The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has launched the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), a leading research institute that aims to advance and transfer knowledge on smart ageing, for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. RISA is headed by Ir. Prof. Yongping Zheng, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, with joint cooperation with investigators from many individual departments.
The new Institute will bring together researchers worldwide to tackle the challenging ageing issue to generate significant impacts. The promulgation of the formation of RISA will signify a new milestone for PolyU on linking up experts worldwide, joining academia hand in hand for advancing the novel solutions to serve all elders around the world using PolyU innovations and solutions.
“Whenever someone thinks Smart Ageing in Hong Kong, PolyU will come into their mind.” said Prof Zheng. PolyU has renowned multidisciplinary teams that have expertise and research track record in ageing-related topics, ranging from physical and cognitive health and communication ability to innovative engineering solutions to community-based applications. PolyU also has a number of well-established bases for ageing-related research and development, such as Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, which was established for enhancing public awareness of ‘gerontechnology’ and improving residential care home services through the greater use of smart technology.
Given the strengths of PolyU’ s researchers in interdisciplinary research and community-based large subject populations, RISA aims to establish research and development models in the three years, with the ultimate goal to lead to successful large external funding or donations, and impacts to the ageing society.
