PolyU appoints Professor Christopher Chao as Vice President (Research and Innovation)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the appointment of Professor Christopher Yu-Hang CHAO to the post of Vice President (Research and Innovation) [VP(RI)] effective 1 September 2021.

As VP(RI), Professor Chao will lead the planning and development of research and innovation at PolyU. He will play a prominent role in elevating the quality and impact of the University’s research, thereby reinforcing PolyU’s commitment to delivering innovative research that benefits Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. He will also steer PolyU’s development in strategic research areas to enhance the University’s leadership position in the region and internationally.

PolyU’s President, Professor Jin-Guang TENG, welcomed Professor Chao to the position of VP(RI) and said, “We are delighted that Professor Chao will join PolyU, bringing along his exceptional knowledge and extensive experience in higher education to the University. As an enthusiastic researcher, a distinguished scholar and a visionary academic leader, Professor Chao will help us formulate and implement forward-looking research strategies to capture the opportunities offered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the development of the Greater Bay Area, thus strengthening the University’s pursuit of world-class research and innovation that helps address pressing societal issues.”

Professor Chao is currently Dean of Engineering and Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Prior to joining HKU, he had worked at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for more than 20 years and served as the Head of Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from 2014 to 2018. Professor Chao is a distinguished researcher in the field of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, and has an outstanding track record in research publications and grants. He is also an experienced academic leader with an in-depth understanding of the education landscape in Hong Kong and beyond.

Professor Chao received his BSc (Eng) degree in Mechanical Engineering (First Class) from HKU in 1988. He obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He is a Fellow of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (FASME), USA, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), UK, The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (FCIBSE), UK, The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (FHKEng), and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (FHKIE). He is a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) and a Chartered Engineer of the UK Engineering Council (CEng).

To view the biography of Professor Chao, please click https://polyu.hk/jllhL.

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