction System Prof. DO Chi Wai Associate Professor, School of Optometry Prof. Grace NGAI Associate Professor, Department of Computing Silver Medal Biomimetics Nanoplatform for the Treatment of Retinal Diseases   Prof. DO Chi Wai  Associate Professor, School of Optometry; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Prof. Emmanuel HO Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Silver Medal Wellsees Orthokeratology Contact Lens Dr Jason Ki-Kit LAU Technical Director, Wellsees Technologies Co Ltd Mr Roger Jing ZHANG  Founder, Wellsees Technologies Co., Ltd.  Prof. Chea-su KEE  Head, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Co-Founder, Wellsees Technologies Co., Ltd.  Dr Andy WANG  Associate Professor, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University;  Co-Founder, Wellsees Technologies Co., Ltd. (a PolyU startup)   Silver Medal Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft Prof. Elmer Dai Fei KER Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering  Bronze Medal Advanced Self-cleaning Oil Fume Purification System for Commercial Kitchens Prof. LEE Shun Cheng  Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Technical Advisor, AeroGreen Technology Company Limited (a PolyU startup) Dr LI Xinwei Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Founder, AeroGreen Technology Company Limited (a PolyU startup)  Dr HAN Shuwen Alumnus, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Chief Technology Officer, AeroGreen Technology Company Limited (a PolyU startup)  Bronze Medal Next-generation Sportswear with Polylactic Acid, Auxetic Knitting Structure and Ergonomic Design Prof. Erin CHO Dean and Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion, School of Fashion and Textiles; Advisor, Leopitorca Global Limited (a PolyU startup)  Bronze Medal 3D-printed Superior Light and Breathable Wearable Textiles Prof. JIANG Shou-xiang Kinor Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles  Bronze Medal   ***END***

PolyU research reveals sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing

With the global prevalence of obesity on the rise, it is crucial to explore the neural mechanisms linked to obesity and its influence on brain and cognitive health. However, the impact of obesity on the brain is complex and multilevel. To address this, Prof. Anqi QIU, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Global STEM Scholar, has unveiled novel research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and its implications for cognitive health in adults. Obesity is implicated in brain and cognitive health, but the long-term impact of obesity trajectories on brain and cognitive ageing remains insufficiently understood. Most existing research primarily relies on cross-sectional samples, making it difficult to distinguish between chronic and temporary obesity. It is also unclear whether varying levels of obesity over time affect brain anatomy and function differently. Importantly, Prof. Qiu’s research addresses these gaps by conducting a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories and their impacts on brain and cognitive health in adults. Drawing on multifaceted obesity measurements from the UK Biobank, the study identifies five distinct obesity trajectories: low-stable, moderate-stable, high-stable, increasing and decreasing. Significantly, the study examines how these obesity patterns influence brain morphology, function and cognition in middle-aged and older adults, offering deeper insights into their long-term neurological effects. Notably, individuals in the decreasing trajectory showed minimal adverse effects on brain structure and cognitive performance compared to those in the low-stable group. In contrast, the increasing, moderate-stable, and high-stable trajectories were associated with progressively greater impairment in brain structure, functional connectivity, and cognitive abilities. Specifically, these adverse effects began in the fronto-mesolimbic regions for the increasing trajectory, extended to parietal and temporal regions in the moderate-stable group, and ultimately led to widespread brain abnormalities in the high-stable group. The research highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health, underscoring the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management of obesity through a multifaceted approach. It reveals a distinct, progressive pattern of brain deterioration linked to obesity, suggesting that sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing. These findings indicate that persistent obesity could serve as a potential biomarker for assessing brain ageing. Therefore, reducing both the severity and duration of obesity exposure may be crucial for preserving brain health. Prof. Qiu said, “As the ageing population grows, there has been a notable rise in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others, that currently lack a cure. This research proposes that maintaining long-term weight control can contribute to improved brain health.” Looking ahead, the research team plans to integrate multi-omics approaches to explore the biological pathways that influence both brain and body health. The research, “Long-term obesity impacts brain morphology, functional connectivity and cognition in adults” has been published in Nature Mental Health. The study extracted obesity measure, brain images and cognition from the UK Biobank database, which comprised over 500,000 participants aged 40 years and above with diverse ethnic backgrounds. ***END***

PolyU and CSU.CAS sign framework agreement to drive innovation in international space technology development

