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PolyU and HKMA sign MoU to establish CBDC Expert Group

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with four other local universities, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group to support the HKMA’s exploration of key policy and technical issues surrounding CBDC. The MoU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering collaboration and gathering expert insights from technical, analytical and academic perspectives on various topics related to CBDC. The establishment of the Expert Group demonstrates mutual recognition of the pivotal role played by financial technology (fintech) and CBDC in Hong Kong’s development landscape. This collaboration aims to promote interdisciplinary discussion on CBDC and address pertinent fintech issues, thus contributing to Hong Kong’s continued success in maintaining its status as an international financial centre. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Mr Colin POU, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA signed the MoU, witnessed by PolyU representatives including Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation Office; Prof. Qing LI, Head of the Department of Computing; Prof. Allen Man Ho AU, Professor of the Department of Computing, and Prof. Daniel Xiapu LUO, Professor of the Department of Computing. Prof. Man endorsed the formation of the CBDC Expert Group, stating that, “Our faculty is committed to advancing fintech and CBDC research and development in Hong Kong through promoting innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.” As part of this initiative, PolyU and HKMA will collaborate closely on a range of topics related to CBDC, leveraging their respective expertise and resources. The CBDC Expert Group, which includes Prof. Au and Prof. Luo as founding members, will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions in CBDC and other emerging fintech areas. Prof. Li said, “Our expertise in influential research and innovation has primed our department in shaping the future of CBDC as a focal point in the field of finance.” Prof. Au and Prof. Luo expressed their excitement about joining the CBDC Expert Group, saying “We strive to conduct pioneering research that instils public trust in CBDC by tackling privacy and security challenges, reinforcing our commitment to an advanced financial system.”

208 PolyU scholars ranked among world’s top 2% most-cited scientists

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) now has 208 scholars ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, surpassing last year’s record of 201 scholars, based on career-long impact. PolyU stands out globally with the largest representation of top scholars in the fields of Building and Construction (19 scholars) and Civil Engineering (13). It also demonstrates the strongest research performance in Hong Kong with the largest representation of top scholars in six specific fields. In addition to Building and Construction and Civil Engineering, it leads locally with the most top scholars in Energy (14), Operations Research (9), Optoelectronics and Photonics (9) and Nursing (7). Remarkably, four PolyU academics are placed within the top 10 scholars worldwide in their respective fields, while six scholars are ranked among the top 20. This is the highest number among universities in Hong Kong. The scholars were named in the latest release of the Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators covering over 100,000 top scientists. They were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields using indicators including information on citations, individual’s scientific research output, co-authorship and a composite indicator for career-long citation impact up to the end of 2022. The inclusion of a large number of PolyU academics in the list is a testament to the University’s aspiration to become an innovative world-class university and its commitment to translate research excellence into positive societal impact on various fronts.

PolyU and Wuhan government to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

A delegation led by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and met with Dr GUO Yuanqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Wuhan City, and Mr CHENG Yongwen, Communist Party Deputy Secretary of Wuhan City and Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government, with a view to exploring and strengthening cooperation between Hubei and Hong Kong. Prof. Teng in his speech highlighted PolyU’s proactive efforts in promoting interdisciplinary research in recent years by establishing institutes, which have seen significant results in the realms of technological innovation and knowledge transfer. To further this goal, PolyU will connect research outcomes with industrial development to generate tangible social value. Acknowledging Wuhan’s favourable location and robust industrial development, the establishment of the joint PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute aims to strengthen cooperation with Wuhan in technological innovation, knowledge transfer and talent development spanning life sciences, new energy, new materials, smart cities and the artificial intelligence industry, so as to make greater contributions to the high-quality development of Mainland China. Dr Guo stated that the Wuhan Municipal Government had prioritised innovation-driven development as a key strategy for city development. Significant efforts have been made to leverage the city’s advantages in terms of scientific and educational talents for fostering innovation, and to capitalise on its advantageous transportation system and location to enhance domestic and international connectivity, creating a favourable environment for deeper cooperation between the two parties. Dr Guo also expressed the desire to establish a regular mechanism for exchange and collaboration with PolyU, aiming to attract and drive more innovative talents and resources to gather in Wuhan. They will partner with local universities, institutes and enterprises to facilitate research innovation, promote transformation and commercialisation of research achievements, developing Wuhan into a nationally recognised innovation and technology hub with a modern industrial system. The framework agreement between the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and PolyU on the establishment of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr MENG Hui, Vice Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government. Guests attending included Mr Franco KWOK, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan; Ms ZHANG Xiaomei, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hubei Provincial People’s Government; Mr Irons SZE, Permanent Honorary President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA); and Dr WONG Chun, the former Vice-President of the CMA. PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to collaborate with the Hubei Provincial Government in setting up a Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Wuhan. During this visit, the PolyU delegation also visited universities in Wuhan for in-depth discussions and exchanges to explore collaboration opportunities.

