Media Releases

Over 110 PolyU students and staff participate in service-learning programme in Rwanda; Installing solar power systems for families in mountainous areas and for the first time collaborating with rural citizens to design fashionable clothing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always been committed to nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. This summer, over 110 PolyU students and staff travelled to eight villages in the Rwamagana district of Rwanda as part of a PolyU service-learning programme. They successfully installed over 400 solar power systems for impoverished families in the mountainous areas and, for the first time, collaborated with rural citizens to design fashionable clothing integrating modern techniques and local ethnic styles. This not only enriched the students’ learning experience beyond the classroom, but also brought positive impact to the local communities. The two-week Rwanda service-learning project was part of the “Wong Tit Shing Sustainability Education Project: Habitat Green in East Africa,” now in its 11th year, and organised by the Service-Learning and Leadership Office at PolyU. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, also participated in the project for the first time. As the first Hong Kong university to incorporate service-learning as a core part of the undergraduate curriculum, PolyU aims to inspire students to be more socially conscious, apply their classroom learning and respond to societal needs. Students and staff participating in the service-learning programme in Rwanda this year were involved in two projects offered by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Department of Computing, as well as the School of Fashion and Textiles. Some villages in Rwanda are still plagued by a power shortage. The PolyU service-learning project addresses real needs for a basic electricity supply among local impoverished households by installing solar power systems. By collaborating with local partners, the project aims to provide reliable and a stable basic electricity supply, thereby improving the quality of life for these communities. To further promote exchange between Hong Kong and Rwanda, PolyU students and staff collaborated with rural citizens for the first time through the University’s world-leading fashion and textile arts to create unique clothing that blends traditional elements with modern design. The successful completion of the project was marked with a community celebration, which included a fashion show showcasing the unique designs from the collaboration. This joyful event was attended by local dignitaries, as well as Prof. Kwok Yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Mr WANG Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda. Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, PolyU Vice President (Education) (4th from right), Mr Wang Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda (6th from left) and other local dignitaries attended the community celebration and fashion show. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “I am pleased to see PolyU students and staff fully engaged in the service-learning process, applying their knowledge and experience to the project. This has enabled rural citizens to acquire skills, to improve their livelihoods, and help contribute to the development of Rwanda.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is dedicated to nurturing students with talent and integrity. Service-learning enhances students’ sense of social responsibility, deepens their understanding of social needs, improves their professional skills, and helps foster a sense of national pride and global vision. I hope we can attract more Rwanda students to study and exchange at PolyU, thereby cultivating more talent for the development of their community.” During the trip, the PolyU senior management delegation visited the Rwandan Ministry of Education and the University of Rwanda to explore potential collaborations. They also paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda for in-depth exchanges on educational topics. The delegation also toured local high school and education institution, aiming to continue providing more educational opportunities for students from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.   Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from left), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (2nd from right) and Prof. Ben Young (1st from left), met with Mr Gasoard Twagirayezu (centre), Rwanda’s Minister of Education.     Dr Lam Tai-fai (front row, centre), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (front row, 2nd from right) and Prof. Ben Young (front row, 3rd from left), met with Associate Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas (front row, centre), Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, and the University’s senior management team. ***END***   

PolyU holds the signing ceremony of the collaboration projects of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute and the Technology Matchmaking Conference

