Media Releases

PolyU responds to the 2025-26 Budget measures

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the new measures announced by the Financial Secretary in the government’s 2025-26 Budget that show the government’s commitment to seizing opportunities brought about by technological innovation. The University understands the need for the government to adjust the funding for the UGC-funded universities in the coming three years, and will implement a range of measures aimed at better allocating and saving resources, standing together with the government during challenging times. PolyU supports the government’s series of measures in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a core industry, including the “AI Subsidy Scheme” to support research and development (R&D) projects led by local universities, as well as establishing the new Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute and the operation of AI Supercomputing Centre to facilitate relevant R&D, transform the R&D outcomes, and expand application scenarios. As one of its strategic research areas, PolyU is planning to establish an “AI+ Academy”, with focus on pioneering research in AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the University has launched the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences earlier this year, and offers AI-related master programmes, such as in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Computing and Generative AI and the Humanities, in response to the demand for talent and technology in the AI era. PolyU is pleased to see that the government continues to allocate resources for advancing the development of emerging industries. These measures include the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster focusing on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development; funding local universities to set up life and health technology research institutes to foster cross‑university/institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration; and the launch of a new round of Research Matching Grant Scheme totalling $1.5 billion to attract more organisations to support research endeavours of institutions. PolyU has a robust research foundation in these areas and will continue to drive impactful and innovative research, accelerating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions. PolyU also supports the various measures to promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong, including the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund aiming to channel more market capital into emerging and future industries, and an I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme designed to provide funding to professional startup service agencies, with a view to enriching Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem. Aligning with these policies, PolyU will continue to provide startups with comprehensive support through its PolyVentures startup ecosystem. PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG welcomed the government’s prioritisation of resource allocation for the development of the Northern Metropolis, as it provides impetus for the growth of the innovation and technology industry and promotes Hong Kong as an international hub for tertiary education. He said, “PolyU fully supports the development of the Northern Metropolis and places high importance on the preparatory work for establishing Hong Kong’s third medical school.  With over 45 years of extensive experience in healthcare education, PolyU has trained over 52,000 graduates across various healthcare professions. The University offers a wide range of programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiotherapy, optometry, medical laboratory science, speech therapy, and nursing. In addition to its state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, PolyU is well-positioned to establish a medical school. The University can harness the synergy among its diverse programmes to cultivate talent in a cost-effective manner.” The Budget also proposes to step up the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to attract more outstanding non-local students by increasing the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and continuing the Belt and Road Scholarship, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international post-secondary education hub. This aligns with PolyU’s dedication to fostering an international and diverse campus and its endeavour to organise recruitment and promotion events in various emerging markets and to attract more students from Belt and Road countries to study in Hong Kong. ***END***  

PolyU celebrates achievements of startups supported by PolyVentures and kicks off inaugural International Future Challenge

