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Three PolyU scholars awarded under national key programme and 52 young scientists honoured by NSFC

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received outstanding support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for the year 2023. Three research projects have been awarded under the NSFC’s Key Programme, eight research projects under the General Programme, while two research projects led by young scholars have been bestowed the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau). Additionally, 50 researchers have been awarded the Young Scientists Fund. PolyU's young scientists and innovators have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to innovation and the advancement of scientific research. The unprecedented number of awardees and research projects affirms PolyU's commitment to nurturing research talents. PolyU takes pride in its top-class researchers and will continue to contribute to the technological and societal development of Hong Kong and the Nation. The Key Programme award offered by the NSFC aims to support scientists engaged in research with a sound basis. The three awarded research projects are “Detection of underground water pipe leakage based on multi-temporal PollnSAR technology” led by Prof. Xiaoli DING, Chair Professor of Geomatics; “Flow boiling technology under extremely high-temperature environment: from fundamental mechanisms to vital materials” led by Prof. Zhankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); and “Low-carbon smart operation of integrated energy system considering multi-energy flow trading mechanism, interaction model and decision-making algorithm under complex time-space coupling environment” led by Prof. Zhao XU, Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The three research projects have received total funding support of RMB 6.18 million. These esteemed scientists from PolyU possess extensive research experience and profound academic expertise. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted that PolyU researchers have been awarded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Our scientific research prowess has been acknowledged, and we take immense pride in this accomplishment. PolyU remains dedicated to fostering a new generation of scientific researchers, attaining impactful scientific research outcomes, and fostering the advancement of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” The Excellent Young Scientists Fund aims to support young scholars who have made significant achievements in fundamental research, enabling them to pursue innovative research and development. Each awardee will receive funding of RMB 2 million to support their scientific research projects in Hong Kong for a period of three years. PolyU’s scholars have been recognised by the NSFC for their cutting-edge research projects. The two awardees of the Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) are Dr Xinyan HUANG, Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Dr Kathy K. LENG, Assistant Professor of Department of Applied Physics. Dr Huang’s awarded research project is titled “Smouldering Wildfire.” The smouldering combustion of decomposed plant litter and organic soils is the largest combustion and fire phenomenon on Earth, resulting in tremendous economic losses, regional haze events and ecological damage. This multi-disciplinary research project, investigating combustion, safety, ecology and geology, aims to control and reduce mega-scale smouldering wildfires. The research project not only provides scientific guidelines to help reduce carbon emissions from smouldering wildfires but also helps reduce the hazards of wildfires in the Belt-and-Road countries, thereby promoting China as a leader in fighting against global climate change. Dr Leng’s awarded research project is titled “Molecularly Thin 2D Hybrid Perovskite and Innovative Devices.” Molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites are a new class of 2D materials characterised by high structural flexibility and interesting optoelectronic properties. The ability to tune the responses of such materials by external stimuli enables applications in intelligent and functional devices. They also serve as new platforms for fundamental physics studies. Dr Leng has published a series of original works in this frontier area, and she will continue her research on the large-scale growth and device applications of these materials. The outstanding scientific research capabilities of PolyU's young scientists have been highly recognised. A total of 50 young researchers of PolyU have been awarded the Young Scientists Fund which aims to inspire innovative thinking among young scholars to nurture research talent for scientific and technological advancement. These young PolyU researchers come from various faculties and schools including the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Construction and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, School of Fashion and Textiles, and School of Hotel and Tourism Management. They cover a wide range of research areas. Thirteen of the awarded research projects were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU, which serves as an extended campus base of PolyU and is equipped with research units and laboratories.

PolyU secures funding for 27 Projects from the Health and Medical Research Fund for promising healthcare solutions

