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PolyU leads in grants from Green Tech Fund, securing 3 projects for innovative sustainable development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has secured a leading position in funding from the Green Tech Fund, receiving a total grant of HK$14.09 million for three innovative projects aimed at sustainable development.  The three projects harness groundbreaking research and technology to develop innovative solutions in the areas of zero-carbon energy, waste management and reduction, and energy saving and efficiency. All the three PolyU funded projects are granted for a period of two years. A total of eight projects are awarded in this third round of the Green Tech Fund.  Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU has been recognised for its achievements in the field of green technology. Our innovative technologies and practical carbon reduction strategies covers a wide range of areas, including waste-to-energy technology, clean energy solutions, waste management practices, carbon emissions reduction, energy conservation, green building materials, and more. PolyU researchers are dedicated to contributing to global carbon neutrality and sustainable development through their expertise and impactful scientific research. “ Led by Dr Molly Meng-jung LI, Assistant Professor of Department of Applied Physics, the project titled “The first intelligent ammonia-powered zero-carbon versatile-energy supply station, NH3-VESS” receives a grant of HK$4.61 million. The project introduces a clean, zero-carbon system for energy management that is flexible, localised and scalable. It employs PolyU’s proprietary catalyst to convert ammonia into hydrogen, facilitating the development of energy stations for various applications such as vehicles, heat and power, renewables extension and homes and facilities. Led by Dr Ben Shao-Yuan LEU, Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project titled “Study of ammonia pretreatment – power generation system toward complete valorization of food waste digestate” is granted funding of HK$6.87 million. The project aims for long-term waste management, encompassing land conservation, power generation and carbon reduction. This ammonia pretreatment system offers innovative solutions, effectively minimising odor, reducing land footprint of digestate solids, and producing high-quality organic fertiliser. This system will be applicable to relevant facilities and treatment plants in Hong Kong. Led by Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Assistant Professor in School of Fashion and Textiles, the project titled “Development of multi-functional building clothing using textile waste for energy saving and waste reduction” receives a grant of HK$2.61 million. The project proposes collecting textile waste to develop a sustainable, nature-inspired building envelope for thermal insulation and radiative cooling through a mass production method. The envelope possesses multifunctional properties such as durability, lightness, aesthetic appeal, and flame retardancy, making it compatible with various scenarios, including factory buildings, village houses, substations, container apartments, tents, and more. Green Tech Fund The Green Tech Fund (GTF ) was established in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support to research and development projects which can help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection. The assessment committee  is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) and comprises members from academia, industry, green groups, and the Government.

PolyU-Rhein Köster Joint Laboratory on Smart Manufacturing unveiled to drive innovation in industrial sector

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Rhein Köster signed a MoU to establish the "PolyU-Rhein Köster Joint Laboratory on Smart Manufacturing" (Joint Lab) in October 2023. The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony of the Joint Lab took place at PolyU on 15th January. PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong to set up a joint lab with Rhein Köster, showcasing the outstanding research capabilities of our researchers in the respective field. With the aim to advancing intelligent manufacturing and fostering the development of industry 4.0, the joint lab will focus on research topics such as industrial intelligent robots or collaborative robots, digital twins construction of smart factories and production lines, and predictive maintenance of complex equipment or production lines. An agreement has been signed in the presence of senior management from PolyU and Rhein-Köster to initiate the research project. During the ceremony, Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said that the launch of the PolyU – Rhein Köster Joint Laboratory on Smart Manufacturing signifies the profound integration of industry and education. This collaboration bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that the contributions of both parties have a lasting impact on the society. Rhein-Köster is a high-tech enterprise specialising in digital factory solutions, technology transfer, and professional technical talent cultivation. With a strong presence in China and Germany, this collaboration brings together PolyU’s research strength and industry experience to jointly revolutionalise education and digital transformation.

Two PolyU Scholars Honoured with First-Class Awards from the Chinese Society of Vibration Engineering

Two research projects led by scholars from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been honoured with the First -Class Awards of the Chinese Society of Vibration Engineering Science and Technology Awards 2023.  PolyU’s two scholars, Prof. Li CHENG, Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty of Engineering and Chair Professor  of Mechanical Engineering and Prof . Yong XIA, Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, have been bestowed the First-Class Awards for their outstanding achievements in vibration engineering.  Prof. CHENG’s awarded project is titled “Acoustic black holes and applications to vibration and noise control in equipment engineering.” Vibration and noise are major concerns and challenging problems in numerous engineering applications. His research team has conducted a series of work that has systematically unveiled the fundamental physical principles of slow wave phenomena in vibrating structures. They have also established a comprehensive analysis and design methodology, and devised new structures suitable for diverse vibration and noise control applications in equipment engineering. Prof. XIA’s awarded project is titled “Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges.” It aims to develop cutting-edge machine learning methods of full-field measurement and modal identification, damage detection, reliability evaluation, and decision-making in the operational maintenance of bridges. These innovative techniques enable accurate health diagnosis and cost-effective operation maintenance strategies for bridge structures.  Prof. CHENG’s project entails collaboration with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Nanjing University of Science and Technology, while Prof. XIA’s project is conducted in collaboration with Harbin Institute of Technology.  The Chinese Society of Vibration Engineering Science and Technology Awards aim to promote innovative technology the field of vibration engineering. A total of four First-Class Awards and 12 Second-Class Awards were granted to the universities and institutions in 2023. 

