PolyU has received excellent ratings in many disciplines in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020. The exercise, conducted by the University Grants Committee (UGC), assessed the research performance of the UGC-funded universities based on the research outputs, impact case studies and environment submissions within the period between October 2013 and September 2019.

A total of 686 PolyU academic staff submitted 2,611 research outputs, 50 impact case studies and 20 research environment submissions for the RAE 2020. An analysis of the RAE 2020 results shows that, in terms of the combined percentage of work assessed as "internationally excellent" or above, PolyU achieved around 70% in the overall research quality profile, which is about the same as the sector average. The encouraging results are a good indicator of the University’s research quality and impact. The impact of the research was highly rated across a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the success of the University in pursuing world-class research excellence for societal impact.

PolyU in RAE 2020

Best among UGC-funded institutions

• Physical Sciences (Overall)

• Computer Science/Information Technology (Overall)

• Creative Arts, Performing Arts and Design (Research Impact & Research Environment)

Highest percentage of “world leading” (4-star) and “internationally excellent” (3-star) ratings in Units of Assessment

• Computer Studies/Science (incl. Information Technology)

• Materials Science and Materials Technology

Research impact highly rated

• In 14 Units of Assessments, 100% of PolyU’s submissions rated as “world leading” (4-star) or “internationally excellent” (3-star)

Outstanding performance

• Biological Sciences (incl. Environmental Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food Science, Veterinary Studies)

• Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, other technologies (incl. Environmental Engineering & Nautical Studies) and Marine Engineering

• Civil Engineering (incl. Construction Engineering and Management) and Building Technology

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Mechanical Engineering

• Optometry

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, said: “We are pleased with the results, which are the outcome of the hard work and determination of our researchers. PolyU will make reference to the RAE assessment results to identify ways to further elevate our capacity for impactful research that benefits Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.”

Professor Wing-tak Wong, PolyU Deputy President and Provost, said: “Our research strengths are enhanced through interdisciplinary exchanges and inter-institutional partnerships. The University will continue to build on its strengths to make further progress in research.”