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received total funding support of HK$25.1 million for 27 projects from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) in its 2021 funding exercise, signifying an increase in both the number of projects and total amount awarded.  The PolyU projects that received awards represent a broad spectrum of disciplines in which the University excels, including biology and chemical technology, health technology, nursing care, optometry, rehabilitation sciences, linguistics and the social sciences.  Researchers from the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science and School of Design are among those awarded funding to develop innovative and impactful solutions, aiming at enhancing the quality of medical and mental healthcare.  Their ground-breaking research addresses pressing health issues and offer innovative solutions that benefit individuals across all age groups. The projects cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including cognitive and physical training for older adults, early detection of postpartum depression, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Parkinson’s disease, autism disorder and system-biology analytics for schizophrenia. Other projects focus on advancing medical progress in critical disease in areas such as liver cancer radiotherapy and palliative care.  In the field of eye health, projects encompass myopia control, development of an anti-glaucoma agent and development of drugs for antibiotic and infection treatment. Moreover, specific projects aim to support caregivers by enhancing their mental health care services while also meeting the needs of patients. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “The funded projects showcase PolyU’s prowess in impactful research, leveraging the University’s strength in interdisciplinary studies. These 27 studies encompass diverse medical and mental facets of human needs, spanning from diagnosis to treatment, prevention, recovery, and both physical and psychological care. This unique breadth of expertise highlights the University’s longstanding excellence in these fields.”  Effective clinical diagnosis and analysis Effective clinical diagnosis and analysis have been advanced through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as deep learning and machine learning. Professor Weixong ZHANG, Chair Professor of Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics at the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, leads the project “Subtyping and Diagnosis of Schizophrenia by Systems-biology Analytics.” AI technologies are used to integrate genomic and neuroimaging data to understand disease etiology and subtypes of schizophrenia for personalised medicine. Accurate measurement of tumour motion and volume for better radiotherapy planning is initiated in the project “Investigation of a Deep Learning-empowered 4D multi-parametric MRI (4D-mpMRI) Technique for Liver Cancer Radiotherapy in a Prospective Clinical Trial.” Led by Dr Tian LI, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the project aims to enhance the image quality and clinical efficacy of 4D-mpMRI radiotherapy technique.  Physical and mental wellbeing management  Technology plays a crucial role in rehabilitation management. Autism spectrum disorder remains a highly disabling condition with no cure. Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has shown promise as a treatment to reduce core symptoms in patients with autism. Dr Yvonne Ming Yee HAN, Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences leads the project “Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation on Cognitive and Social Impairments in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” The project aims to study the long-term efficacy of tDCS for improving the cognitive and social functions of individuals with autism.  Online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) education can improve mental wellbeing of teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and their parents. Dr Yu Lok WONG, Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences leads the project “Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Versus Active Controls in Improving Psychological Functions of Parents and Children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial” which aims to identify the benefits of ACT. Creative technologies have been applied to enhance the efficacy of physical and mental treatment in both clinical and community settings. Dr Shanshan WANG, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Nursing, leads the project “Effects of e-bibliotherapy on the Psychological Wellbeing of Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” An e-bibliotherapy app/manual has been developed to improve the psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life for caregivers.  Integration of the traditional exercise Qigong and VR-based training is introduced in the project “A VR-based Real-time Interactive Tutoring System for Qigong Training among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Familial Caregivers: A Feasibility Study.” The project is led by Dr Hailiang WANG, Assistant Professor of the School of Design, and aims to design an innovative VR-based Qigong exercise platform for older adults to delay the progressive course of dementia.  Infection management and antibiotic drug development The management of infections and development of antibiotic drugs have long been important areas of focus in medicine. Prof. Sheng CHEN, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology leads the project “Development of Bithionol Analogues as β-Lactamase Inhibitor for Clinical Treatment of Infections Caused by Enterobacteriaceae Strains Carrying Class B1 Metallo-β-Lactamases.” The objective of this project is to develop drug candidates for the treatment of infections. Dr Wing Leung WONG, Assistant Professor of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, leads the project “Investigation of Unnatural Amino Acid-based Diseleno Derivatives as the Target-specific Covalent Inhibitor of New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1).” The aim of this project is to combat antibiotic resistance in bacteria, particularly superbugs.  Preventive measures in optometry Research in primary eye care is of fundamental importance in protecting vision and preventing eye-related disease in the long-term. Dr Chi- wai DO, Associate Professor of the School of Optometry leads the project “Characterization of Baicalein, a Natural Molecule, as Anti-glaucoma Agent.” The project is conducting research on baicalein, a natural molecule, to examine its therapeutic significance in treating glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye disease.  Focusing on myopia control in school-children, Dr Ka Man CHUN, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry leads the project “Combination Effect of Optical Defocus and Low Dose Atropine in Myopia Control – A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The project combines optical and pharmaceutical intervention to control the progression of myopia in schoolchildren.  About HMRF  The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) was established by the Health Bureau in 2011. It aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the health system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through the generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge in health and medicine. In addition to health and medical research, the HMRF also provides support for health promotion projects, research infrastructure and research capacity building initiatives.  Click here for details of the 27 funded projects.    

