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PolyU admits 20 postdoctoral fellows under the 2024 Hong Kong Scholar Program, securing the highest number among local universities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has admitted 20 top postdoctoral fellows under the 2024 Hong Kong Scholars Program. PolyU has enrolled the largest number of fellows for the 14th consecutive year since the program’s inception in 2011. It also leads among the participating local universities regarding the number of matching projects. In the 2024 Hong Kong Scholars Program, 60 outstanding postdoctoral fellows have been selected from leading universities in Mainland China, 20 of whom have been admitted by PolyU and matched with 20 academics. PolyU academics will supervise and nurture the selected fellows for two years to facilitate their high-level research endeavors. The research areas cover various disciplines, including materials science, advanced manufacturing, information technology, computational science, biomedical science, electrical engineering, environmental science, basic research and business management. The  program is jointly launched by the Society of Hong Kong Scholars and the China National Postdoctoral Council under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Its objective is to effectively consolidate the talent and research resources of Hong Kong and the Mainland in order to train outstanding postdoctoral fellows. Selected Hong Kong supervisors are required to have experience in major research projects, be at an advanced international level, have certain research facilities, and possess a high level of research team, etc. PolyU participating academics and research projects: Faculty of Business Prof Mike LAI Kee-hung  Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics,Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies Influence of Generative AI on ESG Performance and Reporting Faculty of Construction and Environment Prof Asif Sohail Usmani Head of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, Chair Professor of Building Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering Intelligent Urban Fire Safety Design Prof YANG Hongxing Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Development of wake models and yaw-control method for optimizing offshore wind power generation Dr WANG Shuo Associate Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Strengthening urban resilience to compound weather and climate extremes Faculty of Engineering Prof ZHANG Ming Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomechanics Biomechanical Study of Musculoskeletal system for sports sciences, orthopaedics and rehabilitation Prof SUN Lei Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering Ultrasound neuro-modulation and immunotherapy Dr WEN Chunyi Associate Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering Early Diagnosis and Intervention of osteoarthritis Prof John ZHANG Lei Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis, Department of Computing Research on Effective and Efficient Generative Image Restoration Methods Prof CHUNG Chi-yung Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering Planning and Operation of Modern Power System Towards Achieving Carbon Neutrality Prof Derek OR Siu-wing Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Advanced Functional Materials for Green Energy, Harsh-Environment Sensing, Electromagnetic Absorption, and Electrochemical Catalytic Applications Dr YAO Haimin Associate Head (Teaching & Learning) and Associate Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering Bio-inspired mechanics and materials Dr CHOY Yat Sze Associate Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering Development of metastructure for aircraft engine noise and vibration control Faculty of Science Prof LI Pei Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Development of Multifunctional Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy Dr Lawrence LEE Yoon Suk Associate Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Energy and carbon conversion by photo(electro)chemical catalysis Prof LI Buyang Professorof Department of Applied Mathematics Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian interface tracking method for free interface problems Prof WANG Zhian Professorof Department of Applied Mathematics Boundary layer problems in chemotaxis models Prof HUANG Haitao Professor of Department of Applied Physics Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Prof CHEN Sheng Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Chair Professor of Microbiology Mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance and virulence Prof WONG Ka-hing Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition Study on the Protective Efficacy of a Novel Selenium Nanoparticles against Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis School of Hotel and Tourism Management Dr Neil LI Hengyun Associate Professor of School of Hotel and Tourism Management Multimodal social media data processing and business prediction based on multimodal data

PolyU project enhances autonomous driving safety supported by Smart Traffic Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund for an innovative research that aims to enhance the safety performance of autonomous vehicles, enabling a more reliable autonomous driving experience. Led by Dr JIANG Yiping, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering at PolyU, the project titled “A Study of Integrating Adaptive Safety Requirements into Localisation for Autonomous Driving in Hong Kong” has secured funding of approximately HK$1.68 million with a duration of 24 months. The project aims to develop a configurable platform with machine learning algorithms that enable autonomous driving systems adhering to the adaptive safety requirements against various traffic scenarios and turning radius of vehicles to enhance the safety performance of autonomous vehicles. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 19 projects receiving grants from the Smart Traffic Fund to date.

