News

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”, showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign. From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes. Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees. Among them, seven are led by PAIR members: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF) Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing The research team has invented a self-powered mechanism for ejecting freezing droplets, enabling droplets to shoot themselves away. This innovation could catalyse the development of self-powered methods for a variety of purposes, including de-icing, energy harvesting, and soft robotic applications. Prof. CHEN Jianli Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise The global research team has integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights into ice sheets’ role in sea-level rise. Prof. QIU Anqi Associate Dean of Graduate School, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Prof. CHEN Changwen Interim Dean of Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Chair Professor of Visual Computing of Department of Computing, Management Committee Member of PAIR, Member of SCRI Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis While AI technology is evolving rapidly, AI models still struggle with understanding long videos. The team has developed a novel video-language agent, VideoMind, that enables AI models to perform long video reasoning and question-answering tasks by emulating humans’ way of thinking. Prof. KO Ben Chi-bun Associate Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease The research team has discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Prof. LI Gang Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of RI-IWEAR and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) Prof. YANG Guang Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Member of RIAM, PRI and RISE Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. The research team has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, addressing challenges in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their study aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from the current maximum of about 34% to 40%. Prof. LIU Aiqun Director of Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Global STEM Scholar PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test The research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. The team has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. Press release: https://polyu.me/4s8plYJ   Online coverage (Chinese only): Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/414Ttcw Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4dmCKbP Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4m1vfcL Mirage - https://polyu.me/4tiNeh2 The Standard - https://polyu.me/47AIV8y (English) Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4c27PiE (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4me6BWj People.cn - https://polyu.me/4v934Na NetEase - https://polyu.me/4srqNFT

PAIR researcher steps into university leadership: Prof. ZHENG Zijian assumed the new Vice President (Knowledge Transfer)

Congratulations to Prof. ZHENG Zijian for being promoted to Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) (VP(KT)) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with effect from 1 April 2026.  Prof. Zheng is currently the Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), where he leads cutting-edge research projects in areas such as chronic biocompatible materials for soft electronic sensing, flexible and stretchable batteries for wearable applications, and permeable and multi-functional stretchable electronics.  As an internationally renowned scholar in manufacturing technology and materials science, Prof. Zheng has made significant contributions to PolyU’s interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer during his service at PAIR and RI-IWEAR.  He has demonstrated sustained excellence in translational research, fostered strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises, and secured substantial funding for knowledge transfer initiatives.  As VP (KT), Prof. Zheng will steer the planning and implementation of the University’s strategic agenda in knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and engagement with the Chinese Mainland for knowledge translation.  He will oversee the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, as well as the Mainland Research Units. Prof. Zheng received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge and his Bachelor of Polymer Materials and Engineering degree from Tsinghua University.  He is a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Founding Member of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, and a Founding Young Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering.

New milestone in smart hospitality: PolyU partners with Yunji Technology and Blue Pin on service-robot innovation to advance smart hotel ecosystem

The Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with Yunji Technology and Blue Pin, signed a strategic cooperation memorandum on 27 March 2026, under which the three parties will jointly develop a smart hotel ecosystem for service robots that integrates academic research, hardware technology and data capabilities. Leveraging deep collaboration across industry, academia and research, the partnership aims to accelerate the expansion of China’s smart hotel solutions into global markets. Drawing on its strong industry insight and solid theoretical foundations, PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management will set the research agenda for digital transformation in tourism and, through rigorous academic research frameworks, ensure that related solutions are supported by measurable scientific evidence. Yunji Technology’s service robots are already deployed in more than 40 countries and over 40,000 hotels worldwide, providing hardware implementation and real-world application scenarios globally, and taking the lead in integrating service-robot scheduling and process automation. As the “intelligent hub”, AI data company Blue Pin will focus on the continuous learning and analysis of guest services and behavioural patterns, collecting and applying user behavioural data to enable service prediction and personalisation. Its proprietary AI platform “Jahvis” provides hotels with accurate guest profiling and decision-support capabilities. The three parties will form a joint R&D team centred on the concept of “predictive services” and plan to launch the first batch of pilot projects in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area in the third quarter of 2026. They aim to achieve quantifiable targets of a 100% improvement in guest satisfaction and a 200% increase in operational efficiency, before gradually expanding to Southeast Asia and eventually global markets.   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/4s3p5df; https://polyu.me/4c9lfdT Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4152vpN; https://polyu.me/4dfL2SY; https://polyu.me/4lVBnmw; https://polyu.me/4sxJVmh 泡財經 - https://polyu.me/4bQRBsu Chinese Press - https://polyu.me/3NHw6Tb

Workplace stress in hospitality: PolyU study highlights key challenges and solutions

