PolyU’s State Key Laboratories support Hong Kong's integration into national development and establish the city as an international hub for high-calibre talents
To align with the national development plan and fully leverage the nation’s strong support and global connectivity, the HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), following consultations with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), launched a restructuring exercise for the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong in 2023. Based on nominations from MOST, ITC invited experts from the Mainland to participate in the assessment process. Following rigorous review and evaluation, PolyU’s proposals for the "State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities" and the "State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology" were officially approved by MOST as State Key Laboratories. This achievement signifies recognition of PolyU's research strength and its dedicated contribution to the nation's new quality productive forces and global leadership in science and technology.
The HKSAR Government held the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong - Plaque Unveiling Ceremony today, officiated by Mr YIN Hejun, MOST; Mr ZHOU Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; and Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, attended the ceremony along with other PolyU representatives, including: Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment; Prof. Benny C. F. CHEUNG, Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology; and Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation. They joined other distinguished guests in witnessing this milestone, underscoring the integration of Hong Kong’s universities into the national innovation system and their active engagement in advancing science and technology.
PolyU has partnered with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to establish the new “State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities,” led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li as Director, with Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, as Co-Director. The Laboratory operates under national and international development strategies in response to the escalating threats of climate change and disaster risks. Its primary focus is to promote resilient city development and disaster management, enhance climate resilience in coastal areas, and address the challenges of climate change through innovative technologies.
The key research areas of the Laboratory include predicting extreme weather and risk assessment in coastal cities; developing climate-adaptive and resilient infrastructure; innovating disaster risk management and mitigation strategies; and supporting national and regional sustainability.
In addition, PolyU has established the “State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology,” led by Prof. Benny C. F. Cheung. The Laboratory focuses on advancing ultra-precision micro-nano technologies and processes, including machining mechanics, advanced processing technologies, precision measurement, and equipment innovation. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and technology transfer, nurturing top-tier innovative talent and driving industrial transformation to support the next generation of advanced manufacturing.
The key research areas of the Laboratory include developing atomic-scale manufacturing, energy-field coordinated ultra-precision machining; achieving breakthroughs in ten-nanometer glass additive manufacturing; advancing ultra-precision machining and intelligent measurement for semiconductor production and intelligent testing; pioneering next-generation in-situ intelligent three-dimensional surface metrology and instruments; and expanding applications in aerospace, deep space exploration, and emerging energy sectors.
The State Key Laboratories at PolyU have achieved internationally recognised standards of excellence in research, organisational structure, and operational management, supported by state-of-the-art equipment aligned with national scientific and technological priorities. The Laboratories will facilitate collaborations with leading universities and research institutions, attract and nurture outstanding scientific talent, and actively foster regional and interdisciplinary innovation. This strategic initiative will enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global centre for scientific excellence and contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong, China, and the international community.