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A pathway to innovation in language development studies under diversity

As a neurolinguist and a mother of two, Dr Caicai ZHANG, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), combines her personal experiences with her research on child language learning and developmental disorders. With access to PolyU's state-of-the-art neuroscience facilities, including advanced neuroimaging resources, she investigates childhood language disorders with the aim of identifying early biomarkers and developing effective intervention strategies. Her current longitudinal study tracks brain, cognitive, and language development in Chinese children aged four to six, including exploring the influence of sleep on memory consolidation. At PolyU, Dr ZHANG thrives in a collaborative environment, leveraging interdisciplinary connections to enhance her work. Supported by substantial funding and resources, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on children's speech and language development. Dr ZHANG believes that diversity within academia fosters innovation and impactful work. The importance of unique perspectives brought by women and mothers, which can lead to broader research topics and inspire future generations. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion not only inspires her research but also serves as a role model for future generations, encouraging more women and mothers to pursue careers in academia and research.

PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU Shenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengths of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globally minded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards.

PolyU project develops AI-enabled parking garage vacation prediction service supported by Smart Traffic Fund

Advanced technology in artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in managing transportation. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to harnessing its interdisciplinary research capabilities to drive the advancement of smart mobility. A PolyU project aimed at enhancing parking garage vacancy prediction services has received support by the Smart Traffic Fund. Led by Prof. MA Wei, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, the project titled “Parking Garage Vacancy Prediction Services in Hong Kong: AI-enabled Solutions for Enhanced Reliability and Extensibility” has been granted approximately $2.9 million from the Smart Traffic Fund for a period of 18 months. This project aims to develop a deep learning-based parking garage vacation prediction service for off street carparks in Hong Kong. By leveraging AI technology and combining big data with real time data, the service will predict parking vacancy and estimate queuing times for fully occupied garages, helping to reduce motorists’ cruising time and enhance road efficiency. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 22 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date.  The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety.

PolyU and Peking University Third Hospital join forces to establish Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore advancements in medical education, research and healthcare services. Both parties also agreed to establish the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, focusing on research and development, talent cultivation and knowledge transfer. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties to foster innovation in medicine and engineering, laying a solid foundation for cultivating future medical professionals and contributing to global medical advancements. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. FU Wei, PUTH President; and Prof. YUAN Chunhui, Director of the Department of General Surgery of PUTH, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Prof. TANG Yida, PUTH Vice President. Following this, the agreement for the joint establishment of the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory” was signed by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Yuan Chunhui, in the presence of Dr Lam Tai-fai, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Prof. Fu Wei and Prof. Tang Yida. Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Fu Wei then officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, marking its official establishment. In his speech, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “With 87 years of history, PolyU has always been committed to contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the Nation. PUTH is one of the top Grade 3A hospitals and one of the 14 pilot hospitals nationwide for high-quality development among public hospitals. We are grateful for PUTH’s trust and its support for PolyU. By combing our strengths and strengthening synergistic development in medical science and engineering, we are confident that this collaboration will unleash great potential in talent cultivation, education and research.” Prof. Fu Wei said, “PUTH is dedicated to the interdisciplinary integration of medicine and engineering. This collaboration with PolyU will deepen our joint efforts in research and innovation, and talent cultivation, advancing the development of medical technology.” PolyU and PUTH will leverage their respective strengths to enhance their research capabilities through interdisciplinary research and academic exchanges. Together, they aim to develop advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods that can more accurately predict diseases, optimising patients’ treatment experience and achieving a more comprehensive approach to health management. Both parties will actively promote student exchanges at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and collaborate in nurturing postdoctoral students, so as to cultivate future medical talents and facilitate the application of research outcomes for the benefit of the Nation. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research. Over the past 40 years, in support of the development of the local healthcare system, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy. In addition to its collaboration with PUTH, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities in mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Representatives of PolyU and PUTH attended the signing and plaque unveiling ceremony.