PolyU and Xiaomi Group signed a cooperation agreement

On August 31, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a strategic cooperation framework with Xiaomi Group. The two parties will engage in scientific research in the fields of power electronics, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and smart energy etc.. The collaboration will also explore joint talent development and innovation entrepreneurship.

PolyU scientist explores the wonderland of hybrid organic-inorganic materials for immense potential

In the recent decade of materials science, hybrid organic-inorganic materials have emerged as a transformative class, blending organic and inorganic components at the molecular level. Leading this scientific research, Prof. Tom Tao Wu, Chair Professor of Frontier Materials of the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has delved into the distinctive advantages and diverse applications of hybrid organic-inorganic materials across various sectors. These materials offer a vast chemical space to navigate, allowing tailored hybrid materials composed of elements across a wide range of the periodic table with rich structures and dimensionalities. They also transcend conventional boundaries of material design by integrating weak bonds like van der Waals, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonds, resulting in properties that exceed those of individual components. Leveraging the unprecedented versatility of hybrid materials, Prof. Wu's work focuses on the materials discovery and precise control over building block compositions. His team has strived to fine-tune the properties of hybrid materials for specific applications with extraordinary precision and performance, ensuring scalability and accessibility. In optoelectronics, Prof. Wu's efforts on hybrid perovskite materials have made significant breakthroughs and garnered lots of attention, making him one of the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers.  Hybrid materials offer compelling advantages over traditional technologies, including remarkable efficiency gains, low-cost solution processability, tunable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, defect tolerance, and ambipolar transport capabilities.  These advantages collectively highlight the transformative potential of hybrid perovskites, particularly in reshaping the solar energy landscape. Despite the obstacles related to stability, durability, and manufacturing intricacies, the high annual growth rate underscores the immense promise of perovskite-based technologies. Prof. Wu's research extends beyond optoelectronics into diverse fields like data storage, catalysis, and sensors. By blending organic and inorganic components at the atomic level, hybrid materials offer unlimited tunability and functionalities surpassing traditional materials.  His team explores the vast chemical space of hybrids, uncovering unknown compositions and structures using innovative methods like high-throughput calculations, machine learning, and epitaxial growth. Another direction entails discovering facile methods to synthesize nanoscale low-dimension hybrid materials and pursuing their physical properties and device performance to enable disruptive electronic and energy technologies.  

PolyU participates in SmartHK to explore new opportunities for cooperation

SmartHK, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organised by the Department of Commerce of Jiangsu Province as well as Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, concluded in Nanjing on 28 August. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), as a key exhibitor, established connections with a diverse array of participants from both Hong Kong and Jiangsu. The event featured an exhibition, start-up pitching sessions, on-site business matching opportunities, and market visits, all aimed at strengthening cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong. Throughout the event, Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at PolyU, shared the university's extensive collaborations with Jiangsu in industry, academia, and research. He also discussed emerging trends in drug discovery, functional food research, and the development of platforms for natural products. PolyU showcased five innovative projects, including biomedicine, intelligent wearable technology, and smart cities, thereby highlighting its advancements in technology and scientific research. SmartHK has been held in major cities in Mainland China since 2011, promoting Hong Kong’s international network and professional services through conferences, seminars, business matching sessions and more. It aims to explore Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in the areas of financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), sustainable development, culture and creativity. PolyU not only showcased impactful research driven by innovative technologies, but also facilitated meaningful exchanges and partnerships that will foster future growth and development in both regions.

