Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science 2024

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce that Prof. Liu Dongsheng has been awarded as Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Science. The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science (FS) aims to give recognition to outstanding graduates of FS for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. We are pleased to announce the result as follows:   Professor LIU Dongsheng Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Science Prof. Liu Dongsheng earned his PhD in Chemistry from PolyU in 2002, and he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University. Prof. Liu has published 150 papers, which have garnered over 7000 citations, and the filing of 10 patents. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Prof. Liu has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2011) and a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (2020). He has also been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Chinese Academician election. His accolades include the 100 Talent Program Awards of CAS (2005), the First CCS-RSC Young Scientist Award (2009), the 7th CCS-BASF Youth Innovation Prize (2014), and the Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professorship (2016). Prof. Liu has played a significant role in the academic community, serving as an editor or deputy editor for several esteemed journals. His leadership and influence have also been instrumental in nominating PolyU colleagues for fellowship in professional bodies, including the FRSC and FCCS.   Please join us in congratulating Prof. Liu on this well-deserved award.

Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2024 of Department of ABCT

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce the recipients of the Department of ABCT for the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awards 2024. These awards aim to acknowledge exceptional graduates of PolyU who have excelled in their respective fields, demonstrated active support for their alma mater, and made significant contributions to the broader community.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals for receiving the Department's Outstanding Alumni Award: Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2024 - Scholarly Achievement Professor LIU Dongsheng Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Doctor of Philosophy (2002)   Prof. Liu Dongsheng graduated with a B.S. degree in Polymer Sciences from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1993. He then worked as a research associate at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where he earned his Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry in 1999. From 1999 to 2002, he pursued his Ph.D. studies on self-templated DNA circularization at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University under the supervision of Professor Albert S. C. Chan. In 2003, he joined the Chemistry Department of Cambridge University as a postdoctoral research associate, working on DNA nanotechnology with Professor Shankar Balasubramanian.   In 2005, Prof. Liu joined the National Centre for NanoScience and Technology, China, as a principal investigator. In June 2009, he moved to the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University as a full professor. His accolades include the 1st “CCS-RSC Young Chemist Award” in 2008 and the 7th CCS-BASF Youth Innovation Prize in 2014. He was invited as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2011, became a “Changjiang” Chair Professor in 2015, and was named a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS) in 2020.   Prof. Liu's research primarily focuses on the assembly of DNA and its hybrids, hydrogels, and DNA/RNA drugs and delivery. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the field of DNA nanotechnology and polymer sciences, making substantial contributions to both academic research and practical applications.   Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2024 - Scholarly Achievement Dr. FU Zhongjie Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (2007)   Dr. Fu Zhongjie received the University Grants Committee Scholarship for Outstanding Mainland Students in 2004 and joined the Applied Biology with Biotechnology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After graduation, she pursued her Ph.D. studies in Ophthalmology at The University of Hong Kong. Her graduate research focused on the effects of aldose reductase deficiency in a well-established mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, modeling retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a common complication in premature infants. During these studies, she became aware of the importance of altered cell metabolism in retinal disorders.   As a postdoctoral fellow in Ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Fu continued investigating the role of nutrient supply and lipid metabolism in ROP and other retinal metabolic disorders. In 2019, she established her own laboratory as an Assistant Professor, aiming to explore the effects of nutrient supplementation on retinal vascular homeostasis in ROP and key modulators in retinal lipid processing. Her research seeks to expand our current understanding of retinal metabolism and provide the fundamental basis for the translational application of nutrients in patients with neurovascular retinal diseases.   Congratulations to our distinguished alumni for their remarkable achievements and contributions to their fields and society!

