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PolyU researchers and academic-led startups seize prestigious awards at HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers and academic-led startup teams participated for the first time at the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, showcasing seven groundbreaking research projects that highlight the University’s exceptional capabilities in research and knowledge transfer. As the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong involved in multiple national space missions, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” developed and manufactured by the PolyU research team was publicly exhibited outside Hong Kong for the first time. Meanwhile, other PolyU researchers presented innovations and inventions in quantum technology and biomedical engineering which received international recognition and garnered awards. In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e 5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission, a PolyU research team, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, developed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. Designed by PolyU and manufactured in Hong Kong, the System includes two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two high temperature near-field cameras, as well as a primary packaging and sealing system for sealing the samples in a container. The System is a testament to the University’s significant contribution to the Nation’s efforts to establish leadership in space exploration and technology. The entrepreneurship project “Quantum Chip-based Key Distribution System”, led by Prof. LIU Ai-Qun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology and Global STEM Professor, was awarded a second prize along with a cash award of one million yuan. The System harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide users with an information-theoretically secure solution to key exchange, ensuring the long-term security of communication. By utilising advanced photonic chips, it achieves the miniaturisation and integration of quantum communication hardware, significantly reducing the cost of quantum communication equipment while enhancing the flexibility and broad application of quantum encryption. Scolioscan®, the world’s first radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, was developed by a research team led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU and Co-founder of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited (under Aitrasound group). The innovation secured a third prize and a cash award of half a million yuan. Scolioscan® addresses the drawback of frequent X-ray exposure by offering a radiation-free and accurate spine evaluation that allows individuals to undergo frequent safe spine check-ups. This innovation allows doctors to continuously monitor the progression of scoliosis in their patients and develop personalised treatment plans. The System has successfully completed clinical trials and obtained medical device certification in mainland China, Europe, Australia and Thailand. It is currently in use in hospitals and clinics in more than 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Malaysia, Romania, mainland China and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice-President (Research and Innovation) who led the delegation to participate in the Summit, stated, “Innovations from PolyU research and startup teams stand out among thousands of global competitors. Their achievements reaffirm the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to translating research outcomes into impactful applications that deliver lasting and substantial benefits to society. We are committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness by nurturing research talent, enhancing the local I&T ecosystem and fostering the development of new quality productive forces, all aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.” Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support to its academic- and student-led startups. Five PolyU academic-led startup teams were invited to take part in roadshows during the Summit to showcase their innovations to prospective investors. Scolioscan®: A Radiation-free 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System (Prof. Zheng Yongping) K-Shape: The world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer (Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, and Co-founder of GOOD Vision Technologies Company Limited/Wellsees Technologies Company Limited) Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System (Dr ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Co-founder of CobotAI Limited) Virtual MRI Contrast Enhancement System for Precise Tumour Detection and Treatment (Prof. CAI Jing, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Technical Advisor to MedVision Limited) Quantitative User Experience Evaluation for Spatial Computing: Enhance Delightful User Experiences in XR and Metaverse (Prof. Tommy Minchen WEI, Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Co-founder of Guardian Glow Limited) Furthermore, the research project on the extraction of a novel bioactive molecule, Oxyphylla A, for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Founder of AIM International Pharmaceutical Limited, was also showcased at the Summit. This year, the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Beijing from 23 to 25 August. The event attracted over 500 I&T companies and more than a thousand investors from around the world. This year’s entrepreneurship competition received 7,406 project submissions from 124 countries and regions, with nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs vying for 200 winning spots. Outstanding projects were awarded first, second and third prizes, along with the prestigious Bole Prize. In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will receive entrepreneurial guidance and support. The competition spans seven technology verticals, including Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality/Fintech, Medicine and Healthcare, New Generation Information Technology, High-end Equipment, and more.   ***END***

27 Aug, 2024

Research & Innovation Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office

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PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy sign a cooperation agreement to nurture railway professionals in Belt and Road Countries

