PolyU scholar honoured with National Award for Excellence in Innovation

Prof. K. F. CHUNG, Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been bestowed a Certificate of Merit at the 3rd National Award for Excellence in Innovation. Prof. Chung is the only recipient from Hong Kong this year.

Prof. Chung is professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU. As an expert in structural steel engineering, he has contributed to research and application of principal theories in structural steel engineering. This award not only demonstrates PolyU's strength in research and technology development, but also supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation hub.

Prof. Chung specialises in research into the performance and cost challenges for large steel structures, along with the environmental issue of the high carbon footprint of construction. He has conducted cross-disciplinary research in various areas such as materials, welding, as well as the mechanical properties and structural performance of high-strength steel structures, providing solutions for the Nation’s development of a “dual carbon” strategy in engineering construction.

In the field of steel structures internationally, Prof. Chung has made substantial impacts with his development of a series of fundamental theories and key technologies for application in domestic high-strength steel structures. His studies have been the focus of a number of high-level academic papers. Practically, his research outputs have been applied in several major construction projects such as the double-arch steel bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O in Hong Kong and the Quarta Ponte Marítima Macau-Taipa. These innovations generate significant economic and social benefits, with significant cost saving in construction.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “The award is highly encouraging and affirms PolyU’s strong scientific research capabilities. PolyU strives to be an innovative world-class university and will continue to promote research in a wide range of areas, with the goal of playing a significant role in the national scientific research development for supporting innovation and technology applications in China and the world.”

The National Award for Excellence in Innovation was jointly organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, China Association for Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, and State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The Award aims at recognising outstanding technology scientists and teams who have made significant contributions to frontier research, construction and engineering technology, innovative technology and knowledge transfer, technology entrepreneurship, innovation and social services. The Award is organised every three years, with honours awarded to no more than 300 science and technology talents.

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