The signing ceremony of the collaboration projects of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) - Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute) and the Technology Matchmaking Conference were successfully held in Jinjiang on 9 August. The event was attended by Dr LAM Tai-fai, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Council Chairman of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, Prof Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Municipal Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang, Mr CHEN Junwei, Deputy Director of Quanzhou Science and Technology Bureau, Mr LIU Jianjun, Member of the Standing Committee of Jinjiang Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor candidate, Mr WU Jingyu, Vice Mayor of Jinjiang and Secretary of Chen Dai Town Party Committee, along with nearly 160 officials and enterprise representatives from Quanzhou and Jinjiang, witnessing the achievements of the Research Institute since its establishment and looking forward to its future development. In his opening speech, Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked that since the official launch of the Research Institute in September 2023, PolyU’s research resources have been effectively consolidated and integrated with the local industry of Jinjiang. Through talent nurturing and technology transfer, the collaboration with various sectors in Jinjiang has grown stronger. With the opening of PolyU InnoHub@Jinjiang, the transformation of technology into productivity in Jinjiang will be reinforced. He emphasised that PolyU will continue to work closely with Jinjiang to inject momentum into local technological innovation, promote the industrialisation of technology, and to contribute to the Nation’s technological advancement. Mr Zhang Wenxian commended the substantial progress of the Research Institute over the past year. He stated that deepening cooperation between the university and the local industry is crucial for integrating technological and industrial innovation and developing new productive forces, aligning with the principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party. The Jinjiang municipal government will consolidate resources and provide comprehensive service guarantees to ensure the smooth implementation of collaboration projects. The launching ceremony of the PolyU InnoHub@Jinjiang commenced, showcasing the official move-in of the first five outstanding start-ups. This marks a significant step forward in promoting the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jinjiang. The PolyU InnoHub@Jinjiang will provide a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment and resources support to help entrepreneurs achieve greater success in technological innovation and market expansion. During the signing ceremony, the Research Institute signed a series of agreement with several enterprises, covering areas including technology transfer and the establishment of joint laboratories. These agreements symbolise a strong commitment to future cooperation and an unwavering pursuit of innovation, representing an important step towards the transformation of technological achievements. A plaque unveiling ceremony was also held for the Joint Laboratory of The PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute & Jinjiang Topone Anti-mold Material Company. Its establishment will further advance research and collaboration in food technology policies and other related fields, paving new paths for technological progress and industry development in Jinjiang. Prof Yu Changyuan, Director of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, and Mr He Shuidong, Chairman of Jinjiang Topone Anti-mold Material Company, unveiled the plaque for the establishment of the Joint Laboratory. Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, introduced the latest developments and plans of PolyU; Mr Kelvin WONG, Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, shared PolyU’s cases of knowledge transfer achievements and its entrepreneurial ecosystem; and Prof YU Changyuan, Director of the Research Institute, reported on its development progress and future plans. The event was also joined by Prof Xiaoming TAO, Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems of PolyU; Prof WONG Ka-hing and Dr Chili WU, Associate Directors of the Research Institute; Prof Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences; Prof LU Haitian, Director of Mainland Development Office; Prof Horace MUI, Associate Head of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering; Prof Calvin WONG, Centre Director of Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design; Dr Amber CHIOU, Associate Director of Research Institute for Future Food; Dr FUNG Siyuan, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies; Dr Oscar CHAN, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering; and Ms Amylia CHAN, Assistant Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office. The event not only marked a milestone in the deepening of the cooperation between PolyU and Jinjiang but also opened a new chapter full of hope and opportunities. On the same day, both parties visited the Research Institute to inspect the research progress, as well as the newly established PolyU InnoHub@Jinjiang, engaging in friendly exchanges with the first batch of five moved-in startups. A friendly football match between the PolyU United Football Team and the Jinjiang Municipal Football Team was held at the Jinjiang Football Training Centre. Dr Lam Tai-fai and Mr Xu Zizhu, Director of the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau, also participated in the match. The match not only highlighted the athleticism of the participants but also further strengthened the friendship between PolyU and Jinjiang, making the event even more meaningful.   ***END***

PolyU develops versatile fluidic platform for programmable liquid processing

Society relies heavily on diverse fluidic technologies. The ability to precisely capture and release various chemical and biological fluids plays a fundamental role in many fields. A long-standing challenge is to design a platform that enables the switchable capture and release of liquids with precise spatial and temporal control and accurate volumes of the fluid. Recently, researchers at The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (PolyU) have invented a new method to effectively overcome this challenge. Led by Prof. WANG Liqiu, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart and Sustainable Energy, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, the research team has developed a unique fluidic processor, “Connected Polyhedral Frames” (CPFs). With CPFs, switching between liquid capture and release becomes reversible, programmable and independent of used polyhedral frames and processed liquids, making the processor a meta-metamaterial. This research has recently been published in Nature Chemical Engineering, with Dr ZHANG Yiyuan, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as the first author. Unlike in the highly developed area of solids manipulation, convenient handling of fluids remains a cumbersome task despite the ubiquity of fluids in, for example, the healthcare, pharmaceutical, biological and chemical industries. As fluids interact with tools, they frequently wet and spread on the solids, preventing complete liquid transfer, impairing volumetric accuracy and causing inter-sample cross contamination. To preserve the purity of fluids, disposable plastics such as pipettes and microtubes are widely used, adding to the global problem of plastic waste. Reversible switching between capture and release is the key to CPFs’ capability to precisely process liquids, enabling the liquid in the network to be retained or drained locally, dynamically and reversibly as desired. In the CPFs, frames above the single-rod connection without a pathway for liquid drainage between frames, capture and retain liquids, thus functioning as capturers. While the frames above the double-rod connection imbibe but release liquids, serving as releasers. This is because when the CPFs are lifted from the liquid, a liquid film forms between the double-rod connections, creating channels between frames that facilitate liquid release. Reversible switching between capture and release can be achieved, using available tools, by constructing or breaking the liquid continuity between frames. CPFs offer a versatile platform that enables many unique functions including 3D programmable patterning of liquids, 3D spatiotemporal control of concentrations of multiple materials, packaging of 3D liquid arrays and large-scale manipulation of multiple liquids. It is compatible with a broad range of liquids, including but not limited to aqueous solutions, biofluids, hydrogels, organic solvents, polymer solutions and oils. Therefore, a variety of biomaterials and chemicals can be incorporated into CPFs for various applications. To demonstrate the practical utility of CPFs in controlled multidrug release, Prof. Wang’s team designed a CPF network for the 3D binary liquid patterning of vitamins B2 and B12. The two vitamins, representing two different types of drug molecules, were encapsulated in sodium alginate hydrogel and gellan gum, respectively, and released in aqueous solution. By altering the thickness of the gel membrane, the relative release rates of the two “drugs” can be precisely controlled. Traditional cotton swabs and flocking swabs suffer from severe sample residues during their sample release. CPFs can effectively overcome this challenge because their frame structure renders free liquid-liquid interfaces for high release efficiency. Using the influenza virus as an example, the research team demonstrated the superiority of CPFs as sampling tools with much better release performance. When the virus concentration was low, the CPFs detected the virus, while both the flocking swab and cotton swab failed to do so. The team has also demonstrated the application of CPFs in biomaterial encapsulation. Taking Acetobacterium encapsulation as an example, the CPFs show many advantages over traditional devices, including by facilitating the separation of bacteria and reaction products, simplifying the microbial reaction process and enhancing the utilisation rate of bacteria. It is conceivable that CPF could also be applied to encapsulate other biological materials for efficient production of other valuable products. In addition to medical and microbial applications, Prof. Wang’s team has further demonstrated the practicability of CPFs for air conditioning. They prepared a commercial-scale humidifier prototype, which has a higher water storage capacity and requires less water flow, making them potentially more energy efficient. The CPFs also allow large-scale 3D liquid dispersion to form a larger surface area, making them very useful for gas absorption. An ideal CO2 cycle process is successfully generated with CPFs, which includes carbon capture and storage and CO2 reutilisation. Importantly, each frame in CPFs captures or releases liquids independent of its base materials, structures and handled liquids, being thus an innovative meta-metamaterial that makes the dream of “precisely scooping water with a bamboo basket” come true. The availability of such a fluidic processor sets a new standard for handling liquids with controllability, versatility and high performance, inspires a new field of meta-metamaterials, and facilitates new scientific and technological breakthroughs in various fields.     ***END***

PolyU develops ultra-stable, record high brightness perovskite LEDs with promising applications

Perovskite materials are significant for enhancing the development and performance of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, there are certain technological limitations in advancing overall device efficiency, brightness and lifetime, with the operational stability of Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) remaining a major challenge. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have made a breakthrough by developing a 3DFAPbI3 perovskite material system that enables high brightness, efficiency and long device lifetime simultaneously. Prof. LI Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, together with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Zhiqi LI, Research Assistant Professor Dr Zhiwei REN, and the rest of the research team, have engineered a novel technology using an alkyl-chain-length-dependent ammonium salt molecule modulation strategy. They elucidated the roles of alkylammonium salts in managing crystal orientation, controlling grain size, suppressing non-radiative recombination, and thereby enhancing device performance. This represents a critical leap towards future applications and commercialisation of efficient and ultra-stable PeLEDs with record brightness. The research team have achieved efficient, ultra-bright, and stable PeLEDs simultaneously, with high  Electroluminescence External Quantum Efficiency of 23.2%, a record radiance of 1,593 W sr−1 m−2 and a much improved record lifetime of 227 h (at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2). This demonstrates the best performance for DC-drive near-infrared PeLEDs at high-brightness and stability levels. Their research “Grain orientation management and recombination suppression for ultra-stable PeLEDs with record brightness”, has been recently published in the energy journal Joule. Prof. Li Gang said, “This strategy suggests that PeLEDs are not only high-efficiency devices in the laboratory but also promising candidates for commercial high-brightness lighting and display applications, competing with commercially available quantum-dot-based and organic LEDs.” The research team revealed that the performance of PeLEDs is strongly affected by the balance among oriented crystallisation, grain size control and suppression of non-radiative recombination. The key to resolving this dilemma lies in adjusting the molecular interaction between the long-chain alkylammonium salts and perovskite nuclei. Alkylammoniums promote oriented crystallization of perovskite film for lighting, while the molecular interaction between alkylammonium and perovskite affects PeLEDs performance. Notably, the team has successfully utilised molecular engineering of long-chain alkylammonium salts to modulate crystallisation kinetics. This breakthrough strategy enables the production of high-efficiency and ultra-brightness near-infrared PeLEDs with ultralong stability, even under large current excitation. In the development of LEDs, PeLEDs possess substantial advantages, including pure colour, a wider display colour gamut range, cost effectiveness and solution processiblity offering greater flexibility in production. The team’s discovery contributes significantly to the advancement of PeLEDs and their technological impact.    ***END***

The 9th executive committee of PolyU CEO Club inaugurated

Chinese version only.

ZEISS Adopts PolyU's Patented Technology to Develop ZEISS MyoCare Myopia Control Lenses for Children; Professional ophthalmic products feature patented myopia control technology, effectively slowing down myopia progression in nearly 90% of child wearers

The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and ZEISS Vision Care (ZEISS) announced their latest collaborative initiative, ZEISS MyoCare Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses (ZEISS MyoCare Lenses). The lenses utilise PolyU's patented Defocus Incorporated Soft Contact (DISC) technology for myopia management. Through this collaboration, the two parties joined forces to drive better control and management of myopia in children globally. This collaboration has enabled ZEISS to adopt PolyU’s patented DISC technology in its specialist optical products, integrating authoritative academic ophthalmic research with cutting-edge ophthalmological technology to provide the public with new effective professional vision care solutions. The ZEISS MyoCare Lenses uses PolyU’s DISC technology, its patented design adds a set of specialised optical microstructures to the general refractive myopia correction optical structure. The two sets of optical structures are arranged alternately on the lens surface. The corrective area projects the image onto the retina, allowing the wearer to see a clear image, while the optical microstructures project another set of images in front of the retina, i.e., the "forward optical defocus" signal, utilising the eye's natural emmetropisation feedback mechanism to guide the eye and slow down the growth of the eyeball axis of myopic patients. The technology is completely non-invasive and has undergone multiple basic experiments and clinical verifications, proven to be safe, effective and without significant side effects. ZEISS MyoCare Lenses also incorporate patented ZEISS C.A.R.E.® technology. It can effectively decelerate the rate of myopia progression by 48% to 63% and diminish axial length increase by 41% to 77%. Furthermore, these lenses provide wearers with clear vision regardless of viewing distance and direction, and are easy to adapt to, with over 95% of child wearers able to adapt to the lenses within three days. A recent 12-month research report shows that nearly 90% of children wearing ZEISS MyoCare Lenses experienced slow annual myopia progression, compared to 51% of children wearing single vision lenses experiencing fast progression. Moreover, ZEISS MyoCare lenses slowed eye growth from that of a myopic eye to approach that of an emmetropic eye by nearly 70%. Mitigating the Risk of Myopia Progression in Children with Parental Myopia Research confirmed that genetic factors, such as having parents with myopia, increases a child's risk of developing myopia. However, a 12-month clinical study has shown that compared to wearing regular single vision lenses, using ZEISS MyoCare Lenses can effectively slow down myopia progression, even for children with myopic parents, who are especially at risk of developing myopia. This indicates that these lenses can help parents with myopia reduce the increased risk of myopia development in their children, essentially breaking the cycle of worsening myopia each generation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, "PolyU has always been committed to promoting technology transfer. The DISC technology for myopia management is an excellent example to demonstrate how academic research can be transformed into effective industry solutions, offering an additional option in the market for those in need. It is a great pleasure to collaborate with ZEISS, a leading optical brand, to jointly strive for excellence in the development of myopia control for the benefit of community." Mr David Ferran, Vice president, Latin America, Iberia & Asia -C, Vision Care Business Group, ZEISS, added, "ZEISS has been working closely with PolyU for many years. Through this collaboration, we will jointly develop more innovative technologies, aiming to bring the best ophthalmological technology into vision correction solutions, collectively addressing the threat posed by myopia and promoting the well-being of children worldwide.” Mr Calvin Kwan, President of The Hong Kong Optometric Association, said: "Myopia is a serious issue among Hong Kong children, and age 6 to 12 years old is the ‘golden period’ for myopia control. Parents should seize the opportunity to provide the best and most effective myopia control measures for their children, safeguarding their eye health and preventing the development of high myopia and other long-term eye health problems.”   ***END***

PolyU and Zhongshan jointly establish technology and innovation research institute to advance development of biomedicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government (Zhongshan Government) officially signed a cooperation agreement on 30 July to jointly establish the “PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. This collaboration marks an important step forward for both parties in promoting the development of biomedicine in the two regions and enhancing industry-academia-research cooperation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President led a delegation to participate in the 2024 Zhongshan Global Investment Promotion Conference, where the cooperation agreement signing ceremony for the Research Institute was also held. Witnessed by Mr GUO Wenhai, Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee; Mr XIAO Zhanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Zhongshan City; Prof. Gary WONG, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry at PolyU; and Mr Victor ZHAO, Assistant Director of the Research and Innovation Office at PolyU, the agreement was signed by Mr YE Hongguang, Member of the Leading Party Group of the Zhongshan People’s Government and Vice Mayor of Zhongshan City, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. Prof. Teng stated, “Our collaboration with the Zhongshan Government to establish this Institute aligns in terms of timing, geographical advantage and our strong working relationship. This is not only an important milestone in the development of our university but also a starting point for jointly promoting innovative technology development with Zhongshan. The establishment of the Institute will inject new momentum into the economic and social development of Zhongshan, as well as responding to President XI Jinping’s call to make good use of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, promoting the integration of the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary, strengthening innovation and technology cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and advancing industry-academia-research transfer to empower new quality productive forces in the region.” The Institute will focus on the field of biomedicine, particularly independent research and development of pharmaceutical products, and is committed to improving community healthcare. The Institute will also closely collaborate with hospitals in Zhongshan, promoting the translation of research outcomes through industry-academia-research cooperation to benefit the public. The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor enhances transportation and the flow of personnel, capital and technology between the two cities, helping Zhongshan better integrate into the overall GBA development. Serving as a hub for innovative technology, the Institute aspires to provide robust technical support for the industrial upgrading and act as a catalyst for the economic development of Zhongshan. This cooperation not only strengthens the connection between PolyU and the Zhongshan Government, but also promotes their joint efforts to seize and embrace the immense opportunities brought about by innovative technology.   ***END***