PolyU's innovative railway technologies receive continuous support from MTR Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing railway development through cutting-edge research. Five PolyU research projects exploring the application of innovative railway technologies have been supported by the MTR Academy’s 2024 MTR Research Funding Scheme (MRF 2024), with a total funding of approximately HK$6.12 million. PolyU researchers from the Faculty of Construction and Environment, the Faculty of Engineering, and the School of Fashion and Textiles are among those awarded funding to facilitate future railway development. The awarded projects span various disciplines and promise significant outcomes and practical applications in railway systems, operational resilience, citizen welfare, and service efficiency. Among the awarded projects, one initiative focuses on developing a comprehensive framework to enhance MTR resilience capacities during unforeseeable events. While for new knowledge generation on High-speed Railway system modelling and optimisation, another project provides managerial insights to support operations decision-making. In additional, one project offers sustainable and reliable energy storage solutions that can withstand the demands of modern railway transport operations. Further efforts are directed towards overcoming the limitations of current air purification technologies, as one project developing a robust and scalable solution to improve air quality within the MTR system. Also, another project focuses on enhancing commuter comfort by developing innovative solutions to improve the thermal interface between metro stations and urban environments. MRF aims to support exploratory and upstream research to create and build future operations and services in mass public transportation. The proposals are expected to put forward innovative solutions to address the challenges and define the future rail transport system performance, commuting experience, business models, community integration, social impacts, etc. PolyU Projects Supported by MTR Research Funding Scheme 2024 Faculty of Construction and Environment Principal Investigator Project Title Project Abstract Prof. Jianlei NIU Chair Professor of Building Environment and Energy of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Integrating Big Data Analysis and Dynamic Cooling Technologies for Thermal Comfort Optimization in Metro Stations and Urban Transit Interfaces This project assesses how urban thermal conditions en route to metro stations affect travellers' transportation choices by integrating spatial and temporal data from a city-scale mobile phone signalling dataset with urban thermal environment assessments to determine maximum walking durations under varying thermal scenarios. Subsequently, a pioneering, occupant-centric thermal environment optimisation framework will be established, accounting for dynamic thermal characteristics and diverse riding experiences. In parallel, a cutting-edge membrane-assisted radiant cooling panel will be engineered to enhance comfort in various areas, such as platforms, passageways, and open-air footbridges. An accompanying energy consumption model will support its implementation. Prof. Anthony CHEN Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering  A Lifecycle-based Resilience Analysis Framework for MTR System under Unforeseeable Disruptive Events  This proposal aims to develop a comprehensive framework for the resilience-oriented analysis and decision-making of MTR throughout lifecycles of unforeseeable disruptive events such as typhoons, flooding, and signalling failures. The multidimensional lifecycle-based resilience measurements include pre-disruption absorptive capacity, during-disruption adaptive capacity, and post-disruption restorative capacity. Service operations adjustments, emergency action implementations, and passenger behavioural reactions will also be considered for strategic planning guidance. Optimization- based models will be developed to assess MTR vulnerability and recoverability under different disruption scenarios, as well as identify critical infrastructures and services for prioritised maintenance. Faculty of Engineering Principal Investigator Project Title Project Abstract Dr Wei LIU Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering  Joint Optimization of Train Scheduling, Flexible Train Composition, and Seat Allocation with Extra-long Trains for High-speed Railway Corridors  This project will develop a systematic approach that jointly optimises the three aspects of train scheduling, flexible train composition, and seat allocation for extra-long High-speed Railway (HSR) exceeding platform lengths, ensuring efficient and safe operation. By leveraging theoretical models and solution algorithms, the integrated consideration will allow coordinating those interdependent decisions to accommodate better spatiotemporally demand variations and uncertainties, including guaranteeing carriages serving a given origin-destination (OD) pair can dock at corresponding platforms to avoid passengers moving farther away to board/alight within a short train dwell time. Dr Xiao ZHANG Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering  Integrated Electrochemical H2O2 Production Platform for On-Site Air Purification in Hong Kong's MTR  This project aims to develop an electrochemical platform for on-site air purification to be deployed and integrated with the MTR system, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the challenges of maintaining clean air in public transit environments. This electrochemical platform will produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for effective disinfection and produce oxygen (O2) simultaneously for enhanced air quality. The H2O2 production rate, energy efficiency, and operational stability will be evaluated, providing an accurate assessment of the system's pollutant reduction capabilities to ensure the high standards required for application.  School of Fashion and Textiles  Principal Investigator  Project Title  Project Abstract Dr Jimin FU Research Assistant Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles Enhancing Rail Resilience with Cellulosic Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Sustainable Energy Storage Solution for Future Railway Systems This research initiative targets the development of cellulosic zinc-ion batteries as a sustainable energy storage solution for railway systems. By leveraging the inherent properties of cellulosic materials, specifically carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), this project aims to create lightweight, flexible three-dimensional nanofiber electrodes that are dendrite-free and compatible with aqueous zinc-ion full batteries. The research approach involves a molecular-level functionalization or modification of cellulosic materials to enhance their electrochemical performance and target to enable the introduction of features such as thermal responsiveness and ion selectivity, crucial for railway applications.