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday hosted the PolyVentures Awards Presentation cum PolyU International Future Challenge Kick-off Ceremony to celebrate the University’s achievements in entrepreneurial development and the spirit of collaboration. The PolyU InnoHub@BHIC, a collaboration with Shougang Holding (Hong Kong) Limited, was also unveiled during the event marking an important step in the University’s initiative to expand the PolyU InnoHub network. Ranking among the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) development that benefits the world. Through PolyVentures, its signature startup ecosystem, the University bolsters PolyU startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration and fundraising. PolyU startups are offered comprehensive resources and support in the form of training, mentorship, shared office spaces, funding, and networking opportunities with business partners and investors. A variety of support programmes and schemes have achieved significant success, exemplified by the 2023/24 intake of the PolyU Micro Fund, which attracted a record of over 100 startups. The Ceremony honoured over 100 teams and startups that have received support from PolyU Micro Fund, PolyU Angel Fund (TSSSU-O), PolyU Angel Fund (TSSSU+), and the PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund, as well as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+) under the HKSAR Innovation and Technology Fund in addition to those which have earned recognition in various innovation competitions. The latest cohort of postdocs of the Translational Startup Postdoc Programme were also commended. Concurrently, an exhibition was held to showcase 23 outstanding PolyU startups and their products or services, demonstrating their remarkable strengths and accomplishments in addressing global challenges with ground-breaking solutions. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost, congratulated the teams and wished them continued success as they grow. He said, “As an innovative world-class university at the forefront of cutting-edge innovations, PolyU is passionate about advancing the innovative and technology development of both Hong Kong and the Nation. We take pride in our rich heritage of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and promoting the translation of research outcomes through the PolyVentures ecosystem, which has nurtured more than 500 startups over the years, including four unicorns. We hope that University recognition will encourage young entrepreneurs to forge ahead and inspire others with their entrepreneurial endeavours.” During the Ceremony, the PolyU International Future Challenge was officially inaugurated. Hosted by PolyU, this flagship I&E competition integrates education, incubation, research translation, project landing and investment. It features a unique “1+N” framework, where “1” represents the Hong Kong main track and “N” the multi-regional tracks across Mainland cities and regions, such as Wenzhou, Shanghai, Jinjiang and Xinjiang. In each track, leading enterprises will serve as sponsors and strategic partners to provide problem statements, while participating teams will compete for attractive prizes by developing demand-driven solutions to these real industry problems. The winning teams of all tracks will fight for top prizes in the finale. With all tracks open to startups and innovators from Hong Kong, the Mainland and across the globe, the competition provides a dynamic platform for participants to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their cutting-edge technologies into successful ventures that contribute to socioeconomic advancements in the various regions. The winning teams could receive support from PolyVentures, including project acceleration, funding pipelines, roadshows, and fundraising recommendations, as well as to facilitate commercialisation through the incubation centres of PolyU’s Mainland Translational Research Institutes. The kick-off ceremony of the Challenge was inaugurated by representatives of various partners, including sponsors Glorious Sun Group and Waterdrop Inc., and strategic partners Cathay, Nike, NTT, Hong Kong Kowloon Group, CHINT Group and Surrich International Company Limited. Founded by 2024 Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardee Mr SHEN Peng, Waterdrop Inc. is a leading technology platform dedicated to insurance and healthcare services. The eventful evening also featured the unveiling ceremony of PolyU InnoHub@BHIC. This Centre, a collaboration between PolyU and Shougang Holding (Hong Kong) Limited, is located in the Beijing-Hong Kong Innovation Centre (BHIC) in Wanchai, a facility owned by Shougang and Global Digital Creations Holdings Limited. As a PolyU off-campus co-working space, it aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for I&E by providing workspace for PolyU startups and facilitating collaborations between Hong Kong and Beijing. It also seeks to match up startups with industry partners and investors, and identify practical application scenarios for their technologies. By promoting collaboration along the industry chain, the Centre aims to ultimately strengthen the innovation landscape in both Hong Kong and Beijing. The Ceremony honoured the startups which have received PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. The Ceremony honoured the startups which have received fundings from RAISe+ Scheme under the HKSAR Innovation and Technology Fund. The latest cohort of postdocs of the Translational Startup Postdoc Programme were commended at the Ceremony. Prof. Wing-tak Wong congratulated the teams and postdocs, and wished them continued success as they grow. An exhibition was held to showcase 23 outstanding PolyU startups and their products or services. ***END***

PolyU develops real-time system for monitoring atmospheric corrosion on buildings in Hong Kong