Propelling Biomaterial Innovations for Advanced Cell Therapy

At the heart of biomaterials research lies the pursuit of enhancing human well-being.  Translational regenerative medicine is a dynamic and rapidly advancing field that requires multi-disciplinary research approaches to develop innovative clinical solutions, therapies, and devices to improve human health and well-being. Dr Xin ZHAO, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Associate Professor in Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is at the forefront of this field.  Dr ZHAO's research interests involve the integration of multidisciplinary approaches, combining various fields such as material science, cell biology, engineering and medicine. The focus of her studies is on modulating cell microenvironments, manipulating cell behaviours and advancing tissue-engineered organ development. To synthesise patient-oriented biomaterials with unique structures and properties, her research team actively investigates how cells sense, interact and develop with biomaterials to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues.  Dr ZHAO said, “I begin by conducting a comprehensive study of the needs and developing a fundamental understanding of the clinical problem. I then design biomaterials with tailored features and structures to provide effective solutions.”  Specifically, photocrosslinkable polymers play a pivotal role in the research. They have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their mild polymerization conditions, highly tunable physical properties, excellent biocompatibility and precise spatiotemporal control. These polymers offer immense potential for replacing or regenerating diseased or damaged tissues, such as skin and bone. In her research journey, Dr Zhao endeavours to develop and advance the revolutionary application potential of these materials for tissue engineering.   Uncovering practical uniqueness  Dr ZHAO’s discovery of the Photocrosslinkable Gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel offers a breakthrough solution in epidermal tissue engineering, which exceeds the conventional limitations of collagen- or gelatin-based hydrogels. Due to its tunable mechanical, degradation, and biological properties, GelMA hydrogel emerges as a promising option for various applications, such as epidermal substitutes, wound dressings, or substrates, to construct various in vitro skin models.  The research “Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogel for Epidermal Tissue Engineering” was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, and has garnered widespread citations.1  The ability of cells to attach, spread and grow on hydrogels is fundamentally important to tissue development. Photocrosslinkable GelMA hydrogel with tunable mechanical and degradation features ideally makes it suited for skin-tissue engineering scaffolds. By varying the concentration of GelMA prepolymer solution, the physical and biological properties of the resulting hydrogels could be adequately controlled to meet the requirement for epidermis formation.  Hydrogels of higher concentrations display improved material mechanical and degradation properties for cell adhesion and keratinocyte monolayer formation. Also, GelMA hydrogels support the formation of a stratified epidermis with certain barrier functions such as electrical resistance and prevention of water loss.    Persistent pursuit of novel approaches Dr ZHAO and her research team have showcased the exceptional processability of photocrosslinkable polymers, rendering them inherently compatible with a diverse range of biomanufacturing technologies. Their groundbreaking work has unveiled a multitude of new possibilities in this field.  Stem cell transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for various injuries ranging from bone fractures to bone cancers and for other disorders. Very often, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are used for bone regeneration due to their osteogenic differentiation potential. In this research area, Dr ZHAO presents a strategy of microfluidics-assisted technology encapsulating BMSCs and growth factors in photocrosslinkable GelMA microspheres to ultimately generate injectable osteogenic tissues constructs.  The findings were published in Advanced Functional Materials, titled “Injectable Stem Cell-Laden Photocrosslinkable Microspheres Fabricated Using Microfluidics for Rapid Generation of Osteogenic Tissue Constructs”. The research demonstrated that the GelMA microspheres can sustain stem cell viability and proliferation, support cell spreading inside the microspheres, and facilitate migration from the interior to the surface.2 In vitro and in vivo studies showed that BMSCs encapsulated GelMA microspheres exhibit enhanced osteogenesis. This approach holds promise for facilitating bone regeneration with minimum invasiveness and can potentially be combined with other matrices for broader applications.  Putting patients at the centre “Scientific research is a highly dynamic field that demands continuous innovation. It allows us to delve into fascinating new phenomena and discover unexplored realms that undoubtedly broaden our horizons,” said Dr ZHAO.  Large-scale bone defects caused by injuries, diseases, or trauma impose significant challenges in orthopaedic surgery due to the limited capacity of damaged bone tissues for self-repair and complete remodelling. Dr ZHAO has persistently investigated a new approach to advance therapeutic development in this area. In particular, for 3D printing, it shows great potential in the rapid and accurate fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffolds to the patients’ needs.  Dr ZHAO’s team envisions the novel photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink as an ideal candidate for 3D printing bone grafts. The research “Photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink for printing strong, biodegradable and bioactive bone graft” was published in Biomaterials and has received significant attention.3 Compared with commonly used polymer or composite inks, the proposed material holds great promise in the 3D printing of bone grafts tailored to meet the specific needs of patients. This is attributed to its suitable rheological characteristics, rapid photocrosslinking solidification, adequate mechanical strength and toughness, tunable degradation rate and excellent bioactivity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the printed nanocomposite scaffolds.  Dr ZHAO said, “I believe that accumulating numerous citations is a cherished goal for every researcher. By making a high impact with research, it inspires further exploration and expands the functionality and applications of the developed materials. These collective efforts foster the development of superior materials and innovative solutions to clinical challenges.” Research Interests: Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, Cell Micro-environment, Microfluidics Highly Cited Researcher: 2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: X. Zhao, Q. Lang, L. Yildirimer, Z. Lin, et.al., Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogel for Epidermal Tissue Engineering, Advanced Healthcare Mater, vol 5, Jan 2016 X. Zhao, S. Liu, L. Yildirimer, H. Zhao, et.al., Injectable Stem Cell-Laden Photocrosslinkable Microspheres Fabricated Using Microfluidics for Rapid Generation of Osteogenic Tissue Constructs, Advanced Function Mater, vol 26, May 2016 X. Zhao, Y. Yang, Q. Zhang, T. Xu, et.al., Photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink for printing strong, biodegradable and bioactive bone graft, Biomaterials, vol 263, Dec 2020 Download Version

