Our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Franco Leung King-chi, Assistant Professor of PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, who received the Croucher Innovation Award 2021 organised by the Croucher Foundation in recognition of his excellent scientific research achievements.

“I am most grateful to the Croucher Foundation for their recognition of my research on a Supramolecular Robotic System of Photoresponsive Molecular Amphiphiles. I hope this research can facilitate the development of a supramolecular robotic system and be applied in medical and other fields to make a positive impact on society,” Dr Leung remarked. His research programmes are designed and orientated to exploit the full intrinsic potential of synthetic organic chemistry to build new supramolecular structures, functions and hierarchical systems.

Dr Leung attained a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Chemical Technology and a Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) from PolyU in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, as well as one of Dr Leung’s teachers during his undergraduate studies, said, “Dr Leung’s achievements demonstrate the promising potential of young scientists. We will continue to offer staunch support to interdisciplinary research, and we look forward to the further discoveries of Dr Leung’s research.”

Since June 2019, Dr Leung has returned to PolyU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology.

The Croucher Innovation Award represents the Foundation’s most prestigious award, granted only after a robust selection process. Each award recipient receives funding of up to HK$5 million for research expenses to be used over five years.

To learn more about Dr Leung’s research inspirations and achievements, please click here.