Workplace stress remains a significant concern for the global hospitality sector, with hotel employees facing unique pressures arising from constant guest interaction, emotional labour and operational demands.  Research led by Prof. Antony WONG, Member of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism and Assistant Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, offers fresh insights into how these stressors impact hotel staff mental health and what organisations can do in response. Surveying 756 employees across 45 luxury hotels in China, the study identified poor leadership, job insecurity and pressure to respond rapidly to digital communication as the most damaging stressors.  Interestingly, traditional challenges such as job responsibility and complexity were associated with better mental health outcomes, suggesting that when staff perceive these demands as opportunities, they feel more in control and fulfilled. Teamwork was also found to enhance well-being, while junior and senior staff, as well as front- and back-of-house teams, experienced stress differently.  The research team recommends targeted management strategies, improved leadership training and clearer boundaries for digital communication to support staff well-being. The study concludes that an employee-centred approach is essential for improving engagement, retention and the long-term resilience of hospitality organisations.   Online coverage: Travel Daily News - https://polyu.me/4sAH2RJ Hotel Online - https://polyu.me/4c48IIM

Prof. Simon LEE’s team develops “PD-001R”, a first-in-class candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuan, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with his postdoctoral researcher Dr Zhao Chen, have successfully developed an innovative drug, “PD-001R”, targeting neurodegenerative diseases. This first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate, is specifically designed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla), and is produced through chemically synthesis. The core mechanism that underlies the therapeutic action of PD-001R lies in promoting the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates. Results from animal studies have shown that PD-001R not only demonstrates significant efficacy against Parkinson’s disease, but also exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease, with good oral bioavailability and safety. This ground-breaking research was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting its strong international recognition and innovative value. Prof. Lee is a Member of the Management Committee of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), and a Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at PAIR. He is also the Founder of the PolyU start-up AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited. His research encompasses brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug discovery particularly from natural products. The advent of PD-001R brings new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and marks a significant breakthrough in Hong Kong’s biomedical innovation landscape. Online coverage: East Week - https://polyu.me/4szr3n1

Prof. LIU Bin (NUS) reveals how trace impurities unlock breakthroughs in ultralong organic phosphorescence

On 25 March 2026, Professor LIU Bin, Deputy President (Research and Technology) of National University of Singapore (NUS), delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Iso-structure Induced Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence” at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and over 15,700 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Liu began the lecture by highlighting a long-standing challenge in organic photophysics: the inherent difficulty of achieving efficient triplet state emission. She then presented her team’s breakthrough discovery in carbazole, a ubiquitous organic building block.  Their research revealed that trace impurities—notably the isomer 1H-benz[f]indole (Bd) commonly found in commercial carbazole—are actually the hidden drivers of ultralong phosphorescence. This insight has fundamentally shifted the field’s focus from intrinsic molecular properties toward understanding the critical role of “iso-structural doping” in generating phosphorescence. The lecture further explored the diverse origins of these influential impurities, including variability in raw starting materials, side reactions during synthesis, and previously unidentified by-products. By regulating the doping process, Prof. Liu’s team has moved beyond “serendipitous observations” toward “rational design”, leading to the development of high-performance “multi-functional phosphorescent materials”, such as organic persistent mechanoluminescence and colour-tunable room-temperature phosphorescence. A significant portion of the presentation was dedicated to translating these insights into practical materials engineering.  One key advancement is the development of the “Matrigel-Alginate Granular-Interstitial Composite (MAGIC) matrix”, which supports the bottom-up nanofabrication of organic phosphorescent nanocrystals.  The MAGIC matrix is a “sandwich-like” composite structure that combines particle support and matrix nutrition: optically transparent, bio‑inert alginate is processed into cell‑sized microgel particles, assembled into a granular scaffold, and infused with Matrigel to form a robust, cell‑compatible composite.  Prof. Liu emphasised that these organic phosphorescent nanocrystals show immense promise for biomedical applications, with preliminary in-vivo evaluations demonstrating their effectiveness for high-contrast lymph node imaging.  Other cutting-edge applications discussed included data encryption, anti-counterfeiting, and optical waveguides. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Prof. XING Bengang, Chair Professor of Chemical Biology.  Both onsite and online audiences actively participated, raising questions on topics such as the distinctions between iso-structure induced effects and other aggregation-induced phosphorescence strategies, the structure-property relationship between spin-orbit coupling strength and ultralong phosphorescence performance, and biomimetic approaches to designing next-generation devices, leaving the audience inspired by the future possibilities of molecular engineering. Please click here for an online review.

Interdisciplinary innovation: Prof. Jeffrey LEUNG discusses myopia prevention and vision screening technology for children

Prof. Jeffrey LEUNG Tsz Wing, Member of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was recently interviewed on RTHK’s programme “Infinite Future”, where he shared recent findings in research on children’s vision and discussed the value of interdisciplinary learning in scientific research. Prof. Leung employs animal models to examine the effects of environmental factors on eyesight and ocular development. He noted that, in experiments with chicks, external environmental influences such as artificially induced myopia or astigmatic lenses can trigger self-adjustment of refractive power in the chicks’ eyes, demonstrating a close relationship between visual signals and changes in myopia and astigmatism. Research has further revealed that localised visual blur can also affect eye growth, providing additional insight into how everyday environments, such as reading and outdoor activities, influence the growth of children’s eyes. In addition, Prof. Leung’s team has developed a mobile application, Myopia Intelligent Tele-Triage system (MITTs), to assist parents in conducting preliminary vision screening at home. The app utilises artificial intelligence technology to record prescription data and generate progress reports, and provides information on myopia control, enabling parents to proactively monitor and address their children’s vision issues at an early stage. Prof. Leung emphasised that scientific research requires curiosity and an interdisciplinary spirit, integrating clinical practice, fundamental research and technology to drive medical innovation. He encourages young scientists to be bold in crossing disciplinary boundaries, believing that interdisciplinary collaboration will spark the most powerful “chemical reactions” and generate greater impact. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4bE2bod (10:21 - 14:41)

