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PolyU and XORI signed MoU to collaborate across multiple sectors in environmental engineering

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took a significant step forward by signing a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XORI Holding S.r.l (XORI) on 16 October, establishing a solid foundation for collaborative efforts in research, talent cultivation, and knowledge transfer. By leveraging the strengths and deepening the partnership, PolyU and XORI will explore opportunities to strengthen research collaboration in smart cities, environmental engineering, and environment, social, and governance (ESG). The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU and Mr Luca Rollino, Chairman of XORI, as the esteemed signatories to this momentous collaboration. Under the MoU, this industry-academic collaboration proactively translates research outcomes into practical solutions aimed at fostering livability and sustainability in communities across Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. In addition, a PolyU delegation led by XORI visited the Polytechnic University of Turin, Unione Industriali Torino, and the National Automobile Museum in Italy, to explore potential synergies in research across art, design, culture, and technology, paving the way for multidisciplinary collaborations. XORI, an international group that integrates a spectrum of specialised entities spanning engineering, architecture, energy, and consulting, is committed to designing green solutions that minimise environmental impact and contribute to the creation of more sustainable cities.

Fostering Innovation: The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research

At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), researchers from diverse cultures, backgrounds and disciplines come together to merge their expertise, propelling advancements in research and technology innovation. Join us in celebrating the Global Diversity Awareness Month by embracing the wealth of differences and inclusion to foster innovations for a sustainable community. PolyU researchers across various disciplines, including applied science, computing, business, design, engineering, linguistics, rehabilitation science, and tourism, share their research journey, embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The university offers ample research opportunities that foster idea exchange and drive innovative breakthroughs.

PolyU showcases latest space research excellence at Milan IAC2024

The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024) is being held in Milan on 14-18 October. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), as the first Hong Kong educational institution to attain membership in the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), has participated in IAC 2024 as a bronze sponsor and an exhibitor. With a deep foundation in aerospace research and practical experience in national space missions, PolyU has showcased 7 space-related research projects in the Congress and fostered communication and technology exchanges between PolyU researchers, aerospace experts, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Attracting over 16,000 participants from more than 120 countries and regions, IAC2024 serves as an excellent platform to exchange ideas and showcase our cutting-edge research and innovations in the field of space science and technology.  

PolyU and Sun Yat-sen University collaborate to cultivate interdisciplinary medicine-engineering talent to support the long-term development of the healthcare system and to boost Hong Kong’s biomedical industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday to initiate education and research collaboration in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering. This partnership aims to jointly cultivate medical professionals, develop new programmes in medical technology, establish joint laboratories, facilitate academic and professional exchanges, and enhance collaborative research outcomes. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, the collaboration will promote the novel development in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering, help to alleviate the pressures on Hong Kong’s healthcare system, elevate clinical medical research, and support the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) into an international health and medical innovation hub. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. YANG Qinghua, Executive Vice President of SYSU. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Prof. KUANG Ming, Dean of Zhongshan School of Medicine of SYSU, signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. The two institutions will focus on exploring educational and research collaboration in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering, including the integration of PolyU’s niche disciplines with the clinical medical expertise of the SYSU Zhongshan School of Medicine. Both institutions plan to jointly offer an eight-year (four plus four) dual bachelor’s degree programme in medicine and explore a dual degree professional doctorate programme in medicine and engineering. The initiative aims to cultivate students with expertise in medicine and engineering and to facilitate graduates in obtaining cross-border medical practice qualifications that are recognised in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. Prof. Wing-tak Wong stated, “This collaboration is a significant step towards PolyU’s goal of establishing a medical school. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU boasts strong capabilities in health science and engineering. The Zhongshan School of Medicine at SYSU is renowned for its foundational and clinical medicine disciplines, recognised as ‘Double First-Class’ disciplines. Together, we can harness the advantages of ‘medicine-engineering integration’ to create synergies in cutting-edge research and clinical medicine, foster the integrated development of the medical and healthcare disciplines, nurture more clinical medical talents, and meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the GBA.” Prof. Kuang Ming stated, “The Zhongshan School of Medicine of SYSU has maintained close ties with PolyU. Over the years, the Zhongshan School of Medicine has provided a high-quality teaching platform for cultivating top medical talent and offering strong academic support for medical services. PolyU has a long history in teaching and research of health science, training numerous allied healthcare professionals who are familiar with the operation of the public healthcare system and are well-positioned to extend medical training to medical students. With the development of artificial intelligence and robotics, there is an increasing demand in the GBA for medical talent with a ‘medicine-engineering integration’ background. This collaboration is expected to achieve complementary advantages, advance medical education and curriculum innovation, and address the long-term medical talent needs of the GBA.” The current population of the GBA has reached 86 million, with an increase of over 440,000 permanent residents last year. The population of the Northern Metropolis will reach 2.5 million, which is one-third of Hong Kong’s total population. This highlights the urgent demand for high-quality medical services in Hong Kong and the GBA. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate medical students with knowledge in both medical and engineering technologies. Additionally, the HKSAR Government hopes to leverage Hong Kong’s medical strengths to fully promote the development of the biomedicine and medical device industries, which will increase the demand for talent in clinical medical technology. PolyU has a solid foundation and extensive experience in health science education and research, supported by world-class facilities. The University has submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of a PolyU satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis with a medical school. We hope the new medical school will help ensure the quality and sustainability of future medical services. Over the past 40 years, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy, supporting the long-term development of the healthcare system. The University has established strong collaborative relationships with hospitals under the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, and other medical institutions. PolyU also excelled in various disciplines globally, including engineering, data science and AI, and nursing. The collaboration between PolyU and SYSU is expected to leverage their strong capabilities in clinical medicine and engineering, further deepening clinical medical cooperation across the border. This will facilitate “medicine-engineering integration” and cultivate more interdisciplinary medicine-engineering talent for Hong Kong and the GBA.

