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PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital partner to establish joint innovation incubation platform advancing medical technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a collaboration agreement with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, to jointly establish the “Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform”. The two institutions will leverage their respective strengths, sharing resources over the next three years to promote the translation and application of medical technology research outcomes. This will help drive innovation and clinical application research in the field and enhance the development and quality of the healthcare industry, enabling patients to enjoy better treatment and service. PolyU is committed to promoting PolyImpact through excellence in education, research and knowledge. Leveraging its innovative inventions, the University also aims to translate research outcomes into practical solutions that benefit society. Focused on developing a new medical and healthcare services platform, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital aspires to promote comprehensive application and improvement of medical products. Witnessed by Dr Lawrence LI, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, and Mr Hei SUN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Qiang CHEN, Vice President of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group. Under this agreement, PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will strengthen their collaboration in accelerating research and clinical application in areas including medical engineering and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and translation in medical technology. To this end, a biomedical technology innovation incubator will be established, whereby Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will consolidate its extensive clinical resources to support PolyU research teams and startups in developing novel medical products, ensuring their application across multiple scenarios. In addition, the two institutions will initiate various clinical application research projects, leveraging PolyU’s robust research capabilities and the clinical experience of Suzhou Kowloon Hospital expert team. Their collaboration aims to facilitate technological enhancements and validate clinical efficacy and safety. PolyU students will be provided with internships, field visits and professional exchange opportunities to enrich their understanding of medical engineering and information technology in clinical practice. Relevant PolyU departments and faculties will also provide professional medical practitioners with tailored study programmes and industry training to foster talent development. Dr Lawrence Li, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU remarked, “PolyU is pleased to collaborate with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital to establish the ‘Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform’, marking another milestone in the University’s research and entrepreneurship development. As the University’s first clinical incubation platform, it not only provides research teams with clinical support, but also enables our startups to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into clinical applications. At PolyU, we are committed to cultivating an innovative entrepreneurial spirit through the PolyVentures ecosystem by offering comprehensive support to startups. This partnership will reinforce this ecosystem and nurture next-generation entrepreneurs.” Mr Hei Sun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group said, “Through this close collaboration, we will create an innovative platform which provides integrated support for R&D, incubation and acceleration to promote knowledge transfer and technological exchange. This is a pioneering initiative that facilitates medical and industrial collaboration for leveraging complementary advantages and synergy. It also provides young entrepreneurs and researchers with an opportunity to showcase their talent, and provides a new engine to help drive technology transfer and industry transformation across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta and the Asia Pacific region more broadly.” Following the signing ceremony, a panel discussion was held with the participation of PolyU academics, experts from Suzhou Kowloon Hospital and representatives from Mainland medical technology companies. Discussion was themed around the topic “Building Collaborative Ecosystems: How Universities, Hospitals and the Healthcare Industry Can Collaborate to Spur Innovation” and addressed some of the challenges faced by the industry, and explored strategies to strengthen organisational cooperation to drive industry growth.

Media interview: PolyU scholar explores the future of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as early as 1956 and has developed rapidly in recent years, mainly driven by advancements in computing and the explosive growth of data. In a recent media interview, Prof. Cao Jiannong, Dean of Graduate School, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things, and Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics, discussed the impact of AI on society and far-reaching implications on employment. He emphasised that although AI will inevitably replace certain jobs, it should be viewed as a "tool" to stimulate the creation of more valuable positions and enhance work efficiency and creativity. AI is not only a technological advancement but also an opportunity for educational reform. The "Diversity at Schools" Project, initiated by PolyU in collaboration with the Jockey Club, utilises the "Data Management Platform" to analyse student performance and develop personalised learning plans. In addition, PolyU requires all students to enrol in AI-related courses under the “AIDA+X initiative”, laying a strong foundation for future AI education. In addressing the AI challenges, Prof. Cao urges the government and society to collaborate in strengthening talent development. Embracing AI with an open mind will ensure Hong Kong remains competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Media interview: PolyU project awarded the funding over HK$62 million

The project “Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices”, led by Prof. Xiaoming TAO, Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Textile Technology of PolyU, has been awarded the funding of HK$62.37 million from the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25. This project has great potential to make significant contributions to the intelligent wearable technology industry and reshape metaverse technology, influencing diverse fields like fashion, textiles and beyond. In the media interview, Prof. TAO highlighted the project goal 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 IoT, wearable and biomedical applications, electronic fabrics, mathematics for artificial intelligence, acoustics and signal processing.

