PolyU establishes eight JC STEM Labs to attract outstanding R&D talent and support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub

Lab

Lab Director

Research focus

JC STEM Lab of Machine Learning and Computer Vision

Prof. CHAU Lap-pui

Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU

Explore key technologies in 3D vision, general world models, spatial intelligence, trustworthy AI and robotics, as well as advancing innovations in AI perception, to empower smart manufacturing, mobility, education, entertainment and community wellness.

JC STEM Lab of Healthy Built Environment

Prof. CHEN Qing-yan

Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary; and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering

Develop innovative solutions to evaluate and design healthy and energy-efficient environments, with applications in airborne infectious disease control and thermal comfort in buildings, transportation and urban areas, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable urban development on a global scale.

JC STEM Lab of Innovative Light Therapy for Eye Diseases

Prof. HE Mingguang

Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health; and Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision, PolyU

Transform the treatment landscape for ocular diseases, including the enhancement of invasive Repeated Low-Level Red-Light technology by refining light intensity, duration and delivery mechanisms, and extending indications beyond myopia to other eye conditions.

JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology

Prof. LIU Ai-Qun

Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science; and Director, Research Institute for Quantum Technology, PolyU

Develop the quantum computers, quantum communication networks, quantum algorithms and software, quantum machine learning, as well as metrology and quantum sensing. The quantum computing microprocessors “HK-o1”, demonstrated by PolyU, is the first quantum computer in Hong Kong that is making a significant impact on the city.

JC STEM Lab of 2D Quantum Materials

Prof. LOH Kian-ping

Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU

Develop new 2D quantum materials that can reduce energy consumption in spintronic devices, paving the way for faster and more efficient computers and memory storage devices. This will help underpin the rapid progress of information and communication technology.

JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations

Prof. WENG Qi-hao

Associate Director, Research Institute for Land and Space; and Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, PolyU

Advance Earth Observation technologies by integrating space-air-ground sensing, AI-powered image processing and urban sensor networks. The lab is pioneering geomatics solutions that revolutionise urban monitoring and environmental management.

JC STEM Lab of Digital Oncology Care Enhancement

Prof. Janelle YORKE

Head, School of Nursing; Angel S. P. Chan Lau Professor in Health and Longevity; and Chair Professor of Nursing, PolyU

Develop a platform for a virtual oncology hospital to enable real-time monitoring of cancer patients’ symptoms related to treatment toxicities, including those from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to facilitate effective clinical decision-making. This can improve patient outcomes and experiences, increase treatment completion rates, enhance survival rates, and lead to significant efficiencies in healthcare.

JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare

Prof. ZHANG Weixiong

Associate Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research; and Chair Professor in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics, Department of Health Technology and Informatics

Develop innovative AI and genomic technologies, including the creation of foundational models, for studying diseases and identifying diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease diagnosis and management. This will help revolutionise personalised diagnosis and therapy for cancers and psychiatric disorders, advancing medical care for all.

The JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology showcased Hong Kong’s first quantum computer called “HK-o1”. This groundbreaking technology is set to make a significant impact in the field of quantum computing. Besides, the JC STEM Lab is actively engaged in quantum research, including quantum communication chips and quantum sensors and more. Ms Elsie Tsang (5th from right, front row), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Laura Lo (5th from left, front row), PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement)visited the lab.

Prof. Zhang Weixiong, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare introduced projects that combine artificial intelligence computing, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology to study the mechanisms of depression and develop treatment solutions.

Ms Elsie Tsang (right), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club visited The JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare.