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PolyU research boosts garment fit and performance for sports and medical apparel with groundbreaking anthropometric method to precisely measure tissue deformation

Soft tissue deformation during body movement has long posed a challenge to achieving optimal garment fit and comfort, particularly in sportswear and functional medical wear. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a novel anthropometric method that delivers highly accurate measurements to enhance the performance and design of compression-based apparel. Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, and her research team pioneered this anthropometric method using image recognition algorithms to systematically access tissue deformation while minimising motion-related errors. The team also developed an analytical model to predict tissue deformation using the Boussinesq solution, based on elastic theory and stress function methodology. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, this innovation quantifies tissue deformation during movement, addressing a longstanding challenge in sportswear and wearable tech design. Inaccurate deformation measurements, especially during motion, often lead to ill-fitting designs that undermine functionality. This innovative approach tackles the issue by minimising motion artifacts and providing a systematic framework to correlate garment pressure with tissue response, which is vital for optimising wearables’ the biochemical efficacy. Soft tissue deformation is a critical factor directly influencing appearance, comfort, performance, and physiological effects such as blood circulation and muscle support. With the integration of mechanical property testing, the method accurately predicts tissue deformation. Validation against body scanning measurements showed deviations within 1.15 mm under static condition and 2.36 mm in dynamic condition. The remarkable precision of this method equips designers with reliable data that accurately reflects soft tissue deformation. Prof. Joanne Yip said, “Our technology is highly adaptable to compression-based garments, including sportswear such as leggings and functional medical wear like compression stockings and post-surgical garments. The analytical model can be tailored to different garment types by adjusting parameters like material mechanical properties and circumferential dimensions.” Sports leggings with different material mechanical properties, pattern designs and circumferential dimensions were used as experimental samples. Research findings offer actionable insights that link material properties to garment fit and performance. This framework not only advances biomechanical simulation techniques for wearable applications but also provides a practical tool for optimising sportswear ergonomics, enabling data-driven design of compression garments that enhances athletic performance while preventing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This innovative technology holds promising transformative potential for the industry, offering feasible and cost-effective applications. It can be integrated into existing CAD/CAM system to streamline prototyping and reduce reliance on trial-and-error filling. By quantifying individual tissue response, this technique supports personalised garment design, particularly beneficial for medical compression wear tailored to specific patient needs. Additionally, the image-based tools reduce dependence on expensive motion-capture systems, making the approach accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises. The research has been published in a paper titled “A novel anthropometric method to accurately evaluate tissue deformation” in the academic journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. This technology breakthrough underscores PolyU excellence in interdisciplinary translational research, integrating its strengths in fashion, biomechanics, materials science, computing, and engineering to solve real-world compression sportswear design and wearable design challenges.

PolyU scholar received IASSAR Early Achievement Research Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) stands at the forefront of global research, with internationally recongised scholars driving impactful advancements and acclaimed for their outstanding research excellence. Prof. You DONG, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was honored with the IASSAR (International Association for Structural Safety and Reliability) Early Achievement Research Award during the 14th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability (ICOSSAR 2025), held in Los Angeles, the United States. The overarching goal of Prof. Dong’s research is to advance the development of next-generation engineering systems that are more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable. He has been recognised for his pioneering research in addressing the challenges posed by structural deterioration, environmental hazards, and climate change through the integration of data science, robotics, and machine learning. Leading a dynamic research group, Prof. Dong focuses on developing data-driven computational models, robotics for inspection and maintenance, physics-guided deep learning techniques, and digital twin-enabled intelligent maintenance strategies. His research has been applied to a wide range of critical systems, including civil infrastructure, energy systems such as wind turbines and power grids, transportation networks, cyber-physical systems, and interdependent infrastructure networks. Learn more about Prof. DONG’s achievements: PolyU research project on climate-resilient coastal infrastructure supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme CEE Member Secured RGC Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) 2024/25 The IASSAR is currently the most authoritative international academic organisation in the field of reliability engineering, aiming to promote research and applications of scientific principles related to safety, risk and reliability in engineering analysis and design. Its flagship conference, ICOSSAR, is held every four years and serves as a global platform for showcasing recent developments and innovations in the field. Its conferences are held in rotation across different continents and represent the largest and highest-level international academic event in this field. Since 1969, a total of 14 editions have been held. Source: Prof. You Dong Received IASSAR Early Achievement Research Award (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years

The rise in global mean sea level (GMSL) is a critical indicator of climate change. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have utilised advanced space geodetic technologies to deliver the first precise 30-year (1993-2022) record of global ocean mass change (also known as barystatic sea level), revealing its dominant role in driving GMSL rise. Their research further indicates that GMSL has been increasing at an average rate of approximately 3.3 mm per year with a notable acceleration observed, highlighting the growing severity of climate change. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. GMSL is primarily driven by two factors: the thermal expansion of seawater — as the oceans absorb around 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system — and the increase in global ocean mass, which is mainly caused by the influx of freshwater from melting land ice. Therefore, long-term monitoring of global ocean mass change is essential for understanding present-day GMSL rise. A research team led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, together with Dr Yufeng NIE, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and the lead and corresponding author of the research, has, for the first time, provided direct observations of global ocean mass estimates between 1993 and 2022 by utilising time-variable gravity field data derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR). In the past, scientists have relied on long-term observations from satellite altimetry to project sea-level rise. Barystatic sea level records based on satellite gravimetry only became available with the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment in 2002. SLR is a traditional space geodetic technique used to accurately measure the distance between satellites and ground stations via laser ranging. However, fundamental constraints of SLR, such as the limited number of satellites and ground stations, the high altitude of the satellites (which means SLR-derived gravitational changes capture only the longest wavelengths) and the low-degree gravitational measurements, have restricted its direct application in estimating ocean mass change. To effectively utilise SLR-derived gravitational fields for accurate estimates of ocean mass change, the research team implemented an innovative forward modelling technique that tackles spatial resolution limitations by incorporating detailed geographic information of ocean-land boundaries. This approach enables long-term monitoring of global ocean mass changes. The research revealed that an increased rate of GMSL resulted in a global average sea-level rise of approximately 90 mm between 1993 and 2022, with about 60% of this rise attributable to ocean mass increase. Since around 2005,  the rise in GMSL has been primarily driven by the rapid increase in global ocean mass. This overall increase is largely driven by the accelerated melting of land ice, particularly in Greenland. Throughout the entire study period, land ice melt from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers accounted for over 80% of the total increase in global ocean mass. Prof. Jianli Chen said, “In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise. Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios.” Dr Yufeng Nie said, “The research showed that the ocean mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies.”

