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PolyU mathematics project receives support from the EU– Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has consistently valued collaboration with international research communities to pursue innovative research projects. A PolyU mathematics project has received support from the European Union (EU) – Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC for its world-class scientific potential. Led by Prof. LI Buyang, Professor and RGC Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Mathematics at PolyU, the project titled “Geometric Finite Element Methods” has received support from the EU-Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC. This collaborative effort, involving Dr. HU Kaibo from The University of Edinburgh, has been awarded a grant of HK$431,500 for a duration of 54 months. Tensor-valued partial differential equations on surfaces have significant theoretical value and applications across a wide range of fields, including nonlinear elasticity, general relativity, computer graphics, and differential geometry and topology. This proposal aims to develop stable, efficient, and high-accuracy numerical schemes for tensor-valued partial differential equations on manifolds by developing intrinsic tensor finite elements and advanced numerical analysis techniques for solving tensor-valued PDEs on manifolds, particularly intrinsic geometric flows, such as the Ricci flow, a fundamental tool in differential geometry and topology. Prof. LI said, “This research aims to provide a rigorous theoretical analysis of the numerical approximation, including stability, convergence, and error estimates. The outcomes are expected to advance both the numerical analysis and practical applications of partial differential equations on manifolds.” Prof. LI’s research focuses on the development of efficient computational methods for nonlinear partial differential equations in physical, engineering, and geometric models, with rigorous analysis for the stability and convergence of the numerical approximations. The European Union (EU) – Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC accepts research project proposals in the areas of food, agriculture, biotechnologies (linked to the agri-food sector), climate change, and biodiversity, as well as exchange (mobility) proposals. It aims to strengthen the collaboration between European and Hong Kong research communities in areas of mutual interest in order to achieve world-class scientific results. Selected research teams will be supported to participate in joint research projects conducted under the framework of Horizon Europe.

PolyU and CITIC Group join forces to establish Interdisciplinary Mathematical Digital AI Joint Laboratory

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Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics visited PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed representatives from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), the Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau and related organisations on 26 March for discussions on research innovation, talent development, and industry collaboration, aiming to enhance Shanghai-Hong Kong cooperation.   The plaque-unveiling ceremony for the establishment of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press was held at PolyU on the same day. Officiating guests included Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. LAI Puxiang, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, Prof. ZHANG Aping, Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Secretary General of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, Prof. LENG Yuxin, Deputy Director of SIOM, Dr WANG Xiaofeng, Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Laser Press and Ms ZHANG Yuqing, Director of Editorial Department of Advanced Photonics. This marked a significant milestone in strengthening optics cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong.   During the meeting, Prof. CHAO highlighted PolyU's commitment to fostering research innovation and talent development. As the host institution for the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, PolyU will fully utilise its scientific research and academic strengths to deepen regional synergy and further contribute to the advancement of optics.   Ms XU Hui, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau, emphasised Shanghai's support for collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong and expressed anticipation for expanded cooperation in various fields.   Prof. LENG provided a detailed overview of SIOM's research directions and achievements. In addition, PolyU professors shared their institution's remarkable accomplishments in relevant scientific research areas, focusing specifically on cutting-edge fields such as ultra-precision machining, photonics materials and technology, and biophotonics.   The delegation concluded the visit with tours of PolyU’s State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology and the Photonics Research Institute, where they explored micron-scale processing equipment and cutting-edge photonics research. This event deepened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for future PolyU and Shanghai collaborations in research, talent cultivation, and university-enterprise partnerships.

PolyU and Amway (China) establish Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Amway (China) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Ageing Research. Over the next three years, the parties plan to allocate dedicated research funding, jointly nurture postdoctoral researchers, and enhance the development of the health industry in the Greater Bay Area through the creation of a phytonutrient database and development of functional assessment models. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR); Dr Eric DU, Principal Scientist of the Research and Development Centre of Amway (China); and Dr Clark CHEN, Senior Scientist of the Centre, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr Johnson HAN, General Manager of Innovation and Science of Amway (China). Following the signing, representatives from both parties officiated at a plaque unveiling ceremony, marking the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research. Over 20 experts joined this noteworthy occasion to celebrate the collaboration. Prof. Wing-tak Wong highlighted the significant potential of this partnership, given the growing demand for phytonutrients products. The Laboratory aims to leverage the opportunities for research innovation and commercialisation in the field, developing new solutions that benefit human health, science and technology, and the economy. Mr Johnson Han shared his company’s decades of research and market experience in phytonutrients, which will complement the work of PolyU’s exceptional research team. In the afternoon, Amway (China) representatives engaged in a series of professional exchanges with PolyU faculty members and students, including at the Frontier Forum on Cognitive Enhancement and Health Management hosted by the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), which attracted over a hundred participants. Dr Clark Chen, Prof. Raymond CHANG, Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of The University of Hong Kong, and Dr Fiona CHEN, Senior Lecturer of the College of Professional and Continuing Education of PolyU, delivered keynote speeches on phytochemical mechanisms and interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, Dr Eric Du conducted a lecture for students from the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition, where he detailed Amway’s experience in building a phytonutrient-centric research and development model for advancing the modern big health industry. Through this partnership, both parties will integrate their strengths and resources to propel research development in phytonutrients, marking a significant step toward achieving a healthy ageing society.