Exploration for New Catalysts Dedicated to a Green Environment

While challenging, research for promising catalysts using effective methods has an immense impact on the environment.  Human activities and the burning of fossil fuels result in carbon emissions, which release significant greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. Achieving carbon neutrality is critical in combating the climate crisis. Dr Bolong HUANG, Associate Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is dedicated to research in catalysis for the development of new catalyst materials that support sustainable energy supply and conversion technologies, aligning with the global vision of protecting the environment. Ever since the discovery of catalysts 200 years ago, they have become a significant area of research in modern times due to their ability to alter reaction path and accelerate the reaction with lower activation energy towards desired products. Even small quantities of catalysts can have a significant impact. Nowadays, catalysts are indispensable in over 90% of the chemical industry, influencing every aspect of our lives, including oil refining, plastics production, fertiliser manufacturing, medicine development, and energy supply.    Advanced cross-disciplinary research Research in catalysis spans multiple disciplines, encompassing physics, chemistry, biology, and materials sciences. As catalysis involves both chemical reactions and physical processes, solid knowledge across scientific fields is pivotal for designing novel catalysts with high performance.  In catalysis research, Dr HUANG has applied theoretical calculations and machine learning techniques to develop novel catalysts for important chemical reactions in sustainable development. These include water-splitting hydrogen (H2) generation, oxygen reduction and evolution for fuel cells and metal-air batteries, and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction for controlling carbon emission. Dr HUANG said, “My theoretical calculations not only accelerate the discovery of novel catalysts but also gain crucial insights into fundamental reaction mechanisms. I am driven to pursue catalysis research to identify more novel functional materials that can be applied in sustainable developments.”   The quest for effective catalysts Focusing on designing novel catalysts and investigating catalysis mechanisms for various chemical reactions, Dr HUANG’s studies have garnered high citations worldwide, all driven by the ultimate goal of fostering a sustainable future. Throughout the research journey, Dr HUANG said major challenges revolve around identifying the most suitable catalysts and developing effective methods. Due to the diverse range of catalysts in terms of morphologies, composition, activity, and stability, the quest for the most effective and robust catalyst for a specific application requires extensive efforts in the trial-and-error process. By combining theoretical calculations and machine learning techniques, Dr HUANG’s team accomplishes a comprehensive screening of single-atom catalysts across the periodic table. This approach allows them to identify the most suitable candidates to generate different high-value chemicals from CO2. The research titled “Accelerating atomic catalyst discovery by theoretical calculations-machine learning strategy” was published in Advanced Energy Materials in February 2020. The highly cited study presents crucial guidelines for experimental catalyst design and synthesis from two independent theoretical perspectives: density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML) to achieve parallel explorations. The proposed advanced research strategy demonstrates the significant potential of atomic catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation. Dr HUANG said, “My research satisfaction stems from the fact that my works can inspire more researchers and influential scientists in this field, in which all researches together accelerate the developments of advanced catalyst research for sustainable energy technologies.”  For research on CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) toward the generation of C2 products (e.g. ethanol, ethylene, acetic acid), there has been the challenge of developing efficient and stable atomic catalysts to achieve high faradaic efficiency and selectivity, which are desirable for broad industrial applications due to their high value and energy density.  Dr HUANG’s research, “Double-dependence correlations in graphdiyne-supported atomic catalysts to promote CO2RR toward the Generation of C2 Products,” provides an advanced understanding of the complicated CO2RR mechanisms, which is expected to aid the development of novel atomic catalysis for efficient C2 products generation. The research was published in Advanced Energy Materials in December 2022. This highly cited work provides valuable insights and references for screening and predicting efficient atomic catalysts to overcome the current bottleneck in achieving efficient conversion from CO2 to high-value-added C2 products.   Staying focused Creating sustainable energy harvesting and conversion systems is crucial in addressing both the energy crisis and pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels. To achieve this, novel catalysts have been developed to accelerate electrochemical reactions such as hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution/reduction reactions for sustainable energy systems such as fuel cells and water-electrolyser. Meanwhile, applying advanced catalysts in CO2RR systems also supplies promising solutions for reducing carbon emissions towards carbon neutrality. Therefore, developing advanced and efficient catalysts are still one of the most important research topics for sustainable energy technologies.  Dr HUANG said, “A highly cited researcher must have an unwavering focus on the core interest and devote great efforts to solve key challenges in related fields.” Despite encountering numerous ups and downs throughout the research journey, Dr HUANG acknowledges these experiences and inspiration are critical for reaching impactful and meaningful research outputs in the future.  Looking ahead, Dr HUANG is committed to leveraging his expertise and experiences in theoretical calculations to design more advanced catalysts. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of technology for sustainable development.  Research Interests: Theoretical calculations of electronic structures on nanomaterials, energy materials, solid functional materials, and rare earth materials, as well as their applications in multi-scale energy conversion and supply systems.  Highly Cited Researcher: 2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: B. Huang, M. Sun, H. H. Wong, T. Wu, et. al., Double-dependence Correlations in Graphdiyne-supported Atomic Catalysts to Promote CO2RR towards the Generation of C2 Products, Advanced Energy Materials, 13, 2023.  B. Huang, M. Sun, H. H. Wong, T. Wu, et. al., Stepping Out of Transition Metals: Activating the Dual Atomic Catalyst through Main Group Elements, Advanced Energy Materials, 11, 2021. B. Huang, M. Sun, A. W. Dougherty, Y. Li, et. al., Accelerating the atomic catalyst discovery by theoretical calculations-machine learning strategy, Advanced Energy Materials, 10, 2020. Download Version