PolyU scientists receive NSFC funding for 65 research projects, marking 34% year-on-year growth in support of the Nation’s technology powerhouse goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received substantial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with a total of 65 research projects led by PolyU scientists successfully securing funding this year, marking a 34% year-on-year increase in both funding amount and the number of projects. This accomplishment underscores PolyU’s impressive innovation capabilities and highlights the University’s cultivation of outstanding researchers. Through high-quality scientific research, these talents are making significant contributions to the efforts of building the Nation into a technology powerhouse. PolyU’s young scientists have been recognised as excelling in innovative research, with three projects awarded funding under the Young Scientist Fund (Type A), four projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type B), and 48 projects under the Young Scientist Fund (Type C). In addition, 10 research projects are supported by the General Programme. Distinguished young scholars at the forefront of global science research The three PolyU scholars selected by the Young Scientist Fund (Type A) have been recognised for their distinguished achievements in foundational research. The Fund supports exceptional scholars in pursuing self-directed and innovative research which addresses major national needs and advances the global scientific frontier. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2.8 million to 4 million for a period of five years. The distinguished young researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Applied Physics. Their research projects cover mathematics, physics, engineering, healthcare and interdisciplinary science disciplines. One project aims at developing new numerical analysis theories and computational methods to solve surface evolution problems in geometric curvature flows and free boundary problems in fluid dynamics. Another focuses on permeable electronic skin, proposing an innovative design strategy based on liquid metal super-elastic fibre networks. The research aims to advance flexible electronics from “stretchable” to “breathable”, providing stable, comfortable, and biocompatible wearable solutions for smart healthcare. The third project utilises in-situ electron microscopy technology to investigate the mechanics, electronics, thermodynamics, phase transitions, and related synthesis and performance of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in advanced materials science. Excellent young scientists lead innovative research PolyU continues to excel in the Young Scientist Fund (Type B) this year where four young scientists have been recognised for their excellent achievements. The Fund accelerates talent cultivation and fosters a new generation of academic leaders who will drive scientific advancement at both national and international levels. Each project will receive funding of RMB 2 million for a period of three years. The four excellent researchers are from the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their projects span the fields of mathematics, chemistry, management science and engineering. One project explores the development of numerical methods for stochastic partial differential equations, featuring long-term computational stability and the ability to accurately predict key probabilistic information and the evolving dynamics of stochastic phenomena. Another investigates supply chain risk management, focusing on technology-driven risks, major disruptions and innovation-related vulnerabilities. In chemical sciences, one project focuses on the active sites of molecular sieves, precisely locating Brønsted acid and metal sites, revealing their synergistic mechanisms to guide the design and industrial application of new zeolite catalysts. Another project aims to develop precise electrochemical synthesis technology for carbon-heteroatom bonds C-X (X = nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur), using a proton exchange membrane reactor. The remarkable research capabilities of PolyU’s young scientists have also consistently earned recognition from the Young Scientists Fund (Type C), with a total of 48 scholars selected this year. These young researchers come from various faculties across PolyU. Among the projects, 23 were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI). As PolyU’s extended campus in Shenzhen, the SZRI has been integrated into the University's strategy in all aspects of space deployment, management and research. It undertakes research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as industry partners.

PolyU’s State Key Laboratories support Hong Kong's integration into national development and establish the city as an international hub for high-calibre talents

To align with the national development plan and fully leverage the nation’s strong support and global connectivity, the HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), following consultations with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), launched a restructuring exercise for the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong in 2023. Based on nominations from MOST, ITC invited experts from the Mainland to participate in the assessment process. Following rigorous review and evaluation, PolyU’s proposals for the "State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities" and the "State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology" were officially approved by MOST as State Key Laboratories. This achievement signifies recognition of PolyU's research strength and its dedicated contribution to the nation's new quality productive forces and global leadership in science and technology. The HKSAR Government held the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong - Plaque Unveiling Ceremony today, officiated by Mr YIN Hejun, MOST; Mr ZHOU Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; and Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, attended the ceremony along with other PolyU representatives, including: Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment; Prof. Benny C. F. CHEUNG, Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology; and Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation. They joined other distinguished guests in witnessing this milestone, underscoring the integration of Hong Kong’s universities into the national innovation system and their active engagement in advancing science and technology. PolyU has partnered with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to establish the new “State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities,” led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li as Director, with Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, as Co-Director. The Laboratory operates under national and international development strategies in response to the escalating threats of climate change and disaster risks. Its primary focus is to promote resilient city development and disaster management, enhance climate resilience in coastal areas, and address the challenges of climate change through innovative technologies. The key research areas of the Laboratory include predicting extreme weather and risk assessment in coastal cities; developing climate-adaptive and resilient infrastructure; innovating disaster risk management and mitigation strategies; and supporting national and regional sustainability. In addition, PolyU has established the “State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology,” led by Prof. Benny C. F. Cheung. The Laboratory focuses on advancing ultra-precision micro-nano technologies and processes, including machining mechanics, advanced processing technologies, precision measurement, and equipment innovation. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and technology transfer, nurturing top-tier innovative talent and driving industrial transformation to support the next generation of advanced manufacturing. The key research areas of the Laboratory include developing atomic-scale manufacturing, energy-field coordinated ultra-precision machining; achieving breakthroughs in ten-nanometer glass additive manufacturing; advancing ultra-precision machining and intelligent measurement for semiconductor production and intelligent testing; pioneering next-generation in-situ intelligent three-dimensional surface metrology and instruments; and expanding applications in aerospace, deep space exploration, and emerging energy sectors. The State Key Laboratories at PolyU have achieved internationally recognised standards of excellence in research, organisational structure, and operational management, supported by state-of-the-art equipment aligned with national scientific and technological priorities. The Laboratories will facilitate collaborations with leading universities and research institutions, attract and nurture outstanding scientific talent, and actively foster regional and interdisciplinary innovation. This strategic initiative will enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global centre for scientific excellence and contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong, China, and the international community.  

Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group visits PolyU

A delegation from Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Farizon Auto), a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group specialising, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 25 August to explore collaboration opportunities in the field of new energy vehicles and to strengthen industry-academia collaboration. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and chaired the meeting. Mr FAN Xianjun, CEO of Farizon Auto, and Mr SUN Guohui, Secretary of Party Committee, shared the company’s strategic plans and introduced its green methanol-hydrogen electric vehicle solutions. During the meeting, PolyU representatives also presented the University’s research strengths. Prof. SHI W.Z., John, Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute of PolyU, introduced research initiatives in smart cities, while Prof. ZHUGE Cheng-xiang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of PolyU, highlighted big data analytics applications for new energy vehicles. In addition, the Research and Innovation Office showcased PolyU’s outstanding achievements in academic research, technological innovation, and industry-academia partnerships. This visit has established a valuable communication channel between Farizon Auto and PolyU, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.  

PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, deepening industry-academia-research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of the Shandong District, Zibo, signed a collaboration agreement on 16 August to jointly establish the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute). Leveraging Zibo’s strong industrial foundation and integrated manufacturing ecosystem, alongside PolyU’s solid research capabilities as one of the world’s top 100 universities, this partnership will foster deep industry–university research collaboration, promoting synergistic development and growth in Hong Kong and Zibo. In line with Zibo’s economic development and industrial needs, the Institute will focus on strategic areas such as nanotechnology, industrial artificial intelligence, rehabilitation therapy, as well as digitalisation and cultural tourism. It will capitalise on PolyU talent and research excellence toaccelerate related R&D processes and the development of key core technologes, supporting the transformation of local industries and fostering new productive forces. Through facilitating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions, the Institute also aims to contribute to Zibo’s sustainable development. The signing ceremony took place in Zibo, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr SUN Haisheng, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province; Mr MA Xiaolei, Secretary of the Zibo City Committee and other distinguished guests. The collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), and Mr LI Xinsheng, Vice Mayor of the Zibo Municipal People’s Government, marking the official establishment of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted that joint research institute will combine Zibo’s industrial prowess with PolyU’s world-class research acumen in support of the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. It will serve as a vital hub for technological advancement, talent development and industrial evolution, unlocking new opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs in both Zibo and Hong Kong and creating a forward-looking innovation ecosystem. Mr MA Xiaolei emphasised that Zibo has a rich legacy of innovation and copious industrial resources that make the City an ideal place for creating new opportunities. He anticipated deepening collaboration with PolyU to elevate the Institute into a globally influential centre for technological advancement, attracting leading researchers and resources to foster high-quality regional economic development. The event also featured the innovation and entrepreneurship matchmaking conferences, where a number of PolyU start-ups showcased their latest technologies and projects to local universities, technology enterprises and industry partners through on-site roadshows. They also discussed the development prospects of various key industry sectors, including new materials, intelligent manufacturing and smart healthcare, as well as the technological empowerment of cultural tourism. The conferences significantly enhanced interaction among industry, academia and research, facilitated the more precise alignment of innovative resources and promoted the integration of high-quality research outputs with industrial needs. Shouldering the vital task of talent development, the Institute seeks to attract top-tier professionals and cultivate future industry leaders equipped with innovative capabilities and research experience to support Zibo’s integration into the international arena. Furthermore, it will assist PolyU faculty, students and start-ups in establishing businesses in Zibo and strive to foster a sustainable technological innovation ecosystem, with the aim of becoming a leading example of regional collaborative innovation and setting a new standard for industry-university research partnerships across the two regions.  

