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PolyU student project on sustainable transportation won first prize at the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition

A team of three PhD students from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with a student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has secured the first prize in the Northeast Asia division of the 2024 ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition for their innovative research on digital twin technology for sustainable transportation. The team named “Energy Victory” operates under the International Centre of Urban Energy Nexus (IUEX) of PolyU, which is led by Prof. Jerry YAN, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU. Supervised by Prof. YAN and Dr Ying DU, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, the talented students: Junxiang ZHANG, Shibo ZHU, Dayin CHEN, and Haolan CHEN (from Shanghai Jiao Tong University) developed an innovative project titled "Drawing the Blueprint of Traffic Electrification with Digital Twin." This awarded project aims to foster Sustainable Development Goals in the transportation sector, demonstrating the team's dedication to driving impactful change through advanced digital twin technology. The ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition is organised by the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The competition brought together young leaders from all over the world and attracted approximately 300 submissions from 77 teams across 37 countries. The triumph of the PolyU team underscores the university’s dedication to nurturing young student researchers and leadership in advocating for sustainable energy solutions. The award not only recognises the students’ effort but also demonstrates PolyU's standing as a leading institution for innovative research and collaborative endeavours in sustainability. Next, the PolyU team will compete in the Global Final Competition in Chengdu this November, representing PolyU at the United Nations ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok.  

PolyU and OPPO to establish Joint Innovative Research Centre on AI-driven computational mobile imaging

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a collaborative framework agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd (OPPO) to upgrade the existing “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” (former Joint Lab) into the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre” (Joint Innovation Research Centre), effective from January 2025. This new framework will not only continue present research on artificial intelligence (AI) driven computational imaging but will also conduct more comprehensive and in-depth research that will cover the applications of smartphone AI imaging at all levels. OPPO aims to provide total funding of no less than RMB 30 million to the Joint Innovation Research Centre over the next five years to support PolyU’s research and the Centre’s operation. PolyU and OPPO have successfully commercialised research outcomes and jointly nurtured a number of AI talents through their partnership over the past few years. PolyU PhD students who joined the former Joint Lab have been closely working with OPPO engineers and have developed sophisticated Generative AI algorithms, which can instantly process unclear pictures on smartphones, resulting in high-resolution and realistic pictures to the naked eye. This innovation has already been integrated into OPPO’s flagship smartphones. As the demand for mobile video filming and multimedia content creation continues to grow, the future research direction of the Joint Innovation Research Centre will extend to more complex areas, such as video algorithms, album editing and lightweight Generative AI models. The Centre aims to leverage AI technology for mobile devices while maintaining high-quality image output. Additionally, the Joint Innovation Research Centre will continue to foster talent cultivation, academia-industry cooperation and technological innovation development. The signing ceremony for the collaborative framework agreement took place last Friday (1 November) at the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Jason LIAO, President of the OPPO Research Institute. The agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Zheng QIN, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs of OPPO. Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing, PolyU, will serve as Director of the Joint Innovation Research Centre on behalf of the University. Prof. TENG remarked, “To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the University’s innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams, and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer.” Mr LIAO said, “In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab. Adhering to our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users.” About PolyU The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

PolyU project promotes multidimensional machine learning in geotechnical engineering supported by RGC via EU Co-funding Mechanism

Ensuring the resilience of geo-infrastructure is a critical global task amid the challenges brought about by climate change. A project led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance geotechnical engineering, positioning these technologies as next-generation tools to tackle complex challenges. The research has been supported via the European Union (EU) — Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the Research Grants Council (RGC) 2024/25. The joint project - “Geotechnical Resilience through Intelligent Design” - is led by Prof. Zhen-Yu YIN, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Enrico SORANZO, Deputy Head of the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering at BOKU University in Austria, and has been awarded HK$497,600 for a duration of 48 months. Geotechnical engineering faces inherent challenges due to the diverse compositions of geomaterials, complex geological processes and the nonlinear interactions among them. These challenges are further intensified by the impacts of climate change, with the attendant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events. This project aims to train the next generation of machine learning-savvy geotechnical engineers and assemble an interdisciplinary, intersectoral team that connects industry and academia. Together, the team will develop transformative approaches to infrastructure design, including for tunnels, tailing dams, artificial slopes and embankments, as well as geohazard monitoring and prediction through innovative data-driven methods. Key initiatives of the project include exploring advanced sensor technologies for on-site data acquisition, leveraging generative AI techniques to optimise design processes and implementing physics-informed neural networks to enhance the fidelity of geotechnical simulations by integrating physical principles into machine learning models. The project additionally focuses on designing customised solutions for specific challenges and tailoring machine learning approaches to address geotechnical issues encountered in the construction and management of geo-infrastructures, such as tunnels and tailing dams. It also aims to improve the monitoring and mitigation of geohazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in critical areas. Prof. Yin said, “By employing a multidimensional approach, the study aims not only to apply machine learning in geotechnical engineering but also to fundamentally transform the field, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability and resilience.” The European Union Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC aims to strengthen collaboration between European and Hong Kong research communities in areas of mutual interest in order to achieve world-class scientific results.

