News

Best URIS Research Project Award 2024 Result Announcement

The Graduate School is delighted to announce the result of the Best URIS Research Project Award 2024. The awardees have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their research projects under the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS).    

Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony 2024: Celebrating Academic and Research Excellence

The Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2024, the third celebration of the award, recognised distinguished PolyU alumni on 18 December. Being the role models for research talents, the four awardees, Professor LI Bing, Professor LI Jun, Dr SHOU Dahua, and Professor YANG Yang, were congratulated for their propelling accomplishments in diverse areas including aerospace mechanisms, structural monitoring, intelligent wearables, and sustainable tourism. With senior management, deans and heads, Directors of Research Postgraduate Studies, award selection panel members, staff, research students and alumni, and guests in attendance, the ceremony offered a vibrant networking platform. Professor Jiannong Cao, Dean of Graduate School, appreciated the awardees in his welcome remarks for their dedication to promoting academic and research excellence, and manifesting the opportunities in research and innovation. Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President, in his opening speech, reinforced the strong connection between research alumni and the Graduate School, highlighting their role in knowledge generation and translation for impactful advancements in respective fields. President Teng also pinpointed active alumni contribution to PolyU, a research-intensive university backed by expansive funding and partnership networks, and a community of 6,500 research postgraduate alumni. Receiving trophies from the senior management, the awarded alumni expressed their commitment to inspiring the next generation through research and innovation across disciplines. They sent sincere gratitude to their alma mater for the abundant resources and invaluable supervisory guidance that nurtured them, allowing them to develop competent and diverse research skillsets with passion. Concluding the ceremony in his speech, Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) featured the instrumental attributes in PolyU’s research postgraduate studies that cultivate interdisciplinary research and innovative global leadership. For instance, the collaborative PhD programmes with academic and industry institutions, the global attachment programme and fellowship, and internship opportunities, all of which spearhead the development of quality PhD graduates. The Graduate School looks forward to strengthening ties with its expanding alumni community and recognising future leaders in research and innovation. Further reading: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/gs/news-and-events/outstanding-rpg-alumni-award-2024/

2025/26 Admission Talk for the Dual PhD Degree Programmes

The Collaborative PhD Programmes serve as a vital pipeline of cultivating future innovators and researchers to benefit society and the broader regions. On 22 November, we hosted an online admission talk for the Dual PhD Degree Programmes, attracting over 1,000 prospective students from our partner institutions. This programme enables students to pursue PhD studies at PolyU and a partner institution, experiencing joint supervision and academic excellence, with shared research resources.

Presenting the PhD Thesis Award 2024 at the 30th PhD Congregation (November Session)

At the 30th PhD Congregation on 2 November, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng presented the Outstanding and Merit Awards of the PhD Thesis Award 2024 to Dr Lei Mang Leng from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) and delegate of Dr Fan Haiyan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), honouring their distinguished accomplishments.

Research Student Gathering – New Students of the Dual PhD Degree and Joint PhD Supervision Programmes

A research student gathering for new students of the Dual PhD Degree and Joint PhD Supervision Programmes in Semester One of 2024/25 was arranged on 31 October. The event provided essential programme information and navigation tips, along with cross-discipline peer networking opportunities and welcoming refreshments. In the opening remarks, Professor Louise Cummings, Associate Dean of Graduate School, emphasised PolyU’s collaborative research community and supportive student experiences. The programme administration team then facilitated a comprehensive orientation, covering the study curriculum, milestones, and important information on residency and finances. They were also reminded to stay tuned for updates through official digital channels and familiarise themselves with student policies. Our Collaborative PhD Programmes nurture research talents through innovation and cultural exchange, offering joint supervision from PolyU and esteemed universities or key laboratories/centres.

Supporting Undergraduate Research for Continuous Research Impact

With the unwavering support from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation, we send our sincere appreciation to Dr Roy Chung for encouraging PolyU’s undergraduate researchers to realise their ambitions through enquiry-based learning. On 21 October, a sharing session of the students from the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) (under the virtual College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators) was conducted. With participants sharing their inspiring research experiences and significant support from the supervisors and the University, gratitude was also expressed for Dr Chung’s instrumental contributions towards their continual development. URIS is a prestigious programme designed to cultivate academic curiosity and promote enquiry-based learning in the early years of undergraduate studies. Through URIS, students enjoy the exciting opportunity to undertake research projects under the supervision of experienced academic staff.

Graduate School Transferable Skills Workshop Series – Questioning and Interacting with Students

A workshop was co-organised by the Graduate School (GS) and the English Language Centre (ELC) on 17 October for RPg students to focus on the effective use of English for teaching. Led by Mr Daniel Barlow, the workshop highlighted the significance of thoughtful questioning and student interaction for better subject comprehension. Participants engaged in lively discussions, exchanged insights, and brainstormed solutions to common teaching challenges. In the process, participants collaborated to develop practical strategies and innovative approaches to overcome obstacles such as student disengagement and varying learning styles, aimed at creating a supportive learning environment through combined efforts. By mastering these essential techniques, aspiring scholars were empowered to enhance the student learning experience and make a positive impact in their future classrooms.

Fun and Friendship at the GS Night

It was an incredible fun night at the Hung Hom Student Hall! On 13 September, over 200 new RPg students and undergraduate researchers of 2024/25 attended a student-oriented social event to build connections and meet new friends from various backgrounds. The GS Night offered a borderless networking opportunity, featuring entertaining games, pop-dance performance, and team building activities. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, students also participated in the university-wide Mid-Autumn Festival Gal at the University Square!

Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) Orientation 2024/25

About 100 new students of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) under the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) were welcomed onboard on 27 August and 9 September. Marking the beginning of their discovery journey to develop passion and locate potential for research, students attended organised orientations to familiarise themselves with useful information and inspiring insights from Professor Cao Jiannong, Head of CURI, Professor Horace Mui, Associate Head of CURI, Ms Louise Zhou from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) and Mr Ricky Man from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI), the invited student speakers. Participants were encouraged to utilise research opportunities and learn to effectively communicate their research impact to society. The scheme also offers attractive financial support and enriching activities for students to broaden their horizons and transform into future PhD researchers

PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC 2024): Ignite Your Research Passion