Media interview: Prof. Zuankai WANG Award-winning breakthroughs contribute groundbreaking discoveries for the world

Professor Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has made groundbreaking discoveries for the world. His research on inhibiting the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C for sustained thermal cooling tackles the longstanding challenges posed by the Leidenfrost effect since 1756. He shared his remarkable discovery which has enabled the development of new materials that reduce the contact time between drops and surfaces, leading to revolutionary advancements in scientific knowledge and practical applications, in an interview with Hong Kong Commercial Daily. Please click here for details. For more about Prof Wang's research: Drawing inspiration from nature to advance established scientific knowledge PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023

CEVR provides eye care tips for you on World Sight Day

The second Thursday of October each year is the World Sight Day, aiming to raise awareness and action for eye health and vision care. This year's theme is "Love Your Eyes at Work."  Dry Eye Disease affects over 340 million people worldwide and has become increasingly prevalent among individuals who use electronic devices for prolonged periods, especially in work environments. To commemorate this significant day, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research is delighted to offer comprehensive information on the causes of Dry Eye Disease, the function of the tear film, various types of Dry Eye Disease, diagnostic methods, available treatment options in the market, and valuable tips for preventing Dry Eye Disease. Join us in leveraging this remarkable occasion to enhance awareness and understanding of Dry Eye Disease, empowering individuals to prioritise the health of their eyes and foster a more eye-friendly work environment.  