PolyU researchers advance marine conservation and sustainable seafood research

Hong Kong’s unique marine environment, with its rich ecosystems, provides vital habitats and food sources for various marine species. However, rapid urbanisation and population growth pose significant challenges, including marine pollution, overfishing and climate change. A research team from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively addressing these sustainability challenges. Their focus is on innovative marine pollution monitoring technologies and sustainable seafood research, which includes assessing the impacts of microplastics on marine ecosystems and human health, and restoring pearl oyster reefs, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3 and 14. Monitoring of microplastics in seafood Plastic waste is pervasive, and microplastics are easily ingested by marine life, accumulating in their bodies and affecting other levels of the food chain and so posing a major threat to marine ecosystems. According to 2023 statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Hong Kong residents consume an average of 65 kilograms of seafood per person per year, which is over three times the global average of about 20 kilograms. Led by Dr James Kar-Hei FANG, Associate Professor of FSN, the research team employs automated mapping techniques using Raman microspectroscopy to extract and characterise microplastics accumulated in local seafood, such as green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis). The study revealed that each gram of fresh mussel meat contained 0.2 to 1.8 items of microplastics, ranging from 40 to 1,000 micrometres in length. It is estimated that each Hong Kong resident could ingest up to 10,380 microplastics annually through consumption of bivalve shellfish, a concerning figure. The research has been published in Journal of Hazardous Materials. To further confirm the potential ingestion of microplastics by humans, the team analysed the microplastic content in Hong Kong residents’ faeces. It is estimated that their intake rate of microplastics could be about five times higher than those observed in other Asian and European regions. The research has been published in Toxics. Based on these findings, the team is actively exploring the potential health consequences of microplastics on humans, and collaborating with other PolyU Departments to investigate methods such as bubble barriers and bacterial biofilms to remove microplastics from seawater. Dr Fang has recently received the 2024 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, one of the six global awardees and the sole awarded scientist from East Asia. He stated, “Our research findings continually inspire us to develop and apply advanced technologies to explore innovative solutions and strategies to address the microplastic issue, mitigate its impacts, protect precious marine ecosystems, and ensure the sustainability of marine food sources.” Restoration of pearl oyster reefs Dr Fang’s contributions to marine conservation extend to the restoration of pearl oyster reefs to improve marine environmental health and biodiversity, thereby benefiting local fishery resources. Historically, Hong Kong boasted rich pearl oyster reef ecosystems, providing habitats for other marine life and supporting a thriving pearl industry. However, over-exploitation and marine pollution have led to the degradation of pearl oyster populations, diminishing the surrounding ecosystem services. To enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, Dr Fang’s team has selected sites in Hong Kong’s Tolo Channel to restore pearl oyster reefs using cultured pearl oysters. They employ advanced 3D technologies to track and analyse the influences of these reefs on local biodiversity, and leverage the filter-feeding nature of pearl oysters as a biomonitoring tool to assess marine pollution and improve water quality. The team also collaborates with local fishermen on aquaculture technology to support sustainable fisheries development. Through pearl oyster aquaculture, Dr Fang aims to promote the econutrition concepts and revitalise the local pearl industry, benefiting both the environment and the community. His insights have been published in One Earth. While Hong Kong’s marine ecosystems face challenges, they also hold immense research potential and hope. Dr Fang remarked, “Past research by scientists and scholars has provided crucial scientific evidence and technical support for marine conservation and sustainable development. However, marine conservation represents a prolonged and rigorous task that requires the collective efforts of governments, academia, businesses and citizens. Through research innovation and community education, our goal is to raise conservation awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility within the community to protect the environment, contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s ecosystems.” For more details, please visit: https://polyu.me/3NLYGza

PolyU’s first in-orbit material experiment testbed completed catalyst material experiments in Low Earth Orbit