Department of ABCT and Our Scholar, Prof. Thomas Leung, Honoured as Awardees for the Inaugural PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023

We are delighted to announce that the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and our scholar, Prof. Thomas Leung, have been honoured with the prestigious PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023. This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional achievements of our department and our scholar in the field of intellectual property (IP) filing and innovation.   The PolyU Patents Achievement Award was launched this year to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of departments and inventors engaged in IP filing. This scheme encompasses two categories of awards, namely the "Top Patents Filing Award" and the "Most Active Patents Filing Award." The former evaluates the IP filing activities over the past five years, while the latter focuses on the IP filing activities within the award year. We are thrilled to share the achievements of our department in both categories.   We are proud to announce the following awards received by our department:   Awards Unit/Awardees Top Patents Filing Award 2023 (Department) Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Most Active Patents Filing Award 2023 (Department) Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Top Patents Filing Award (Inventor) Prof. LEUNG Yun Chung, Thomas   These awards highlight the relentless efforts and innovative spirit of our department members, researchers, and students. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in making these accomplishments possible.   We remain committed to fostering an environment that promotes intellectual property protection, innovation, and technological advancements. The recognition we have received motivates us to continue our pursuit of research excellence and contribute to society through impactful inventions and discoveries.   Once again, congratulations to the Department of ABCT and Prof. Thomas Leung for being honored as awardees for the inaugural PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023! 

ABCT Retreat 2024

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology successfully held a departmental retreat in Zhongshan from June 20 to June 21, 2024. The retreat aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote strategic development within the department. During the retreat, members of the department were divided into groups to allow for in-depth discussions on research sharing. The department also had the privilege of visiting the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. The visit included a presentation by experts from the institute, followed by a discussion on potential research and development collaborations. This experience has ignited the department's commitment to innovation and opened doors for potential collaborations. The department extends its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement, which contributed to the retreat's success. The outcomes of this retreat will shape the department's strategic plans, fostering further collaboration and ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the department. More details on the event photos can be found at the following link: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/abct/news-and-events/photo-gallery/abct-retreat-2024/    

Seminar on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability

We are pleased to announce that the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification and the Hong Kong Association for Testing, Inspection, and Certification jointly organized a successful seminar on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability on 11 April 2024. The seminar delved into the challenges faced by businesses in relation to ESG and sustainability, covering key topics such as managing ESG-related data and strategies to meet reporting and regulatory requirements.   Prof. Yu Wing-yiu, Michael, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, was invited as a distinguished speaker at the seminar. Prof. Yu presented on the topic "How the TIC industry helps organizations to achieve and demonstrate Carbon Neutrality." He emphasized that carbon neutrality is grounded in science, and testing and certification bodies serve as independent third-party assessors to ensure objective and accurate results, providing secure quality assurance for various industries.   The seminar generated an enthusiastic response from the participants, with an engaging Q&A session that proved to be highly beneficial for all attendees. The exchange of ideas and knowledge further enriched the discussions on ESG and sustainable practices.

PolyU startup to showcase innovative product at BIO 2024

YnnoMed Limited, a PolyU startup co-founded by Dr Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, is set to make its mark at the highly anticipated BIO International Convention 2024 (BIO 2024) in California next week. As the world's largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology, the convention provides an ideal platform for YnnoMed to unveil its groundbreaking drug candidates. The drug R&D startup has successfully developed a new class of antibiotic agents and obtained patents in several key regions, including the United States, mainland China, Europe, and Japan. Dr Ma said they target to obtain Food and Drug Administration accreditation for the new product, and to commence clinical trials in 2026. With its potential to revolutionize the field of antibiotic treatments, YnnoMed is poised to make waves at this prestigious event and shape the future of biotechnology.

PolyU research project in new materials and new energy receives funding from RAISe+ Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government held the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme Signing Ceremony on 28 May 2024 and announced the results of the Scheme’s first round of review. A research project from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded RAISe+ funding, showcasing the University’s commitment to promoting excellence in research and innovation, and to creating impact in the community by translating its world-class scientific research into real-world applications. The funded project, titled “Pilot and Mass Production of Next-Generation Composite Current Collectors for Mobility and Energy Storage Batteries (New Materials and New Energy)”, is led by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. This project aims to develop an ultrathin, ultralight, flexible and durable composite film to serve as a current collector (CC) for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and future solid-state Li batteries, aiming at boosting their energy density. The CC is an essential component for the conduction of electrons during the charge/discharge process in LIBs. However, CCs do not contribute to the energy storage in batteries. Therefore, reducing their thickness and weight is an efficient approach to improving the energy density of batteries, a consistent goal in the battery industry over the past decades. Currently, commercial LIBs use copper and aluminum foils as CCs in the anode and the cathode, respectively, the densities of which are thus high. Further reduction of the thickness or weight of metal foils has encountered a bottleneck due to mechanical reliability and processibility. The composite CC developed by the group is 80%~85% lighter and 65%~80% thinner than the current metal foils, with a cost reduction of 40%~60%. Importantly, compared to metal foils, the composite CC better maintains electron and thermal conductivity, chemical and electrochemical stability, and compatibility with various electrode materials. It increases the gravimetric energy density of LIBs by 20%~25% and the volumetric energy density by 9%~12%.  