PolyU research propels the future of delivery with transformative drones for low-altitude economy

The emerging low-altitude economy brings unconventional opportunities for urban and economic development, including revolutionising parcel delivery. Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have utilised cutting-edge technology to pioneer the extensive application of unmanned drones in different aspects of life. Parcel delivery has become an integral part of our daily lives. Led by Dr Hailong Huang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering at PolyU, the research group of Autonomous and Interactive Mobile Systems (AIMS), has developed a game-changing "Last-centimeter" project. This initiative aims at enabling drones to autonomously navigate urban environments, and seamlessly deliver parcels directly to customers' balconies. Dr Huang said, "The traditional parcel delivery model tends to be inefficient in time and cost. While leading companies are exploring drone-based last-mile delivery solutions, customers still need to collect their items from designated pick-up locations. By developing several in-house prototypes for express drones and supporting algorithms, we want to advance and truly revolutionise the customer experience." Navigating safely in complex urban settings: At its core is an advanced autonomous navigation algorithm that enables drones to map and localise themselves precisely within complex low-altitude airspaces. By integrating multiple sensor data, including LiDAR, IMU, and camera, the algorithm provides accurate and detailed 3D mapping of the surroundings, effectively overcoming challenges posed by unreliable GNSS near buildings. Enhanced weather resistance: To precisely track the planned path from the distribution centre to a designated balcony, robust control algorithms are employed to further maintain stability and safety in the presence of disturbances like wind and rain. These algorithms continuously monitor the drone’s flight status, making real-time adjustments to counteract the effects of wind gusts and changing conditions. They dynamically adapt control inputs, including thrust, attitude, and control surfaces, to ensure that the drone stays on course and maintains stability. Obstacle avoidance for precise landing: An advanced perception module has developed, incorporating a balcony state estimation algorithm and an obstacle detection algorithm as essential components. The balcony state estimation algorithm allows the drone to land accurately on the balcony, while the obstacle detection algorithm ensures the landing only occurs when the balcony is free of obstacles and people. These developed algorithms have already been integrated with the in-house drone prototype. “We have conducted extensive indoor and outdoor testing, along with on-site demonstrations for the relevant stakeholders,” said Dr Huang. These technologies go beyond parcel delivery. They are at the forefront of shaping the low-altitude economy, an emerging field brimming with the potential to transform urban life and work. The low-altitude economy generally refers to flying activities by manned and unmanned civil aircraft within airspace up to 1,000 metres above ground level. Drone applications mainly cover logistics, agriculture, surveying and mapping, power inspection, safety patrol, emergency rescue and other industries. Dr Huang noted that it is essential to consider airspace regulations and guidelines, infrastructure readiness and public safety to unlock the full potential of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong. The development is optimistic about gradually and systemtically implementing drone deliveries in the New Territories, given the logistics industry’s proven versatility for many potential applications. Dr Huang said, "The low-altitude economy presents vast opportunities for diverse industries with extensive applications, surpassing ground transportation in dimension and potential. We aim to tackle technical challenges to realise this innovative future."

PolyU scientists awarded NSFC’s Distinguished Young Scholars and Excellent Young Scientists, numerous young scholars honored

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received significant support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), with a total of 48 research projects funded this year. This includes 2 projects under the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, 4 projects under the Excellent Young Scientists Fund, 5 projects under the General Program, and 37 projects under the Young Scientist Fund. The two PolyU research projects selected by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in foundational research, which are at the frontiers of global science and address the significant needs of the nation. The two awarded projects cover mathematics and management science disciplines. A project from the Department of Applied Physics aims to develop neuromorphic computing devices for the efficient processing of complex visual information to promote the development of the national information industry. The other project from the Department of Management and Marketing focuses on underlying mechanisms and implications on managerial decision-making and policy-making recommendations for consumer cognition and behaviour in the new era, including exploring the "marketing interactions", such as interactions among individuals and between humans and machines. PolyU has made significant strides this year in Excellent Young Scientists Fund. Young scholars from the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the Department of Applied Mathematics, and the Department of Applied Physics have led four research projects that tackle technical challenges in the fields of management science, human-machine collaborative manufacturing, numerical analysis, and materials science. These projects aim to provide strategies for enhancing the reliability of the supply chain, construct efficient numerical discretisation schemes for typical inverse problems of partial differential equations, enhance the perception and flexible task planning of mutual cognitive human-robot collaborative manufacturing systems, and develop novel optoelectronic hybrid materials. The research outcomes are expected to be widely applicable across various industries, spearheading innovative and practical development initiatives. The outstanding research capabilities of PolyU’s young scientists have been consistently recognised by the Young Scientist Fund, with a total of 37 young scholars selected, leading the performance among local institutions. Their research spans a wide range of fields. They come from the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Construction and Environment, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the School of Design, and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. Among these, 16 research projects were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU. Additionally, there are 5 projects supported by the General Program, including topics that will explore such as multi-source maritime spatiotemporal big data in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and influencing factors and mechanisms of micro, small and medium Tourism Enterprises’ survival and resilience in the VUCA Environment. As an extension of PolyU in Shenzhen, the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU houses over ten laboratories and research platforms, undertaking research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments as well as industry partners.

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

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

PolyU project enhances autonomous driving safety supported by Smart Traffic Fund

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

PolyU and Xiaomi Group signed a cooperation agreement

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

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

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

PolyU participates in SmartHK to explore new opportunities for cooperation

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