Prof. Mike LAI writes in newspaper: Appropriate ESG disclosure is key — accurate reporting matters for corporate risk reduction and competitiveness

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Acting Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for HK01, titled “Bidding Farewell to the ‘More is Better’ Myth – Mastering the Art of Accurate ESG Disclosure”, in which he explores issues related to green finance and ESG disclosure. Prof. Lai notes that, in recent years, green finance and ESG information disclosure have become global trends, with enterprises generally believing that greater transparency attracts more investors. However, his research team’s study of listed manufacturing companies in China found that the relationship between ESG disclosure transparency and corporate risk follows a U-shape curve: moderate disclosure helps reduce share price volatility, but excessive disclosure increases risk. Disclosing an appropriate amount of ESG information can alleviate information asymmetry, boost investor confidence and reduce the impact of unexpected events on share prices. Conversely, over-disclosure of commercially sensitive information may enable competitors to copy business practices, thereby weakening a company’s advantages and increasing its risk exposure. The research also indicates that artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection can mitigate the risks associated with excessive disclosure and enhance corporate competitiveness. Prof. Lai believes that the priorities of institutional investors also affect the impact of ESG disclosure on risk, and that enterprises should adjust their disclosure strategies according to market conditions. For Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises, accurately disclosing information about the most distinctive and improvable ESG aspects, alongside technological and patent planning, can help enhance bargaining power and secure green loans. At the policy level, the government should emphasise the quality and relevance of disclosures, encourage enterprises to make good use of artificial intelligence tools, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of reporting. ESG disclosure should be seen as a strategic tool for enterprises to manage risk and strengthen competitiveness, rather than merely a compliance burden.   Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bZibB7

From emissions to fuels: Advanced electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction demonstrates economic viability for large-scale carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (ECO₂R) offers a sustainable pathway to industrial decarbonisation by converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals.  Despite significant advances in catalyst design, industrial scalability has been constrained by slow mass-transfer kinetics.  A research team led by Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, has introduced a high-diffusion-flux gas diffusion electrode (HDF-GDE) that overcomes this limitation in alkali-cation-free systems, achieving CO₂ conversion rates at industrial current densities. Kinetic analysis reveals that conversion is governed by mass transfer efficiency rather than flow rate.  By optimising the GDE structure to maximise CO₂ diffusion and GDE utilisation, the team has realised a kW-scale ECO₂R system with long-term stability (1000 hours), capable of producing carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C₂H₄) depending on the catalyst employed.  Operating with a 3 L/min CO₂ flow rate, the system delivers 144 kg of CO (1.29 kW) or 17 kg of C₂H₄ (1.95 kW) over 1000 hours.  The alkali-cation-free ECO2R system, equipped with HDF-GDEs, demonstrates economic viability for large-scale ECO2R-to-CO/C2H4 production.  These findings bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world deployment, advancing the manufacturing of carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough not only addresses key challenges in mass transfer and system stability but also paves the way for the practical implementation of ECO₂R technology in industrial settings. By demonstrating both technical and economic feasibility, the research sets a new benchmark for scalable carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production, supporting global efforts toward sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. The results have been published in Nature Communications under the title “Kilowatt-scale alkali-cation-free CO2 electrolysis via accelerating mass transfer”. Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69175-9  

MHRC research uncovers how exercise shields the brain against Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study led by two members of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) including Prof. Hector Tsang, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) and Prof. Sonata Yau, Associate Professor of RS, has identified a novel biological pathway that explains how physical exercise mitigates the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Published in the prestigious journal Aging Cell, the research provides a detailed look at how exercise protects the brain from the damaging effects of chronic stress and cognitive decline. The team discovered that physical activity triggers the release of adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat tissue, which acts as a critical messenger to the brain. This hormone activates a protective enzyme called Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampus—a key brain region for mood regulation for memory formation. By activating PP2A, exercise effectively prevents Tau hyperphosphorylation, a pathological process where proteins become “tangled” and cause the neuronal damage typically seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Significantly, the study found that while chronic stress accelerates harmful brain changes and suppresses PP2A activity, regular exercise effectively counteracts this damage. By experimentally reducing adiponectin levels or PP2A activity, the researchers demonstrated that the neuroprotective benefits of exercise were completely abolished. The study further revealed that exercise-induced PP2A activation is strictly dependent on the presence of adiponectin. These results prove that the adiponectin–PP2A axis is essential for brain health and highlight it as a promising therapeutic target for treating stress-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease Read the full research paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/acel.70447