Chief Editor’s Corner

In Issue 11 of the PAIR Newsletter, we are thrilled to share with you a selection of innovations at PAIR which have made significant contributions and received tremendous recognition at the national and international levels.

In late June 2024, China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe completed the first mission in human history to collect rock samples from the far side of the Moon. The tasks of automatic sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface were accomplished with the help of the Surface Sampling and Packing System, which was developed by the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. The success of Chang’e-6 underscores the University’s world-class scientific and technological competence and embodies PolyU’s devotion to national development through sci-tech undertakings.

In the Knowledge Transfer section of this newsletter, you will find more information about the space instruments, as well as other PolyU-led innovations with profound impacts on the promotion of human health. These include the world’s first portable High-Definition Corneal Topographer, developed by the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) to enable diagnosis of vision problems (e.g., corneal astigmatism and corneal ectasia) in as little as one minute; and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Enhancement System developed by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), which enables the precise detection of tumours without the use of contrast agents. These two innovations were awarded Gold Medals at the 49^th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. The Research Achievements section covers a range of PAIR-developed solutions for sensing, buildings and infrastructure, rehabilitation, novel materials, textiles and healthcare. A number of these innovations also won awards at the Expo.

Another highlight is the Feature Stories section. We talked to PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. LIN Jianguo about a researcher’s dual role as scientist and entrepreneur, and PAIR Fellow Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS told us about the use of elder care technologies to build age-friendly cities and communities. We also cover the work of Prof. George Q. HUANG, Director of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), who is unveiling how disruptive technologies can enable a range of decision science solutions for iFactories.

Last but not least, the People section covers PAIR scholars who have received considerable external funding for their projects and awards for their research contributions. The News & Events section includes a number of recent and forthcoming knowledge exchange events at PAIR. Please stay tuned to PAIR social media channels for the latest event updates and announcements!