ABCT Undergraduate Students Embark on an Inspiring Study Trip to Taiwan

A group of 26 ABCT undergraduate students, led by Prof. Zhao Yanxiang, Associate Head of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Professor, Dr Ben Ko, Associate Professor, Dr Pele Chong, Dr Gary Cheung, Senior Lecturer, Dr Lam Kim-hung, Lecturer and Dr Chartia Cheung, Lecturer on a study trip to Taiwan from 14 May to 18 May 2024.  The study trip aimed to provide ABCT students with opportunities to expand their horizons, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and enhance their understanding of the fields of applied biology and chemical technology. It also served as a platform for fostering connections and collaborations with renowned institutions and experts in Taiwan. The group embarked on enlightening visits to the National Health Research Institutes, EirGenix Inc., ACE Biotek Co., Ltd., and the College of Life Sciences and Medicine at National Tsing Hua University. As the students return, they carry with them the valuable insights gained during their time in Taiwan. These experiences will undoubtedly inspire them to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to the field of applied biology and chemical technology.  

2024 Hong Kong-Jiangsu Symposium on Drug Discovery and Development

The "2024 Hong Kong-Jiangsu Symposium on Drug Discovery and Development" successfully concluded on 18 May, 2024, bringing together renowned researchers, scientists, and industry professionals from around the world. Hosted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-organized with China Pharmaceutical University, the symposium aimed to advance pharmaceutical sciences and foster collaboration in the field of drug discovery and development.   With the theme "Drug Discovery and Development," the symposium addressed global health challenges through innovative research. The event featured a line-up of esteemed speakers, including the distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein from Griffith University, who shared their expertise and inspired attendees with their ground-breaking work.   Prior to the symposium, Professor Wu Zhaoqiu, Dean of School of Pharmacy and University Distinguished Professor, China Pharmaceutical University and his delegation were invited to visit The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for in-depth academic exchanges and collaborative discussions with the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology from 17 May to 19 May.   During their visit, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges regarding pharmacy education, research collaboration, technology transfer, and talent cultivation. The delegation from China Pharmaceutical University and PolyU reached a consensus on future cooperation and signed a preliminary agreement for collaborative exchanges. The preliminary agreement signed between China Pharmaceutical University and PolyU laid the groundwork for future collaborations, particularly in areas such as malignant tumors, fatal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, neurological and psychiatric diseases, immunological disorders, geriatric diseases, rare diseases, as well as the development of First/Best-in-class innovative drugs, novel drug delivery systems, diagnostic reagents, new models and methods, green synthesis, and processes.   Gratitude to the organizing committee, volunteers from PolyU's Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and generous sponsors, including the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance, AstraZeneca Hong Kong Limited, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Medikonia Limited, the Faculty of Science of PolyU, and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. Their support and commitment were acknowledged as vital to the success of the symposium.   Please visit the following links for more details. Event Photos: https://polyu.hk/hLPzp

PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award 2024

We are delighted to announce that Dr Tian Tian, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded the PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2024 with his research focus on “The design and development of novel nanoporous materials with enhanced hydrogen storage and delivery capacity”.   PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) aims to honor young PolyU researchers under the age of 35 who have made outstanding research achievements, contributed to technological advancements, and propelled transformative innovation to address societal problems. The awardees should demonstrate a vision for positive change and provide innovative solutions that shape the future.   Each YIRA awardee will receive research funding support of HK$500,000 and personal cash prize of HK$20,000 as the encouragement for their research novelty and impact.    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tian for this well-deserved recognition. His dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing the field of nanoporous materials have made a profound impact on the scientific community and hold great promise for a wide range of applications.