News

PolyU RS Signs MoU with Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital/Wuxi Mental Health Center. This collaboration aims to establish a framework for cooperation in personnel exchanges and academic research. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by management of PolyU including Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman; Prof. Teng Jin-guang, President; and Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement). Representatives from the Wuxi Municipal Government were also present, including Mr Qin Yongxin, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi Municipal Government; Mr Zhao Junming, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Wuxi Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal Overseas Chinese Affairs Office; and Mr Da Xuerong, Director of Wuxi Municipal Health Commission. The MoU was signed by Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, DoUBSN of PolyU, and Mr Yin Qitao, Director of Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital. The partnership is set to create invaluable opportunities for students and researchers, providing enhanced training and learning experiences in the field of rehabilitation sciences. By combining the strengths and expertise of both institutions, this MoU seeks to advance academic excellence, drive innovative research, and support professional development in rehabilitation.    

PolyU RS and The University of Queensland Forms New Partnership

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has entered into a significant partnership with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences under the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at The University of Queensland, Australia. The two institutions have formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership sets the stage for meaningful cooperation in key areas, including research, teaching and learning opportunities, as well as enriching student exchange programmes. By leveraging their shared expertise and resources, both parties aim to advance the field of physiotherapy and occupational therapy and provide students with enhanced academic experiences and global exposure.    

Inaugural Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations Explores Advancements in Rehabilitation Sciences Education

The First Annual Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences took place on 9–10 December 2024. Organised by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in collaboration with the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development, this 1.5-day conference brought together about 500 participants, including renowned scholars, educators, researchers, and students ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate level, to explore and share advancements in rehabilitation sciences education. Highlighting Collaborative Visions Under the theme "Collaborative Visions: Enhancing Rehabilitation through Education and Research", this inaugural conference served as a platform to foster dialogue and creativity. It showcased new approaches in education and research that aim to drive critical advancements in rehabilitation sciences. This event not only underscored the importance of collaboration but also highlighted the Department’s educational philosophy, which values "student-staff partnerships". This partnership approach is pivotal in creating an enriching learning environment, encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journeys, and equipping them with the critical, analytical skills required to face future challenges in clinical practice. Keynote Addresses On Day 1, the conference commenced an opening ceremony, followed by an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Richard Windle, Faculty Deputy Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) and Digital Learning Director from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham. Prof. Windle delivered an insightful presentation titled “Healthy Scepticism: How Health Sciences Education Taught Higher Education to be Digital.” His keynote delved into the approaches used to develop digital learning solutions tailored to evolving pedagogical needs, from creating accessible multimedia resources to designing AI-supported simulated digital placements. On Day 2, Prof. Hu Xiangen, Director of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD), Director of the Educational Research Centre (ERC), and Chair Professor of Learning Sciences and Technologies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented the second keynote address. Titled “Empowering Rehabilitation Sciences Education with Generative AI: Unlocking Conceptual Understanding through Natural Language”, Prof. Hu's presentation captivated the audience by illustrating how generative AI can enhance conceptual understanding and elevate the pedagogical approach in rehabilitation sciences. Engaging Parallel Sessions The conference featured vibrant parallel sessions that allowed attendees to immerse themselves in educational research, innovative solutions, and clinical applications. Academic staff Contributions: Faculty members of the Department showcased cutting-edge educational research demonstrating their adoption of evidence-based teaching methodologies that are shaping the future of rehabilitation education. Student Contributions: Undergraduate and postgraduate students presented their final year research projects which provides practical solutions to solve clinical questions which contributes to the evidence-based clinical practices. In addition, the research postgraduate students presented their innovative pioneering research projects which generates new knowledge contributing to life sciences. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences extends its deepest gratitude to all keynote speakers, presenters, participants, students, and organising committee members for their contributions in making this inaugural conference an overwhelming success. With such a strong start, this event promises to continue as a pivotal forum for collaboration and growth in the years to come.    

Year One Student Pledge Ceremony Marks Beginning of Professional Journeys

On 19 November 2024, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University proudly hosted the Year One Student Pledge Ceremony, marking the beginning of our physiotherapy and occupational therapy students' professional journeys. The ceremony was kicked off by an inspiring welcome speech by Prof. Marco Pang, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, featured addresses from Mr Alexander Woo, President of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, and Ms Stella Cheng, Immediate Past Chairperson of the Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association, who introduced the incoming cohort to their chosen professions. A key highlight of the event was the oath-taking and signing ceremony, led by Prof. Marco Pang. Together, the students pledged their commitment to uphold the values and principles of their future professions. We warmly welcome our new students as they take their first steps into the impactful world of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This ceremony signifies not just a new chapter for them but also their dedication to serving public with compassion and integrity. 