PolyU recognised 2025 IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award, highlighting academic leadership in diversity and inclusion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is honoured to receive the Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award (Internal 3G+ Impact) by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), in recognition of its exceptional contributions to global aerospace technology and its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research. As the first institution in China and East Asia to receive this esteemed accolade, PolyU celebrates a significant milestone in its academic and research leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion within the global space sector. The distinguished IAF Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award is presented to acknowledge organisations worldwide for their remarkable efforts in promoting “3G” (Geography, Generation, Gender) diversity within the space sector. The IAF Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Administrative Committee (IDEA) lauded PolyU for its comprehensive commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.  The award will be officially presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025, to be held in Sydney, Australia this September. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “This award not only validates PolyU’s pioneering work in aerospace technology but also significantly enhances our global reputation. Committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, PolyU actively builds international partnerships within the innovation and technology landscape. These efforts help reinforce Hong Kong's position as a leading hub for aerospace collaboration between China and the international community, while also advancing global innovative research and knowledge transfer.” Since joining IAF in 2023 as the first Hong Kong educational institution to attain membership, PolyU's consistent high-level participation in the IAC and active involvement in IAF events have demonstrated its cutting-edge contributions to aerospace research. By leveraging extensive international collaborations, PolyU has showcased Hong Kong’s technological strengths on the global stage, enhancing its visibility and influence in space-related initiatives worldwide. In addition, PolyU has seamlessly integrated into the global aerospace landscape, fostering collaborations with leading international space agencies, including the China National Space Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the European Space Agency. These partnerships aim to strengthen its international standing in aerospace and facilitate collaborative efforts in the development of aerospace technology. With a diverse workforce of over 7,600 full-time staff representing 65 countries and regions, PolyU maintains an almost equal gender balance and proactively promotes collaboration across different age groups and experience levels. This reflects the University’s strong dedication to fostering idea exchange and cultivating a diverse and inclusive academic culture. Looking ahead, PolyU remains committed to upholding the values of diversity, inclusion, and innovation, driving progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer. The University is dedicated to supporting the internationalisation of China’s space endeavours and positioning Hong Kong as a vital hub for global space cooperation.

Two PolyU education research projects awarded under Theme-based Exercise of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to leveraging its outstanding research capacity to make a profound impact on the development of education in society. PolyU has secured support for two projects through the Theme-based Exercise under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025/26, initiated by the Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU). The two projects, led by scholars from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, have collectively received approximately HK$1.6 million. They are recognised as being aligned with the future strategic positioning and development needs of Hong Kong. The two PolyU projects are (by project number): Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Duration Prof. YU Lu Associate Head and Associate Professor ofthe Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Enhancing Adaptation, Integration, and Career Development of Non-local University Students in Hong Kong HK$905,993.00 12 months Prof. CHEN Xiaohua Sylvia Associate Dean ofFaculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology ofthe Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development HK$694,257.55 12 months

PolyU survey reveals over 40 per cent of family caregivers in Hong Kong have mental health issues, advocating data-driven tool to improve social welfare policy