PolyU UBSN’s Multidisciplinary Neuroscience Research Platform Featured in Nature

The University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a state-of-art technological platform to foster multidisciplinary research in neuroscience. PolyU researchers from diverse fields, including rehabilitation sciences and neurolinguistics, shared their experiences in the latest Nature Index Neuroscience, illustrating how UBSN aids in their progressive research and impactful discoveries.  Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of UBSN, discussed how his research team harnesses advanced imaging technology to track changes in the brain following physiotherapy for better stroke rehabilitation.  Dr Georg Kranz, Presidential Young Scholar and Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, elaborated on his application of brain stimulation technology at UBSN for research in depression treatments.  Dr CaiCai Zhang, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, shared her research team’s application of neural imaging technology and machine learning approaches for the study of child language development.  See more: https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-024-00315-9  

PolyU researchers harness generative AI to preserve Cantonese Porcelain art and heritage

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about the diminishing value of traditional art forms and the potential for substitution. Nonetheless, through their fusion, they offer new avenues for conserving art and culture while also igniting interest in passing down the heritage from generation to generation. Embracing generative AI as an innovative tool to expand artistic and cultural horizons, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have developed a creative painting platform named “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain” to preserve and educate the artistry of this legacy porcelain. This handcrafted decorative porcelain showcases the distinct folk art of the Lingnan region, highlighting its intricate and refined painting techniques that embody the rich heritage and ingenuity of traditional Chinese art and craft culture. Led by Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) and Professor of the School of Design, Director of both PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology at PolyU, the research team meticulously collected and processed thousands of images of Cantonese porcelain. They used these images to build a robust generative model aimed at making this cultural heritage more accessible and understandable. Prof. Duh said, “Generative AI can significantly enhance human culture by preserving traditional art forms, fostering artistic innovation, and improving accessibility to art creation. It supports educational initiatives and draws newcomers to intangible cultural heritage while providing tools that require less technical skill. However, ensuring ethical practices, transparent AI processes and human supervision are crucial to uphold cultural values and artistic integrity.” Generative AI’s expansive text-to-image models are the main technology that drives this platform to guide and generate traditional cultural content, such as Cantonese porcelain painting techniques. The models can create images from text descriptions, which is essential for ensuring consistency with the traditional style. Moreover, this innovative platform highlights several technological features, including few-shots fine tuning, layered generation, and symbol element generation.  The research team then integrated the concept of 2D and 3D painting into an art platform, creating a user-friendly interface tailored especially for beginners. This platform assists users in swiftly learning the painting techniques of Cantonese porcelain through an intuitive design. Through real-time evaluation by a large AI model, users receive personalised guidance to enhance their skills as they create artwork. By merging symbolic painting language with the advanced localised controllable generation, the platform enables users to creatively express their artistic ideas with meticulous details. This ensures that the artworks created closely adhere to the traditional Cantonese porcelain style, thus preserving and promoting the history and culture of Cantonese porcelain through innovative utilisation of modern technology. Utilising this technology to expand datasets would increase the variety and quantity of training data to include more cultural products and styles, allowing the model to generate a broader range of traditional content. By creating a more intuitive user interface, artists can interact more naturally with the platform while professionals can explore the potential of generative AI to enrich cultural and artistic heritage. Prof. Duh said, “By collaborating with museums and cultural preservation organisations, it could validate and improve this innovative approach across a wider spectrum of intangible cultural heritage fields. Further enhancements to the multimodal large-scale models with a feedback system that provides insights into the generated content can be used for additional training and refinement of the models.”

