PolyU has been recognised for its high-quality research through several awards from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Three research projects have been awarded under the NSFC’s Key Programme, eight research projects under the General Programme.

Two PolyU researchers were awarded the prestigious Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) for their innovative work. In addition, 50 young researchers have been awarded the Young Scientists Fund.

The Key Programme supports fundamental research projects. Recipients included Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Xiaoli Ding, Chair Professor of Geomatics for his work on water leakage detection, for studies on high-temperature boiling technology; and Prof. Zhao Xu, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for research on smart energy system operation.

Dr Xinyan Huang, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering; and Dr Kathy Leng, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics were honoured with Excellent Young Scientists Fund for projects on controlling mega-scale smouldering wildfires and developing new 2D hybrid perovskite materials, respectively.

PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) Prof. Christopher Chao praised the researchers and said PolyU remains committed to fostering scientific talent and attaining impactful research outcomes.

This recognition from the NSFC underscores PolyU’s world-class research capabilities. It will inspire continued innovation to advance technology in Hong Kong and beyond. Additionally, young researchers from across PolyU faculties and schools were supported through the Youth Scientists Fund, helping to nurture the next generation of researchers.

This support from the NSFC demonstrates national acknowledgement of PolyU's contributions to scientific development.