Chinese version only

PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy co-organise “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” to nurture talent and promote sustainable railway development across Belt and Road countries and beyond

To foster exchanges and nurture talents in the railway industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy (MTRA) are leveraging their respective strengths in academia, research, and railway operations to co-organise the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” (the Programme). The collaboration establishes a cross-regional knowledge-sharing platform to advance railway development in Belt and Road countries and regions and enhance industry excellence. The Programme officially launched on 7 April 2025, with 44 senior railway executives and scholars from 13 countries and regions participating. The Programme marks the first joint initiative under a three-year cooperation agreement signed by the three parties. With the theme of “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies”, the Programme offers a series of thematic lectures and interactive seminars as well as visits to railway operators and academic institutions in both Hong Kong and Beijing including MTR’s depot and training centre, the PolyU’s Smart Railway Research Laboratory and BJTU’s research facilities. Industry veterans, scholars and railway specialists will share the latest developments and their extensive experience in the field, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the entire lifecycle of railway projects - from planning and development to operations management, with a focus on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as digitalisation, automation and green energy. The opening ceremony of the Programme was held yesterday (7 April) at the MTRA, officiated by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. BAI Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, Ms Margaret CHENG, President of MTRA, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTRA. Prof. HC Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU possesses leading research capabilities in the field of smart railways. We are delighted to collaborate with MTRA and BJTU on this Programme, sharing our cutting-edge research with industry professionals and experts from around the world. We look forward to driving further innovation through this partnership, establishing connections and networks with more countries and regions, thereby contributing to railway development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Prof. Bai Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, remarked, “BJTU is deeply honoured to co-organise this Programme with MTRA and PolyU. As a key talent cultivation and research innovation base in China’s railway sector, BJTU looks forward to leveraging this Programme to share its expertise in operations and management with global peers, explore cutting-edge industry trends, and promote technological innovation and international collaboration in sustainable railways, with a view to contributing wisdom and strength toward building a green, low-carbon, and inter-connected intelligent transportation system.” Dr Mark Ho, Dean of MTRA, remarked, “Bringing together academic excellence from leading universities and invaluable industry expertise from a railway operator, the Programme provides an in-depth exploration of railway planning, operations, and the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of railways. More importantly, it serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among railway professionals, government authorities and academic researchers. I hope this tripartite collaboration can help to build a stronger and more connected railway community to meet the growing demands of the global transport network and promote sustainable urban development.” The Programme runs from 7 to 19 April in Hong Kong and Beijing. For details, please refer to the following website. Participants include representatives from Australia, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong. ***END***

PolyU hosts Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences Launch Ceremony cum Academic Forum; Promoting interdisciplinary research and future AI computing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in support of the HKSAR Government’s initiative to expand the local talent pool in innovation and technology, officially established its tenth academic unit this year — the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS). The Faculty aims to drive cutting-edge research and education in applied mathematics, computing, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), injecting new momentum into economic development. PolyU held the launch ceremony and academic forum for the new Faculty today. Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, of the HKSAR Government, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with University senior management, officiated at the Ceremony. Distinguished guests joined the event to celebrate the Faculty’s establishment. An academic forum themed “Future AI Computing” was also held, bringing together leading experts and scholars to explore current trends and future applications of AI. With emerging technologies rapidly transforming society, the AI era has created an urgent demand for talent and technical expertise. In response, PolyU launched FCMS this January, bringing together the resources and strengths of three academic departments — the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Computing and the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, including master’s programmes covering AI and big data computing, blockchain technology, and metaverse technologies. FCMS is committed to nurturing forward-looking and practically skilled technology talent. In his speech, Prof. Sun Dong said, “The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to enlarge the I&T talent pool and equip our young people with skills needed for the future.  We continue to proactively promote science and mathematics education and strengthen digital education so as to provide talent support for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.  Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in I&T fields will continue to grow.  The new faculty will certainly play a pivotal role in meeting this ever-increasing demand to nurture the future generation of talent in the era of AI and digital transformation.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. At PolyU, one of our key strengths lies in our ability to respond to the evolving demands of society and industry. The establishment of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences will enable us to address the growing need for talent and technology in the era of artificial intelligence. The new Faculty will serve as a robust platform for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to drive technological progress for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Prof. Changwen CHEN, Interim Dean of FCMS and Chair Professor of Visual Computing, stated, “As a world-class research university, PolyU has introduced ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics’ (AIDA) to the undergraduate curriculum in 2022, the first in the world to integrate compulsory AI education into the undergraduate curriculum. As is well-known, the advancement of Data Science and AI is driven by two foundations: Computing and Mathematics, which also form the distinctive foundation of this new Faculty.” Following the inauguration ceremony, the academic forum featured distinguished speakers including Prof. MA Yi, Director and Chair Professor of the Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science at The University of Hong Kong; Prof. YAO Xin, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of Lingnan University; Dr MEI Tao, Founder and CEO of HiDream.ai; and Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of FCMS at PolyU. The panellists shared insights on the future of AI development, education and practical implementation, inspiring attendees to consider the boundless potential of future technologies. PolyU also recently established the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), which will provide opportunities for researchers from a wide range of disciplines to collaborate with researchers from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Together, they will develop AI models with deep domain expertise for various professions, elevating Hong Kong as a global hub for Generative AI development. In the near future, PolyU will also establish the Language Education Institute to lead the transformation of language education among university students using AI and other technologies. Last month, PolyU submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school. The proposal aims to integrate PolyU’s strengths in health technologies, engineering and AI, alongside its experience in training over 50,000 healthcare professionals over the past 45 years, to nurture a new generation of technologically proficient and compassionate doctors for the AI-driven healthcare landscape. For more information about the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fcms/   ***END***  