PolyU and Rohto join forces to establish the Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) partnered with Rohto, an eye care brand under Mentholatum, to establish the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care (“the Centre”). The Centre’s inauguration took place at the “Leading Research in Eye Fatigue, Empowering the Joy of Seeing” launch ceremony held in Hong Kong. During the event, PolyU and Rohto also jointly released the “Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue” advocacy paper, which aims to enhance eye health within the broader community. Honourable guests witnessing this significant event included Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. ZuanKai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. Mingguang HE, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology School of Optometry, Mr Michael SIN, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, and Mr Wesley CHAN, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Mentholatum (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Establishment of The PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care marks a breakthrough for the optometry industry At the launch ceremony, Prof. Teng, said, "The University's School of Optometry is one of the world's leading institutions in optometry and vision science, and PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong offering optometry education. We have established several research centres related to ophthalmology, including the Centre for Eye and Vision Research launched with the University of Waterloo in Canada and supported by the HKSAR Government, as well as the Centre for Vision Science Research under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. The partnership with Rohto represents a powerful alliance in eye care." Moving forward, the Centre will gather teams of ophthalmic experts to conduct research and testing in multiple locations and establish collaborative networks with various regions to develop eye health and care technologies, aiming to provide comprehensive medical and care solutions for eye fatigue. Early attention is crucial in the face of rising eye fatigue cases Prof. Mingguang He, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and renowned scholar in the international optometry field, corroborated these findings at the launch ceremony, stating “Due to society’s digital transformation and fast-paced lifestyles, eye-fatigue problems are increasingly prevalent. This problem can significantly impact both quality of life and work efficiency, but the majority of people tend to overlook its significance.” Prof. Mingguang He also noted that eye fatigue is caused by prolonged eye usage, leading to tiredness and discomfort. It already affects approximately 20-30% of children and adolescents and 50-80% of adults, including university students and office workers who use computers extensively. However, the establishment of an innovative and standardised treatment system for eye fatigue is still a work in progress. Currently, the traditional diagnosis of eye fatigue relies heavily on subjective questionnaires, while treatment methods vary, lacking a unified objective diagnostic standard and evaluation. As a result, eye fatigue is often overlooked by patients and clinical practitioners, leading to a relatively limited understanding of this condition in terms of both public awareness and academic research. It is crucial to prioritise high-quality research into and resolution of eye fatigue issues. Rohto partners with PolyU to introduce Eye Fatigue advocacy: Enhancing public eye health in four key areas The low level of public awareness of eye fatigue and the existing diagnosis system being ill-prepared to effectively tackle this issue are of growing concern. Mr Michael Sin, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, said, "Mentholatum holds a strong commitment to scientific research, grounding its practices in scientific principles and relying on experimental evidence. It prides itself on introducing products of the highest quality. The Rohto brand is recognised as the world's leading eye-care brand. Over the years, Mentholatum has been dedicated to promoting eye health, particularly through the development and introduction of a range of eye drops targeting eye fatigue. We are honoured to collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in establishing the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care. We share a common vision in promoting research into eye fatigue, recruiting talented individuals, and focusing on the study of eye-fatigue technology to aid in treatment and alleviate the impact of eye fatigue, allowing us to appreciate the world with our eyes to the fullest.” On this occasion, Rohto and PolyU also jointly announced the launch of the "Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue" advocacy paper." This advocacy, centred around the "Know-Diagnose-Explore-Engage" framework, aims to enhance public awareness of eye fatigue. Its objectives are to establish and promote globally unified diagnostic standards and develop a multi-level diagnosis system. It also seeks to explore new prevention methods and treatment approaches. Through collaboration with various sectors, the Centre is dedicated to creating a healthy environment for eye health, cultivating healthy eye habits, and mitigating the impact of visual fatigue on public eye health, thereby improving individuals' quality of life.