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy signed a cooperation agreement yesterday (26 August 2024) and announced the launch of the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport, which aims to facilitate talent development as well as cooperation and exchange in technologies by combining the teaching resources and research capabilities of the two universities together with the practical experience of the railway operator to promote the railway development in Belt and Road countries. The inaugural Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport will be launched in October this year, offering the “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies” training programme which targets about 30 senior executives, scholars, researchers and trainers who are engaged in railway development, planning, policy and operations, as well as future transport advocates who aspire to promote smart mobility initiatives and integrated transportation systems in Belt and Road countries and regions. The two-week training programme will be conducted in Beijing and Hong Kong, and will include lectures, workshops and discussion forums. Participants will also visit the facilities of railway operators in Beijing and Hong Kong to better understand the industry’s latest developments. The training programme will provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas on the application of emerging technologies and operations with a view to accelerating sustainable development in infrastructure, economics and people’s livelihoods in Belt and Road countries and regions. The parties target to launch at least one training programme annually under the three-year cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement was held in Beijing, with the agreement being signed by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. MENG Lingyun, Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTR Academy.  Prof. HC Man said, “PolyU is committed to supporting the Belt and Road initiative for talent development in the field of engineering. We are pleased to enter into this tripartite partnership with the MTR Academy and Beijing Jiaotong University to organise the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport. PolyU’s smart railway technology innovations, already deployed in various countries and regions, demonstrate our commitment to translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Through this programme, PolyU hopes to foster advanced exchanges and knowledge sharing and realise new collaboration opportunities with experts in Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries.” Prof. Meng Lingyun said, “Since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing Jiaotong University has proactively served major strategic needs of the country, fully leveraging its strengths in transportation and promoting educational and research cooperation in the field of railway transportation. We sincerely hope that this Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme will provide an opportunity to work with PolyU and MTR Academy to build a high-level international exchange platform for sharing advanced railway technologies and valuable operational management experience.” Dr Mark Ho said, “Railways play an indispensable role in the sustainable development of urban planning. The Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme is the first to be jointly organised by a railway operator and universities. MTR Academy looks forward to this collaboration to provide a knowledge platform for the Belt and Road countries. Our sharing of MTR’s world-class experience in railway operation and management will enable the programme to blend theory and practice, thereby achieving the goal of fostering the sustainable development of mass transit systems and smart cities through regional exchanges.” Initially, the collaboration will focus primarily on training. The three parties will continue to explore other possibilities for long-term cooperation to promote exchanges in the field of railway transportation in support of the Belt and Road Initiative.   ***End***

27 Aug, 2024

Events Faculty of Engineering

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PolyU collaborates with SF&OC to provide sports therapy and rehabilitation services to emerging athletes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to leverage PolyU’s professional rehabilitation services and research excellence to support up-and-coming athletes from the four member associations of SF&OC: Handball Association of Hong Kong, China; The Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China; The Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong, China; and The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association. The collaboration aims to enhance athletes’ performance and reduce injury risks, helping them achieve better results in competitions. The signing was witnessed by Ms Candy NIP, Acting Commissioner for Sports of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; and Mr Timothy FOK, President of SF&OC. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Edgar YANG, Honorary Secretary General of SF&OC signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. The ceremony was also attended by PolyU’s Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. David SHUM; Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS), Prof. Marco PANG; Associate Head of RS, Prof. Amy FU; and SF&OC’s Honorary Deputy Secretary General, Mr WONG Po Kee; as well as representatives from the member associations and athletes. Dr Lam said that the Hong Kong, China delegation had made historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, winning two gold and two bronze medals and bringing honour to both Hong Kong and the Nation. He continued by noting that their success was not only due to the athletes’ perseverance and hard work, but also to the dedicated efforts of their support team. He said, “PolyU has consistently supported the promotion and implementation of the Government’s five sports development policy objectives. We sincerely thank SF&OC for their work over the years, providing athletes with an excellent environment within which they can develop, finally achieving great success in their sporting careers. We look forward to collaborating with SF&OC, leveraging PolyU’s expertise and research achievements in the field of rehabilitation therapy to offer better training and support for the athletes, helping them shine in international competitions and bring glory to Hong Kong and the Nation.” Mr Fok noted that, “As a university focusing on science, engineering and technology, PolyU gives full play to its advantages in sports science and sports therapy to provide athletes with sports technology, injury prevention and rehabilitation support, and help athletes overcome injuries to regain or even improve on their pre-injury level of performance.” He was grateful for PolyU’s keen support to athletes and those collaborating to foster a favourable environment for athletes, adding that he was looking forward to closer cooperation with PolyU in the future. Through the collaboration, a team of staff and students, led by Prof. Fu, will provide pre-season assessments, training support, rehabilitation therapy and on-site support to up-and-coming athletes from four national sports associations. It is expected that around 100 students from PolyU’s Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy, and the School of Professional Education and Executive Development of PolyU’s Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy will participate in the first academic year. The team aims to use this collaborative model to conduct assessments to identify injury-prone areas, observe athletes’ training posture and analyse movements that may lead to injury, provide rehabilitation therapy for injured athletes and offer on-site support for competing athletes. This initiative is expected to enhance athletes’ performance and bring greater sporting glory to Hong Kong.   *** END ***