Located in a subtropical region facing the South China Sea, during summer Hong Kong experiences high salinity in the warm sea air which corrodes the metal structures of buildings. To address this challenge posed by the humid environment, researchers from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a real-time monitoring system to evaluate the impact of atmospheric corrosion on steel structures and components in buildings. This system has been deployed to monitor the structural corrosion of a newly-built research complex and a housing project. Based on the data collected, targeted protective measures have been proposed to help achieve sustainable building development. Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), along with his team, have been conducting atmospheric exposure tests at seven sites across Hong Kong since 2010. The results indicate that the corrosion rate of carbon steel typically ranges from 30 to 40 µm per year, whereas zinc and galvanised steel used for outdoor construction exhibit corrosion rates of approximately 3 µm per year. The commercial complexes located around Victoria Harbour are particularly vulnerable to year-round atmospheric corrosion, which compromises the durability of buildings and structures and can even pose safety risks. To assist engineers and professionals in formulating more effective building maintenance strategies, Mr Ka Fai YUEN, PhD student from the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has developed a real-time corrosion monitoring system under the supervision of Prof. Kwok-fai Chung. Between 2020 and 2024, Mr Yuen collected approximately 40,000 real-time corrosion and environmental datasets per year from seven different buildings across Hong Kong. Utilising advanced electrochemistry technology integrated with remote sensing and AI-supported data analytics, the system can evaluate the effects of corrosive chemicals such as chlorine ion, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as collect climatic data including temperature and humidity on steel members and structures. The system significantly improves upon the accuracy of conventional corrosion prediction models and enables long-term corrosion monitoring and assessment for buildings in Hong Kong. Led by Prof. Chung, the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), has been invited by the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council and Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) respectively to apply the system for corrosion monitoring in the InnoCell at Hong Kong Science Park and technical monitoring of Nam Cheong 220, a social housing project coordinated by HKCSS, to validate the effectiveness of the system and provide critical data for developing appropriate building maintenance strategies. InnoCell is the first building in Hong Kong to adopt a modular integrated construction (MiC) approach. During the two-year monitoring period, the team assessed the corrosion rates of steel structures and their components in both indoor and outdoor environments. The findings revealed that the corrosion rate of steel in indoor environments is only one-third of that in outdoor environments, demonstrating that atmospheric conditions play a significant role in corrosion assessment. Therefore, different levels of corrosion protection should be implemented for indoor and outdoor steel components, with priority given to protecting external steel components to enhance their durability and lifespan. Nam Cheong 220 is Hong Kong’s first structural steel social housing project to adopt modular integrated construction (MiC) technology. The team’s monitoring results showed that the corrosion condition of this type of building was similar to typical buildings in Hong Kong, with no significant corrosion damage observed. These findings align with the inspection results of the steel components during the building’s deconstruction and relocation process, demonstrating that MiC technology is suitable for repeated use and offers an ideal solution for the reuse and relocation of transitional housing. Prof. Kwok-fai Chung said, “Hong Kong’s unique tropical climate and marine environment make atmospheric corrosion a critical issue for buildings. The results of this study will help develop more effective building maintenance strategies, prolonging the lifespan of buildings and structures with reduced manpower and lower cost, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of society.” Mr Ka Fai Yuen said, “PolyU has provided me with invaluable opportunities to apply my knowledge and research findings in practical ways to address societal challenges. These experiences are essential for my future research and personal development.” ***END***

Over 500 PolyU staff members honoured for their loyal service

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held a Long Service Awards Ceremony today to honour staff members for their loyal service to the University over the years. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, presented certificate and souvenir to the long-serving staff members as a token of appreciation from the University. This year, a total of 507 staff members from the academic and administrative departments were recognised. Among the award recipients, 172 staff members have served the University for five years, 104 for ten years, 88 for fifteen years, 36 for twenty years, 36 for twenty-five years, 50 for thirty years, 18 for thirty-five years, and three staff members for as long as forty years by the close of 2024. Prof. Teng expressed heartfelt gratitude to all long-serving staff members for their dedication to the University and highly commended their commitment. He stated,  “PolyU is undergoing rapid growth and has been ranked among the top 100 universities globally for six consecutive years. Every colleague has played a vital role in shaping the University. Their invaluable  contributions are the bedrock of the University’s success and are deeply valued.” The Long Service Award scheme was introduced in 1990 to recognise staff members who have served PolyU for a considerable number of years and to foster their sense of belonging to the University. Starting from last year, the scheme has included those who have served the University for five or ten years. The Award presentation ceremony not only provides a collegial gathering for the long-serving staff but also an opportunity for the University to publicly acknowledge their years of dedicated service. Group photo of Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (back row, 5th from right) and staff members who have served the University for thirty years. Group photo of Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (back row, 4th from right) and staff members who have served the University for twenty-five years. Group photo of Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (back row, 5th from right) and staff members who have served the University for twenty years. Group photo of Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (3rd row, 9th from right) and staff members who have served the University for fifteen years. ***END***

