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PolyU develops ultra-stable, record high brightness perovskite LEDs with promising applications

Perovskite materials are significant for enhancing the development and performance of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, there are certain technological limitations in advancing overall device efficiency, brightness and lifetime, with the operational stability of Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) remaining a major challenge. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have made a breakthrough by developing a 3DFAPbI3 perovskite material system that enables high brightness, efficiency and long device lifetime simultaneously. Prof. LI Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, together with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Zhiqi LI, Research Assistant Professor Dr Zhiwei REN, and the rest of the research team, have engineered a novel technology using an alkyl-chain-length-dependent ammonium salt molecule modulation strategy. They elucidated the roles of alkylammonium salts in managing crystal orientation, controlling grain size, suppressing non-radiative recombination, and thereby enhancing device performance. This represents a critical leap towards future applications and commercialisation of efficient and ultra-stable PeLEDs with record brightness. The research team have achieved efficient, ultra-bright, and stable PeLEDs simultaneously, with high  Electroluminescence External Quantum Efficiency of 23.2%, a record radiance of 1,593 W sr−1 m−2 and a much improved record lifetime of 227 h (at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2). This demonstrates the best performance for DC-drive near-infrared PeLEDs at high-brightness and stability levels. Their research “Grain orientation management and recombination suppression for ultra-stable PeLEDs with record brightness”, has been recently published in the energy journal Joule. Prof. Li Gang said, “This strategy suggests that PeLEDs are not only high-efficiency devices in the laboratory but also promising candidates for commercial high-brightness lighting and display applications, competing with commercially available quantum-dot-based and organic LEDs.” The research team revealed that the performance of PeLEDs is strongly affected by the balance among oriented crystallisation, grain size control and suppression of non-radiative recombination. The key to resolving this dilemma lies in adjusting the molecular interaction between the long-chain alkylammonium salts and perovskite nuclei. Alkylammoniums promote oriented crystallization of perovskite film for lighting, while the molecular interaction between alkylammonium and perovskite affects PeLEDs performance. Notably, the team has successfully utilised molecular engineering of long-chain alkylammonium salts to modulate crystallisation kinetics. This breakthrough strategy enables the production of high-efficiency and ultra-brightness near-infrared PeLEDs with ultralong stability, even under large current excitation. In the development of LEDs, PeLEDs possess substantial advantages, including pure colour, a wider display colour gamut range, cost effectiveness and solution processiblity offering greater flexibility in production. The team’s discovery contributes significantly to the advancement of PeLEDs and their technological impact. 

HEROCARE: A Fearless Journey in Radiotherapy

As part of their treatment preparation, a young cancer patient attends a simulated radiotherapy session at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with her favourite cartoon characters. The immersive environment, crafted for the child's well-being and featuring her favourite characters, fosters confidence and diminishes fear with vibrant colours, love, and care. The PolyU “FRIENDS理伴童行” Team at the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, alongside the Industrial Centre, utilises immersive mixed reality technology at the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) of PolyU to create a personalised, comforting space for paediatric radiotherapy preparation. Supported by the Lee Hysan Foundation, the HEROCARE programme at PolyU harnesses HiVE technology to enhance positive experiences for both patients and caregivers throughout radiotherapy. As a result, over 88% of participants completed radiotherapy without anaesthesia. 