PolyU innovations garner nine awards at the Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival

PolyU research teams garnered nine prestigious awards at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival (SVIIF), including a semi-grand prize, two special prizes, five gold medals and one silver medal. SVIIF was held from 26 to 28 July 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), the PolyU research teams and startups showcased their innovations on the international stage, connecting with investors and business partners worldwide to raise the University’s global profile. This year, PolyU’s award-winning research projects spanned healthcare devices, advanced materials, artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and sensing technology. Among them, the project “ICU-grade Wireless Breathable Cardiac Electronic Skin” led by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, snatched a Semi-grand Prize of SVIIF and a gold medal. This invention provides a seamless, continuous, comfortable, non-invasive and inflammation-free electrocardiogram monitoring solution with ICU-grade accuracy without traditional wired and bulky clinical devices. Developed by Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean (Industrial Partnership) and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles and her team, the project “Development of Intelligent Nighttime Brace with Smart Padding to Treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis” was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and a gold medal. In addition, the project “3D Printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Bone Scaffolds” led by Prof. ZHAO Xin, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Founder of PolyU academic-led start-up ReNew Biotechnology Limited, received the Prize of the Croatian Union Innovators and a silver medal. Prof. Christopher Chao is impressed with the great accomplishments of the PolyU award-winning teams and stated, “PolyU’s multiple awards at SVIIF serve as a testament to the increasing international recognition of its research and innovations. The University will continue to uphold its motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, advancing the development of science and technology and translation of research outcomes into real-world solutions to address future societal challenges and improve the standard of living globally.” SVIIF, which is the largest event of its kind in the United States, this year drew participation from approximately 30 countries and regions, representing a wide array of academic institutions, research institutes and enterprises. Supported and attended by multinational corporations, investors and entrepreneurs, the event serves as a crucial platform for inventors and the business community to explore commercialisation opportunities and seek partnerships. To learn more about these PolyU’s award-winning projects, please refer to the Appendix or visit the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office. Project Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) ICU-grade Wireless Breathable Cardiac Electronic Skin   Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Associate Director, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, and University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication   Semi-Grand Prize Gold Medal     Development of Intelligent Nighttime Brace with Smart Padding to Treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Prof. Joanne YIP Associate Dean (Industrial Partnership); Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles of PolyU   Prof. Raymond TONG Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong   Prof. Kenneth M.C. CHEUNG Jessie Ho Professor in Spine Surgery, Chair Professor, The University of Hong Kong; Hospital Chief Executive, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association Gold Medal 3D Printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Bone Scaffolds     Prof. ZHAO Xin Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Founder, ReNew Biotechnology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup)   Prize of the Croatian Union of Innovators   Silver Medal Thick Glassy Carbon Manufacturing and Physical Property Adjustment through Heat Treatment   Mr YANG Yi PhD Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU; Founder, Discarbonery Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Edge AI-empowered Smart Devices and Robotics for AIoT Applications     Prof. CAO Jiannong Dean, PolyU Graduate School; Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science; Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing; Director, Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things, and University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics   Gold Medal MicroFish: A Lab-on-a-chip for On-site Detection of Microbial Contamination and Pollutants     Dr CHUA Song Lin Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Co-founder, Microfish Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup)   Dr LIU Yang Sylvia GBA Startup Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Co-founder, Microfish Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Dr KHOO Bee Luan Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong   Gold Medal                                                                                                             ***END***