PolyU launches Outstanding Student Academy to inspire future leaders

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting holistic education and nurturing all-round future leaders. To motivate students to thrive in both their academic and non-academic pursuits, PolyU established The Outstanding Student Academy (The Academy) in the 2024/25 academic year. The Academy brings together previous winners of the annual “Outstanding Students Award” and “Presidential Student Leadership Award,” who have demonstrated academic excellence, strong leadership abilities and a commitment to serving society, while also fostering connections within the University community. The inauguration ceremony of The Academy was held on campus today. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education); and Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), along with other members of the PolyU management team, faculty/school deans, heads of departments, guests and students gathered to witness this significant moment. Prof. Ben Young outlined the significance and prospects of The Academy in his welcoming remarks and said, “The Academy is a dynamic platform designed to cultivate future leaders who will navigate the complexities of our world with integrity and ingenuity, an innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility. It will provide a wealth of resources, guidance and mentorship for its members to explore their talents and aspirations. The Academy is a testament to PolyU’s belief that every student possesses the potential to make meaningful impact—not only at PolyU but also in Hong Kong, our Nation and beyond, and the University will support them every step of the way.” The Academy aims to harness the talents of exceptional students. Its four core objectives are to foster leaders, inspire through interaction, strengthen network ties and cultivate sustainable connections, with a view to supporting students’ academic journey and future development. Currently, The Academy has around 100 members, including the Executive Committee (ExCo) comprising 15 outstanding students from different schools and departments, as well as the past awarded students of the “Outstanding Student Awards” and the “Presidential Student Leadership Award.” At the Ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng presented an Academy Lapel Pin to the ExCo members in recognition of their distinguished achievements in academic pursuits, community service and leadership, while also encouraging them to continue their efforts. An engaging video then introduced guests to the objectives, vision and mission of The Academy. ExCo member GE Yufei, a Year 4 student from the Faculty of Science, gave a captivating Guzheng performance, contributing to the upbeat mood of the event. Finally, the ExCo President WANG Yanze, recipient of the President’s Distinguished Student Leadership Award 2023 and a Year 3 student from the Faculty of Engineering, delivered a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the University, bringing the Ceremony to a successful conclusion. The Academy has already hosted a number of impactful events, including the Unity in Diversity Bamboo Workshop, a Green Promotion initiative on Campus focusing on energy and water conservation, and various workshops and visits related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and environmental sustainability. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, The Academy is set to expand its outreach into the PolyU community by hosting the High Table Dinner cum Dean of Students Talk Series as well as workshops and training sessions on leadership, sustainability and design thinking. There will also be an overseas trip to further cultivate members’ global perspectives and sense of social responsibility. ***END***  

PolyU signs MoU with Peking University Health Science Center to foster medical technology research and development of interdisciplinary medical disciplines