PolyU and Zhongshan jointly establish technology and innovation research institute to advance development of biomedicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government (Zhongshan Government) officially signed a cooperation agreement on 30 July to jointly establish the “PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. This collaboration marks an important step forward for both parties in promoting the development of biomedicine in the two regions and enhancing industry-academia-research cooperation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President led a delegation to participate in the 2024 Zhongshan Global Investment Promotion Conference, where the cooperation agreement signing ceremony for the Research Institute was also held. Witnessed by Mr GUO Wenhai, Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee; Mr XIAO Zhanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Zhongshan City; Prof. Gary WONG, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry at PolyU; and Mr Victor ZHAO, Assistant Director of the Research and Innovation Office at PolyU, the agreement was signed by Mr YE Hongguang, Member of the Leading Party Group of the Zhongshan People’s Government and Vice Mayor of Zhongshan City, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. Prof. Teng stated, “Our collaboration with the Zhongshan Government to establish this Institute aligns in terms of timing, geographical advantage and our strong working relationship. This is not only an important milestone in the development of our university but also a starting point for jointly promoting innovative technology development with Zhongshan. The establishment of the Institute will inject new momentum into the economic and social development of Zhongshan, as well as responding to President XI Jinping’s call to make good use of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, promoting the integration of the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary, strengthening innovation and technology cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and advancing industry-academia-research transfer to empower new quality productive forces in the region.” The Institute will focus on the field of biomedicine, particularly independent research and development of pharmaceutical products, and is committed to improving community healthcare. The Institute will also closely collaborate with hospitals in Zhongshan, promoting the translation of research outcomes through industry-academia-research cooperation to benefit the public. The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor enhances transportation and the flow of personnel, capital and technology between the two cities, helping Zhongshan better integrate into the overall GBA development. Serving as a hub for innovative technology, the Institute aspires to provide robust technical support for the industrial upgrading and act as a catalyst for the economic development of Zhongshan. This cooperation not only strengthens the connection between PolyU and the Zhongshan Government, but also promotes their joint efforts to seize and embrace the immense opportunities brought about by innovative technology.

PolyU scholar discovers key mechanism of intraocular pressure regulation suggesting novel treatment approaches for glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. According to statistics from the Hospital Authority, in Hong Kong, three out of every 100 individuals aged over 40 suffer from glaucoma. In its early stages, obvious symptoms may not be present and those less obvious are often overlooked. By the time patients notice changes in their vision, the condition is usually severe. Dr Samantha SHAN, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and her team have discovered the mechanism of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation, paving the way for novel treatment approaches for glaucoma, with the aspiration of preventing vision loss from this disease. In glaucoma patients, the fluid within the eye (known as “aqueous humour”) continuously flows, resulting in higher IOP for which long-term medication is required. However, current drugs have limitations in that they can only slow disease progression rather than halt it completely. Drugs may also have suboptimal tolerability and their efficacy diminish over time. The microRNA(miR)-17-92 cluster is known to play an important role in cell signalling, but its specific functions in the eye are not well understood. In this respect, Dr Shan and her team’s research focus lies in gaining insights into the mechanisms of miR-17-92 cluster members and their effects on IOP. The team has identified thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) as a protein that reduces the outflow of aqueous humour and increases IOP. Concurrently, the team mimicked three members of the miR-17-92 cluster in human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells which are responsible for draining aqueous humour within the eye. It showed that the expression of TSP-1 was repressed, resulting in an approximately 73% increase in the outflow of aqueous humour in mice. Dr Shan’s team has recently been recognised with a prestigious 2024 Shaffer Research Grant from the Glaucoma Research Foundation to further explore the effects of miR-17-92 members in IOP regulation. Looking forward, the team will investigate the direct interaction between specific miRNAs and TSP-1 by blocking the potential target sites of the three miRNAs in TSP-1 in hTM cells. They will also examine the functional consequences of modulating this pathway on aqueous humour outflow and IOP regulation in vivo. This would be achieved by utilising intravitreal injections of a TSP-1 target-specific blocker or miRNA mimics in mouse eyes. Dr Shan remarked, “Genomic and proteomic approaches play a crucial role in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as glaucoma. In the context of glaucoma treatment, these approaches can help identify potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets and personalised treatment options, with far-reaching implications. The Grant also demonstrates PolyU’s excellence as hosting one of the top eye research centres in the world. It encourages me and my team to continue to make significant strides in glaucoma research and contribute to the better care of glaucoma patients.” With over a decade of experience in molecular research, in her work, Dr Shan has demonstrated proficiency in utilising genomic and proteomic approaches. Her research interests are mechanism of aqueous humour formation, outflow facility and IOP regulation, microRNAs on outflow facility, DNA methylation of potential candidates on outflow facility and IOP regulation. Dr Shan has also received support from the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Health and Medical Research Fund for two projects as a principal investigator. The projects aim to discover gene editing methods for treating glaucoma and unravel the role of epigenetic regulation in glaucoma respectively. Dr Shan has also served as a co-investigator on other diverse research topics and has secured notable research funding, including the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund.