PolyU researchers and academic-led startups seize prestigious awards at HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers and academic-led startup teams participated for the first time at the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, showcasing seven groundbreaking research projects that highlight the University’s exceptional capabilities in research and knowledge transfer. As the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong involved in multiple national space missions, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” developed and manufactured by the PolyU research team was publicly exhibited outside Hong Kong for the first time. Meanwhile, other PolyU researchers presented innovations and inventions in quantum technology and biomedical engineering which received international recognition and garnered awards. In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e 5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission, a PolyU research team, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, developed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. Designed by PolyU and manufactured in Hong Kong, the System includes two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two high temperature near-field cameras, as well as a primary packaging and sealing system for sealing the samples in a container. The System is a testament to the University’s significant contribution to the Nation’s efforts to establish leadership in space exploration and technology. The entrepreneurship project “Quantum Chip-based Key Distribution System”, led by Prof. LIU Ai-Qun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology and Global STEM Professor, was awarded a second prize along with a cash award of one million yuan. The System harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide users with an information-theoretically secure solution to key exchange, ensuring the long-term security of communication. By utilising advanced photonic chips, it achieves the miniaturisation and integration of quantum communication hardware, significantly reducing the cost of quantum communication equipment while enhancing the flexibility and broad application of quantum encryption. Scolioscan®, the world’s first radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, was developed by a research team led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU and Co-founder of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited (under Aitrasound group). The innovation secured a third prize and a cash award of half a million yuan. Scolioscan® addresses the drawback of frequent X-ray exposure by offering a radiation-free and accurate spine evaluation that allows individuals to undergo frequent safe spine check-ups. This innovation allows doctors to continuously monitor the progression of scoliosis in their patients and develop personalised treatment plans. The System has successfully completed clinical trials and obtained medical device certification in mainland China, Europe, Australia and Thailand. It is currently in use in hospitals and clinics in more than 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Malaysia, Romania, mainland China and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice-President (Research and Innovation) who led the delegation to participate in the Summit, stated, “Innovations from PolyU research and startup teams stand out among thousands of global competitors. Their achievements reaffirm the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to translating research outcomes into impactful applications that deliver lasting and substantial benefits to society. We are committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness by nurturing research talent, enhancing the local I&T ecosystem and fostering the development of new quality productive forces, all aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.” Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support to its academic- and student-led startups. Five PolyU academic-led startup teams were invited to take part in roadshows during the Summit to showcase their innovations to prospective investors. Scolioscan®: A Radiation-free 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System (Prof. Zheng Yongping) K-Shape: The world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer (Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, and Co-founder of GOOD Vision Technologies Company Limited/Wellsees Technologies Company Limited) Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System (Dr ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Co-founder of CobotAI Limited) Virtual MRI Contrast Enhancement System for Precise Tumour Detection and Treatment (Prof. CAI Jing, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Technical Advisor to MedVision Limited) Quantitative User Experience Evaluation for Spatial Computing: Enhance Delightful User Experiences in XR and Metaverse (Prof. Tommy Minchen WEI, Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Co-founder of Guardian Glow Limited) Furthermore, the research project on the extraction of a novel bioactive molecule, Oxyphylla A, for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Founder of AIM International Pharmaceutical Limited, was also showcased at the Summit. This year, the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Beijing from 23 to 25 August. The event attracted over 500 I&T companies and more than a thousand investors from around the world. This year’s entrepreneurship competition received 7,406 project submissions from 124 countries and regions, with nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs vying for 200 winning spots. Outstanding projects were awarded first, second and third prizes, along with the prestigious Bole Prize. In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will receive entrepreneurial guidance and support. The competition spans seven technology verticals, including Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality/Fintech, Medicine and Healthcare, New Generation Information Technology, High-end Equipment, and more.