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in the field of medical technology, including joint research projects and academic exchanges. Leveraging the research capability and academic resources of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and PKUHSC Institute of Medical Technology, this collaboration aspires to promote the development of interdisciplinary medical disciplines and advance medical technology. The MoU was signed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost, and Prof. WANG Jiadong, Vice President of PKUHSC. Mr Ben LAU, PolyU Associate Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities); Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; as well as Prof. LIU Hong, Director of the PKUHSC Education Department; Prof. WANG Qing; Vice Dean of the PKUHSC Graduate School; Ms LI Xiaojia, Deputy Director of the PKUHSC Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs; and Prof. HAN Hongbin, Dean of the PKUHSC Institute of Medical Technology, attended the signing ceremony. Prof. Wing-tak Wong said that PolyU was accelerating the development of interdisciplinary medicine and engineering, and this partnership would significantly benefit the two universities’ work in developing advantageous academic disciplines as well as their professional development. He anticipates further collaborative projects between PolyU and PKUHSC, particularly in teaching and research, to foster mutual learning, while also hopefully expanding the scope of their cooperation, including through seed funding for research, with the aim of making a meaningful contribution to the advancement of medical technology. Prof. Wang Jiadong applauded the previous preliminary collaboration between the two universities in developing medical technology-related disciplines and in enabling exchanges between faculty and students. He emphasised the importance for PKUHSC of joining forces with universities in Hong Kong and expressed his willingness to expand collaboration with PolyU through this MoU to enhance both universities’ development of advantageous disciplines and to forge partnership in research. After the signing ceremony, the PolyU delegation had in-depth discussions with PKUHSC scholars about potential collaboration opportunities in medical education, joint research and student training. Both parties introduced their respective universities’ education and research development, as well as their progress in developing advantageous disciplines. The PolyU delegation also visited PKUHSC Institute of Medical Technology Education Laboratory, Peking University Nursing Simulation Center and Peking University Third Hospital Clinical Training Center to learn more about PKUHSC’s advanced facilities for developing medical technology and its extensive experience in clinical education. With over 45 years of extensive experience in healthcare education, PolyU has trained over 52,000 graduates across various healthcare professions, playing a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. The University offers programmes in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiotherapy, optometry, medical laboratory science, speech therapy and nursing. Supported by a robust team of over 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff and equipped with more than 90 specialised laboratories and research facilities, PolyU has leveraged its advantage in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology. In addition to the collaboration with PKUHSC, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities and hospitals in mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to meet the medical needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. ***END***  

PolyU signs collaborative agreements with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute to advance research in AI, 6G, and Web 3.0

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute have formed a partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a collaborative agreement. This strategic collaboration aims to propel the development of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 6G and Web3.0, reinforcing Hong Kong as an international hub for innovation and technology (I&T). Leveraging PolyU’s interdisciplinary research excellence and academic expertise, and the research and development resources and experimental environment provided by the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute, this partnership aims to integrate the unique advantages of both parties to propel fundamental research and technological innovation. In addition, a comprehensive talent exchange and training framework will be established, featuring a joint training programme for talents and internship opportunities for doctoral students. The aim is to nurture high-tech professionals who can meet the evolving demands of future technological advancements. The signing ceremony was held at PolyU on 19 February. Witnessed by Ms Lilian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr LING Hao, Chairman of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Dr LIN Erwei, Chief Executive Officer and Director of China Mobile International Limited, the MoU was signed by Prof. LI Qing, PolyU Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of the Department of Computing and Mr SHEN Weizhong, President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute. Subsequently, a collaborative agreement was signed by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Dean of the PolyU Graduate School and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, and Mr SUN Lin, Vice-President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute. Ms Lilian Cheong commended the collaboration between the two institutions which is set to drive significant advancements in research and industrial development across key areas such as AI, 6G, and Web3.0. By leveraging collaboration between industry, academia and research, this partnership will inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s I&T development, and strengthen the connection between local universities and enterprises, fostering technological innovation and industrial collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stressed PolyU’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and nurturing skilled professionals in response to diverse global challenges. This partnership with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute can more fully leverage the benefits of academia-industry synergy. Both parties will focus on the advancement and application of strategic technologies, including AI, 6G and Web3.0, as well as on cultivating a new generation of I&T talent, thereby providing strong support for Hong Kong’s social and economic development. Mr Shen Weizhong emphasised that the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute is committed to advancing cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will capitalise on the Institute’s expertise in technology application, industry influence and market reach to support PolyU’s translation of research outcomes, while also encouraging innovation and advancing the cultivation of high-end talent. Under the agreement, PolyU and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute will collaborate closely in key areas of AI and Web3.0. In terms of AI, their focus will be on enhancing the development and deployment of large language models, improving task planning and problem-solving capacities, and driving the widespread adoption of AI across diverse industries. It aims to enhance Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global AI landscape. In the realm of Web3.0, they will develop a robust and scalable distributed computing infrastructure to support large-scale model research and development, in alignment with Hong Kong government policies to harness blockchain technology. In addition, this partnership will drive innovation and transformation within the local financial industry, enhancing Hong Kong’s international competitiveness and solidifying its pioneering position in adoption of Web3.0 technologies. Further expanding the scope of their collaboration, the two parties, along with China Mobile Hong Kong, will also explore the potential of satellite-integrated precise positioning and low-altitude economic applications by utilising 5G networks to enhance high-precision positioning capabilities. This collaboration aims to support the development of Hong Kong’s smart city infrastructure and propel the growth of innovation across related industries. This partnership is of great significance, as it not only catalyses Hong Kong’s I&T development, but also promotes Hong Kong-Mainland integration, opening a new chapter of development for GBA in global technology industry.                                                                                                    ***END***