PolyU establishes Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure with support from Otto Poon Charitable Foundation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), a pioneering strategic research institute focused on global climate change, with the staunch support of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation. The Research Institute aims to be a global leader in the research and development of resilient and sustainable solutions for urban areas and rural communities to mitigate the challenges brought about by global climate change. PolyU held an Opening Ceremony and Forum today at Hotel ICON that drew nearly 300 participants, including faculty members, students and industry experts. RICRI brings together a distinguished collaborative network of renowned experts from Mainland institutions including Tsinghua University, Nanjing University and Beijing Normal University, alongside Hong Kong government departments and industry partners. The Research Institute will serve as an interdisciplinary research platform to build an effective and integrated scientific think-tank, aiming to foster deep integration across government, industry, academia and research for the advancement and application of sustainable development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The establishment of RICRI represents a landmark milestone in PolyU’s endeavour to address the urgent realities of climate change. This visionary initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, and we are deeply grateful to Dr Otto Poon for his strong support and commitment to advancing research and innovation in climate resilience. Dr Poon is an outstanding alumnus of PolyU, a University Fellow, and has been a long-standing supporter of PolyU’s development, empowering our University to make significant contributions for the betterment of society.” Ir Dr Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation and PolyU University Fellow, said during the ceremony, “Climate change is becoming an increasingly severe global challenge. All sectors of society must work together to enhance infrastructure resilience through scientific research and innovative technologies. I am pleased to support the establishment of RICRI and hope it will become a world-leading research centre for climate-adaptive resilient infrastructure in both urban and suburban areas, the promotion of innovation, exchange of policy development, and establishment of guidelines, standards and good practices of infrastructures for Hong Kong, the Nation and the global community.” Speaking at the event, Mr TSE Chin-wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the Government’s strategies and measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, along with efforts to enhance climate adaptation and resilience. He also highlighted advancements in green technology and finance. He said, “Building a climate-resilient city is important—not only for protecting our properties but also our lives. As we celebrate the establishment of RICRI, let us work together to build a climate-resilient Hong Kong and a new ecological civilisation for us and our children.” RICRI is led by Prof. Xiang-dong LI, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development. The Institute focuses on four key research areas: climate change and extreme weather; urban infrastructure and resilience; rural community and disaster mitigation; climate-resilient policy and implementation. The forum held alongside the inauguration explored a wide range of topics, including: monitoring and prediction of extreme climate events in Hong Kong and surrounding regions; monitoring and adaptation of civil infrastructure towards resilience; urban resilience enhancement for energy-building-transport-water sector synergization toolbox; nature-based solutions for urban infrastructure resilience and water disaster management; resilience of rural infrastructure and communities to climate change; and intelligent platform and toolbox for urban infrastructure resilience. In support of the University’s research endeavours in the areas of smart city and sustainable energy, the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation has in recent years contributed to the establishment of two research institutes at the University — the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) — as well as two endowed professorships for related disciplines. The establishment of RICRI further strengthens PolyU’s research capabilities in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience, advancing the pursuit of sustainable development. RICRI will offer research schemes and funding support in the field of climate-resilient infrastructure, including the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Distinguished Lecture Series (CRIDLS), the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship (CRIF) and the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Research Scheme (CRIRS). For more information about the Research Institute, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ricri/ Ir Dr Otto Poon hopes that RICRI will foster deep integration across government, industry, academia and research for the advancement and application of sustainable development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the government’s strategies and measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, along with efforts to enhance climate adaptation and resilience. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said the establishment of RICRI represents a landmark milestone in PolyU’s endeavour to address the urgent realities of climate change. Dr ZHOU Jinfeng, Founding President and Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, extended congratulations on behalf of Mr Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, on the establishment of RICRI. RICRI is led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development. A forum was held alongside the opening ceremony, attracting hundreds of faculty members, students, and industry experts. ***END***