The Nation’s first reusable and returnable satellite, Shijian-19,was successfully retrieved and returned to Earth after conducting multiple space experiments in Low Earth Orbit. Among the payloads was an in-orbit material experiment testbed developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), which is Hong Kong’s first reusable experimental payload to return from space. The China National Space Administration held the payloads handover ceremony for the Shijian-19 satellite in Beijing last Thursday (24 October), marking the successful completion of the satellite’s return mission. Led by Prof. DanielLAU, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU, who is also a member of the University’sResearch Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), the project was jointly developed with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the testbed was designed and manufactured at PolyU’s Industrial Centre. The entire research and production process was completed on the PolyU campus. This project aims to study the effects of microgravity, vacuum, and radiation on the effectiveness of high-performance catalysts, laying a foundation for space application catalyst materials for producing fuels, oxygen, and specific chemicals. The equipment design considered the averaging material’s radiation exposure rate and high penetrability to improve overall testing efficiency. The payload can be rapidly reused without replacing core components, significantly reducing the overall cost of future experiment opportunities through its reusability. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commended the research team on their outstanding achievement, and said, “PolyU has been actively contributing to various national space projects. We are thrilled to see PolyU’s independently developed and produced in-orbit material experiment testbed aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, demonstrating the University’s research strength in interdisciplinary fields that include deep space exploration, materials science, and engineering. We look forward to fostering further research innovation and contributing to the Nation’s goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace and technology.” The design of the catalyst material testing device is based on Prof. Lau’s earlier development of the APMA system for carbon dioxide electroreduction, which can convert carbon dioxide into ethylene for industrial purposes to provide an effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions. This research has already led to collaborations with an energy and chemical enterprise and received a gold medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland. At the time, PolyU won awards for 28 inventions, including the Mars Landing Surveillance Camera for the Tianwen-1 Mars Soft Landing Mission, developed by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of PolyU’s RCDSE. Prof. Lau recalled that the idea for this interdisciplinary collaboration originated at the award ceremony in Geneva, “Prof. Yung’s team suggested that my new catalyst could be applied to deep space exploration. We returned to the University and immediately began exploring the collaboration, conducting multiple tests on campus before the testbed was finally sent into space.” The in-orbit material experiment testbed has been retrieved and will be analysed in PolyU’s laboratory. Prof. Lau added, “The team hopes to explore the effects of space environments on different materials, which could provide new insights for future deep space exploration missions.” PolyU’s RCDSE  has already launched several fundamental research projects, including in materials science, microbiology, lunar base construction technologies, remote sensing technology, lunar regolith studies, and space resource utilisation. Additionally, the research centre is involved in the development of microsatellites and CubeSats, showcasing PolyU’s comprehensive strategy in deep space research. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to actively participate in major national space missions.

PolyU innovative project on osteoarthritis treatment supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme

Scientific research offers solutions to combat disease with novel treatment options. It is vital to the well-being of humanity, as advancements in medical technology have far-reaching impacts on global health. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received support from the French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche)/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme (ANR/RGC JRS) - 2024/25 Exercise to conduct an innovative project focused on Osteoarthritis treatment. The project, titled “Deciphering and Targeting Cholinergic Signaling to Treat Osteoarthritis,” is led by Dr WEN Chunyi, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU. It has been awarded approximately HK$2.27 million (Hong Kong) and €378,000 (France）under the ANR/RGC JRS for a duration of 36 months. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in older adults, characterised by the loss of articular cartilage that cushions the joint during movement. The funded project integrates collaborative research in rheumatology and biomedical engineering to advance osteoarthritis treatment. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Jeremie Sellam, Professor of the Department of Rheumatology of Sorbonne University in France. The project aims to investigate the role of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, as well as to dissect the intertwined neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic systems in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment. Additionally, it will evaluate the database and serum biobank from a randomised controlled trial on VNS treatment in patients with inflammatory hand osteoarthritis. Dr WEN and his team have established a long-standing collaboration with the French experts. Their collective expertise and pilot studies have addressed technical challenges related to vagus nerve stimulation in small animal models, the monitoring of in vivo cholinergic activity, and the interactions between acetylcholinesterase and the α7-nAChR. Dr WEN said, “We anticipate elucidating the interaction between neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic signalling proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory osteoarthritis, with the vision of developing a novel neuromodulation therapy.” The ANR/RGC JRS aims to strengthen the collaboration between French and Hong Kong research communities. Both basic and applied research proposals of high academic merits in all areas are invited under the scheme.

