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Media report: PolyU’s high-strength steel research drives transformation of Hong Kong's construction industry

Hong Kong’s construction industry is facing various challenges, including high costs, aging workforce and labour shortages. To overcome these issues, a swift transition to advanced technologies, such as modular construction and lightweight design, is essential for improving efficiency and safety, ultimately fostering the construction sector’s international competitiveness. Hong Kong's various infrastructure projects, including the Double Arch Steel Bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O and the Fanling North New Development Area – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section, have successfully utilised high-strength steel. These projects serve as compelling global cases that demonstrate the practical potential and considerable value of high-strength steel in large-scale engineering applications. Prof. Chung Kwok-fai, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (CNERC) (Hong Kong Branch) at PolyU, shared in a media interview how research into steel materials and structural steelwork helps bring the city’s construction industry to the next level. PolyU's CNERC focuses on high-performance steel and composite structures, advocating the use of high-strength steel in construction. Prof. Chung highlighted that the lightweight design of high-strength steel enhances load-bearing capacity while reducing material consumption. Although S690 steel is more expensive, its lightweight design offsets the cost by significantly reducing material consumption, resulting in substantial long-term economic savings. In partnership with local design and construction companies, CNERC is working to acquire expertise in advanced technologies and drive innovation. Prof. Chung aims to expand the application of high-strength steel to a broader range of infrastructure projects and international markets. PolyU is committed to promoting the transformation of construction technology by incorporating nanotechnology to enhance strength and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, this initiative will extend to global markets in marine projects, such as deep-sea drilling platforms, creating new opportunities for Hong Kong's infrastructure ventures.  More PolyU develops innovative welding technology for ultra-high strength S960 steel making its debut in Hong Kong public works project  

PolyU interdisciplinary research harnesses mass spectrometry for groundbreaking solutions

An interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Yao Zhongping, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, specialises in mass spectrometry (MS), analytical chemistry, chemical biology and multi-omics. The team develops and applies MS-based approaches to address fundamental and applied problems across various fields, including chemistry, biology, medicine, food science and information science. Current research encompasses: Molecular Data Storage The team is pioneering the development of amino acid sequences for data storage, offering high density and long storage time compared to conventional and emerging methods. By assigning different amino acids to represent various bit combinations, they can translate bit sequences of digital information into amino acid sequences, which can be synthesised as peptides or expressed as proteins for storage. During data retrieval, the data-bearing peptides/proteins are sequenced, and the acquired amino acid sequences are converted back into digital combinations based on prior assignments, ultimately decoding the original data.  The team has successfully stored text and audio information in peptides and retrieved them via LC-MS/MS sequencing. They are also exploring data storage with proteins, including storage in organisms such as bacteria and plants. The research links data storage with peptide synthesis, protein engineering and proteomics, creating new possibilities for these fields. Conformational Dynamics of Proteins and Protein Interactions Prof. Yao’s team employs techniques such as hydrogen/deuterium exchange MS, native MS, ion mobility MS, and molecular dynamics simulations to study the conformational dynamics of proteins and their interactions, which are challenging to obtain with conventional methods. Their current projects include investigating the conformational dynamics of β-lactamases and their interactions with antibiotics and inhibitors. Additionally, they are studying SARS-CoV-2 proteins and their interactions with ACE-2, antibodies and inhibitors. Molecular Assembly and Recognition MS is rapid, sensitive, and it provides a gas-phase environment free from the interferences of solvents or other species. This makes it an ideal tool for understanding the intrinsic properties of molecular assembly and recognition.  Prof. Yao utilises tandem MS, ion mobility MS, and molecular modeling to investigate how biomolecules assemble, particularly in coordination with metal ions. His study also explores how chiral recognition of fundamental molecules is induced and propagated, as well as the  development of new methods for differentiating isomers, including the chiral recognition of drugs. Mechanistic Study and Biomarker Discovery in Diseases and Biological Processes Prof. Yao’s team applies proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics approaches to investigate biological and clinical samples, aiming to understand fundamental biological processes and discover disease biomarkers. For example, in collaboration with Prof. Yusong Guo’s research team in cell biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, they have utilised MS-based proteomics to systematically reveal how cargo proteins are sorted into vesicles for transport. Food Safety The team develops and applies MS techniques for the authentication of edible oils, wines, and herbal medicines. The ongoing efforts in quality assurance for edible oils include developing a MALDI-MS-based method for rapid analysis and screening of gutter oils, creating a spectral database for classifying edible oils, and establishing methods for the rapid quantitation of blended oils. The team has also collaborated with the HKSAR Government to formulate guidelines for using frying oil in Hong Kong, which have been announced for implementation.  

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

Chinese version only

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.