PolyU two products connecting healthcare and technology win iF Design Awards 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is internationally recognised for its innovative achievements in design research. Two exceptional products developed by Prof. Stephen Jia WANG, Professor of the School of Design of PolyU, along with his team of researchers and students-namely, an interactive toy for emotional support toy and a wearable medical device-have been honoured with the globally prestigious iF Design Awards 2025. The ‘EmoFriends,’ created by Prof. WANG and his team at the Research Centre for Future (Caring) Mobility, is a modular toolkit that transforms any plush toys into intelligent companion robots using patented "Emosense" technology. It is the first toy to understand a user’s emotional status through touch, precisely monitoring stress. This novel product has also won the Gold Award at Hong Kong Hechathon+ 2025 under the category of Trusted AI and Data Science.  The ‘Transparent Knee Guard,’ another acclaimed project by Prof. WANG, has also been honoured. This lightweight device for knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation and prevention integrates 3D- stretched liquid metal sensors and a skin-friendly SBS fibre mesh. It can detect knee angle and swelling, support continuous long-term monitoring on a daily basis with real-time and cumulative data, and achieve a 93.42% accuracy in recognising knee behaviours. This innovative design, integrating cutting-edge sensing technology, has also received the prestigious Good Design Award, organised by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press. The award has recognised excellence in product, communication, and architectural design for over 70 years. Prof. WANG’s research focuses on the exploration of new design methods, technology possibilities, and related curriculum development in the field of innovative design. As an experienced interaction and industrial designer, he has contributed to commercial product development, led major research projects, and exhibited his work across Australia, China, and Japan. In addition, the calendar "Flocks of Type," designed by the marketing team of the School of Design for its 60th anniversary celebration, has won the 2025 iF Design Award for excellence in communication and typography. For more: 'Flocks of type' Shines in the Golden Pin Design Award 2024 Sponsored by the non-profit iF Design Foundation, the iF Design Award is one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions. This year, 131 jurors from 23 countries selected the best and most outstanding designs among almost 11,000 entries from 66 countries, all of which adhered to strict selection criteria. Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design)

PolyU scholar's impactful interdisciplinary environmental research honored by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting global well-being through interdisciplinary research across various fields. Prof. JIN Ling Nathanael, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU, has been awarded the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) for his contributions to advancing the fields of environmental science. Prof. JIN harnesses various biotechnological and bioinformatic advancements to assess the impact of environmental hazards on both human and wildlife health. He integrates approaches from environmental chemistry, microbiology, and data science to uncover causal relationships, identify the underlying cause of harm, and trace their sources. By integrating insights from these fields, he conducts comprehensive studies that link pollutant exposure to specific health outcomes, ultimately driving the development of innovative solutions in environmental health. Prof. JIN said, “This integrated approach not only guides the development of effective health policies but also strengthens community health initiatives through evidence-based strategies to mitigate environmental risks. By doing so, it leverages technological advancements to protect human health amid environmental changes.” Prof. JIN's pioneering research on the plastisphere underscores the critical need for a unified global strategy to address the microbial risks associated with plastic pollution. His research has garnered significant recognition, leading to multiple invitations from Nature for his team to share their insights on these pressing issues. Prof. JIN’s passion for environmental and health research began during his MPhil studies, where he investigated the effects of sunscreen ingredients on human endocrine function. He was later honored with the Prime Minister's Australia-Asia Endeavour Award to pursue a PhD, focusing on examining the combined effects of pollutant cocktails on the health of green turtles and dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef. His work contributed to shaping integrated marine environmental quality and biodiversity conservation strategies for endangered wildlife in Australia. Prof. JIN shared, "My long-term goal is to explore the impacts and mechanisms of complex chemical and microbial mixtures that humans and wildlife are exposed to. By identifying the key risk drivers and their sources, we can provide informed recommendations for precise control measures, supporting the integrated objectives of One Sustainable Health." Beyond research, Prof. JIN is committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, fostering their professional growth, and contributing to their many achievements under his guidance. He also actively takes on editorial roles and leads initiatives that promote global discussions on critical environmental issues.