PolyU InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming to be held on 19 Oct; an opportunity to witness the University’s remarkable achievements in empowering Hong Kong’s I&T development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the “InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming” on 19 October 2024 (Saturday). The InnoTech Open Day will showcase the University’s impactful achievements in interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship that contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. PolyU faculty members, students, alumni, I&T entrepreneurs, industry partners, researchers, students and technology enthusiasts are all welcometo register for participation. Concurrently, the Alumni Homecoming Day will offer a range of dynamic activities, including campus adventures, sports events, family-friendly activities and a talent show, allowing PolyU alumni to reunite and witness the advancement of their alma mater. As one of the flagship annual I&T events for both PolyU and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the InnoTech Open Day, this year themed “Vision through Innovation, Connecting Intelligence”, will feature a wide array of activities including innovation showcases that highlight the power of collaboration between PolyU and industry partners in driving cutting-edge innovations to accelerate new quality productive forces, as well as research outcomes led by PolyU young award-winning scholars. The innovations range across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data sciences, life sciences and healthcare, new energy and materials, sustainability, novel electric vehicle charging technologies and other fields. In addition, the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), the largest interdisciplinary research platform in Hong Kong and GBA, will exhibit various inspiring inventions developed by its constituent research institutes (RIs) and research centres (RCs). These include food waste-derived 3D-printed materials, smart companion doll, a cutting-edge foot scanner, a novel 3D model depicting the topography and landscape of the lunar south pole, low-carbon construction materials and more. At the PAIR InnoTech Forum, RI and RC Directors will also highlight their ground-breaking advanced technology in health and well-being, artificial intelligence and resilient urban infrastructure. PolyU is committed to nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs among PolyU students, alumni and academics through its technology startup ecosystem, PolyVentures. Nineteen PolyU-nurtured startups will showcase their innovations and entrepreneurial achievements and offer various experience activities, including portable system for liver fibrosis assessment, smart wheelchair and more. Other highlights include a sharing session by outstanding alumnus Mr SHEN Peng, Founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc., who will share his journey to entrepreneurial success. Representatives from incubation and investment platforms in mainland China will also give insights into the challenges and opportunities of attracting investment in the region, providing valuable inspiration for those wishing to start their own business. As an annual signature event for PolyU alumni, the Alumni Homecoming Day this year will set the stage for a campus celebration, with the enthusiastic support of over a hundred alumni. Alumni and their families can participate in campus hunt, thematic guided tours, and an Outstanding PolyU Alumni jogging tour to discover new and old constructions on campus and visit state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities that are rarely open to the public.Groups of talented alumni will also take the stage in the Alumni Got Talent show, presenting a vibrant showcase that includes Chinese music, dance, taekwondo, magic show and choir performance, and more. The event will also feature a friendly futsal match and a table tennis demonstration match, along with Ping-Pong training sessions and play zones for kids, allowing participants to enjoy sports and games. Meanwhile, special booths hosted by various faculties, schools, departments, and alumni associations will showcase numerous creative achievements, including ReST Hub, flexible scoliosis brace with artificial hinge, and speech therapy games. These enriching activities will give participants the chance to experience the vibrant and diverse PolyU campus of today. For more event details and registration, please visit: https://polyu.me/3N18SU4

Bridging the Future: PolyU and Arup jointly inaugurated a lecture series and signed an MoU for research excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Arup jointly launched the Arup and PolyU Research & Technical Excellence Lecture Series. The inaugural joint lecture, themed "Bridging the Future – Pushing the Boundaries of Bridge Design and Operations," brought together over 100 participants including industry practitioners, academic professionals and students. The event focused on cultivating collaborations between industry and academia to research excellence and impactful applications. We were honoured to have Ir Prof. Yong Xia, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Joint Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure at PolyU, who shared his pioneering research in bridge engineering and structural health monitoring. Ir Prof. Naeem Hussain, Arup Fellow and Global Bridge Leader, also discussed his innovative work in bridge design and engineering worldwide. In establishing a long-term research partnership, PolyU and Arup signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the event. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU and Ir Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair of Arup, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Ricky Tsui, Director of R&D East Asia of Arup. This MoU formalises our collaboration in joint research, training, and education, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of engineering.