20 Aug, 2024

Events Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

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PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2024 held to inspire interest in research among high school students

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) places great emphasis on holistic education of young people and on providing them with enriching and diverse learning opportunities, aiming to nurture talents who can drive innovation in the society. To foster high school student interest in research, PolyU organised the fourth “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP), enabling participants to engage in diverse research projects under the guidance of PolyU academics. A record 180 students from 58 local and international secondary schools were selected to participate in this year’s Programme, supported by 70 academics from various faculties, schools and departments at PolyU. Mentees from JRMP 2024 participated in 30 projects, covering topics related to various fields, including applied social sciences, design, fashion and textiles, hotel and tourism, language, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, as well as various engineering specialisations such as aeronautical engineering, biomedical engineering and building engineering. Over a four-month period, under the guidance of PolyU academic mentors, students gained practical experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Through hands-on learning, they developed the skills necessary for successful research endeavours. The programme also included visits to PolyU’s laboratories and classrooms, providing students with exposure to the university’s academic environment and diverse undergraduate offerings, preparing them for their future studies and careers. Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), said, “PolyU is committed to leveraging our top-notch academics to support the development of young research talents in Hong Kong. The JRMP is designed to expose secondary school students to research experiences, with the guidance of our esteemed academic staff. Some of them will even have the opportunity to present their research findings at international conferences and make a real impact. Our mentees from last year’s programme submitted their project to the American Association for Applied Linguistics Conference 2024, and presented their research at the conference in the Houston, Texas. It shows that this Programme has sparked a passion for research in students, and I look forward to welcoming them to PolyU, as our students, or even better, as future researchers, to drive impactful innovations for our future.” Prof. Ben Young (6th from left) joined the sharing session by the JRMP mentors and mentees.  Supervised by Dr Henry CHU, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, three students from Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School conducted the research project “Development of a self-driving robot for use in an indoor environment”. Students described their programme experience as “stimulating.” They shared, “As the use of automation and robotics technologies becomes more prevalent, these technologies are having a greater impact on our daily lives. In this project, we had the opportunity to learn how a self-driving car operates, from computer programming to the utilisation of sensors and lidar systems, and even covering the concept of artificial intelligence. This inspired our interest in engineering, and we are keen to study relevant disciplines at the university.” Under the guidance of Prof. YICK Kit Lun, Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) and Dr SHI Qiuqiong, Research Assistant Professor of the SFT, three students from St Paul’s Convent School and Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School learnt how to design sports bras in their research project “Activewear design in the digital age”. They said, “We are all interested in fashion design. This project covered practical design knowledge and introduced us to relevant technological trends. Most impressively, we had the opportunity to use the advanced 4D body scanner and motion capture system with ourselves as models. With these firsthand experiences, we gained a profound insight into the impact of technology on fashion design.” Two students from the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School completed the research project “Exploring the attitudes and behaviours of elderly patrons towards self-service technologies in restaurants: A case study of elderly restaurant customers in Hong Kong” under the guidance of Dr Ada LO, Associate Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. They said, “Our mentor’s guidance was invaluable throughout the project. We gained a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies by actively participating in various stages of the research process, including conducting a thorough literature review, in-depth interviews and data analysis. Our generation is accustomed to self-service technologies, so it is hard for us to imagine the challenges they bring to the elderly. After this experience, we have gained a deeper understanding of issues like social inclusion and how the hospitality and tourism industry can positively impact community well-being. We hope our findings can serve as a reference for the industry in enhancing the elderly’s experience using these technologies.” PolyU launched JRMP in 2021 to introduce high school students to diverse research areas and multidisciplinary knowledge, igniting their passion for inquiry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of local innovation and technology (I&T) talent, supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub. Since its launch, the Programme has attracted 520 students from 108 local and international secondary schools, who completed a total of 144 research projects. Moving forward, JRMP will expand to welcome more secondary schools and students. Applications will open early next year, with the Programme scheduled to run from April to August. For this year’s programme website, photos and videos, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/junior-researcher-mentoring-programme/   ***End***

