Prof. Daniel Lau develops library of polarised vdW heterobilayers for exploring novel 2D materials, securing support from NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme

Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, has initiated a groundbreaking project to create a library of polarised van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers. With the aim to screen materials with significant development potential for nanoelectronics, photonics, and spintronics, this research project has already secured the finanical support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Research Scheme 2024/25. With a funding of approximately HK$3.55 million over 48 months, the project seeks to develop a simulation model to accelerate the identification of a large number of 2D vdW materials for promising polarised heterobilayers for further experimental evaluation. The anticipated outcome includes enhanced density and performance in the next generation of non-volatile memory devices and in-memory computing systems.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大研究創建極化vdW異質雙層數據庫 獲國家自然科學基金及研資局合作研究重點項目計劃支持 17 December 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研究創建數據庫 助探索嶄新二維材料 17 December 2024

Heng JIANG and Xu LI were awarded first runner-up in the National Finals of the "Guanghua Star" Optical Competition

Heng Jiang and Xu Li, PhD students from Prof. Zhang Xuming's research group, proudly secured the first runner-up position in the National Finals of the second "Guanghua Star" Optical Competition. Their innovative project, titled "Dragonfly Vision: Microsecond Panoramic Thumb Cameras," earned them a cash prize of CNY 20,000. The Guanghua Star Optics Competition is a prestigious event co-hosted by the Light Publishing Group and Huawei. This competition aims to create an open, fair, and professional platform for students to engage with optics and optical engineering. It encourages participants to delve into optical principles, explore the applications of optical technology, and undertake innovative optical designs. Heng and Xu’s project exemplifies the competition's spirit, showcasing their commitment to advancing optical technology through rigorous study and creative application. Their achievement not only highlights their dedication but also underscores the high caliber of research conducted at PolyU AP.

Prof. Yang CHAI has been awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024

Congratulations to Prof. CHAI Yang from the Department of Applied Physics for being recognized as one of five scholars from Hong Kong universities to receive the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024. Prof. Chai attended the award ceremony on 16 December 2024, where he received this honor in the category of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He was recognized for his pioneering work in in-sensor computing paradigms for artificial vision sensors, enabling information processing directly within the sensors. The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize honors exceptional scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation Each laureate receives a prize of HK$2 million. Once again, congratulations to Prof. Chai on this outstanding achievement! Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: RTHK HK needs to have broad innovation development: FS 16 December 2024 Wen Wei Po  中銀科創獎壯大本地人才庫 17 December 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily  中銀科技創新獎2024舉行頒獎典禮 5名不同領域學者獲獎 16 December 2024 Orange News  中銀香港科技創新獎 2024今頒獎 陳茂波：要建設好支持全面創新體系 16 December 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency  5位學者分別獲中銀香港科技創新獎 16 December 2024 China News Service  香港财政司司长陈茂波：过去两年逾百家企业落户香港创逾1.7万个职位 16 December 2024 Macau Daily  五學者獲中銀香港科創獎  17 December 2024 ezone 2024中銀香港科技創新獎得主出爐 聚焦 AI、生命健康等五大領域 科研成果造福社會 13 November 2024 China Review News 科研成果貢獻大 五學者獲中銀科創獎 12 November 2024 Guangzhou Daily 一千萬獎金！ 「中银香港科技创新奖2024」获奖者名单揭晓 12 November 2024 RTHK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 (English|中文) 11 November 2024 China Daily Five scholars bag HK$2m prizes for scientific breakthroughs 11 November 2024 Hong Kong Economic Journal 中銀香港科技創新獎2024公布獲獎名單 11 November 2024 Ta Kung Pao 五傑獲「中銀香港科技創新獎2024」獎項總獎金1000萬 11 November 2024 Wen Wei Po 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 中銀香港科技創新獎2024公布獲獎名單 下月16日舉行頒獎典禮 11 November 2024 Bastille Post ５學者獲頒發中銀香港科技創新獎 盧煜明稱對技創新發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Dot Dot News 中銀科創獎獲獎名單揭曉 總獎金達1000萬 11 November 2024 Orange News 中銀香港科技創新獎5獲獎學者名單出爐 包括柴揚黃秀娟等 11 November 2024 Bauhinia “中銀香港科技創新獎2024”獲獎者名單揭曉 聚焦五大領域 推進發展新質生產力 11 November 2024 Yahoo HK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Quamnet 盧煜明:今屆「中銀創科獎」有10%提名來自大灣區內地 11 November 2024 Sina HK 中銀香港科技創新獎５名學者獲獎 盧煜明稱對科創發展至關重要 11 November 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 中銀香港科技創新獎1000萬港元獎勵五位學者 11 November 2024 China News Service 香港5大领域学者获“科技创新奖” 11 November 2024 ifeng.com “中银香港科技创新奖2024”获奖者名单揭晓 聚焦五大领域 推进发展新质生产力 11 November 2024 Science Net 香港5大领域学者获“科技创新奖” 11 November 2024      