PolyU researchers unveil liquid metal microelectrodes with soft, stretchable and permeable properties to be used for implantable bioelectronic devices

Electronic devices that can be attached to the skin or even implanted in the body will become more and more prevalent in near-future technology. Such “implantable bioelectronics” are envisaged as having a wide range of uses from medical technology to the emerging field of augmented reality, and a research team led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a type of microelectrode that is uniquely suited to devices of this kind. A pioneering study entitled “Wafer-patterned, permeable, and stretchable liquid metal microelectrodes for implantable bioelectronics with chronic biocompatibility”, was recently published in Science Advances. Compared with conventional electronics, materials used for wearable or implantable bio-electronic technology require specific properties that are difficult to bring together. They must be stretchable, soft and permeable enough to survive in the human body without causing discomfort or harm to the user. Meanwhile, like everyday household devices, bioelectronics still depend on electrodes that are highly electrically conductive and can be patterned into microscale circuitry. Led by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the interdisciplinary research team comprises members from PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), as well as from City University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering. The team have overcome several technical limitations to advance the field of wearable technology and invented a method of producing unprecedentedly soft, stretchable and permeable electrodes for implantable bioelectronics. The key step in the fabrication process is the electrospinning of a fibrous polymer onto silver (Ag) micropatterns, resulting in an array of liquid metal microelectrodes (μLMEs) that can be patterned at ultrahigh density – up to 75,500 electrodes per square centimetre, thousands of times higher than previously achieved – and that have long-term biocompatibility. The μLMEs can be comfortably worn on human skin, while a specific application in animal brain monitoring has also been demonstrated. Previously, biocompatible electronics were fabricated on porous elastomers, but the porosity and roughness of these substrates limit the patterning resolution and hence the electrode density. By depositing electronic circuitry onto fibrous polymer substrates through the technique of photolithography, the team successfully overcame this obstacle, achieving μLMEs with tissue-like softness, high conductance under severe strain and long-term biocompatibility. A liquid metal alloy known as eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) was used as the conductive component of the μLMEs, as it has a low melting temperature and retains its conductivity under extreme strain, while being soft and highly biocompatible. The fabrication process involves depositing circuitry patterns comprising EGaIn onto an electrospun, a permeable “fibre mat” of the polymer poly (styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene). This created soft, stretchable electronics that can be comfortably worn and implanted. The concept of a super-elastic fibre mat was first developed by Prof. Zheng’s team in 2021, and is now adopted in the newly developed μLMEs to guarantee a complete photolithographic transfer of the electrode micropatterns from the Ag template, in contrast to the partial transfer achieved when using impermeable substrates. Apart from being soft, liquid-permeable and air-permeable, μLMEs are also highly stretchable, and their electrical resistance increases only slightly after repeated cycles of stretching and release under high strain. When attached to human skin, an electronic patch fabricated from μLMEs leaves only trace or even no residues after being subjected to pressure. This is a promising property for wearable electronics, for which there is expected to be a huge market with applications in physiological monitoring, medical diagnosis and interactive technology. Most notably, the softness and stretchability of the μLMEs also make them ideal for implantation at the neural interface for brain monitoring. The team synthesised an array of μLMEs with a small electrode diameter and high channel density to serve as an electrocorticography signal receiver in a rat brain. With similar mechanical properties to brain tissue, the μLMEs attached closely to the cortical surface and accurately recorded neural signals in vivo. When the sleeping rat sent out discernible brain waves typical of non-REM sleep, the μLME array reliably detected somatosensory evoked potentials in response to electrical stimuli applied to different parts of its body. As Associate Director of RI-IWEAR and Lead Investigator at RISE, Prof. Zheng stated, “Thanks to the combination of photolithography and soft, permeable SBS fibre mats, microelectrodes with unprecedented resolution and biocompatibility are realised. The technological advancement in medical and augmented reality fields can be pushed forward by these μLMEs, which overcome previous technical limitations to the fabrication of bioelectronics.” Receiving funding from the Research Grants Council’s Senior Research Fellow Scheme, PolyU, City University of Hong Kong, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and InnoHK, the research team intends to build on their accomplishments by increasing the patterning resolution of μLMEs.