PolyU lecturer's project helping grassroots children fulfil their music dreams honoured with Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024

A social sciences lecturer from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), who is committed to providing equal music learning opportunities for grassroots children, has been honored with the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024. Dr Javier PANG Chi-long, Lecturer of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, has received the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024, for his outstanding humanitarian contributions in promoting equal music education. Dr PANG’s research interests include non-profit organisation (NGO) and social innovation, China and Hong Kong studies, gender, and sexualities, and marriage and family. He mainly teaches Understanding Diversity, Social Capital, Human Capital, Capstone Project, and Social Planning and Policy Process at PolyU.  Besides teaching and academic research, Dr Pang serves as a research consultant of ADC Thematic Research on Hong Kong Music Development project - COVID & HK Music. He is also a founding member of a local NGO, WeWahMusic, which teams up volunteer tutors to provide piano lessons to grassroots children on a completely volunteer basis and guides them to participate in various music activities. Thousands of children have benefited from this music resources sharing service. Dr PANG emphasised that their vision is to nurture grassroots children to develop their musical potential. Beyond music education, the team cares about the lives of these children, listening to and supporting them in exploring more possibilities. Dr PANG said, “My team and I will continue to connect the community through music to help children develop their potential and explore more resource-sharing options.” Organised by the Hong Kong Red Cross, the Hong Kong Humanity Award is the very first award of its kind in Hong Kong. It aims to give tribute to individuals in society who exemplify the very spirit of humanity by putting it into practice and action. In recognition of the devotion and contribution of the youth generation to humanity, the Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power award encourages young people in humanity service to put into practice and help disseminate the humanitarian spirit. For more: Hong Kong Red Cross: The Awardee of 2024 Hong Kong Humanity Award - Dr Javier Pang Chi-long  

Media interview: PolyU's AI chatbot received the Global Education Award for transforming the learning experience

An interdisciplinary team led by Dr Rodney Chu Wai-chi, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), achieved remarkable success at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024. Their project, "Engage, Empower, Excel: PolyU's Smart Campus Innovation," performed outstandingly and won multiple awards, including the Gold Award in the Smart Omnichannel Campus category and the Global Education Award. This achievement highlighted PolyU's commitment to innovation in educational technology and established it as the first Hong Kong institution to receive the overall award. The project features the development of a generative AI chatbot, Virtual Assistant TIMS (VAT), which provides students with accessible learning resources. VAT responds to student inquiries anytime and anywhere. Its Dialogue Podcast System utilises advanced natural language processing technology to transform challenging academic content into engaging conversational podcasts to improve students’ learning efficiency.  In a recent media interview, Dr Chu and Dr Pauli Lai Po-yan, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, discussed how this technology significantly reduces teachers' administrative workloads and enhances student engagement. There is also the Artificial Intelligence Review Assessment System (AIReAS) that offers immediate feedback and feedforward on assignments, enabling students to engage in cycles of continuous improvement that align with their progress.  Students have been positively received by the integration of AI learning tools, and report that it effectively boosts their motivation and fosters a relaxed environment for asking questions. This innovation not only enhances the overall quality of education but also has a transformative impact on the future learning environment.  

PolyU scholar elected as a Fellow of the Cognitive Science Society in recognition of interdisciplinary research impact

Academics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have received recognition in the international scientific community for their outstanding research capabilities. Prof. LI Ping, Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Sin Wai Kin Foundation Professor in Humanities and Technology & Chair Professor of Neurolinguistics and Bilingual Studies, has been elected as a Fellow of the Cognitive Science Society (CSS). The presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the CSS Annual Meeting in San Francisco this summer.  Prof. LI’s research is focused on the neurocognitive and computational bases of language acquisition, bilingualism, and reading comprehension. He uses cognitive neuroscience approaches and emerging technologies to study the neuroplasticity and individual differences in both children and adults, aiming at understanding the relationships among language, culture, technology, and the brain. To learn more about his recent research achievements, you can read, for example: PolyU research finds improving AI large language models helps better align with human brain activity PolyU research reveals significant effects of instructors onscreen during video classes in aiding student learning The Cognitive Science Society is a non-profit professional organisation established in 1979 with the mission to promote Cognitive Science as a discipline and to foster scientific integration among researchers in various areas of study, including Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Anthropology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Education. Fellows of the Cognitive Science Society are elected by the Cognitive Science Society Governing Board, to recognise individuals whose research has exhibited sustained excellence and had sustained impact on the Cognitive Science community.  (Source: Faculty of Humanities)  

16 PolyU projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund, recognising the University’s interdisciplinary research achievements