PolyU and Nanjing Zhuling signed MoU to establish joint laboratory on industrialised construction

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Nanjing Zhuiling Technology Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 July to establish a joint laboratory on industrialised construction. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr AnGang Dai, CEO of Nanjing Zhuling Technology. Dr Zhiheng Zhao, Research Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU and Dr Liu Hengzhi (Class of 2009), COO and Product Director of Nanjing Zhuling Technology will serve as directors of the joint laboratory. The joint laboratory will focus on research areas, including the digitalisation of construction in the industrial metaverse, digital twins, construction robotics, intelligent building systems, as well as advanced automation and AI-driven solutions. By leveraging the respective strengths in research resources, testing environments and application scenarios, the two parties aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of the construction process, and achieve breakthrough results in the digital transformation of the construction industry. This cooperation is of great significance in promoting innovative development in the construction field, injecting new momentum into the industry, and contributing to the generation of new high-quality productive forces for society.

PolyU scholar confirms maternal positive mental health correlated to children’s brain development

Pregnancy brings about profound changes, and nurturing positive mental health during this period is crucial for the long-term health and well-being of children. Through scientific investigations on young children, Prof. QIU Anqi, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global Stem Scholar at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), along with her research group, has validated the impact of maternal positive emotions on children’s brain development and function. According to the research conducted by Prof. QIU, girls born to mothers who reported experiencing greater positive mental health during pregnancy showed larger bilateral hippocampi. Increased hippocampal volume is directly related with improvements in memory performance.  Significantly, children of mothers with higher levels of maternal positive mental health demonstrated altered functional connectivity within several neural networks, including the default mode, salience, executive control, amygdala and thalamo-hippocampal networks. These networks link to a wide range of cognitive, emotional, memory-related brain development and functions.  Maternal positive mental health has long-lasting impacts on the brain development of offspring. These impacts are especially pronounced in the brain structures such as the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as functional networks such as the visual, default mode and frontal networks, which are integral to emotion perception and regulation.  Prof. QIU said, “The research findings extend the study of maternal mental health beyond maternal psychopathology, suggesting the importance of promoting positive maternal mental health during pregnancy as a potential protective factor for children’s brain development.” The research provided new evidence that improved maternal positive emotion during pregnancy has the potential to promote the hippocampal development of children. Therefore, maternal positive emotion significantly influences the quality of parenting relationship after delivery, including greater material sensitivity, warmth and responsiveness to the child’s needs, as well as enhanced infant socioeconomical development.  The study used a longitudinal dataset to investigate how positive emotions experienced by mothers during pregnancy affect the brain structure and function of 7.5 years old children. Both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used in the study involving 381 Asian participants in Singapore. The research titled “Maternal positive mental health during pregnancy impacts the hippocampus and functional brain networks in children” was published in Nature Mental Health.  A measure of positive maternal mental health, which includes positive affect and emotional well-being during pregnancy, was developed through confirmatory factor analysis of questionnaires administered at 26–28 weeks. The study findings highlight the importance of delving into a broader spectrum of mental health aspects beyond just illness, advocating for positive emotions among mothers.   “Our research further confirmed the importance of positive mental health and well-being during pregnancy, which is also a key determinant in child brain development,” said Prof. QIU.  Her research areas focus on brain development and the use of artificial intelligence to predict and analyse mental health issues in young people.   