19 Aug, 2024

Teaching & Learning Global Engagement Office

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PolyU scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation

Quantum simulation enables scientists to simulate and study complex systems that are challenging or even impossible using classical computers across various fields, including financial modelling, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical discoveries, AI and machine learning. For instance, exploring molecular vibronic spectra is critical in understanding the molecular properties in molecular design and analysis. However, it remains a long-standing computationally difficult problem that cannot be efficiently solved using traditional super-computers. Researchers are diligently working on quantum computers and algorithms to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. However, they are limited to simple molecule structures, as they struggle with low accuracy and inherent noise. Engineering researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules, a world-first achievement. Capturing these quantum effects accurately requires meticulously developed simulations that account for quantum superposition and entanglement, which are computationally intensive to model classically. The research is published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy.” This cutting-edge technology paves the way to solving complicated quantum chemistry problems, including quantum computational applications which are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. The research team is led by Professor LIU Ai-Qun, a Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science and Director of the Institute for Quantum Technology (IQT), a Global STEM Scholar and Fellow of Singapore Academy Engineering, together with the main project driver, Dr ZHU Hui Hui, Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the first author of the research paper. Other collaborators are from Nanyang Technological University, City University of Hong Kong, Beijing Institute of Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Microelectronics and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Dr Zhu’s team have experimentally demonstrated a large-scale quantum microprocessor chip and introduced a nontrivial theoretical model employing a linear photonic network and squeezed vacuum quantum light sources to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. The 16-qubit quantum microprocessor chip is fabricated and integrated into a single chip. A complete system has been developed, including the hardware integration of optical–electrical–thermal packaging for the quantum photonic microprocessor chip and electrical control module, software development for device drivers, user interface and underlying quantum algorithms which are fully programmable. The quantum computer system developed provides a fundamental building block for further applications. The quantum microprocessor can be applied to solving complex tasks, such as simulating large protein structures or optimising molecular reactions with significantly improved speed and accuracy. Dr Zhu said, “Our approach could yield an early class of practical molecular simulations that operate beyond classical limits and hold promise for achieving quantum speed-ups in relevant quantum chemistry applications.” Quantum technologies are crucial in scientific fields, including material science, chemistry and condensed matter physics. As an attractive hardware platform, the quantum microprocessor chips present a promising technological alternative for quantum information processing. The research findings and the resulting integrated quantum microprocessor chip developed open significant new avenues for numerous practical applications. These applications include solving molecular docking problems and leveraging quantum machine learning techniques like graph classification. Professor Liu said, “Our research is inspired by the potential real-world impact of quantum simulation technologies. In the next phase of our work, we aim to scale up the microprocessor and tackle more intricate applications that could benefit society and industry.” The team has introduced a groundbreaking development in quantum technology, which can be considered “a game changer.” They have successfully tackled the highly challenging task of molecular spectroscope simulation using a quantum computing microprocessor. Their research marks a significant advancement in quantum technology and its potential quantum computing applications.   ***END***

19 Aug, 2024

Research & Innovation Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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PolyU and AquaBloom join forces to nurture sports technology talent and advance industry development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group Limited (ABSG) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the “Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre”. The Centre aspires to cultivate top industry talents and accelerate sports research and industry development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through education programmes, academic exchanges and joint research projects. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Rocky CHENG, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, the MoU was signed by Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics of PolyU and Mr Mike YANG, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABSG. This strategic partnership will leverage PolyU research strengths and ABSG industry experience to foster each other’s academic activities and education projects on sports technology. The Centre will connect PolyU researchers with local sports organisations to form an expert team comprising academics, researchers, sports professionals and industry practitioners. The team will engage in impactful interdisciplinary research and collaborate on projects eligible for local and national funding. In terms of talent development, leveraging its robust local and global networks, ABGS will also offer internship and career placements to students enrolled on the PolyU Master of Science programme in Sports Technology and Management, which will welcome its first intake in 2025. For the industry, the Centre will provide enterprises with professional services that encompass knowledge transfer, investment, business expansion, networking and technology empowerment. Additionally, it will also function as an incubator and accelerator to foster the development of the sports industry in the region. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “Leveraging its world-class academic and research capabilities, PolyU has produced numerous innovations and inventions and is committed to translating its research outcomes to create positive impact on society. We are delighted to join forces with ABSG to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. With our research capabilities and ABSG’s robust network, the Centre can promote advanced sports technology research and talent development through collaborations among industry, academia and research sectors. This will not only accelerate the development of the sports industry and enhance its overall competitiveness in the Greater Bay Area, but will also promote high-quality economic growth in the region.” Mr Mike Yang said, “As a globalised and leading SportsTech focused platform, ABSG is thrilled to partner with PolyU to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. By combining the distinctive strengths of both organisations, we are committed to delivering unparalleled value in talent development and to propelling industry growth. We are confident that this centre will not only be one of a kind within Hong Kong and the GBA, but will also offer sustainable social, academic, industrial and economic benefits to all stakeholders across the globe.” In the future, the Centre will explore opportunities for collaboration between PolyU-nurtured enterprises and ABSG’s key innovation projects. The synergy between the two organisations can propel talent development, innovation and knowledge transfer in sports technology.   ***END***