PolyU and UHRS Sign MOU

We are delighted to announce a significant collaboration between Shandong Province and Hong Kong, marking a new chapter in education and research exchange. On 5 November 2024, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (UHRS) in Qingdao, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement was formalised at the "University Talent Exchange between Shandong and Hong Kong cum Shandong University Talent Recruitment Fair." The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will spearhead this initiative on behalf of PolyU, establishing a robust framework for cooperation. This partnership aims to enhance professional development, facilitate teacher-student exchanges, advance translational research, and support the establishment of an affiliated hospital. Through these efforts, we aspire to foster the growth of rehabilitation sciences in both regions, benefiting communities in China. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration will bring and the positive impact it will have on the field of rehabilitation.

Exceptional Achievements at the HKPA Conference 2024

At the recent HKPA Conference 2024, hosted by the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, we are thrilled to announce the exceptional achievements of our faculty members and students who have garnered top honours across various categories: Oral Presentation Award Gold Award: Dr Billy SO Silver Award: Ms LI Xun Rapid-5 Presentation Award - Gold Award: Dr Janet LEE Poster Presentation Award Gold Award: Mr LIANG Guoshi, Sam Silver Award: Dr Tiev MILLER Bronze Award: Dr Janet LEE Congratulations to all the awardees for their remarkable achievements. Their success not only reflects their personal dedication and hard work but also highlights the excellence of our institution in the field of physiotherapy.   

PolyU RS and Yonsei University Forge New Academic Partnership

On 30 October 2024, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Physical Therapy and the Department of Occupational Therapy at Yonsei University, Republic of Korea. The signing ceremony took place at Yonsei University's Mirae Campus, marking a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration. This MOU establishes a framework for cooperation across several key areas including research, staff and student exchange as well as academic and cultural activities. This collaboration promises to enrich the academic and professional landscapes for both institutions, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual growth in the fields of physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Symposium Celebrating 20th Anniversary of PolyU’s Master in Physiotherapy Programme in China

The year of 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Master in Physiotherapy (MPT) programme in Mainland China, established in Wuhan in collaboration between the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology. Later in 2011, we have expanded our educational footprint by launching the Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) and additional MPT programmes with Sichuan University in China. To honour this remarkable milestone, the department co-organised a symposium on 19 September in collaboration with the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (UHRS) in Qingdao, China. This event brought together PolyU alumni who have journeyed through the MPT and MOT programmes, providing a platform for them to share their professional experiences and achievements. The symposium also welcomed key stakeholders, including our esteemed former Head of Department, Prof. Christina Hui-Chan, the founder of the MPT programme in China. These discussions focused on the future directions of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy education, research, and practice within Mainland China. The symposium was a resounding success, attended by over 180 faculty members and students from UHRS in person, and joined physically and virtually by Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU and over 20 faculty members from our department. The department looks forward to future collaborations in innovations and education between the two universities.

Dr Jack Zhang Receives NSFC Young Scientists Fund for Corticomotor Pathway Study

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has awarded the Young Scientists Fund to support Dr Jack Zhang, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, on an innovative research project titled "Promoting Hand Functional Recovery After Stroke Through Rewiring of the Corticomotor Pathways Based on Associative Plasticity." This project aims to investigate the role of associative plasticity in hand functional recovery for stroke patients and to develop a novel neuromodulation therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation using corticocortical paired associative stimulation. Dr Zhang will utilize advanced neuroscience facilities, including concurrent TMS-EEG-fMRI, available in departmental laboratories and the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, in the current project. The NSFC Young Scientists Fund began accepting applications from Hong Kong researchers in 2022, aiming to support young scientists in conducting basic science research. The Department congratulates Dr Zhang on this achievement. 

Celebrating RS PhD Student's Young Investigator Award at PBM2024

Mr Tianxiang Fan, a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Amy Fu, has been honoured with the Young Investigator Basic Sciences Award at the PBM2024 conference, organised by the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy. Mr Fan's award-winning research focused on "The Optimal Wavelength and Energy Density of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Inflammation and Regeneration in Osteoarthritis-Associated Cells." This prestigious conference is a significant international event that brings together the global photobiomodulation community. The Department congratulates Mr Fan on this remarkable achievement.