232 PolyU scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024 for career-long citation impact

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved remarkable results in the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024 lists, according to the latest two rankings compiled by Stanford University. Notably, 232 scholars were included based on their career-long citation impact. Together with the scholars named for their single-year citation impact, a total of 355 PolyU scholars were recognised. Based on career-long citation impact, PolyU stands out globally with the largest representation of top scholars in the sub-field of Building and Construction, boasting 18 scholars. It also demonstrates the strongest research performance in Hong Kong with the largest representation of top scholars across 12 sub-fields. Beyond Building and Construction, the University leads locally with the most top scholars in Materials (19 scholars), Energy (15 scholars), Civil Engineering (13 scholars), Operations Research (10 scholars), Optoelectronics and Photonics (10 scholars), Nursing (7 scholars), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (7 scholars), Logistics and Transportation (6 scholars), Mechanical Engineering and Transports (6 scholars), Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (4 scholars), and Rehabilitation (4 scholars). In addition, four PolyU academics are placed among the top 10 scholars worldwide in their respective sub-fields, seven scholars are ranked among the top 20, while 17 scholars are placed within the top 50 worldwide. This represents the highest number of top-ranked scholars among universities in Hong Kong. The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists compiled by Stanford University is divided into two lists, based on scholars’ career-long (1960-2023) and single-year (2023) impact, recognising  their lifetime achievement and recent research impact respectively. Over 100,000 top scientists globally were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields. The lists were based on indicators including citations, scientific research output and a composite indicator for citation impact, up to the end of 2023. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU is committed to promoting research and innovation for the betterment of society. This international recognition is a testament to the University’s research excellence. PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.

PolyU’s “Digital Strolling” programme wins Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2024 for alleviating depression in mobility impaired individuals

Advancements in technology have provided inventive solutions with health and rehabilitation programmes for mobility impaired individuals addressing concerns related to depression and quality of life. Dr Yan LI, Assistant Professor (Presidential Young Scholar) of the School of Nursing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2024 for the project “The Impact of ‘Digital Strolling’ on Depression and Quality of Life of People with Severe Mobility Impairment.” According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 figures, approximately 16% of individuals with severe mobility impairment (SMI) globally and 7.1% in Hong Kong often faces health issues like marginalisation. Research indicates that more than 50% of individuals with SMI experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. Digital strolling refers to the use of virtual reality technology to simulate the experience of walking or moving around in a digital context, representing a novel and promising intervention for the SMI population. Dr LI’s study aims to develop and test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a digital strolling intervention among people with SMI, with a focus on addressing problems related to depression, chronic pain, and sleep quality. Participants use head-mounted displays (HMDs), wireless handheld controllers, and laptops to engage in a virtual environment. The HMD connects to a laptop, allowing users to see simulated arms and legs, while the handheld controller tracks arm movements and positions in three dimensions. This data is then converted into virtual leg movements, enabling participants with SMI to “walk” in a three-dimensional space. Dr. Li is a registered nurse with over 10 years of experience and is an active nurse researcher. Her research interests include digital psychosocial health, mental health among individuals with physical disabilities, and the integration of artificial intelligence ( in educational innovations. Dr Li said, “Digital strolling is highly transformative as it can be conducted easily and interestingly, allowing patients to enjoy themselves during treatment. Additionally, this controller-based approach allows individuals with mobility challenges to engage in an experience that simulates walking, often set against natural backdrops like forests. This experience can help alleviate mental symptoms and positively impact other conditions such as sleep quality, and thus overall quality of life.” The research findings will lay the foundation for subsequent large-scale trials and provide recommendations for medical staff and rehabilitation experts to develop innovative and comprehensive community healthcare programs for people with SMI. The Research Grants Council (RGC) has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) of the United States for the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) (HLCA (HK)) since 2022, aiming to call for bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that has the potential to extend the human healthspan.