PolyU hosts Spring Media Luncheon

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a Spring Media Luncheon. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with members of the central management team, including Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education); Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); Prof. Kar-kan LING, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities), as well as Faculty Deans, gathered with media friends to share the latest developments of PolyU. *** END ***

PolyU researchers make breakthrough discovery in structure and synthesis of 2D ferroelectrics, advancing technological development in microelectronics, artificial intelligence and quantum information

With their spontaneous electrical polarisations switchable by an external electric field, ferroelectrics have wide-ranging applications in transistors, memory, neuromorphic devices and more. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics produced at the nanometre scale have emerged as superior materials for ultra-thin devices. A research team led by Prof. Jiong ZHAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has conducted research on the structure and potential of 2D van der Waals materials, and has unveiled a pioneering approach for large-scale synthesis of 2D ferroelectrics. Their findings significantly boost technological advancements in microelectronics, artificial intelligence and quantum information, and will subsequently foster the development of diverse applications including high-density memory devices, energy conversion systems, sensing technologies and catalysis technologies. Compared to conventional materials, 2D ferroelectrics exhibit rapid carrier mobility, enabling swift data transfer, storage and computation. The notably reduced size of these materials also leads to considerably lower energy consumption. Moreover, their extreme thinness makes them exceptionally transparent and flexible, rendering them ideal for devices requiring these properties. Among the discovered 2D ferroelectrics, Indium Selenide (In2Se3) stands out as the most promising due to the co-presence of paraelectric, ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases within its 2D quintuple layers. However, large-scale synthesis of 2D In2Se3 films with the desired phase is still lacking, while the stability for each phase also remains unclear. To overcome the challenges, the research team utilised the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique to directly observe and analyse the ferroelectric domains, domain walls and other crucial features at the atomic level within the materials. They found that 2D In2Se3 films with pure phase can be synthesised separately by first controlling the Se/In ratios in the precursors when growing 2D In2Se3 films through chemical vapour deposition and then transferring the as-grown films onto flexible or uneven substrates. After repeated experiments, they successfully implemented phase-controllable synthesis and achieved precise structural control deemed unattainable previously. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Nanotechnology. The research team has also sought to explore novel 2D van der Waals materials and their potential. Using TEM, they have revealed a general plastic deformation mode in metal monochalcogenides, such as InSe, which contributes to the ultra-high plasticity of materials made by 2D metal monochalcogenides. The findings exhibit great potential for producing a high-performance plastic inorganic semiconductor and facilitate development of soft and flexible electronic materials, advanced additive manufacturing for semiconductors as well as solid-state lubricants. The research has been published in the journal in Nature Materials. In a recent study, Dr Zhao’s team has additionally uncovered the in-plane polar vortex in 2D materials with twisted bilayers with the help of the advanced four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM). They also demonstrated the relation between the twist angle in the bilayers and their vortex patterns and polar structures, as well as the potential to manipulate the polar vortices and polar field distributions through an external electric field or interlayer and twisting. The discovery not only provides valuable perspectives on the complex behaviour of polar structures in twisted 2D bilayers but also paves the way for tuning emergent quantum properties at the atomic scale and creating promising 2D materials. The research has been published in Science. PolyU research facilities, specifically the recently inaugurated Atomic Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory (AEML) under the University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication (UMF), have been crucial in facilitating these research endeavours. The Laboratory enables atomic resolution observations, which helped the team to directly reveal the critical mechanisms essential for synthesis and applications. The research also greatly benefited from the contributions of the research team of Prof. Daniel LAU Shu Ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Physics; Prof. Ming YANG, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Physics; and Prof. LY Thuc Hue, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry of City University of Hong Kong. Prof. Jiong Zhao said, “These scientific discoveries are set to usher in a paradigm shift in microelectronics and integrated circuits, while also driving the development of flexible, durable and efficient new-generation electronic devices. They will further open up promising prospects for various applications, such as new computation-in-memory devices with enhanced computation capacity and speed, and with no need for the data transfer between computation and memory units required in current computing chips. These advancements herald a new technological era where society is faster-moving, and is more energy-efficient and adaptable to change. With his outstanding research achievements, Prof. Zhao has been awarded the Excellent Young Scientists Fund by the National Natural Science Foundation. His research projects have also received support from the Collaborative Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission.   ***END***  