Prof. Yang CHAI named the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Fellow Class of 2025

Congratulations to Prof. Chai Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty and Professor in the Department of Applied Physics, on being named a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow Class of 2025 for his work in bioinspired in-sensor computing. The IEEE is the largest technical professional organization in the world, dedicated to advancing technology for humanity’s benefit, with over 460,000 members in more than 190 countries. The Fellow designation recognizes exceptional achievement in the field and is reserved for individuals with a distinguished record of accomplishments in IEEE disciplines. This prestigious honor is regarded as a significant career milestone, with no more than 0.1% of the IEEE voting membership receiving Fellow recommendations each year. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Chai!   Online coverage: The Paper 2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等入选 7 December 2024 NetEase 刚刚，2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等人入选 7 December 2024 Sina 2025 IEEE Fellow名单正式公布！戴琼海院士等120余位华人入选 7 December 2024 Sohu 2025 IEEE Fellow名单正式公布！戴琼海院士等120余位华人入选 7 December 2024 qq 刚刚，2025 IEEE Fellow名单出炉：戴琼海、姜大昕、尹首一、翟广涛、褚晓文等人入选 7 December 2024      

Nurdaulet Nazarbay achieves Second Prize in Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025

We are proud to announce that Nurdaulet NAZARBAY, a Year 2 student pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Physics with a secondary major in AIDA, has teamed up with Li Yunze and Hanxi Li from other departments to secure the second prize in the cloud track of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025 Hong Kong. The Huawei ICT Competition has been held in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, organized with the support of the government's Digital Policy Office and in collaboration with 13 local higher education institutions. This year, over 900 participants competed, showcasing exceptional talent and innovation. Congratulations to Nurdaulet Nazarbay and his team! Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily  ICT大賽助培育創科人才 吸引逾900大專生參與 10 December 2024 Headline Daily  ICT大賽助培育創科人才 吸引逾900大專生參與 10 December 2024 Wen Wei Po 華為ICT大賽獲近千名青年創科人才參與 提升香港數字競爭力 9 December 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 華為ICT大賽2024-2025香港站成功舉辦 本港近千名青年創科人才參與 9 December 2024

5 AP Academics were listed as the World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers

5 AP scholars have been recognized as the world’s most highly cited researchers in 2024 by Clarivate Analytics.  This honour certainly served as an acknowledgment of their significant research impact, which is demonstrated by their publication of multiple papers that have been frequently cited by fellow academics. With respect to the production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science citation index over the last 11 years, the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” is a well-known indicator to identify the most influential scholars from around the world. Congratulations to Prof. Kian Ping LOH, Prof. Tom Tao WU and Prof. YAN Feng, Prof. Yang CHAI and Prof. Haitao HUANG for their contributions to society and the world! 