PolyU showcased innovations, signed collaborative agreement at the Jiangsu Industry-University-Research exchange conference

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the 2nd Jiangsu Conference for Industry-University-Research Cooperation and Exchange held in Nanjing, where it showcased its innovations and engaged in valuable exchange activities.  Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU led a delegation of PolyU scholars to attend the event and other exchange programmes in Nanjing. The conference, organised by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology and co-organized by the Productivity Centre of Jiangsu Province, aimed to foster research, technology transfer and entrepreneurship promotion.  PolyU has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Productivity Centre of Jiangsu Province to enhance research and technology collaborations between the University and industries in Jiangsu. By fostering increased exchange and cooperation, the university endeavors to apply its impactful research to address the needs of industries and society at large.  Prof. CHAO, said, “PolyU recognises the significant value of research applications. Our efforts have been focused on fostering collaboration between our university researchers and industries, with the development of joint research projects, technology transfer and laboratories.”  The University’s active engagement in this cooperation and exchange conference demonstrated the strengthening the channels of collaboration between PolyU and Jiangsu province. The agreement itself stands as a key development for enhancing cooperation between academia and industries.  The Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) was jointly established by Nanjing University, PolyU and the University of Macau in 2021. The JHMUA aimed to leverage the advantages of institutions in Jiangsu Province, Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen exchange and collaboration in areas such as talent cultivation and research in innovation and technology.

20 Postdoc Fellows Admitted to PolyU under Hong Kong Scholars Program 2023 – the Most Among Local Universities

In the 2023 Hong Kong Scholars Program, 60 high-quality postdoctoral fellows were selected from leading universities in Mainland China. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has admitted 20 of them, representing the largest share of recruitment among the participating Hong Kong universities in the programme. PolyU has been the top choice for fellows for the thirteenth consecutive year since the programme’s inception in 2011. This 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, particularly in experimental science and engineering disciplines. The selected fellows are required to be present in Hong Kong on or before 28 February 2024 to commence their research work with their supervisors. 20 academics of PolyU will serve as supervisors to nurture the selected fellows throughout a  twoyear period, facilitating their high-level research endeavors. The research projects cover various areas, including applied mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, building and real estate, civil and environmental engineering, fashion and textiles, etc. Please click here to access the list of PolyU scholars and their respective projects. 

PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveilied First research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government held a signing cum unveiling ceremony on 2 September at which the jointly established PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute), based in Jinjiang, was officially inaugurated. This marks a significant achievement in promoting deeper cooperation between Fujian and Hong Kong, as well as a key step by both the University and the City towards creating a better future together. Over 200 guests attended the event, including Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Mr LIN Ruiliang, Vice Governor of Fujian Province; Mr ZHANG Yigong, Communist Party Secretary of Quanzhou City; Mr LIU Lianghui, Secretary of the Party Group of the Federation of Taiwan Compatriots of Fujian Province; Mr WU Weiping, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Education Bureau; Mr HUANG Shu, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Bureau; Mr ZHOU Xiaohua, Secretary General of Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee; Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City; Mr SU Gengchong, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government; Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government; together with representatives from PolyU, leaders from various levels in Quanzhou and Jinjiang, and representatives from leading local enterprises. As the first research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area, the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute serves to integrate various forms of collaboration including collaborative research, academic exchange, joint training and technology transfer. It will leverage innovative local and international resources, mainly focusing on textile technology, future food, microelectronics, and innovation and technology policy. The Research Institute aims to nurture outstanding engineers and high-quality innovative entrepreneurial talents who are technology application-oriented, and strives to become a hub of technology innovation and attract a cluster of emerging industries helping to shape the future and foster global connections. Dr Lam Tai-fai in his speech stated that technology and innovation are the key forces to drive the development of a society. Jinjiang is a city renowned for its famous Chinese brands and remarkable advancements in technology, economy, culture and art. As a world-class research university, PolyU will take Jinjiang as a starting point to support its technological innovation and strengthen technical cooperation in the areas of textiles, smart manufacturing, integrated circuits and sustainable technology. The University will also promote the transformation and application of technological achievement, contributing to the “Jinjiang Experience” of innovation and development in Jinjiang, Quanzhou and Fujian. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that it was his first visit to Jinjiang and he had the opportunity to visit numerous enterprises, leaving him impressed by their “high quality and brand creation”, which are prominent features of Jinjiang's economic and social development. With a strength in basic research and innovation entrepreneurship, PolyU is dedicated not only to producing world-class scientific research, but also to making a positive impact on socio-economic development. Jinjiang's solid and robust industrial foundation provides an excellent platform for PolyU and he believes that the University can become a strong driving force in promoting the development of Jinjiang's science and technology industry, leading to mutual benefits. Mr Zhang Wenxian shared his view that education, technology and talent provide foundational and strategic support for building a modern socialist country, and are also crucial for the high-quality development of the private sector economy. He sincerely hopes that through the platform of the Research Institute the University and the City can deepen their collaboration in the integration of government, industry, academia and research. This will promote deep integration of innovation, industrial, financial and talent chains, and co-create a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong. The Jinjiang Municipal Party Committee and Government are committed to seizing this opportunity to collaborate, concentrate efforts, aggregate resources and integrate policies. They will join hands with PolyU to focus on industry and strive for innovation and for developing the “Jinjiang Experience”, with the PolyU spirit of “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” shining brightly in Jinjiang’s new era. Apart from the signing and unveiling ceremony, key representatives from the Research Institute introduced research developments and work plans related to textile technology, future food, microelectronics, innovation and technology policy, to local government representatives, research institutions and enterprises. Officials from the Jinjiang Municipal People's Government visited PolyU for the first time after the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland early this year. Since then, the two parties have maintained close contact and had frequent interactions, reaching consensus and establishing the Research Institute in six months, demonstrating their strong commitment and a high level of efficiency. PolyU hopes to deepen cooperation with local enterprises in Jinjiang through the Research Institute, promote research and help to transform core technologies, in time expanding from Jinjiang to Quanzhou and the entire province. The University also aims to strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration between Fujian and Hong Kong, build a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong, and cultivate innovative and entrepreneurial talents with advanced technological knowledge and global vision.

