News

Prof. CHEN Jianli elected as American Geophysical Union Fellow

Prof. CHEN Jianli, Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, has been elected to the 2024 Class of American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellows, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and scientific achievements in the field of space geodesy and climate change.  The AGU is the world’s largest earth and space science association. The AGU fellowship is bestowed annually to recognise a select number of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Since its inception in 1962, less than 0.1% of AGU members have been selected as Fellows every year. This year, a total of 53 outstanding individuals were selected.

Prof. LIU Dikai from the University of Technology Sydney presented human-centred intelligent robotics in a seminar

Prof. LIU Dikai, Distinguished Professor and Strategic Research Director in the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, delivered a PAIR seminar titled “Human-Centred Intelligent Robotics: Case Studies, Lessons Learnt, and Opportunities” on 10 October 2024 at PolyU. The seminar attracted over 120 in-person participants and captivated an online audience of over 13,100 from various countries and regions, who watched the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, Weixin, Weibo, YouTube, etc. The seminar began with a warm welcome by Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PAIR, followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Prof. ZHANG Chengqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Liu kick-started his presentation by outlining the key milestones in the evolution of robotics, and pointed out that human-centred intelligent robots should be able to co-exist, cooperate and collaborate with humans. He stated that robotics is a truly interdisciplinary field that combines engineering, science and humanities. Next, through a series of case studies, Prof. Liu examined how intelligent robots have been designed to work alongside humans in various applications, including civil infrastructure maintenance, construction, and manufacturing. He then discussed the dynamics of collaboration between humans and robots, and examined issues such as trust, computational modelling, physical and cognitive workload, brain-robot interface and human-centred design. By reflecting on the lessons learnt from these case studies, Prof. Liu highlighted both successes and challenges. At the end of his presentation, Prof. Liu emphasised that human-robot teaming is an interdisciplinary field. He also pointed out some areas for further development in the field, highlighting the many opportunities in robotics. The presentation was followed by a lively and insightful question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Zhang Chenggi. The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Liu.  Please click here for an online review.

One hundred and thirty-eight PAIR scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024

A total of 138 scholars from PAIR and its 19 constituent research units were ranked among the “World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024” in the latest list released by Stanford University, and five of them were among the top 20 scholars in the world in their own areas of specialty. The named PAIR scholars were included in the “Career-long Impact” list based on their career-long citation impact. The latest ranking reflects the influential research of PAIR researchers and PolyU’s leading position in multiple research areas. The ranking compiled by Stanford University covers over 100,000 top scientists across the globe. The database grouped scientists under 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields. The list was based on indicators including citations, scientific research output and a composite indicator for citation impact, up to the end of 2023.   The number of PAIR scholars listed in the ranking and their corresponding research fields are as below*: Acoustics (4) Aerospace & Aeronautics (1) Analytical Chemistry (2) Applied Physics (2) Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing (6) Biomedical Engineering (3) Biotechnology (1) Building and Construction (12) Civil Engineering (10) Energy (11) Environmental Engineering (1) Environmental Sciences (2) Experimental Psychology (1) Food Science (1) Geological & Geomatics Engineering (5) Industrial Engineering & Automation (3) Information Systems (1) Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry (1) Logistics & Transportation (3) Materials (12) Mechanical Engineering & Transports (3) Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences (4) Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (14) Networking & Telecommunications (5) Neurology & Neurosurgery (1) Operations Research (5) Ophthalmology & Optometry (3) Optics (1) Optoelectronics and Photonics (7) Organic Chemistry (1) Polymers (3) Psychiatry (1) Rehabilitation (2) Sport, Leisure & Tourism (2) Urban & Regional Planning (1)   *As per the data published by Elsevier on 16 September 2024 (version 7): https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7   Read more: World's Top 2% Scientists (2024) | PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)

MHRC Interim Director appointed as General Editor of Culture and Psychology Series by Cambridge University Press

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Xiaohua, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Interim Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre, has been appointed as the General Editor of the Culture and Psychology Series by Cambridge University Press. The series includes books that cover top academic and research works in emerging interdisciplinary areas of culture that relate to emotion, cognition and behaviour. The published books are widely used by students, teachers and researchers in various fields of psychology as important reference books.

Prof. YUNG Kai-leung and Prof. WU Bo on China’s space missions

Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Prof. WU Bo, RCDSE Associate Director, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, and Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics, and Mr CHEN Long, Project Associate, were interviewed by RTHK on Chang’e-6 mission’s challenges and Hong Kong’s contributions to the country’s space industry. Prof. Yung said that the front side of the Moon has less exposure to solar wind due to the influence of the Earth’s magnetic field. The far side of the Moon is not protected by the Earth. Hence, it is subject to huge impacts, and the soil quality there is very different, making the sampling task even more challenging. He explained that there is only one chance to take sample from the far side of the Moon, and Chang’e-6 is a historic success. Prof. Wu shared that his team used artificial intelligence methods to significantly reduce the time required for identifying the landing site for the probe. The team spent more than half a year on related work for Chang’e-3. After adopting new technologies, it took the team less than two months to identify the landing site for the probe in the Tianwen-1 Mars exploration mission.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/3ZD0ykZ (video: 00:52 - 01:59; 05:12 - 05:41) (audio: 02:55 - 05:20; 08:13 - 09:33) am730 - https://polyu.me/3Y0tMsI Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3XJyQjH Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/3N0Zqjp Line Today - https://polyu.me/3XArNtK