PolyU scholar discovers key mechanism of intraocular pressure regulation suggesting novel treatment approaches for glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. According to statistics from the Hospital Authority, in Hong Kong, three out of every 100 individuals aged over 40 suffer from glaucoma. In its early stages, obvious symptoms may not be present and those less obvious are often overlooked. By the time patients notice changes in their vision, the condition is usually severe. Dr Samantha SHAN, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and her team have discovered the mechanism of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation, paving the way for novel treatment approaches for glaucoma, with the aspiration of preventing vision loss from this disease. In glaucoma patients, the fluid within the eye (known as “aqueous humour”) continuously flows, resulting in higher IOP for which long-term medication is required. However, current drugs have limitations in that they can only slow disease progression rather than halt it completely. Drugs may also have suboptimal tolerability and their efficacy diminish over time. The microRNA(miR)-17-92 cluster is known to play an important role in cell signalling, but its specific functions in the eye are not well understood. In this respect, Dr Shan and her team’s research focus lies in gaining insights into the mechanisms of miR-17-92 cluster members and their effects on IOP. The team has identified thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) as a protein that reduces the outflow of aqueous humour and increases IOP. Concurrently, the team mimicked three members of the miR-17-92 cluster in human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells which are responsible for draining aqueous humour within the eye. It showed that the expression of TSP-1 was repressed, resulting in an approximately 73% increase in the outflow of aqueous humour in mice. Dr Shan’s team has recently been recognised with a prestigious 2024 Shaffer Research Grant from the Glaucoma Research Foundation to further explore the effects of miR-17-92 members in IOP regulation. Looking forward, the team will investigate the direct interaction between specific miRNAs and TSP-1 by blocking the potential target sites of the three miRNAs in TSP-1 in hTM cells. They will also examine the functional consequences of modulating this pathway on aqueous humour outflow and IOP regulation in vivo. This would be achieved by utilising intravitreal injections of a TSP-1 target-specific blocker or miRNA mimics in mouse eyes. Dr Shan remarked, “Genomic and proteomic approaches play a crucial role in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as glaucoma. In the context of glaucoma treatment, these approaches can help identify potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets and personalised treatment options, with far-reaching implications. The Grant also demonstrates PolyU’s excellence as hosting one of the top eye research centres in the world. It encourages me and my team to continue to make significant strides in glaucoma research and contribute to the better care of glaucoma patients.” With over a decade of experience in molecular research, in her work, Dr Shan has demonstrated proficiency in utilising genomic and proteomic approaches. Her research interests are mechanism of aqueous humour formation, outflow facility and IOP regulation, microRNAs on outflow facility, DNA methylation of potential candidates on outflow facility and IOP regulation. Dr Shan has also received support from the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Health and Medical Research Fund for two projects as a principal investigator. The projects aim to discover gene editing methods for treating glaucoma and unravel the role of epigenetic regulation in glaucoma respectively. Dr Shan has also served as a co-investigator on other diverse research topics and has secured notable research funding, including the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund. ***END***  

HKSAR government officials and LegCo Members gather at PolyU for friendly futsal match; Chief Executive officiates at the match to cheer for the Hong Kong, China delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The HKSAR Government Football Team and the Legislative Council Football Team organised a friendly indoor futsal match at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Sports Centre today. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John LEE, and the President of the Legislative Council, Hon. Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen, officiated at the friendly match and cheered for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. PolyU Acting President, Prof. Wing-tak WONG, and Executive Vice President, Dr Miranda LOU, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Executive. Joined by HKSAR government officials and Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo), they chanted the slogan “Stand shoulder to shoulder in support of the Hong Kong team and cheer for Hong Kong athletes” to cheer on the Hong Kong team and wish the Hong Kong athletes every success in the upcoming competitions. PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai Fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, and hundreds of PolyU faculty members and students participating in the service-learning programme in Rwanda, Africa, extended their congratulations on the success of the match. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated: “We warmly welcome Members of LegCo and HKSAR government officials to get together at PolyU for a friendly match that not only sharpens their futsal skills but also demonstrates team spirit. We believe that this game will contribute to fostering constructive and interactive relationships between the executive and the legislature. Additionally, I extend my best wishes for the success of the Hong Kong team in this year’s Olympic Games. Following their worthy performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, I am sure they will continue to strive for even greater success at the Paris Olympic Games and bring glory to Hong Kong.” Hon. Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen expressed his sincere gratitude to PolyU for providing the match venue and deploying professional staff to offer full assistance. He also commended the University for its warm hospitality and meticulous arrangements, as well as for working closely with the HKSAR government and the LegCo Secretariat, which contributed to the success of the match.    ***END***