PolyU and Tencent jointly organised "Tanyuan Initiative Info Session”

The “Tanyuan Initiative” is an innovative project by Tencent, that aims to promote culture and technology through cutting-edge digital solutions. The initiative was launched with an engaging info session at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 26 August, attracting over 190 participants from research institutions, cultural associations, and technology companies. Attendees eagerly exchanged insights on the latest trends and future directions in culture and technology. The event featured esteemed speakers from renowned organisations such as Tencent, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Sino United Electronic Publishing Ltd., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), and PolyU. They led discussions and roundtable forums, providing valuable perspectives on the initiative's goals. Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the university's strengths in data science, art and design. He mentioned the importance of nurturing traditional culture through the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, which enhances the appreciation of Chinese culture among younger generations. In addition, Prof. Henry DUH, Centre Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre of PolyU, also shared impactful research results in cultural technology. During a themed roundtable, Dr NG Hiu Fung Peter, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing at PolyU, engaged in insightful discussions with guests regarding cultural digitalisation, offering inspiring ideas for collaboration among academia, industry, and research.

PolyU scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation

Quantum simulation enables scientists to simulate and study complex systems that are challenging or even impossible using classical computers across various fields, including financial modelling, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical discoveries, AI and machine learning. For instance, exploring molecular vibronic spectra is critical in understanding the molecular properties in molecular design and analysis. However, it remains a long-standing computationally difficult problem that cannot be efficiently solved using traditional super-computers. Researchers are diligently working on quantum computers and algorithms to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. However, they are limited to simple molecule structures, as they struggle with low accuracy and inherent noise. Engineering researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules, a world-first achievement. Capturing these quantum effects accurately requires meticulously developed simulations that account for quantum superposition and entanglement, which are computationally intensive to model classically. The research is published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy.” This cutting-edge technology paves the way to solving complicated quantum chemistry problems, including quantum computational applications which are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. The research team is led by Professor LIU Ai-Qun, a Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science and Director of the Institute for Quantum Technology (IQT), a Global STEM Scholar and Fellow of Singapore Academy Engineering, together with the main project driver, Dr ZHU Hui Hui, Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the first author of the research paper. Other collaborators are from Nanyang Technological University, City University of Hong Kong, Beijing Institute of Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Microelectronics and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Dr Zhu’s team have experimentally demonstrated a large-scale quantum microprocessor chip and introduced a nontrivial theoretical model employing a linear photonic network and squeezed vacuum quantum light sources to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. The 16-qubit quantum microprocessor chip is fabricated and integrated into a single chip. A complete system has been developed, including the hardware integration of optical–electrical–thermal packaging for the quantum photonic microprocessor chip and electrical control module, software development for device drivers, user interface and underlying quantum algorithms which are fully programmable. The quantum computer system developed provides a fundamental building block for further applications. The quantum microprocessor can be applied to solving complex tasks, such as simulating large protein structures or optimising molecular reactions with significantly improved speed and accuracy. Dr Zhu said, “Our approach could yield an early class of practical molecular simulations that operate beyond classical limits and hold promise for achieving quantum speed-ups in relevant quantum chemistry applications.” Quantum technologies are crucial in scientific fields, including material science, chemistry and condensed matter physics. As an attractive hardware platform, the quantum microprocessor chips present a promising technological alternative for quantum information processing. The research findings and the resulting integrated quantum microprocessor chip developed open significant new avenues for numerous practical applications. These applications include solving molecular docking problems and leveraging quantum machine learning techniques like graph classification. Professor Liu said, “Our research is inspired by the potential real-world impact of quantum simulation technologies. In the next phase of our work, we aim to scale up the microprocessor and tackle more intricate applications that could benefit society and industry.” The team has introduced a groundbreaking development in quantum technology, which can be considered “a game changer.” They have successfully tackled the highly challenging task of molecular spectroscope simulation using a quantum computing microprocessor. Their research marks a significant advancement in quantum technology and its potential quantum computing applications.