PolyU scholar attended Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite

Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honoured with an invitation to visit the China National Space Administration on October 24 to attend “The Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite”, which has recently completed a successful mission and returned from space.  The multidisciplinary research team of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU has developed a space catalyst material test device and completed the catalyst material test in low orbit in space. PolyU is very honoured to be able to carry the space catalyst material test device developed by the university into space aboard the SJ-19 satellite. In the ceremony, Prof. Wang said PolyU's involvement in the Nation's space exploration dates back to the 2010s, with active participation in landmark projects. The University is dedicated to research contributions in aerospace science and technologies.   

PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology hosts forum to envision future of new energy vehicles in Hong Kong

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV) and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), hosted the forum “The Future of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong” on 22 October 2024. The event brought together leading experts and representatives from the Government and industry to provide insights into the latest developments in new energy vehicles, covering governmental policies, technological advancement, and industry perspectives crucial for shaping the future of transportation in a sustainable city. Over 130 PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and industry partners attended. In his welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, highlighted a statistic from the Hong Kong Transport Department: from the beginning of 2024 to October, the first registration rate of new energy vehicles in the commercial sector is relatively low at 7.6%, suggesting there is significant room for I&T development and policy refinement for more effective promotion of heavy new energy vehicles. He welcomed the Government’s efforts to further accelerate the development of new energy, as well as the launch of the Subsidy Scheme for Trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Heavy Vehicles as outlined in the recent Policy Address. Dr Hon CHAN Han-pan, Member of the Legislative Council, delivered opening remarks on the topic “Future Development of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong”. He pointed out some of the challenges of adopting new energy vehicles in Hong Kong and called for the establishment of electric vehicles charging facilities on rural land and the introduction of Chinese new energy vehicles in the City. He emphasised that promoting new energy vehicles is a pressing matter in the context of a response to the Government’s plan to cease new registration of fuel-propelled and hybrid private cars in 2035 or earlier. Mr Eric WONG Lui, Assistant Director of the Gas and General Legislation Branch of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), introduced the latest developments related to hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, including the practice of green transportation by adopting clean hydrogen and related legislative amendments. Mr Wong mentioned workforce training for new energy vehicles. With facilitation of EMSD, a local leading provider of vocational and professional education and training will launch three training courses - hydrogen fuel awareness, registered hydrogen vehicle mechanics and competent persons trainings next year. He also highlighted that the Master of Science in Electric Vehicles offered by PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering contributes to nurturing specialised professionals for Hong Kong. Dr Kenneth LEUNG Kai-ming, Ex-Principal Assistant Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Bureau, explained the environmental benefits of implementing zero-emission operations. He detailed the Government’s efforts over the past two decades to foster sustainable transportation development in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the New Energy Transport Fund, introduction of the first registration tax concessions, the One-for-One Replacement Scheme for electric vehicles and EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme. Following implementation of these schemes, the overall air quality in Hong Kong has shown a discernible improvement, with significant reductions in roadside air pollutants. Prof. C.C. CHAN, Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy and Director of PolyU RCEV, explained the new journey of electric vehicle revolution is from electrification to intelligence and connectivity of electric vehicles. He analysed two major challenges within this transition, including the harmonious interaction between electric vehicles and power grids, as well as the integration of people, vehicles, roads and the cloud,  along with the development of related standards. Referencing the success of the Chinese automotive industry in replacing traditional production methods characterised by high inputs, high consumption and high emissions with three green new productivity factors of high technology, high efficiency and high quality. Through innovations and policies, new energy vehicles are being adopted, thereby gradually progressing towards smart cities. Mr Aaron BOK Kwok-ming, Past President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and former Head of the Civil Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, believes that targeted subsidies can attract the public to adopt new energy and hydrogen vehicles. He encouraged collaboration between sectors, including the Government, real estate and tech firms, to advance the technology and streamline various regulatory process for electric vehicle charging installations and, in turn, help scale the necessary infrastructure. Mr ZHANG Qi, Head of the Hong Kong R&D Center of NETA, examined the collaborative forces within the industry chain, promoting productivity excellence for Hong Kong. He envisioned that in the next three to five years, new energy vehicle technology will be rapidly mature, with innovative technologies leading industry development. Notably, intelligent driving technology will be transformative, altering car attributes and driving a complete restructuring of the automotive industry. Dr Oscar CHAN, Research Assistant Professor of PReCIT and of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, shared outcomes of the project “Assessing the Adaptation of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong: The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Electric Vehicles”, which is funded by the Government’s Public Policy Research Funding Scheme. He stated that accelerating innovations in the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen energy, and the achievement of larger coverage of “green” and “blue” hydrogen, will help promote hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and help meet the long-term environmental goals of the city. The panel discussion session, moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, invited keynote speakers to exchange insights on best practices and future trends of new energy vehicles in relation to various topics. He also added that the development of new energy vehicles contributes to promoting sustainability, benefiting future generations, and enhancing people’s happiness. The exchange of insights would set the stage for PReCIT to recommend forward-thinking, long-term and strategic policies.

