Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG is leading PolyU BME and RISports to enhance sports technology research and nurture talents
By Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG
Head of Department, Chair Professor of Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology
Athletes from China Mainland and Hong Kong have achieved remarkable success at the Paris Olympic Games. The achievement is not only due to the athletes’ relentless dedication but also a result of the advancement in sports science and technology. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long been committed to enhancing research in sports technology and nurturing talents in related fields, aiming to elevate Hong Kong’s standing on the global sports stage and meet the growing demands for sports development on both social and professional levels.
To this end, PolyU has established an interdisciplinary research institute—the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports). The institute seeks to integrate the university’s research output, academic resources, and industry network to contribute to sporting events, athlete development, and consolidating Hong Kong’s reputation and performance on the international sports scene. RISports will inject new vitality into the sports technology industry, benefiting not only Hong Kong but also broader regions, and providing critical technical support to the field.
PolyU places great emphasis on cultivating talents in sports technology. As a result, RISports will collaborate with the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) to launch a new program MSc in Sports Technology and Management (Programme Code: 47005) next year. Additionally, the existing BSc Scheme in Biomedical Engineering (Programme Code: JS3150) will incorporate a new stream in Sports Science and Technology. The curriculum not only covers cutting-edge sports technology theories and the fundamentals of human biomechanics but also emphasizes practical application. PolyU strives to provide students with a comprehensive professional education that will enable them to excel in their future careers. Through these academic programs, PolyU anticipates to train and deliver hundreds of high-caliber sports professionals every year, injecting fresh energy into both Hong Kong’s and the international sports sectors.
Academic collaboration and talent development with sports elites are also PolyU's key focuses. The university provides numerous scholarships to support elite athletes in pursuing bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. PolyU is exploring tailor-made programs to accommodate their unique needs. Through these collaborations, PolyU not only offers a platform for scientific learning to athletic elites but also leverages their social influence and reputation to further raise public awareness and interest in sports. This effort will help more people recognize the importance of sports technology and attract more young talents to this vibrant and promising field.