PolyU and international scientists utilise satellite positioning data to unveil ice sheet melt behaviour in Greenland, aiding in the assessment of sea-level rise

Melting of the Greenland ice sheet is currently the primary driver of sea-level rise. For the first time, scientists from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with a team of global researchers, have integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and successfully quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights and evidence regarding the contribution of ice sheets to global sea-level rise. Findings from their research have been published in the international journal Nature. The Greenland ice sheet is second in size only to Antarctica, with an ice thickness of about 3 kilometres. If it were to fully melt, the average global sea level would rise by seven metres. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the processes of englacial water accumulation, storage, and ultimate release. Prof. Jianli CHEN, Professor of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, and core member of Research Institute for Land and Space, collaborated with international experts from Hong Kong, Mainland China, the US, the Netherlands, and Belgium to explore the hydrological processes in Greenland. Their research focuses on the evolution of meltwater storage to better understand ice sheet melting behaviour and its impact on sea-level rise. The increase in water storage caused by the melting of ice sheets is one of the key factors leading to bedrock subsidence. However, the satellite gravimetry commonly used is not optimal for conducting regional assessment of Greenland hydrology. To tackle this challenge, the research team has pioneered the use of the Greenland GPS Network (GNET) and satellite gravity measurements provided by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment. GNET comprises numerous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations around Greenland to provide continuous positioning data. The team analysed data from 22 GNSS stations close to bedrocks and glacier outlets over the period from 2009 to 2015 to detect the regional melting water storage beneath the ice sheets and quantify the elastic deformation and subsidence of vertical bedrock, thereby better understanding the spatiotemporal behaviour of meltwater. GNSS was also used to help monitor large scale mass redistribution in the climate system, such as groundwater depletion and change in lake water storage. The study revealed that during the summer melt season, most of the meltwater is temporarily stored within the ice sheet, peaking in July and then gradually decreasing. The buffered meltwater leads to a maximum subsidence of up to 5mm in the bedrock near the GNSS stations in Greenland. In 2010 and 2012, extreme melting events led to the bedrock subsiding by as much as 12 and 14 millimeters, respectively. The study also suggested that the duration of meltwater storage in the ice sheet at most GNSS sites is about  8 weeks but with regional variation. It is above average at about 9 weeks in the northeast and west, while at around 4.5 weeks in the south and southeast. As recent extremely high summer temperatures may become the norm in the foreseeable future, accurate prediction of meltwater storage in those years is crucial for assessing sea-level rise. Since meltwater runoff modelled from regional climate models could have overestimated water retention or underestimated snowmelt runoff, the team suggested that upward adjustments of up to 20% may be necessary for the warmest years. Prof. Chen said, “This study, which involved years of preparation, not only integrated various modern space geodetic techniques but also involved challenging expeditions to some of the most remote areas of the planet. The significant results underscore the importance of extensive international cooperation in addressing climate change challenges. Our research will contribute to achieving accurate model performance for warmer years, aiding in the projection of ice-sheet behaviour and its impact on sea-level rise in the coming decades. This holds particular significance amidst anticipated Arctic warmings.” ***END***