Visit by Delegation of Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government

A delegation led by Mr. YAO Fei, Deputy Mayor of the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government, visited PolyU on 17 January to exchange views on deepening collaboration between Hong Kong and Quanzhou in technology and innovation development. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and PolyU delegates warmly welcomed the delegation. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng introduced the University's research accomplishments and latest development. He anticipates that through in-depth collaboration with Quanzhou City, the of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute) will develop and flourish. Mr. Yao Fei stated in his speech that the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government will fully support the development of the Research Institute. Jinjiang can provide fertile ground for the R&D of PolyU, facilitating the transformation of scientific research projects. He expressed anticipation for further cooperation between the two sides in petrochemicals, pharmaceutical industry, and industrial design.  This collaboration aims to promote scientific and technological innovation in Quanzhou city, injecting new vitality into its economic and social development. Prof. YU Changyuan, the Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, introduced the development and future plans of the Research Institute to the delegation.  During the meeting, both parties reached a consensus on strengthening cooperation further, which has a great significance for promoting the development of Research Institute.  

Media Article: PolyU Mathematician Explores the Science of Honey and Airplane Wings Through Fluid Mechanics

"Fluid" is an amazing substance that we often encounter in our lives. It lacks a fixed shape and can change at any time, which has attracted the attention of many physicists and mathematicians who dedicate themselves to the study of "Fluid Mechanics." This field aims to explore the states and laws of fluids in motion. In a recent article in Wen Wei Po, Prof. Tong YANG, a member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences and Chair Professor of Mathematical Science in the Department of Applied Mathematics at PolyU, introduces the scientific concept of "fluid" and provides a historical overview of the study of "Fluid Mechanics." He explores how physicists and mathematicians analyse the "Boundary layer theory" (BL theory) by using the Reynolds number, which is an important parameter in aerodynamics to address unsolved mathematical problems associated with it. Prof. YANG’s scientific research focuses on Conservation laws, Boltzmann equation and Boundary layer theories. Earlier, Prof Yang’s joint research project, titled “Mathematical theory of compressible Navier-Stokes equations and related models”, was bestowed the First-Class Award in Natural Science at the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award (Science and Technology) 2022, to recognise his outstanding scientific research contributions. Please click here for details: Full interview (Chinese only):【青談科研】探尋蜜糖與機翼奧秘的科學：流體力學  PolyU mathematics scholar receives Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award from the Ministry of Education

PolyU showcases at CES® - the Global Stage for Consumer Innovation

PolyU is participating in the CES 2024 from now to12 January 2024 in Las Vegas, NV, showcasing 10 research projects in Healthcare, AI, AR/VR & Metaverse. Welcome to visit us at Venetian Expo, Hall G, Booth #61720 and 61722! Invented by Dr Daphne Cheung, Associate Professor in School of Nursing of PolyU, a ground-breaking therapeutic music-with-movement system has won a prestigious global consumer product award in the ‘Accessibility & Aging Tech’ category at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 Innovation Awards. The system prototype is currently on display at the Innovation Awards Showcase in the Venetian Expo, Hall D, Booth #56332. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, "We are proud to be the only educational institution in Hong Kong honoured with the CES Innovation Awards this year, and this recognition serves as a testament to our commitment to interdisciplinary research with the aim of bringing healing and fostering meaningful connections within the elderly population. This is the first time to have PolyU delegates exhibiting in the CES, and we treasure this opportunity to showcase PolyU innovative projects and breakthrough researches in this one of the world's largest consumer technology trade fair." CES Is the Global Stage for Innovation With 100,000+ attendees, 4000+ exhibitors from 150+ countries and regions, CES 2024 showcases the entire tech landscape, serving as the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. Learn More: PolyU researchers’ innovative Music Therapy System for older adults wins CES 2024 Innovation Award

Five PolyU research granted RGC Research Impact Fund Leading local universities in number of funded projects

Five projects led by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have received funding from the Research Grant Council (RGC) Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2023/24, leading the way among local universities in terms of the number of funded projects. The five projects have been granted total funding of HK$20.9 million. Embracing diverse research areas, the funding will support PolyU researchers in translating scientific findings into real-world applications and providing more impactful solutions to benefit society. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are pleased to have attained such encouraging results, which recognise our scientific research prowess. PolyU’s research excellence in the fields of microbiology, construction and environment, geoinformatics technology and intelligent wearable textiles will continue to make influential contributions to society. Furthermore, collaboration between academia and industry will leverage synergistic strengths and facilitate the translation of research into real-world applications.” The five funded projects are: “Development of Bacterial Pseudaminic Acid-based Vaccine to Combat Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria”, led by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head and Chair Professor of Microbiology of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition; “Digital Twin-enabled Intelligent Assessment and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Turbine Structures in a Life-cycle Context”, led by Prof. ZHU Songye, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; “An AI-enabled Geospatial Platform for Smart Facility Management and Smart Mobility of People with Disabilities, led by Dr LIU Xintao, Associate Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics; “Durable Low-carbon Asphalt Pavement Built with Recycled Waste Polyolefin Plastics through Reactive Extrusion”, led by Prof. LENG Zhen, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and “Developing a New Generation of Pressure-controlled Wearable Soft Braces to Improve the Efficiency and Compliance in Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”, led by Prof. YIP Yiu-wan Joanne, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles. The RIF encourages academics to harness the potential of their research to deliver benefits to the wider community, spurring impactful and translational research projects. The Fund also promotes collaboration between academia and government departments, the business sector, industry and research institutes. Successful projects are granted funding of up to HK$10 million per project for a three to five-year period. In total, 14 projects were supported by the RIF in the 2023/24 exercise.   For further information of these PolyU funded projects, please refer to the appendix.

Media Interview: PolyU's Intelligent Robotic Firefighting Project - Air Cannon Extinguishes Fires Without Water

On average, more than 30,000 fire calls occur in Hong Kong every year. Some serious fires not only endanger the public but also pose significant risks to firefighters who enter the fire scene. Dr Xinyan Huang, Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Fire Safety Engineering and Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, is committed to researching and developing a number of intelligent fire-fighting solutions and products. Among them, the "Toroidal Vortex Cannon", commonly known as the "Air Cannon", can extinguish fires from a distance without the need for water. When combined with intelligent robots capable of locating and autonomously extinguishing fire source without manual operation, it is expected to be applied in dangerous fire situations in the long run, where water is unsuitable or personnel cannot get close to the fire scene. This application could better protect the public and firefighters. Dr Huang's research project, titled "Smouldering Wildfire," has also been awarded the "Excellent Young Scientists Fund” from the National Natural Science Foundation of China this year. In a recent interview with Wen Wei Po, Dr Huang revealed that the team’s intelligent robots can automatically identify flames, fuels and personnel in darkness and smoke through sensors, eliminating the need for manual operation. The team is designing different options, such as the use of new materials to enable the robots to travel through fire scenes. They are also exploring the use of equipment to hoist the robots into position, allowing them to carry out works such as personnel search and fire extinguishing fires, and so on. Please click here for details: Full interview (Chinese only): 智能機械人闖火場 空氣炮可無水滅火 | 智慧消防系統預測60秒火勢助逃生  PolyU’s Excellent Young Scientists Fund projects

PolyU Students and Researchers Awarded in The First Greater Bay Area Data Application Innovation Competition

PolyU achieved outstanding results in The First Greater Bay Area Data Application Innovation Competition, winning several First Prizes, Second Prizes, Technical Excellence Awards, Creative Excellence Awards, Outstanding Awards, and Data (Commodity) Listing Certificates. In addition, PolyU also received the Outstanding Contribution Award and Excellent Organization Award, and Prof Xiao Fu, Associate Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, is honoured with the Outstanding Guidance Teacher Award in this competition. The competition was jointly organized by the Development and Reform Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, the Government Services and Data Management Bureau of Shenzhen, and The People's Government of Futian District. It aims to create a top-level platform in the field of data elements and build an innovative, open, and prosperous ecosystem for data application developers. Additionally, the competition is expected to fully open the data resources, computing power facilities, and trading platforms of the Greater Bay Area Data AI Center and Shenzhen Data Exchange, providing a top-notch communication platform for data developers. It also encourages data developers to unleash their imagination and innovation in order to discover outstanding projects and cultivate talents in data application innovation. The competition consists a creative design competition and a technical challenge competition, covering six application scenarios including digital decision-making, smart supply chain, technology finance, digital energy, intelligent manufacturing, and smart cities. Universities, research institutions, and enterprises actively participated in the competitionAmong them, 227 teams entered the preliminary round, and 35 teams advanced to the finals. A total of 19 teams were awarded first, second, and third prizes, including PolyU, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Sun Yat-sen University, and South China University of Technology. Congratulations to all PolyU's winning teams for the outstanding performance and providing innovative, practical, and technologically advanced solutions in data application.

Media Interview: PolyU project assesses typhoon path impact on high-rise building resilience

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world not only disrupts people's daily lives, but also brings significant economic losses to the society. Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU leads a project aimed at mitigating the risk of tropical storms for high-rise building clusters in coastal cities through the development of a real-time early-warning and resilience system. The project titled “INTACT: Intelligent Tropical-storm-resilient System for Coastal Cities,” has been received funding of almost HK$50 million from the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2023/24. In a recent interview with Wen Wei Po, Prof. NI shared that the project will devise a framework that can effectively and accurately assess turbulence and quantify the risks arising from complex urban aerodynamics using sparse measurements. It also quantitatively evaluates the resilience of the city. This could comprehensively anticipate the potential risks and consequences of windstorms on critical buildings and enable the implementation of precautionary measures.  Please click here for details: Full interview (Chinese only) PolyU’s RGC Theme-based Research Scheme funding project