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research and transforming scientific achievements into impactful inventions to meet the rapidly changing demands in areas such as healthcare. 16 PolyU projects have received support from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) in its latest funding exercise, with a total funding amount of HK$14.3 million. These projects cover various research areas related to health technology and biomedical engineering, showcasing PolyU’s interdisciplinary proficiency in medical and healthcare research. The funded projects span multiple disciplines, including nursing care, rehabilitation sciences, health technology and informatics, optometry, biomedical engineering, and biology and chemical technology. They have developed innovative solutions to address the ever-evolving global healthcare challenges, aiming not only to benefit individuals’ physical health but also to take into account the overall well-being of patients, medical professionals and caregivers. In the field of nursing, PolyU’s funded projects are diverse. Research topics include music-with-movement training for people with cognitive frailty, mountain craft training to improve the psychological well-being of children with cancer, mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of people with dementia, as well as robot-mediated interactive intervention for the elderly living alone. Health technology and informatics research focuses on improving disease diagnosis and management by integrating advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The projects cover various areas, including thyroid dysfunctions, the transmission of foodborne antimicrobial resistance in Hong Kong, type 2 diabetes, early-pregnancy prediction of preeclampsia and an AI-empowered pulmonary perfusion imaging technique for lung cancer. In rehabilitation sciences, the funded projects explore topics including diabetic management, online exercise programmes for older people with chronic low back pain, addressing insomnia in the older population, and specific dance intervention to reduce the risk of falls in older adults. The research outcomes intend to help overcome the pressing healthcare challenges brought on by a rapidly ageing population. Projects in other health science and engineering areas also encompass a wide range of pioneering research and invention, involving drug development for biofilm infections, biosensors for dysphagia screening, myopia control for school children and more. For more details about the 16 PolyU projects funded by HMRF, please refer to the Appendix. Established by the Health Bureau in 2011, the HMRF aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the health system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through the generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge in health and medicine. In addition to health and medical research, the HMRF also provides support for health promotion projects, research infrastructure and research capacity building initiatives.  

PolyU develops low-carbon marine self-healing concrete to achieve carbon neutrality with supports from Green Tech Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing green technology to help tackle the pressing need for global sustainability. A team of interdisciplinary experts from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has developeda low-carbon marine self-healing concrete, which holds promising potential for marine construction materials and coastal engineering applications.Contributing to carbon neutrality,this initiative has received approximately HK$6.03 million from the HKSAR Government’s Green Tech Fund for a duration of 24 months. The project “Marine self-healing concrete with biomineralisation-enhanced construction waste for long-term decarbonisation” is led by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development at PolyU. The team members are Prof. Chi Sun POON, Head of Department, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials, and Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering, Prof. YU Tao and Prof. LENG Zhen, with Dr SUN Xiaohao, Research Assistant Professor as the co-principal investigator. Due to the scarcity of natural aggregate, scientists have been seeking effective alternatives.This project aims to design and develop low-carbon marine self-healing concrete by incorporating biomineralisation-enhanced recycled aggregates made from waste concrete. By employing biomineralisation technology, the marine carbon-capturing bacteria will utilise carbon dioxide (CO2) to accelerate carbonisation and improve the performance ofrecycled aggregates. This approach helps reduce CO2 emissions and facilitates the recycling of construction waste, offering a broad application in marine construction materials and coastal engineering. In addition, this microbial concrete structure possesses self-healing properties that enhance its durability, providing a significant advantage in achieving long-term decarbonisation and sustainability. Field testing and lifecycle assessments will be conducted to ensure that the new concrete meets the stringent standards of durability and marine ecosystem quality. Anticipated results include comprehensive design guidelines for marine self-healing concrete, optimised mixing techniques, and valuable insights into the influence and environmental performances of low-carbon marine self-healing concrete on marine ecology. Prof. Li said, “Through the innovative use of biomineralisation and recycled aggregates in marine concrete, this project drives progress in the production of marine construction materials and  pioneers new solutions in sustainable construction to accelerate the development of related industries. Our goal is also to address global environmental challenges such as reducing carbon emissions from construction waste, and promoting its recycling to alleviate landfill pressures. This approach conserves land resources and mitigates environmental hazards, making a contribution towards achieving carbon neutrality and the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” The Green Tech Fund was established in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support to research and development projects which help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection.

Hong Kong SAR Space Science and Utilization Conference opens a new era of space collaboration

Hong Kong SAR Space Science and Utilization Conference was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 14 January. Hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU), the event aims to introduce the prospects of China's space science missions and the progress and achievements of scientific experiments on China's space station, encouraging researchers from Hong Kong and Macau to participate. Over 140 attendees, including government officials and representatives, joined the event. Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the university's commitment to space research through talent cultivation, project support, and international collaboration. Experts from the CSU discussed advancements and planning in space station science, covering topics like biotechnology, materials research, space exploration, and interdisciplinary experiments. The audience engaged actively and asked questions about research participation and promoting space science education for the next generation. The delegation also visited PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) and the Aviation Services Research Centre. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of RCDSE, and Prof. ZHAO Qi, Management Committee member of RCDSE, had fruitful discussions, aiming to foster future collaborations and contribute to global space science technology.