Two PolyU Scholars awarded inaugural BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize

Two scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the inaugural BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (STIP), for their outstanding contributions in the fields of “Advanced Manufacturing” and “Life and Health”. Each will receive a HK$2million cash prize.

Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is recognised in the “Advanced Manufacturing” field for his multidisciplinary research and breakthrough achievements at the interface of advanced manufacturing, surface science, fluid mechanism, thermal energy, materials science and physics. He has published over 200 papers in Nature, Science, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences and other journals.

Prof. Wang’s reseach has answered three century-old scientific questions—what the shortest contact time between solid and liquid is, how to steer directional liquid flow and how to overcome the Leidenfrost effect first discovered in 1756. He has also made an important contribution to exploring nature-inspired surfaces for a wide range of applications such as water energy harvesting, thermal cooling, fluid transport and flexible electronics.

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing, is recognized in the “Life and Health” field. He has obtained more than 50 patents and was ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in rankings compiled by Stanford University in 2021 and 2022. Prof. Zheng’s main research area includes biomedical ultrasound instrumentation, soft tissue elasticity measurement and imaging, 3D ultrasound imaging and smart aging technologies.

The research team led by Prof Zheng has developed a 3D ultrasound imaging system for radiation-free scoliosis assessment, “Scolioscan Air”, which can bring accurate, safe and cost-efficient mass screening to schools anywhere in the community. His invention has been applied to clinical assessment in many countries to facilitate early diagnosis and early treatment of scoliosis, and to control the condition using non-surgical intervention, thus benefiting adolescents all over the world.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the two awardees and said, “PolyU is honoured to have Prof. Wang and Prof. Zheng awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize in recognition of their achievements in science and technology innovation. PolyU is committed to making contributions to the world’s development and human well-being.”

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize, established by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, is a non-governmental merit-based award. The Award aims at facilitating the development of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong by rewarding outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to science and technology innovation in Hong Kong. The awards ceremony will be held on 22 December.

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