Leung Man Tai Oscar as a Youth Representative of CarbonCare InnoLab at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29)

LEUNG Man Tai Oscar, a final-year undergraduate student in Engineering Physics at the Department of Applied Physics, recently attended the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a youth representative for CarbonCare InnoLab. He authored an article in Ming Pao Weekly, sharing his experiences and highlighting the vital contributions of young climate advocates in global discussions. Oscar actively engaged in negotiations surrounding climate adaptation, highlighting the pressing need for a human-centered approach in climate resilience strategies. He pointed out the gaps in Hong Kong's climate policies, which focus heavily on infrastructure rather than addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. During the conference, Oscar collaborated with international youth groups to draft a position paper in the preparation phase and actively participated in negotiations. The youth representatives from various countries offered encouragement and shared their experiences, significantly broadening his horizons.   Online coverage: Ming Pao Weekly 從COP29看香港青年如何推動國際氣候談判 30 November 2024

AP 12 Scholars ranked The World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists by Stanford University

12 PolyU Science Scholars are ranked as the World's Top 2% most-cited scientists for 2024 by Stanford University.   Using the Scopus author profiles as of 16 September 2024, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 7) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  Download the latest database (version 7):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7 Congratulations to our top scientists!     Name of Researcher Subject Field  Prof. Lau Shuping  Applied Physics  Prof. Chai Yang  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Hao Jianhua  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Loh Kian Ping  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Wu Tao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Tsang Shik Chi Edman  Organic Chemistry  Prof. Yan Feng  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Huang Haitao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Yu Siu Fung  Optoelectronics & Photonics  Prof. Tsang Yuen Hong  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Dr Zhang Biao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Dr Yin Jun  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Prof. Daniel LAU pioneers Hong Kong's First Reusable Experimental Payload for the Shijian-19 Satellite Project

Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, has played a pivotal role in the Shijian-19 satellite project, which is the nation’s first reusable and returnable satellite. This satellite successfully conducted multiple experiments in Low Earth Orbit before being retrieved and returned to Earth. Notably, it carried an innovative in-orbit material experiment testbed developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), marking a significant milestone as Hong Kong’s first reusable experimental payload to return from space. Led by Prof. Lau who is also a member of the University’s Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), this project was a collaborative effort with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, with the testbed designed and manufactured at PolyU’s Industrial Centre. The research and production processes were entirely conducted on campus. This initiative aims to explore the effects of microgravity, vacuum, and radiation on high-performance catalysts, laying the groundwork for catalyst materials that can produce fuels, oxygen, and specific chemicals in space.  Building on his prior research in carbon dioxide electroreduction, Prof. Lau’s work underscores the potential of novel catalyst materials for space applications. The Shijian-19 project not only highlights PolyU’s dedication to space exploration but also establishes the university as a vital contributor to national space missions. The retrieved testbed will undergo further analysis at PolyU, offering valuable insights for future deep space missions. PolyU AP committed to fostering advancements in technology and contributing to global aerospace leadership.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Mirage News    PolyU Completes Catalyst Tests in Space Testbed      29 October 2024 Hong Kong Economic Journal 理大催化劑材料裝置 太空完成試驗 (subscription required) 30 October 2024 Sing Tao Headline  理大製催化劑材料裝置 完成太空低軌道試驗 30 October 2024 Ta Kung Pao 理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置 於太空低軌道完成試驗  29 October 2024 Wen Wei Po 港理大研催化劑作用 助力國家深空探測 30 October 2024 Dot Dot News 理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置 於太空低軌道完成試驗 29 October 2024 Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre 理大出席實踐十九號衛星載荷交付儀式 28 October 2024 Sohu 港理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置，隨「實踐十九號」完成空間試驗 29 October 2024 Nanfang Daily 港理大首製催化劑材料試驗裝置，隨「實踐十九號」完成空間試驗 29 October 2024

Prof. Daniel LAU featured on RTHK’s radio programmes “Under the Sun” and “Infinite Future”

Prof. Daniel AU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics, Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, Associate Director of the Photonics Research Institute, and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, was featured on RTHK’s radio programs “Under the Sun” and “Infinite Future”. He discussed the CO2 electroreduction system that transforms CO2 into ethylene for industrial applications, presenting a promising solution for mitigating CO2 emissions. Online coverage: Under the Sun 太陽底下新鮮事 Part 1(01:43 - 18:56) Part 2(03:21 - 22:43) 27 October 2024 Infinite Future 未來·無限(00:15 - 05:30) 26 October 2024