Dr Ren Jingzheng, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering who specializes in sustainability science and process systems engineering for energy, environment and sustainability, was selected as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region’s top young science researcher this year. An award ceremony was hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand in late August.

The annual APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education recognises young scientists aged below 40 who display excellence in scientific research, as evidenced by scholarly publication and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies, among other factors.

PolyU is the only higher education institution in Hong Kong to have had two young scientists honoured with this prestigious award in a decade.

“This good news heartens me and gives me renewed impetus to develop carbon-neutral processes for turning waste into wealth, and to achieve zero-waste systems and carbon-neutrality,” said Dr Ren.

Dr Pasit Lorterapong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said Dr Ren’s research is “the perfect example of excellence and innovation” in pursuit of economic, environmental and social goals.

“Dr Ren’s research, especially on the development of the circular economy, recycling, industrial systems and supply network optimization, provides us with knowledge and helps us address future environmental and economic challenges,” Dr Pasit added.

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated Dr Ren on his achievement. 

“We are proud of our pioneering young scholars who are applying innovative solutions to bring advancement to society, the Asia Pacific and the world,” Prof. Chao said.