16 Aug, 2024

Events Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology

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PolyU joint hands with Xi'an Jiaotong University to develop students’ service leadership skills

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16 Aug, 2024

Teaching & Learning Office of Undergraduate Studies

PolyU young scholar awarded Asian Young Scientist Fellowship 2024_press_pic

PolyU young scholar awarded Asian Young Scientist Fellowship 2024 for breakthroughs in materials physics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always been committed to nurturing young researchers to drive new quality productive forces in science and technology. Dr Kathy LENG Kai, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, has been awarded a prestigious 2024 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship (AYSF), in recognition of her outstanding achievements in physical science. The AYSF aims to encourage and support talented young scientists in Asia to carry out creative and transformative research in three fields: “Life Science,” “Physical Science,” and “Mathematics and Computer Science.” The Fellowship is awarded annually to 12 recipients selected from Asia after a rigorous selection process. A total grant of USD100,000 is disbursed to each Fellow’s home institution over two consecutive years to support their research endeavors. This new Fellowship, specifically targeting young Asian scientists, has been established by the founders of the Future Science Prize. Dr Leng stood out from a large pool of talented and highly-qualified candidates from across Asia. The AYSF Committee acknowledged her groundbreaking work in molecularly thin two-dimensional hybrid perovskites and have shown they are willing to support her further exploration in this cutting-edge field. She said, “I am honoured and encouraged to have been awarded this fellowship following an intensive selection process. I look forward to engaging with forward-thinking young scientists from across Asia and expanding opportunities for collaboration. My team and I will continue to strive for breakthroughs and explore innovations that pave the way to versatile applications in flexible microelectronics and spintronics.” Dr Leng is the first scholar to isolate the 2D hybrid perovskite monolayers and uncover their novel physical properties. She is also dedicated to establishing accurate atomic structure-property relationships and pushing the boundaries of their novel device applications, particularly in the field of opto-microelectronics and spintronics. Currently, her team is focused on the scalable growth of hybrid perovskite single-crystalline thin films and their large-scale device integration. Dr Leng has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award, the Asia Pacific TR35 Award from MIT Technology Review, the Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award, the Early Career Research Gold Award from the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry and the China Excellent Young Scientist award.   ***END***

15 Aug, 2024

Achievements Department of Applied Physics

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PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat

As global warming intensifies, people increasingly suffer from extreme heat. For those working in a high-temperature environment indoors or outdoors, keeping thermally comfortable becomes particularly crucial. A team led by Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed first-of-its-kind thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in hot environments. Their research findings have been published in the international interdisciplinary journal Advanced Science. Maintaining a constant body temperature is one of the most critical requirements for living and working. High-temperature environments elevate energy consumption, leading to increased heat stress, thus exacerbating chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues and asthma, while also increasing the risk of infectious disease transmission. According to the World Health Organisation, globally, there were approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, with 45% occurring in Asia and 36% in Europe. Thermal protective clothing is essential to safeguard individuals in extreme high-temperature environments, such as firefighters who need to be present at fires scenes and construction workers who work outdoors for extended periods. However, traditional gear has been limited by statically fixed thermal resistance, which can lead to overheating and discomfort in moderate conditions, while its heat insulation may not offer sufficient protection in extreme fire events and other high-temperature environments. To address this issue, Dr Shou and his team have developed intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic temperature adaptation and thermal insulation in hot environments, offering superior personal protection and thermal comfort across a range of temperatures. Their research was inspired by biomimicry in nature, like the adaptive thermal regulation mechanism in pigeons, which is mainly based on structural changes. Pigeons use their feathers to trap a layer of air surrounding their skin to reduce heat loss to the environment. When the temperature drops, they fluff up their feathers to trap a significant amount of still air, thereby increasing thermal resistance and retaining warmth. The protective clothing developed by the team uses soft robotic textile for dynamic adaptive thermal management. Soft actuators, designed like a human network-patterned exoskeleton and encapsulating a non-toxic, non-flammable, low-boiling-point fluid, were strategically embedded within the clothing. This thermo-stimulated system turns the fluid from a liquid into a gas when the ambient temperature rises, causing expansion of soft actuators and thickening the textile matrix, thereby enhancing the gap of still air and doubling the thermal resistance from 0.23 to 0.48 Km²/W. The protective clothing can also keep the inner surface temperatures at least 10°C cooler than conventional heat-resistant clothing, even when the outer surface reaches 120°C. This unique soft robotic textile, made by thermoplastic polyurethane, is soft, resilient and durable. Notably, it is far more skin-friendly and conformable than temperature-responsive clothing embedded with shape-memory alloys and is adjustable for a wide range of protective clothing. The soft actuators have exhibited no signs of leakage after undergoing rigorous standard washing tests. The porous, spaced knitting structure of the material can also significantly reduce convective heat transfer while maintaining high moisture breathability. Not relying on thermoelectric chips or circulatory liquid cooling systems for cooling or heat conduction, the light-weighted, soft robotic clothing can effectively regulate temperature itself without any energy consumption. Dr Shou said, “Wearing heavy firefighting gear can feel extremely stifling. When firefighters exit a fire scene and remove their gear, they are sometimes drained nearly a pound of sweat from their boots. This has motivated me to develop a novel suit capable of adapting to various environmental temperatures while maintaining excellent breathability. Our soft robotic clothing can seamlessly adapt to different seasons and climates, multiple working and living conditions, and transitions between indoor and outdoor environments to help users experience constant thermal comfort under intense heat.” Looking forward, Dr Shou finds the innovation to have a wide range of potential applications, from activewear, winter jackets, healthcare apparel and outdoor gear, to sustainable textile-based insulation for construction and buildings, contributing to energy-saving efforts. Supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Dr Shou and his team have also extended the thermo-adaptive concept to develop inflatable, breathable jackets and warm clothing. This soft robotic clothing is suitable for low-temperature environments or sudden temperature drops to aid those who are stranded in the wilderness to maintain normal body temperature.   ***END***

13 Aug, 2024

Research & Innovation School of Fashion and Textiles

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PolyU provides policy research and training support to District Care Teams (Sai Kung)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) have partnered to conduct policy research and provide a professional training programme for District Care Teams (Sai Kung). This aims to equip the Teams with further knowledge and skills to better serve the community. PolyU signed a Memorandum of Understanding today with the District Services and Community Care Development Fund (Sai Kung) Company Ltd to put forward public policy proposals that support Hong Kong’s development. The partnership is also assisting in the professional growth of District Care Teams (Sai Kung). In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research & Innovation) and Director of PReCIT said PolyU is committed to community service and development through capacity building. The training provided by the University serves to equip Care Team members with the skills to more effectively foster a more inclusive and supportive society. Mr SO Ching Tung, President of District Services and Community Care Development Fund (Sai Kung) Company Ltd, highlighted their dedication to quality community services with the support of the Central Government and the HKSAR Government, contributing to Hong Kong’s social harmony and stability. A representative of the participants, the Team Leader of Kwong Ming Care Team, Mr CHONG Yuen-tung, expressed his gratitude and said that he and his fellow participants will enhance their skills to better serve the community, support the Government’s regional governance work and ultimately promote prosperity in Hong Kong. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-director of PReCIT, provided a brief introduction to the policy research and outlined the key objectives and features of the training programme. He encouraged participants to embrace innovation and technology, more fully understand diverse community needs and better prepare themselves to contribute to the community. Through the combined expertise of PReCIT and APSS, the University aims to help the District Care Teams to enhance their service skills and create positive social impact by fostering innovation, inclusion and well-being.   **END**

12 Aug, 2024

Events Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology

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