Drawing inspiration from nature to advance established scientific knowledge

Conducting research is a prolonged voyage that demands a constant source of motivation and a discerning attitude towards novel perspectives.   Having a sharp eye for new knowledge is crucial to overcoming the limits and challenges of scientific research. Through a small droplet, Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering in Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has made groundbreaking discoveries for the world. The remarkable discovery has enabled the development of new materials that reduce the contact time between drops and surfaces, leading to revolutionary advancements in scientific knowledge and practical applications. His highly cited research has been instrumental in driving these changes.   Highly cited in surface and interface science Prof. WANG’s research has addressed a number of scientific problems that remained unsolved for centuries. Nature is a major source of research inspiration. Many biological systems coordinate different principles to process and manage information, materials and energy while utilising minimal resources with high efficiency.  “Nature never ceases to enlighten and inspire me,” said Prof. WANG. His primary motivation is to challenge the century-old conventional perceptions and explore their limits with curiosity.  “Many nature’s phenomena, ranging from the self-assembly of natural materials and their response to external stimuli to the intriguing directional flow of liquids on materials, can be explained by sophisticated surface topographical mechanisms,” he said.  Prof. WANG’s research interests focus on seeking, unravelling, and conceptualising the power of evolved surface topographical mechanisms. He then applies these insights to design nature-inspired surfaces that dynamically change their interfacial and transport properties, such as wetting, adhesion, and thermal-fluid transport, for water-energy nexus and healthcare applications.    Pioneering novel directions  According to classical studies, droplets that hit the surface of a lotus leaf surface would spread out, recoil, and then bounce up. Breaking the physical limit that governs the contact time was very challenging. The development of lotus-leaf-inspired materials by Prof. WANG and his team has led to the discovery of the intriguing “pancake bouncing” phenomenon.  The research, “Pancake bouncing on superhydrophobic surfaces,” was published in Nature Physics in 2014. The study demonstrated that the pancake bouncing results from the rectification of capillary energy stored in the penetrated liquid into an upward motion adequate to lift the drop.1 Significantly, the finding is characterised by droplets bouncing off the materials in a pancake shape with a remarkably shortest contact time, resulting in up to an 80% reduction. This outstanding achievement was also officially recognised by Guinness World Records. These insights have contributed to the development of several cutting-edge applications, such as power generation, radiation cooling, thermal cooling, anti-icing and soft robotics.  Finding an efficient method for cooling hot surfaces has been a persistent challenge within thermal engineering and materials science. Prof. WANG’s research, “Inhibiting the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C for sustained thermal cooling,” published in Nature in 2022, uncovered the structured thermal armour (STA). The strategy holds the potential to implement efficient water cooling at ultra-high solid temperatures, which is an uncharted property.2 The study has constructed a multitextured material capable of resisting temperatures up to approximately 1,200°C, fundamentally addressing the challenges presented by the Leidenfrost effect since 1756. This breakthrough has opened up many promising applications, particularly in aero and space engines, data centres, and nuclear power plants. Seeing the big from the small  Prof. WANG shared the story of a groundbreaking discovery that originated from a leaf one of his students stumbled upon during a visit to Ocean Park. Although unimpressive at first glimpse, upon thorough and meticulous examination, they discovered that the phenomenon observed in the leaf could potentially challenge a two-century-old scientific understanding. This led to the publication of their novel findings in Science in 2021 under the title “Three-dimensional capillary ratchet-induced liquid directional steering.”   The team’s research uncovered that the spreading direction of liquids with different surface tensions could be tailored by designing 3D capillary ratchets that create an asymmetric and 3D spreading profile both in and out of the surface plane.3 Prof. WANG said, “I always encourage my students to be proactive, passionate and persistent. Sometimes, a small idea and experiment can be a life-changing turning point that opens up a vast world of possibilities.” With his micro-insights into the world, Prof. WANG’s research has made significant breakthroughs in various disciplines by addressing critical scientific questions and overcoming long-standing technological challenges. Prof. WANG shared his research journey and wondered, “Who would have thought that these impactful scientific achievements would emerge from a 9.6 square meter lab with just a single desk?” Prof. WANG considers the worldwide recognition of his research as a testament to his team’s and students’ dedication.  “Achieving such recognition is not easy, but it serves as a source of motivation for us to push beyond boundaries and achieve more breakthroughs. Challenges are always there, and the path to success is full of ups and downs. However, precisely because of these difficulties, the light of reaching the destination shines even brighter.” Like one of his translational research projects, in which one impacting droplet could instantly illuminate a light bulb4, Prof. WANG is convinced that microscopic discoveries could make a powerful impact on the macroscopic level.  Prof. WANG expressed his optimism about the future, “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bridge the gap between fundamental research and large-scale applications. We will continue on this path by not only answering important scientific questions but also addressing grand challenges that lie ahead.”   Research Interests: Nature-inspired Surfaces and Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Energy Harvesting, Fluid Dynamics, Soft Matter Highly Cited Researcher: 2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: Z. Wang, Y. Liu, L. Moevius, X. Xu, et.al., Pancake bouncing on superhydrophobic surfaces, Nature Physics, vol 10, Jul 2014 Z. Wang, M. Jiang, Y. Wang, F. Liu, et.al., Inhibiting the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000 °C for sustained thermal cooling, Nature, vol 601, Jan 2022 Z. Wang, S. Feng, P. Zhu, H. Zheng, et.al., Three-dimensional capillary ratchet-induced liquid directional steering, Science, vol 373, Sep 2021 Z. Wang, W. Xu, H. Zheng, Y. Liu et.al., A droplet-based electricity generator with high instantaneous power density, Nature, vol 578, Feb 2020 Download Version