PolyU develops innovative welding technology for ultra-high strength S960 steel making its debut in Hong Kong public works project

S960 steel is lighter and stronger than commonly used S355 steel, making it an effective material for bridge construction. However, the welding process can reduce its mechanical properties, limiting its applications. A research team from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a welding technology for efficient applications of ultra-high strength S960 steel. By precisely controlling the heat input during welding, the mechanical properties of the steel are maintained. This innovation has been adopted in recent footbridge construction in the Fanling North New Development Area, marking Hong Kong’s first public works using S960 steel, and facilitating innovative application of high-strength steel in bridge construction.  S960 steel is an efficient structural steel known for its remarkable strength. It meets stringent requirements stipulated in many material specifications and structural design codes, making it widely applicable in the construction of high-rise buildings and long-span structures such as sports and exhibition centres. However, the mechanical properties of S960 steel may undergo significant changes during welding, resulting in reductions of both strength and ductility of up to 20% to 30%. Led by Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) of PolyU, the research team has developed an innovative solution to maintain the mechanical properties of the S960 steel, by examining effects of heat input energy during welding onto the S960 steel through experimental investigations and numerical simulations. In collaboration with a local steel fabricator, the research team concludes that there are optimal ranges of heat energy for different weld joint designs for S960 steel of various thicknesses which minimise or even eliminate adverse effects of welding. As demonstrated in a recent project undertaken by the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the HKSAR, this solution has been adopted in two segments of a footbridge in the first phase of the Fanling North New Development Area – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section (Shek Wu San Tsuen North to Lung Yeuk Tau). The two segments were designed as stiffened box girders made of the S960 steel and were fabricated in a factory with effective control of the welding processes.  Site assembly of these two segments of the foot bridge was completed in September this year. The new welding technology enables the use of thinner and fewer steel materials, thereby reducing the self-weight of the footbridge, and hence, the number of foundation piles required. This, in turn, has led to decreased carbon emissions and enhanced sustainability. Prof. Chung said, “We are dedicated to conducting impactful research on the scientific understanding, engineering principles and design guidance needed to facilitate engineers in adopting high-strength S690 and S960 steel in construction, setting a precedent for modern steel construction. The Fanling North project is a good example of using S960 steel for construction in Hong Kong and provides valuable reference for formulatingrelevant technical guidelines and specifications for future use.” The technology developed by Prof. Chung’s research team for the effective application of the S690 steel has been implemented in various infrastructure projects, including the Double Arch Steel Bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O, the long-span roof structures of the Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool, and the steel roofs of both the East and West Stands of the Yuen Long Stadium (which is currently under construction).

Media Interview: Exploring AI's potential in advancing drug development

Drug development is a complex and challenging process in whichwhere scientists meticulously screen a large number of candidate compounds to ultimately develop an effective lead drug. With advancements in science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a tool for extracting valuable information from massive datasets. In particular, AI is instrumental in analysing DNA sequences to identify disease-causing genes and risk factors. In a recent media interview, Prof. Zhao Yanxiang, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), shared the potential of AI in driving drug development and the latest research on applied biology and chemical technology. Prof. Zhao said in the interview, “In the application of AI in various fields, it is more like a “super parrot,” which can imitate and replicate. However, there is still a substantial journey ahead from zero to one.” While AI can accelerate the screening process and enhance efficiency, it also unlocks new possibilities in drug development. However, in the realm of drug research, the practical application of AI still encounters constraints due to the diversity and abundance of drugs worldwide. It is still mainly used as an auxiliary tool. Moving ahead, data collection and labelling by AI should be strengthened in the future to unleash the potential of AI, thereby promoting the discovery and development of new drugs. In addition, the rising incidence of cancer has heightened public demand for new treatments. Increased scientific research investment is needed in cancer and central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and mental illness to understand their pathogenesis and treatments options. Prof. Zhao is optimistic about future drug research and development, particularly regarding new treatment modalities such as nucleic acid drugs and cell therapies. For instance, nucleic acid drugs and cell therapy have demonstrated significant progress. Scientific research and technological advancement have made mRNA drugs feasible, with some drugs capable of effectively crossing the blood-brain barrier. Cell therapy also presents further possibilities in treating CNS diseases by directly introducing new neurons into the brain to replace those died due to aging.