PolyU and ADA SPACE signed a cooperation agreement

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and ADA SPACE Co. Ltd. (ADA SPACE) signed a cooperation framework agreement on 17 July during a signing ceremony on campus. The cooperation framework agreement was signed by Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Dr. Wang Lei, CEO of ADA SPACE. The two parties will explore the possibility of establishing of a joint remote sensing satellite technology laboratory. This cooperation marks a solid step forward in the research and development collaboration between the two parties in the fields of satellite and space computing technology, jointly contributing to national development through scientific research. Representatives from PolyU's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Computing, and the Office of Research and Innovation also attended the signing ceremony. ADA SPACE is a leading AI satellite internet technology company founded by leading talents from satellite internet research institutions and the internet industry. Since its establishment, ADA SPACE has successfully completed 13 space missions and has built a strong foundation in satellite technology and space computing.

PolyU and Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen signed a cooperation agreement

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen signed the Strategic Collaborative Framework Agreement on 11 July. This marked a solid step forward for both parties in the fields of technological and disruptive innovation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. HU Shuiming, Deputy General Manager of Engineering Department of the Institute of Advanced Science Facilities of Shenzhen, signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of the respective parties. The ceremony was witnessed by Ms CAI Ying, Guangming District Party Secretary, Ms YANG Li, Head of the United Front Work Department, Mr YAO Gaoke, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District, Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG stated that by leveraging the facilities of the advanced photon sources in Guangming, it fosters collaborative technological innovation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and also facilitates the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and contribute to making PolyU a globally leading research university. This initiative also aims to inject vitality into the construction of high-level scientific facilities at the PolyU-Shenzhen Industrial Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute). Prof. HU Shuiming highlighted that as a Comprehensive National Science Center of the Greater Bay Area, the joint partnership of experimental stations will enable ultrafast and ultrafine spatiotemporal resolution research in the fields of information materials, nano/quantum materials, and complex biomolecules. The Research Institute is in the stage of the construction of the free-electron laser facility in Shenzhen, aiming to attract more users to participate in its construction to better serve scientific research and industrial applications at large. The PolyU and the Guangming District of Shenzhen have a solid foundation for cooperation. A framework agreement was signed to jointly establish the Research Institute in August 2023. Successive joint efforts would bring new momentum to technological innovation, integrate their respective strengths and facilities, and foster continuous development of the Greater Bay Area on the global stage. Prof. Jianhua HAO, Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of PolyU, Prof. Benny CHEUNG, Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology of PolyU and many others attended the visit and conference. The delegation visited the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology and the PolyU Design Show.

PolyU collaborates with HKI Biotechnology to establish a joint laboratory for biotech innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and HKI Biotechnology (HKI) have collaborated to establish the "PolyU–HuiKang Joint Laboratory for Biotech Innovation" with the signing ceremony held on July 16, 2024. The joint lab will leverage PolyU's expertise in life science and engineering, as well as HKI's strengths in peptide technology and drug development, to drive innovations in target discovery and drug development. Key focus areas for the joint lab include peptide drug discovery, high-throughput screening, and transforming "Human Lysozyme Eye Drops" research into new pharmaceuticals. Through collaborative projects, shared resources, and talent development, the joint lab aims to open up new frontiers in biotechnology, and transform research outcomes into tangible health and wellbeing benefits for the community.

Two PolyU projects awarded RGC Theme-based Research Scheme Funding for sustainable impacts

