PolyU had the highest number of projects among local universities to receive funding from the Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2022/23.

Five research projects led by PolyU scholars have been awarded a total of HK$27.55 million by the RIF 2022/23. The fund, which is under the Research Grants Council (RGC), recognises impactful solutions that address societal needs in a sustainable way. The PolyU projects cover research areas ranging from medical innovation, smart buildings and construction, and green technology, to materials science and advanced manufacturing, demonstrating the University’s strengths in converting academic research into real-world applications.

The RIF awards up to HK$10 million to each successful project for a three to five-year period. A PolyU study on developing deconstruction and reuse technologies for steel and composite structures received the highest level of funding in the latest exercise at HK$9.75 million for a five-year duration.

PolyU-led projects receiving RIF 2022/23

Project Coordinator:
Dr Chan Tak-ming
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
(in collaboration with City University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong)

Project: 

Achieving the Circular Economy in Construction through Deconstruction and Reuse Technologies for Steel and Composite Structures

Description:

Developing productive construction technologies through circularity design (Design for Deconstruction and Reuse) and management strategies (Digital Component Passport)

Budget to be funded by RGC*: 

HK$9,750,000

Project Coordinator:
Professor Zheng Zijian
Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
(in collaboration with City University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Project: 

Flexible and Stretchable Batteries for Wearable Applications

Description:

For wearable technologies, smart electronic textiles, electronic skins, soft robotics, bioelectronics and the Internet of Things

Budget to be funded by RGC*: 

HK$5,550,000

Project Coordinator:
Professor Benny Cheung Chi-fai
Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
(in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong )

Project: 

Next Generation of In-situ Precision Three-dimensional Surface Metrology: A Smart Self-adaptive Multiscopic Approach for Industrial 4.0

Description:

Can be embedded in different machine tools, manufacturing equipment and portable measurement devices under various manufacturing or measurement scenarios for Industry 4.0

Budget to be funded by RGC*: 

HK$4,650,000

Project Coordinator:
Professor Terence Lee Kin-wah
Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology

(in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong )

Project: 

A novel approach to target cancer stemness using peptidic chimeric antigen receptor (pCAR) macrophages

Description:

New scientific knowledge for a novel therapeutic strategy against liver cancer stem cells for hepatocellular carcinoma

Budget to be funded by RGC*: 

HK$4,150,000

Project Coordinator:
Professor George Q. Huang
Chair Professor of Smart Manufacturing, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
(in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong)

Project: 

Industry 4.0 Smart Prefabrication Yard for Modular Construction Fitout

Description:

Bringing benefits to housing production and supply in Hong Kong with smart prefabrication yard innovations

Budget to be funded by RGC*: 

HK$3,450,000

* The RGC funds 70% of the project’s cost with the university/organisational partner(s) contributing the remaining 30%.