PAIR to showcase at PolyU InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming 2024

You are cordially invited to join the PolyU InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming on 19 October 2024 on PolyU campus. The I&T community, researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs, as well as PolyU alumni, staff and students, family and friends are all welcome! This year’s Open Day features a series of thought-provoking events, including the Power of Innovation: PAIR Research Impact at the Jockey Club Auditorium. You will be inspired by some exhibits including some novel food waste-derived 3D-printed materials, energy saving batteries, advanced optical fibre sensor, smart companion doll, interactive treadmill, cutting-edge foot scanner, space explorations equipment, multi-purposed robot, low-carbon construction materials, innovative AI camera, smart watch, and many more. Register now!   Another highlight of the day would be the PAIR InnoTech Forum in the afternoon. At the Forum, you will be able to learn from some keynote speakers regarding our ground-breaking innovations and technologies in good health and well-being, artificial intelligence, as well as resilient urban infrastructure. Register now!

Dr Roey TZEZANA of Tel Aviv University unmasks AI myths at PAIR seminar

Dr Roey TZEZANA, Fellow in Yuval Ne’eman Workshop for Science, Technology and Security, and Researcher at Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center of Tel Aviv University, Israel, delivered the PAIR Seminar titled “What myths have been disrupted about AI in the last two years?” on 24 September 2024 at PolyU. The seminar attracted nearly 120 in-person participants and captivated an online audience of over 15,700 from various countries and regions, who watched the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat, Weibo, YouTube, etc. The seminar began with a warm welcome by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Mr Gavin NGAI, Deputy Director of the Global Engagement Office. Dr Tzezana commenced his presentation by identifying the common myths about AI and discussing how these myths hinder public awareness of AI’s rapid development in various fields. He then projected AI’s capabilities towards the end of the decade, suggesting that AI would soon outperform humans in many areas. Dr Tzezanna also examined the broader implications of these advancements, particularly their impact on the future of work, and offered insights into the skills and knowledge areas essential for staying competitive and successful in this rapidly evolving landscape. The presentation was followed by a lively and insightful question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Chen. The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Dr Tzezana. At the end of the seminar, Prof. Chen presented Dr. Tzezanna with a souvenir as a token of appreciation for his inspiring talk and support for PAIR. Please click here for an online review.

Chinese President meets with Prof. YUNG Kai-leung and scientists involved in Chang’e-6 mission

Chinese President XI Jinping met with the representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang’e-6 lunar mission at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 23 September 2024. Among the attendees was Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. In his important address, President Xi pointed out that the outer space is a domain shared by humanity and space exploration is humanity’s common endeavor; and we must continue to keep an open mind to further promote various forms of international exchanges and collaborations in aerospace, share development achievements with other countries, improve the governance of outer space, enabling achievements of aerospace science and technology to bring better benefits to mankind.   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/4eAto9G RTHK - https://polyu.me/3XujNdy Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4ev9DAm

Prof. Charles WONG receives Smart Traffic Fund for research on enhancing traffic efficiency

Prof. Charles Man-sing WONG, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), has been awarded HK$5.3 million for his project titled “A study on public transport re-routing, with a healthy ‘Wait-to-Ride’ trip mode for optimizing public transportation routes and improving traffic congestion”. The project aims to analyse the routes and stops of road public transportation. A spatio-temporal environmental database will be developed for providing suggestions on reorganising public transport routes in over-served areas with duplicated routes, with the aim of easing road traffic congestion and enhancing the efficiency of the road network. Further reading: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2024/0923_three-polyu-projects-supported-by-smart-traffic-fund/   Online coverage: Mirage News - https://polyu.me/47JRrB2

Prof. CHAI Yang wins Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award 2024

Congratulations to Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Professor in the Department of Applied Physics, for winning “The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award 2024” for “breaking the wall of efficient sensory AI systems”. Prof. Chai has conducted groundbreaking research on sensory (AI), paving the way for more energy-efficient, low-latency and memory-optimised AI systems, and bringing significant enhancement to diverse applications such as mobile devices, IoT sensors and edge computing. He has developed novel hardware architectures and optimisation techniques, which enable the deployment of advanced sensory AI systems in mobile devices, IoT sensors and edge computing, transforming applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles and industrial automation. The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award was initiated by the Berlin-based Falling Walls Foundation, to recognise the latest breakthroughs and outstanding science projects worldwide. This year’s Falling Walls Global Call received over 1,000 entries from 52 countries. Prof. Chai is one of the top ten winners in the Engineering & Technology category. Prof. Chai is currently a Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), and a Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI), the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Internet of Things (RIAIoT). Press release: https://polyu.me/3zquNAR   Online coverage: Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/3XwQCGR Eurek Alert - https://polyu.me/4etCgOv Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4evdkpF GBA Biz Tech Magazine - https://polyu.me/47CyZKg