The University Grants Committee (UGC) recently announced the results of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020, in which PolyU received high ratings in various research areas. PolyU is delighted to see the encouraging results and believes that they are a recognition of the University’s dedicated efforts in pursuing research excellence over the years.

A total of 686 PolyU academic staff submitted a total of 2,611 research outputs, 50 impact case studies and 20 research environment submissions in the RAE 2020. Of the 11 panels in which PolyU was rated as “world-leading” (4-star) and “internationally excellent” (3-star), PolyU's performance in the panel of Physical Sciences was the best among all UGC-funded institutions. Furthermore, all of PolyU's research impact case studies and research environment submissions in the panel of Creative Arts, Performing Arts & Design received 4-star ratings, which was the best performance in this area among the eight UGC-funded institutions.

Among the 20 units of assessment in which PolyU was assessed, PolyU received outstanding ratings with the highest percentage of 4-star and 3-star ratings for “Materials Science and Materials Technology”, “Computer Studies/Science” and “Hotel Management and Tourism”. PolyU also performed well in the units of assessment for Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering (incl. Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering), Textile Technology and Aerospace Engineering, as well as Civil Engineering (incl. Construction Engineering & Management) and Building Technology. PolyU’s Optometry, Rehabilitation Sciences and other health care professions have also shown marked improvements in research performance.

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with this year’s RAE results, which are an outcome of the hard work and determination of our researchers. I wish to offer my sincerest appreciation to our researchers and all other colleagues who have contributed to PolyU’s success in RAE 2020. We are also very grateful for the wise guidance and strong support received from the Council and the Court, without which we would not have achieved so much. PolyU will remain devoted to the pursuit of research excellence for societal impact and we will make reference to the RAE assessment results to identify ways to elevate further our capacity for impactful research that benefits Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.”

Professor Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “Over the years, PolyU has been working tirelessly in research and innovation, with a clear purpose to contribute to the betterment of mankind. Our researchers are committed to conducting forward-looking research projects, and our research strengths are enhanced through interdisciplinary exchanges and inter-institutional partnerships. PolyU will continue to build on its strengths to make further progress in impactful research, in order to address societal challenges now and in the future.”

The UGC maintained its efforts in assessing the research performance of the UGC-funded universities through the RAE 2020. The period covered in this assessment was from October 2013 to September 2019. Over 4,200 eligible academic staff from the eight institutions submitted about 16,000 research outputs, 340 research impact case studies and 190 research environment submissions. Among the projects assessed, 70% were rated as “internationally excellent” or above by international experts, confirming the strength of local institutions in scientific research.