PolyU hosts AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health Forum, featuring a Nobel Laureate and an expert to explore the future of AI-driven medicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science today co-hosted the “AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health” Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Barry MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, who shared his research journey and provided insights into the future of medicine. Prof. Ya-Qin ZHANG, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) of Tsinghua University also participated in the panel discussion. The event attracted about 500 faculty members, students, alumni, leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, academia, and members of the public, fostering academic exchange and inspiring the pursuit of innovation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President expressed his gratitude to Prof. Marshall and Prof. Zhang for sharing their insights, which greatly benefited both faculty members and students. He remarked, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is pivotal in shaping the future of medicine. This Forum has provided a valuable platform for all to explore the evolving trends of AI in medicine and to collaborate for a healthier future. PolyU is making significant strides in leveraging the integration of AI into medical science by developing innovative healthcare solutions and collaborating with industry to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit society. Earlier this year, PolyU established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences to strengthen interdisciplinary research and education in the areas of AI, data science and computing. These efforts lay a solid foundation for the University to realise its  commitment to establishing Hong Kong’s proposed third medical school.” Prof. Marshall is currently Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Biomedical Sciences, and Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at The University of Western Australia; PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor; and Chair Professor of Shenzhen University. In the early 1980s, Prof. Marshall and Australian pathologist Dr J. Robin WARREN discovered that gastritis and peptic ulcers were due to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This groundbreaking research earned them the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and is widely regarded as the most significant discovery in the history of gastroenterology. During his keynote speech, titled “Theory and Practice: Innovation and Curiosity Driven Research”, Prof. Marshall shared his pioneering work on H. pylori. He discussed the infection pathways and treatment methods of the bacterium, as well as his personal experience of drinking a culture of H. pylori to validate his research. His contributions continue to advance global healthcare, particularly in the field of gastrointestinal disease research. In recent years, AI has emerged as a powerful tool in medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance patient care, streamline clinical processes and drive innovative research. During the panel discussion hosted by Prof. Hongxia YANG, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, Prof. Marshall and Prof. Ya-Qin Zhang discussed the future development of AI technology in medicine and education. Prof. Marshall said, “AI is revolutionising our ability to diagnose diseases, personalise treatments and predict patient outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. By harnessing vast amounts of data, AI enables us to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach, ultimately improving patient care and advancing medical research.” Prof. Zhang said, “The field of life sciences and biomedicine has entered the era of Digitalisation 3.0, where AI plays a pivotal role, driving advancements toward greater speed, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Notable achievements have been made in areas such as protein structure prediction, gene editing, and drug discovery. However, challenges remain in terms of algorithm transparency, interpretability, security, privacy, and ethics. The AIR of Tsinghua University has pioneered the launch of an AI hospital and open-sourcing an AI-powered drug discovery platform, paving the way for biological research to enter the Autopilot era. Moving forward, we hope that academia and industry will further strengthen collaboration, driving the development of a closed-loop ecosystem and uncovering more opportunities for scientific and industrial innovation.” During the Forum, the opening ceremony of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology was also performed. Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, will serve as the Centre Director, with Prof. Marshall as a member of its Management Committee. The Centre aspires to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, such as H. pylori, the most common chronic bacterial infection globally, while leveraging Prof. Marshall’s groundbreaking research to establish AI-driven e-biobanks. These efforts will enhance research capabilities and enable more precise diagnostics. The Centre will also address the urgent need for novel antibiotics, due to rising drug resistance, by developing unique antimicrobial therapies with distinct mechanisms. Prof. Marshall stated that the establishment of the Centre will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in pioneering innovative solutions and fostering collaboration in this dynamic field.

Media interview: PolyU and SPCA create pet care animation to raise awareness of pet welfare

The School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have innovatively created an animated short film titled "My Master Sucks." This engaging animation follows the exciting adventures of a black and white cat named Oreo, highlighting the importance of pet safety and raising awareness about crucial pet safety issues. This animated short film conveys a strong message on the importance of preventative measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of pets. It emphasises the responsibilities of pet ownership, particularly the proactive identification and mitigation of potential hazards. Through this engaging animation, PolyU intends to enhance public understanding of animal welfare rights and stimulate greater community involvement in animal protection initiatives. The story follows Oreo, a frightened cat who jumped out of a window during a thunderstorm due to the owner's neglect. Seeking help from an SPCA animal inspector, Oreo eventually took legal action against the owner. In the end, the judge ruled against the owner's negligence, highlighting common bad behaviours among pet owners and reminding everyone to prioritise pet safety.  

