The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Beijing Astronautics Experiment Institute of Technology (BAEIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster a strategic partnership in the development of China's aerospace technology. The collaboration, led by Dr CHENG Song, Assistant Professor in PolyU's Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Dr MA Liya, Director of the Science and Technology Department of BAEIT, aims to explore opportunities in advanced propellant design, aerospace diagnostic technologies, advanced multifunctional materials, and the establishment of a joint research center. This long-term partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of China's aerospace industry.
The signing ceremony took place at the Council Chamber in Li Ka Shing Tower on the PolyU campus. Prof. SU Zhongqing, Head of PolyU ME, and Dr MA Liya signed the MOU, witnessed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, and Dr WANG Chenggang, President of BAEIT. Prof. WEN Chih-yung, Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) at PolyU, and Dr JIANG Rongpei, Head of the Propellant R&D Center of BAEIT, were also present.
During the ceremony, Prof. SU, Prof. WEN, and Dr MA provided introductions to their respective institutions, fostering a deeper understanding between PolyU and BAEIT. The signed MOU will serve as a platform for technology transfer, resource sharing, and collaborative research efforts.
An afternoon knowledge-sharing forum further deepened the partnership. Prof. SU presented on "Totally-additive-manufacturing"-driven sensing for aircraft structural health monitoring and ultrafast laser-enabled high-resolution non-destructive evaluation. Dr CHENG Song discussed BAEIT's research project progress in AI-enhanced SAF palette design and optimization. Dr SHI Xingyi (Postdoctoral Fellow of ME), representing Dr AN Liang (Associate Professor of ME), presented on fuel cell power generation under extreme conditions. Dr RUAN Haihui (Associate Professor of ME) delved into electronic glass and high-temperature materials for glass molding. And Dr ZHANG Xiao (Assistant Professor of ME) elaborated on high-efficient, low-Pt electrocatalysts for waste-energy conversion. The forum provided valuable insights into potential areas of collaboration and established a framework for future partnership.
The delegation then toured PolyU's Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC), an industry-led non-profit organization established in collaboration with Boeing Corporate. They also visited the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) and the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) in the Industrial Centre. These visits provided a comprehensive understanding of PolyU's advancements in aviation and modern technology.
This partnership between PolyU and BAEIT is poised to reach new heights, offering long-term and comprehensive cooperation opportunities. By combining their strengths, the two institutions will jointly support China's significant research needs and technological programme implementations, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
About the Beijing Astronautics Experiment Institute of Technology (BAEIT)
BAEIT is a leading aerospace science and technology research unit owned by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). As the earliest established, largest, most comprehensive, and technologically advanced aerospace propulsion testing base in China, BAEIT is also the country's premier research center for aerospace liquid propellants. It represents the national level of aerospace liquid propulsion testing technology and liquid propellant technology.
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