Two research projects led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have won over HK$100 million funding from the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25 to advance emerging research and innovations important to Hong Kong . PolyU has secured this substantial funding support for its impactful inter-disciplinary research, contributing to Hong Kong’s sustainable development. Prof. TAO, Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology of the School of Fashion and Textiles and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, leads the project “Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices,” which has been awarded funding of HK$62.37 million. Prof. Johan Hoorn, Professor of the School of Design and Department of Computing, leads the project “Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population,” which has received funding of HK$40.89 million. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “Fully demonstrating the University's exceptional interdisciplinary research capabilities, these PolyU projects have wide-ranging application potential and bring tangible benefits to society. PolyU has consistently performed excellently in the Theme-based Research Scheme, supporting our efforts to make important contributions to Hong Kong's long-term development. We will continue to expand innovative and cutting-edge research that enhances wellbeing and leads to a brighter future.” Prof. TAO’s project aims to lead global research in multi-sensory emulation wearable devices, capitalising on PolyU’s exceptional multidisciplinary expertise and facilities in flexible materials, sensors and actuators for the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable and biomedical applications, electronic fabrics, mathematics for artificial intelligence, acoustics and signal processing. This research has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the development of novel fibre-based multi-sensory emulation wearable devices. Ultimately, it also contributes to diverse social and industrial fields, encompassing healthcare, IoT, smart cities, art technology, robotics, education, sports, fashion and textiles, and personal protection. Prof. Hoorn’s project is undertaken to provide psychological support for Hong Kong people, of whom it is estimated 61% experience stress, anxiety, depression or negative moods. It utilises Embedded Large Language Models to train social robots, incorporating localised cultural and personal data. The research aims to bring personalised mental care to individuals who may otherwise be overlooked by the formal medical care system. In addition to the development of social robots and avatars for mobile applications connected to the new HK AI-hub, the project will also develop a new software architecture for distributed computing, scalability and privacy protection. The innovation will benefit the working population of Hong Kong, care professionals, social workers, and AI and robotics developers. It is also planned to establish an online platform for developers of robot and avatar solutions, with a focus on the care domain, as well as also catering to other fields including education, hospitality and entertainment.   PolyU projects funded by the Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25 Project Coordinator Prof. Tao Xiaoming Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology Chair Professor of Textile Technology of the School of Fashion and Textiles Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems Project Title Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices (MSEWDs) Abstract This project aims to emulate the less enhanced yet urgently needed sensations of touch (tactile) and smell (olfactory) through a study of multi-sensory emulation wearable devices (MSEWDs) that reveals their operational mechanisms, and to develop relevant key technologies and applications. First-of-its-kind emulation mechanisms based on fibrous structures and their bionic actuation devices will be developed for delivering mixed scents and tactile sensations. Leveraging AI models to link measured signals obtained by biosensors and algorithms for controlling the bionic emulation devices will offer more immersive experiences.   The target of the MSEWDs include: A device that senses and simulates olfactory sensation by AI-controlled scent-making and dispersion of mixed scents; A fabric tactile emulator that senses and tunes reactive forces and temperature by changing its rigidity, dimension, surface morphology and thermoelectric properties; and A wearable fabric-based acoustic stethoscope that continuously detects the location and intensity of sound generated from human internal organs.   This project has great potential to fundamentally alter metaverse technology and influence industrial fields as diverse as healthcare, IoT, art technology, robotics, sports, fashion, textiles and beyond. Approved Budget* HKD 62.378 million   Project Coordinator Prof. Johan Hoorn Professor of the School of Design and Department of Computing Project Title Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population Abstract This project will develop human-like at-home social robots with embedded large language models, using localised cultural and personal data to provide customised mental health support for the mentally under-served population in Hong Kong. Complementary on-screen avatars for mobile applications will also be delivered. A new software architecture will enable distributed computing, scalability and privacy protection. Training protocols, logic-symbolic AI and design guidelines will be created for novel methods and functionality, evaluated in situ by local communities. This will inform a communication model capable of predicting and recognising signs of stress or low mood and intervening with empathetic dialogue, help-seeking information or professional care referrals.   The long-term goal is to reduce the burden on Hong Kong's formal mental health system while empowering citizens to better self-manage their well-being through accessible AI-driven social support.   The working population, especially care professionals and social workers, stand to benefit, alongside an established online platform for AI and robotics developers in the care domain and open to other fields including education, hospitality, and entertainment. Approved Budget* HKD 40.899 million *RGC provides 90% of the approved budget and the remaining 10% will be provided by the coordinating University.