PolyU and HKSI to establish joint research centre for advancing sports and technology development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the “PolyU–HKSI Research Centre” (the Centre) to drive research in the field of elite sports, promote the development of sports science and technology, and help Hong Kong athletes reach their full potential and achieve greater success.

This strategic partnership will foster a closer collaboration between the PolyU and HKSI. Together, the two institutions will share resources and advance research in sports science and technology development. The Centre will connect PolyU researchers with sports organisations to form an expert team comprising academics, technologists, sports professionals and technical analysts. This team will conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and develop joint proposals for large-scale projects.

Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President as well as HKSI representatives including Mr Tony CHOI, Chief Executive Designate and Dr Raymond SO, Director of Elite Training Science & Technology, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Trisha LEAHY, Chief Executive of HKSI to officially establish the “PolyU–HKSI Research Centre”.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU has been a staunch supporter of sports development. We launched the ‘Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme’ in 1998, and have partnered with the Hong Kong Sports Institute on the ‘Elite Athletes Study Programme’ since 2017 to encourage elite athletes to study undergraduate programmes at PolyU. The establishment of the Research Centre signifies the commitment of both parties to making greater contributions to promote the development of sports.”

Dr Trisha Leahy said, “The HKSI is committed to supporting athletes’ performance through the development and utilisation of novel sports technologies. We look forward to working closely with PolyU and seeing Hong Kong athletes scale new heights.”

The Centre will be jointly operated by PolyU’s Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the HKSI under the leadership of the inaugural Centre Coordinators, Prof. Ming ZHANG from PolyU and Dr Raymond So from the HKSI. It will serve as a platform for research innovation, knowledge exchange and technology transfer in the realm of elite sports.

RISports was established in June 2022 to address emerging societal needs in sports research and technology. It brings together multi-disciplinary experts from the PolyU and around the world to deliver advanced scientific solutions for the field of sports.

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