PolyU and China Tower sign strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in low-altitude economy and next-generation networks

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Tower Corporation Limited (China Tower) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance key research areas, including the low-altitude economy and next-generation network technologies. By fostering in-depth cooperation to promote technological innovation and translate research outcomes, this collaboration will accelerate the new quality productive forces in these pivotal sectors. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZHANG Zhiyong, Chairman of China Tower, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr CHEN Li, General Manager of China Tower, with the aim of establishing a robust and enduring framework for collaborative research and innovation, talent nurturing, and the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng underscored PolyU’s leading role in low-altitude economy research, marked by the establishment last year of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and the launch in the new academic year of a Master’s programme in Low Altitude Economy, along with the University’s internationally recognised expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science. This partnership will integrate the University’s academic strengths and China Tower’s industry leadership to drive impactful research, build innovative platforms, facilitate effective technology transfer and cultivate highly skilled professionals, thereby contributing to the Nation’s high-quality development goals. Mr Zhang Zhiyong emphasised China Tower’s commitment to innovation-driven growth as the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructure service provider. By sharing resources and pursuing shared goals, China Tower aims to enhance its core competitiveness. This collaboration with PolyU will leverage the strengths of both parties to create a mutually beneficial partnership. With a focus on the low-altitude economy and next-generation networks, the cooperation seeks to generate strong synergy and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement through consistent communication and exchange. The collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between PolyU and China Tower. By combining efforts, the parties aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and make contributions to new quality productive forces, advancing technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Integrating machine learning with total network controllability analysis to identify therapeutic targets for cancer treatment

By analysing huge amounts of biological data, the use of machine learning accelerates the identification of critical control hubs that are sensitive to changes in the network structure of the total controllability network, thereby having potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease and cancer treatment.    Mutations in genes are the primary cause of cancer. Cancer research has mainly focused on identifying cancer-driver genes (CDGs) that may trigger tumorigenesis or promote aberrant cell growth. Modern large-scale sequencing of human cancers aims to comprehensively discover mutated genes that confer a selective advantage to cancer cells. However, there is a lack of a widely accepted gold standard for CDGs, as cancer is highly heterogeneous, and different cancers are driven by distinct sets of genetic mutations.   A research team led by Prof. Weixiong ZHANG, Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), took a different approach, in which they identify genes that maintain cancerous cell states, which they termed “cancer-keeper genes” (CKGs). Unlike driver genes, whose mutations directly contribute to cancer initiation and progression, keeper genes are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival. Interventions targeting CKGs may terminate or prevent aberrant cell differentiation and proliferation, making them ideal biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. The research, titled “Cancer-keeper genes as therapeutic targets” was published in iScience.  With the aid of machine learning in developing a gene regulatory network (GRN), the research team extended the theory of total network controllability and developed an efficient algorithm to identify CKGs. The concept is grounded in control theory and is particularly relevant in systems represented by graphs, where nodes represent entities and edges represent interactions. A network is considered totally controllable if it is possible to manipulate the states of all nodes using a finite set of control inputs applied to specific nodes. It has been used in electrical engineering to characterise power grids and transportation networks.  In the context of biological systems, this analysis helps identify key components, or “control hubs”, which are crucial to influencing the behaviour of the entire network, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic interventions. The research team constructed a GRN on protein interaction data and signalling pathway information describing regulatory relationships among genes. The network consists of cancer-related genes (as seed nodes) and edges capturing their interactions to transverse the ten important signalling pathways selected from five well-curated, disease- and cancer-related pathway databases. In the study, the research team considered control hubs candidates for abnormal cellular CKG, noting that some control hubs could be more sensitive and vulnerable to external perturbations than others. They focused on those control hubs that could be turned into non-control hubs when a single edge is removed from the network as a form of perturbation. Such sensitive CKGs (sCKGs) are considered better therapeutic targets. Machine learning techniques are applied to explore vast amounts of genetic data to construct biological networks and identify patterns and relationships in the networks that may not be immediately obvious. A novel polynomial-time algorithm was developed to identify all control hubs without the need to compute all control schemes of a network. The algorithm first identifies the head and tail nodes of the control paths of all control schemes and subsequently identifies the control hubs. This analysis helps identify the nodes in a network that are crucial for controlling the system’s behaviour, making them suitable candidates for therapeutic targets.   The research team applied the CKG approach and constructed a GRN for bladder cancer (BLCA), which consists of 7,030 nodes (genes) and 103,360 directed edges. By a machine learning approach, 660 nodes were identified as control hubs (CKGs), of which only 173 nodes were classified as sCKGs. When mapping with a network that illustrates the interactions between proteins within human cells, 35 sCKGs were considered potential therapeutic targets. Remarkably, all genes involved in the cell-cycle and p53 pathways in BLCA were identified as CKGs. Experiments on cell lines and a mouse model confirmed that six sensitive CKGs effectively suppressed cancer cell growth.   The regulatory network constructed in the study is a pan-cancer gene regulatory network suitable for applying network controllability. In addition to using seed genes specific to one type of cancer, the network could be modified to target another by removing incompatible genes and interactions detected under different conditions. The method using total network controllability analysis could also be extended to identify the control hubs of other diseases, for example, the SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease.   Source: PolyU Innovation Digest