PolyU innovates firefighting technology with smart solutions to enhance urban resilience

The increase in high-rise and densely populated urban development has heightened the demand for safety and resilience solutions against emergencies, such as fires. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has created advanced technological solutions to enhance firefighting and urban resilience. Prof. Asif USMANI, Chair Professor of Building Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering, and Dr HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at PolyU, hosted the 2nd International Smart Firefighting Workshop (SureFire 2024) in PolyU, which aimed to tackle future urban fire threats and enhance smart firefighting capabilities. This workshop is a component of the “SureFire: Smart Urban Resilience and Firefighting” project, which is funded by the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme. Under the research of Prof. USMANI and Dr HUANG, the SureFire System adopts complex data-generating networks to enable real-time monitoring of urban environments and hazards. Proper AI-based analysis of the data can provide information that continuously assesses the state and evolution of systems, diagnoses emerging pathologies, and supports decision-making. The increasing occurrence of fires in high-rise buildings globally demonstrates how the evolution of the built environment has altered the nature of fire threats. At the workshop, over 70 international research experts and scholars presented emerging topics in fire safety, covering areas in fire safety design, thermal safety management for battery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) fire forecasting. Dr HUANG said, “Together with a multidisciplinary research team, we are uncovering answers to fundamental research questions necessary for developing the foundational technology of a smart firefighting system. This system leverages the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber-physical technologies.” To improve fire safety management during emergencies, Dr HUANG and his research team have recently introduced an intelligent digital twin system. This system couples an Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) system and a computer vision model to enable real-time fire risk assessment. Prior to a fire event, this digital twin can map the distribution of vehicles with different fire risks inside the building in real-time. In the event of a fire incident, the AI engine not only assesses the current fire scene but also forecasts the future fire progression to support fire fighting, evacuation and rescue efforts. To demonstrate the system’s performance, the SureFire team has conducted multiple large-scale fire tests in tunnels in Sichuan and multi-storey buildings in the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. Leveraging advanced computational fire modelling techniques, the SureFire system can forecast the fire scene 1-3 minutes in advance with an accuracy exceeding 90%. Dr HUANG said, “This developed SureFire system has the potential to be installed in all future buildings and infrastructures, enhancing public safety, providing early disaster warnings, and optimising emergency evacuations.” This research is a great leap towards achieving true intelligent public safety and emergency response. The PolyU SureFire team has dedicated the past five years to developing intelligent solutions for fire safety. The latest research progresses for tunnel safety include “AIoT-enabled digital twin system for smart tunnel fire safety management” published in Developments in the Built Environment, and “Smart real-time evaluation of tunnel fire risk and evacuation safety via computer vision” published in Safety Science. The latest system provides an intelligent emergency management system framework for public fire emergencies. Also, the team is currently collaborating with multiple property management companies in China and overseas to implement the SureFire system in metro stations, tunnels, and high-rise buildings.  Powered by the groundbreaking SureFire system, a Smart Dynamic Exit sign system can be implemented into the building to guide people during fire evacuations. This system has been developed and communalised by the PolyU start-up, GABES. Not only does the SureFire system reduce fire casualties by facilitating fire evacuation, but it also holds great potential to empower firefighting robots, leading to fully automated and causality-free firefighting operation. Currently, Dr HUANG and his team are developing the next generation of autonomous firefighting robots to support firefighters and minimise fire causalities. The integration of this new technology will position Hong Kong as the world's leading smart city.