Globally, rapidly aging populations give rise to increasing demand for home care services. The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide require care due to ageing or disability. In Hong Kong, owing to deeply rooted cultural norms that emphasise family bonding and rising healthcare costs, caregiving is often performed by family members, imposing heavy physical and mental strain on them. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has investigated the quality of life (QoL) of the City’s family caregivers and explored the use of data-driven assessment tools to support the development of effectively targeted interventions. Led by Prof. Richard XU, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the researchers surveyed QoL of 323 informal family caregivers in Hong Kong from Jan to Mar 2025. Their questionnaire included items relating to physical health, mental health, social relationships, well-being and fatigue, as well as about their experience with the existing caregiving. The findings reveal a concerning decline in both the physical and mental health of family caregivers. Among those surveyed, 42% had encountered mental health issues, with more than half of them reporting symptoms of depression and one-fourth suffering from anxiety disorders. Additionally, nearly 20% of respondents said that they had mobility issues. The researchers pointed out that current policies prioritise service quantity over caregivers’ QoL, thereby failing to provide systematic and long-term support to their health and well-being. In particular, effectiveness of respite care services, which are designed to offer temporary relief, is severely undermined by uneven service distribution and prolonged waiting times. These limitations are especially detrimental to caregivers who provide intensive care for more than 16 hours per day, leaving their needs largely unmet. Furthermore, while the situation of “the elderly taking care of the elderly” and “the elderly taking care of the disabled” becomes more common, many elderly caregivers cannot access certain support services due to digital barriers. For instance, the self-service “Information Gateway for Carers” launched by the Social Welfare Department in 2023, remains inaccessible to 80% of caregivers over 60. Prof. Xu said, “Serious gaps in Hong Kong’s existing caregiver support and insufficient societal recognition of caregiver well-being both highlight a pressing need for enhanced services and policy reforms. The Government should establish a robust cost-benefit analysis system to guide the strategic allocation of resources, and focus on providing psychological counselling for caregivers and strengthening social support networks. This would improve caregiver QoL and demonstrate a societal commitment to their well-being.” In view of the urgent challenges faced by family caregivers in Hong Kong, Prof. Xu and his team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of caregiver QoL. They propose utilising data-driven assessment tools, such as CarerQol, to assess caregiver needs and inform relevant policy reforms. CarerQol helps measure caregivers’ quality of life Developed in 2006 by Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, CarerQol is a data-driven assessment tool designed to evaluate caregivers’ physical and mental well-being, economic stress levels and social support networks, thereby measuring the impact of informal caregiving on their health and QoL. The tool has been widely adopted in research and health policy contexts in European countries, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany, to guide resource allocation. Its application at the community level varies depending on local health systems and research initiatives. To enable application of CarerQol in Chinese societies, the research team engaged native speakers for translation, professional translators for back-translation and a group of the general Chinese public for cognitive debriefing, ultimately introducing a culturally adapted Chinese translation of CarerQol. Through hospitals, patient associations and community health centres, the team recruited a total of 324 caregivers with diverse backgrounds from across China who reported providing care for patients with disabilities or long-term care needs for more than five years, and asked them to complete the web-based CarerQol survey, with the aim of validating the tool in a Chinese context. Published in the international journal Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, the findings indicate that CarerQol performs well in Chinese society. It effectively reveals significant differences across all known groups. For instance, participants in good health, with higher education levels and who lived in urban areas achieved significantly higher scores than their counterparts. CarerQol also exhibited strong test-retest reliability, with highly consistent results when administered under similar conditions on the same group of participants. These findings verify that the tool provides reliable and stable results for caregivers to better understand their own needs and improve self-management. The researchers envision that, with its high cost-effectiveness and potential for local application, CarerQol can offer policymakers essential data evidence to support more accurate resource allocation, advancing the social welfare system. In addition, the team suggested that natural language processing and artificial intelligence-driven text analysis tools be used to streamline the thematic coding of data from interviews and focus groups, enhancing both the efficiency and depth of data analysis. Online forums and social media, meanwhile, could facilitate virtual focus groups and sentiment analysis, offering valuable insights into diverse perspectives on quality of life and guiding the development of more effective support strategies. Prof. Xu added, “Advanced technological innovations have facilitated both qualitative and quantitative studies in the areas of both health-related and overall QoL, broadening research design methodological flexibility. Wearable devices and mobile health applications, for example, allow researchers to obtain real-time physiological and behavioural data, enabling longitudinal tracking of QoL metrics like physical activity levels and sleep patterns, and hence more comprehensive analysis.”