PolyU-nurtured biopharmaceutical start-up ABRAM accepted by Roche Accelerator

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrates the acceptance of ABRAM Therapeutics Limited (ABRAM), a start-up co-founded by a PolyU scholar, into the Roche Accelerator. This marks the first time a Hong Kong-based start-up being welcomed by this prestigious innovation hub. Nurtured within the PolyVentures start-up ecosystem, ABRAM focuses on its ground-breaking drug candidate, ABarginase, for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. This milestone will significantly advance the development of the drug, paving the way for its clinical application to benefit patients worldwide. The start-up was co-founded by Prof. Thomas LEUNG Yun-chung, Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Director of University Research Facility in Life Sciences, along with Prof. Alisa SHUM Sau-wun, Associate Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to further develop and commercialise ABarginase, the breakthrough outcome of their joint research project. ABarginase is the result of innovative drug design and advanced protein engineering. Employing a long-acting formulation to provide sustained therapeutic effects, this next-generation recombinant human arginase offers enhanced efficacy with reduced dosing frequency. Preclinical data demonstrates ABarginase’s remarkable potential to promote substantial weight loss, restore healthy body composition, reverse insulin resistance, and alleviate inflammation. These properties address the underlying causes of obesity-related chronic diseases, heralding a transformative approach to the effective treatment of metabolic diseases. ABarginase has been awarded the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations Best Invention Award and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 48th International Exhibition of Invention Geneva. Roche, one of the world’s largest biotech companies and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop transformative and innovative solutions across major disease areas. Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, neurology and cardiovascular, renal and metabolism. As Roche’s first in-house accelerator globally, the Roche Accelerator provides tailor-made support for member start-ups in pharma, diagnostics, personalised healthcare, and digital and AI-driven healthcare. With “disruptive innovation” as a key selection criterion, Roche Accelerator accepts fewer than 5% of its applicants. By joining Roche Accelerator, ABRAM gains access to Roche’s extensive expertise and resources, which will expedite the clinical development of ABarginase, facilitating the translation of this cutting-edge therapy from laboratory research to clinical application. Prof. Leung said, “Joining this distinguished innovation ecosystem as the first Hong Kong-based start-up is a significant honour for our team and a testament to the collaborative research efforts between PolyU and CUHK. We believe that the strategic collaboration between Roche and ABRAM, along with the resources of a multinational pharmaceutical company and Hong Kong’s strengths in basic scientific research, will accelerate the clinical translation of ABarginase.” Prof. Shum added, “Our mission aligns seamlessly with Roche’s vision of ‘doing now what patients need next’. With the mentorship and resources provided by the Roche Accelerator, we are better positioned to make ABarginase available to millions of patients struggling with obesity.” Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated ABRAM, stating, “ABRAM’s achievement validates our efforts in empowering researchers and start-ups in translating research discoveries into impactful real-world solutions. It exemplifies how cross-institutional collaborations can lead to the birth of game-changing biopharmaceutical technologies. We look forward to seeing ABarginase make a positive impact on global healthcare and will continue to support PolyU start-ups in their pursuit of innovation, enabling more life-saving and life-enhancing technologies to reach the market and benefit humanity.” PolyU is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing the next-generation of entrepreneurs eager to tackle societal challenges with innovative solutions. Through PolyVentures, PolyU supports its start-ups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. To date, it has nurtured over 500 start-ups, including four unicorns. ***END***