PolyU and Guangming District Government to establish joint industrial technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Guangming District Government, Shenzhen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish the PolyU-Shenzhen Industrial Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute), aimed at strengthening and facilitating the exchange of pedagogy, technology and talent between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. PolyU is the first Hong Kong higher education institution to achieve a strategic partnership with Guangming District Government. The University envisions effective collaboration in industry, academia and research, leveraging the advantages of PolyU's scientific talents and innovative research technologies, and attracting more high-quality Hong Kong enterprises and researchers to the region. The collaboration will involve PolyU faculty members, students and alumni engaging in scientific research, exchanging ideas and starting businesses in Shenzhen. The MoU was signed on 28 August at the Guangming Science City in Shenzhen. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, Prof. Kwok-Yin WONG, Vice President (Education), and Prof. CHOW Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, as well as Ms CAI Ying, Guangming District Party Secretary, Mr QIU Haohang, District Mayor, and Ms Yang LI, Head of the United Front Work Department, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr YAO Gaoke, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District. In his speech, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG explained that PolyU is an innovative and research-oriented university with unique strengths in fundamental research and innovation entrepreneurship. The Research Institute will closely integrate with the development characteristics and planning of Shenzhen and Guangming District. The Research Institute will leverage the University’s strengths in scientific research, target cutting-edge scientific issues, focus on innovation, and make producing significant scientific research outcomes a core objective. Alongside the construction and operation of major technological infrastructure in Guangming Science City, the Research Institute will actively promote the transfer and transformation of relevant technological achievements, contributing to the Nation's achievement of high-level technological self-reliance and strength. Representatives of Guangming District stated that through this collaboration with PolyU, they will fully utilise PolyU’s advantage as a “super connector”, who plays a leading role in supporting technological innovation and industrial development through its strong disciplinary strengths and national key laboratories. By integrating the resource advantages of both parties, the aim is to build an internationally leading high-end research platform in the fields of life sciences and high-end manufacturing, creating an innovative community that brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. According to the MoU, the collaboration encourages and assists young faculty and alumnus from PolyU to start businesses in Guangming District, while establishing a sustainable development base for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, it also aims to cultivate future industry leaders with innovative drive and advanced experience in scientific and technological research and development, making substantive contributions to the construction of a high-level talent aggregation area in the Greater Bay Area. Through the platform of the Research Institute, both parties will further promote the deep integration of innovation, industry, funding and talent, deepening technological innovation cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and advancing the goal of high-quality development in the Greater Bay Area.

PolyU receives staunch support from HKATG to advance satellite technologies for navigation and communication

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding last month to explore opportunities for collaboration in satellite navigation and communication, satellite remote sensing, payload development and strengthening exchanges among industry, academia and research sectors. Under this collaborative framework, and to promote the development of advanced concepts and technologies such as smart cities and urban air mobility, HKATG will provide PolyU with conventional optical remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar observation data in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. It will also provide low-Earth orbit satellite payload space, payload testing, and low-Earth orbit satellite measurement and control services for research and education purposes. In addition, HKATG has generously donated to PolyU the naming rights of a multispectral optical remote sensing satellite, which is expected to launch in 2024. The total estimated value of this in-kind donation is HK$20 million (including data and equipment). To express its sincere gratitude for HKATG’s generous support, PolyU held an appreciation ceremony yesterday (23 August), attended by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Dr Daniel YIP, Non-executive Director, HKATG; Dr Michael HU, Vice President and Technology Strategy Director, HKATG; and interdisciplinary experts from PolyU’s Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering. These experts specialise in areas relating to satellite applications, control, analysis of remote sensing data, big data and artificial intelligence analysis. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President said, “As the only university in Hong Kong that has taken part in the Nation’s space missions, PolyU has extensive experience in technological research and development in aerospace technology and satellite navigation. Today’s Ceremony demonstrates the robust partnership between PolyU and HKATG, driven by our shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. HKATG’s generosity will undoubtedly empower our faculty members to further strive for excellence in education and research, nurture future aerospace-related professionals, address societal needs through research innovation, and contribute to the Nation.” Dr Daniel Yip said, “HKATG is pleased to partner with PolyU. Our collaboration will help nurture future talent for the development of new industries and the advancement of aerospace technology in Hong Kong. The Group looks forward to long-standing cooperation with PolyU. Leveraging the University’s extensive pool of research experts and training resources, we will continue to strengthen the talent supply chain and improve product design and quality. This will help power the transformation and upgrading of Hong Kong’s future industries.” To promote the development of smart cities, PolyU has been committed to remote sensing-related research for many years. High-resolution optical satellites can assist remote sensing research projects related to multispectral features including carbon neutrality research, tree health monitoring, land cover classification, marine water quality monitoring and research on urban surface characteristics. The multispectral optical satellite, expected to be launched next year, will be able to provide more frequent and higher resolution satellite data, promoting research and environment-related applications. PolyU researchers will explore using the Golden Bauhinia Constellation low-orbit satellites to enhance navigation services and carry developed navigation payloads in future low-orbit satellites.