PolyU achieves the landmark membership in the International Astronautical Federation as the first education institution in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a significant milestone by securing its membership in the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The membership was attained at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2023) held in Baku from October 2 to 6, 2023. This historic achievement establishes PolyU as the first educational institution in Hong Kong to gain entry into this esteemed international organisation. Established in 1951, the IAF stands as the preeminent global advocate for space exploration, boasting a diverse membership of 468 organizations spanning across 75 countries. This esteemed roster includes leading space agencies, corporations, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes, and museums worldwide. Ir Prof. YUNG, Kai Leung, BBS, Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of ISE at PolyU, the distinguished representative of PolyU at the 74th International Astronautical Congress said "National space missions are key subjects of scientific researches. We are delighted to become a member of IAF and play a more active role in this international platform of research collaborations. PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific research capabilities and actively participate in the international collaborations of National aerospace research". In the same event, IAC2023, Chang'e-5 team has been awarded the Laurels for Team Achievement, the highest award presented by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), at the academy's annual meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan on 1st October, 2023. PolyU research excellence contributed to China’s Chang’e 5 mission, which successfully collected lunar samples from the Moon and brought them back to Earth for the first time in the Nation’s history. Lead by Prof Yung, the PolyU research team contributed to the Chang’e 5 mission in designed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, a state-of-the-art innovation that uses robotics for lunar sample acquisition and packaging. The invention was developed and made in Hong Kong, the achievement not only reflects PolyU’s capabilities, but those of the Hong Kong community as a whole. In 2020, Chang' e-4 lunar landing mission had won the highest award by the IAF – the IAF World Space Award. Prof. Yung and his team has played a crucial role in supporting the space mission by developing the Camera Pointing System. This system was mounted on the upper part of Chang’e-4 assisted the capturing of images around the lander giving a 360 degree view of the lunar farside and the movement of the lunar rover. PolyU's membership in the International Astronautical Federation is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence, research, and its ongoing commitment to contribute to the advancement of space science and technology on a global scale.

Pixels of PolyU Photo Competition Winners Capture the essence of STEAM on campus

The 14 winners of the Pixel of PolyU (PoP) Photo Competition capture the essence of STEAM elements on campus through the lens of art and creativity.  Research and Innovation Office of PolyU organised the PoP Photo Competition this summer to encourage the PolyU community to draw inspiration from various aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). The competition attracts over 250 photo submissions capturing the STEAM elements on the PolyU campus.  The champion of the PoP Photo competition is Yiping XIAO of Department of Applied Physics. The winning photo’s theme is “Four-probe test.” The photo depicts that the electronic device is measured by four probes with Keithley 4200a-scs semiconductor parameter analyzer in the UMF cleanroom.  To view the photos of the 14 winners, click here  

PolyU researchers receive the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards to create virtual garden for the elderly in residential care homes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have developed a virtual therapeutic garden for the elderly in residents care homes. This project has received support from the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) (HLCA (HK)) in 2023.  Dr Esther H.K. YUNG, Associate Professor of Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU, has led the project titled “A Cave Automatic Virtual Therapeutic Garden for Residential Care Homes for the Elderly,” and it has received the HLCA (HK).  The Research Grants Council (RGC) has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) of the United States for the HLCA (HK). The award aims to encourage bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that have the potential to extend the human healthspan. The RGC offers ten Catalyst Awards in the HLCA (HK) each year with a cash prize of approximately HK$389,000 at a maximum for a period of 12 months.  Given that older people living in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs) have limited opportunity to access to public open space due to the mobility impairments or chronic illness, the project can provide them with a simulated experience of natural healing elements. This initiative aims to  reduce stress and improve psychological and emotional well-being. Besides, due to the limited land resources in Hong Kong, it is difficult to allocate space for an outdoor garden within RCHEs.  The awarded project innovatively applies the concept of a therapeutic garden by using Cave Automatic Virtual Environment to build a virtual therapeutic garden within RCHEs. Experimental design workshops will be organised with the residents to decide the key design elements of the therapeutic garden. Also, the study will analyse the residents’ perceived stress and psychological well-being during their use of therapeutic garden. The research team of this project also includes Prof. Angela LEUNG, Associate Head (Research) & Professor of School of Nursing at PolyU, Dr Sun YI, Associate Head (Partnership) and Associate Professor of Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU, Dr Wayne CHAN, Assistant Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, and Dr Siqiang WANG, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU.