Media Releases

PolyU and CSD sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry. The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU’s scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr NG Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), the MoU was signed by Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Mr TONG Soen, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation). Prof. Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The “food waste-derived 3D printing material” patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products. The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.   ***END***  

PolyU and Shandong First Medical University forge partnership to nurture healthcare professionals and advance radiation oncology research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Shandong First Medical University (SDFMU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on medical education and innovation, including nurturing healthcare professionals and joint medical research. This partnership will synergise PolyU’s education and research strengths in health technology and informatics, and SDFMU’s extensive experience in clinical work and the application of cutting-edge medical technologies for tumour radiotherapy, advancing talent and research development in the field. The MoU signing ceremony was held in Jinan, Shandong Province, last month. Witnessed by Mr CHEN Ping, Vice Governor of Shandong Province; Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. Sijin LIU, Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU; and Prof. YU Jinming, Hospital President of the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Prof. WANG Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU. Prof. David Shum said, “The signing of this MoU marks an important step as PolyU and SDFMU join forces to drive medical education and research to new heights. The partnership will combine PolyU’s strong research capabilities in health technology with the rich clinical experience in cancer treatment that SDFMU has accumulated, striving to propel future development of radiation oncology.” Prof. Wang Yuxuan remarked, “This collaboration between the two universities represents our shared vision for the advancement of medicine. We hope that it will further strengthen our exchanges and cooperation in talent nurturing, research and innovation, and clinical practice, thereby injecting new impetus into the development of the Nation’s healthcare industry. Under the MoU, PolyU and SDFMU will seek to develop various academic and professional exchanges and explore potential for collaboration in nurturing healthcare professionals, establishing joint laboratories and more. Capitalising on their respective strengths, both parties aspire to cultivate future medical talents and advance research outcomes, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of healthcare standards in the Mainland and Hong Kong. During the trip, the delegation from the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics participated in the 2nd Cancer Particle Radiotherapy Conference, co-hosted by the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU and the Shandong Anti Cancer Association. The delegation members engaged in lively discussion with some of over 2,000 experts from around the world about the pioneering concept, new technology and treatment outcomes of particle radiotherapy for cancer. At the Conference, Prof. Jing Cai delivered a speech centred on the future use of artificial intelligence in radiotherapy.   ***END***

PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU Shenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengths of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globally minded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards. ***END***

PolyU and Peking University Third Hospital join forces to establish Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore advancements in medical education, research and healthcare services. Both parties also agreed to establish the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, focusing on research and development, talent cultivation and knowledge transfer. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties to foster innovation in medicine and engineering, laying a solid foundation for cultivating future medical professionals and contributing to global medical advancements. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. FU Wei, PUTH President; and Prof. YUAN Chunhui, Director of the Department of General Surgery of PUTH, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Prof. TANG Yida, PUTH Vice President. Following this, the agreement for the joint establishment of the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory” was signed by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Yuan Chunhui, in the presence of Dr Lam Tai-fai, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Prof. Fu Wei and Prof. Tang Yida. Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Fu Wei then officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, marking its official establishment. In his speech, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “With 87 years of history, PolyU has always been committed to contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the Nation. PUTH is one of the top Grade 3A hospitals and one of the 14 pilot hospitals nationwide for high-quality development among public hospitals. We are grateful for PUTH’s trust and its support for PolyU. By combing our strengths and strengthening synergistic development in medical science and engineering, we are confident that this collaboration will unleash great potential in talent cultivation, education and research.” Prof. Fu Wei said, “PUTH is dedicated to the interdisciplinary integration of medicine and engineering. This collaboration with PolyU will deepen our joint efforts in research and innovation, and talent cultivation, advancing the development of medical technology.” PolyU and PUTH will leverage their respective strengths to enhance their research capabilities through interdisciplinary research and academic exchanges. Together, they aim to develop advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods that can more accurately predict diseases, optimising patients’ treatment experience and achieving a more comprehensive approach to health management. Both parties will actively promote student exchanges at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and collaborate in nurturing postdoctoral students, so as to cultivate future medical talents and facilitate the application of research outcomes for the benefit of the Nation. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research. Over the past 40 years, in support of the development of the local healthcare system, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy. In addition to its collaboration with PUTH, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities in mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Representatives of PolyU and PUTH attended the signing and plaque unveiling ceremony. ***END***

Cyberport and PolyU sign MoU to foster collaboration among industry, academia, research, investment and applications, accelerate technology commercialisation and maximise effectiveness of start-up incubation

Cyberport and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today (24 Jan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. Both parties intend to co-develop acceleration programmes, establish a joint lab, invest in PolyU-nurtured start-ups and augment I&T talent training, aiming at nurturing start-ups, facilitating commercialisation of research outcomes, and enlarging the innovation and technology (I&T) talent pool. The partnership signifies a shared goal of advancing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem by promoting collaboration among industry, academia, research, investment, and applications, thereby contributing to the development of Hong Kong as an international I&T hub. Witnessed by Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, Ir Arthur Lee, PolyU Council Member and Chairman of PolyU Knowledge Transfer Committee and Hendrick Sin, Chairman of the Cyberport Investors Network Steering Group, the MoU was signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport and Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation). Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “The HKSAR Government has been promoting a closer collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors to create a favourable environment for I&T development in the city. As Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship, Cyberport not only houses over 2,100 start-ups but also has a vast network of investors and enterprises. We have been nurturing start-ups by connecting them with the industry and facilitating their commercialisation of R&D outcomes. The partnership between Cyberport and PolyU perfectly combines our strengths. It aligns with government policies to support start-ups, empower their R&D transformation, cultivate I&T talent, and advance the collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors. Together, we enhance the city’s I&T ecosystem and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, remarked, “PolyU’s unwavering commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer is exemplified by our successful track record of promoting entrepreneurship through PolyVentures, our flag-ship start-up ecosystem. Over the years, we have successfully nurtured over 500 start-ups, including four unicorns, and trained over 7,600 entrepreneurs. Our comprehensive support encompasses every stage of the entrepreneurial journey -- from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. By integrating Cyberport’s extensive networks and PolyU’s expertise in innovation and research, we aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that fosters industry-academia-research collaboration. Together, we will further nurture entrepreneurs and start-ups, contributing to Hong Kong’s development into a global I&T hub.” Under the MoU, Cyberport and PolyU will partner with leading accelerators to co-develop acceleration programmes that support PolyU-nurtured start-ups in fundraising and product development. The inaugural programme will focus on cutting edge technologies. Both parties will also proactively promote a close collaboration among various stakeholders, including those of the Cyberport Enterprise Network and PolyVentures, to drive technology adoption and commercialisation in key sectors such as AI and Big Data, Smart City solutions, Digital Entertainment, FinTech, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Moreover, they will support the entry of I&T projects into various funding and supporting schemes in the two ecosystems. They will also explore co-investment opportunities among Cyberport Macro Fund, Cyberport Investors’ Network, and PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund, with a particular focus on PolyU-nurtured start-ups and those utilising PolyU’s intellectual property at Cyberport. Talent is the cornerstone of I&T development. Both parties will collaborate to provide tailor-made training and internship opportunities for PolyU students, enriching their practical experience and empowering them to apply their learning in the workplace. This initiative will also enhance the alignment between industry-required skillset and the content of teaching and learning. Furthermore, PolyU and Cyberport Academy will join hands to offer related courses to fortify students’ and PolyU start-ups’ capabilities and development in I&T and entrepreneurship. In addition, both parties will leverage Cyberport’s extensive industry network and PolyU’s outstanding research capabilities and venture capital experience to accelerate relevant research and its application. A joint lab will be established by Cyberport, PolyU, and their venture capital partner, Two Square Capital, to support start-ups in Web3.0 and AI areas. This initiative includes a donation from Two Square Capital to PolyU with the aim of advancing its research, development, and commercialisation efforts. Cyberport will also provide industry network, physical collaborative space and opportunities for industry engagement to foster the growth of young entrepreneurs. The joint lab aspires to drive innovation through advanced research on Blockchain-AI integration, explore scalable and energy-efficient infrastructure, develop specific AI models, and deploy decentralised applications (dApps) to showcase practical blockchain solutions. ***END***

PolyU and NetDragon collaborate to drive innovation in educational technology enriching students’ learning experiences

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (NetDragon) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today on campus, marking the establishment of a strategic partnership. This close collaboration aims to  promote the applications of educational technology (EdTech) in higher education globally and foster the development of tech talent through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) learning platforms, joint research, and exchange programmes. Witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, PolyU Vice President (Education); Prof. H.C. MAN, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Mr Ben YAM, Chief Financial Officer of NetDragon; and Mr Wood LAU, Head of Compliance and Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary of NetDragon,  the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering of PolyU, and Ms Doris ZHAO, General Manager of Regional Business Development of NetDragon. Under the MoU, PolyU and NetDragon will closely collaborate in three key areas. This includes the joint development of an AI learning platform aimed at enriching the learning experiences of students in Hong Kong and around the world. Both parties will also leverage their exceptional research and academic strengths, along with extensive industry experience, to engage in collaborative research focused on best practices and innovations in EdTech. In addition, they will facilitate academic and cultural exchange programmes among tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other countries and regions, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and ideas. Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering of PolyU said, “Our Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering aspires to be a leader in engineering education and EdTech locally and globally. By integrating the latest AI technologies into our pedagogy, we strive to enhance students’ learning experience. This collaboration will not only accelerate PolyU’s innovation and application in EdTech but also cultivate talents with innovative thinking and knowledge in engineering and EdTech, contributing to boosting the competitiveness of EdTech in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” Mr Ben YAM, Chief Financial Officer of NetDragon said, “We are excited to partner with PolyU. NetDragon will leverage its expertise in AI and its applications in EdTech, combining with PolyU’s renowned academic resources to explore the joint development of cutting-edge AI learning platforms and innovative educational solutions. This collaboration marks a new milestone in advancing global higher education. Through this collaboration, we look forward to exploring the vast potential of AI in education and, by integrating the resources of both parties, expanding market opportunities and driving innovation in EdTech.” ***END***

PolyU achieves impressive results in Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with five subjects ranking in global top 100

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has demonstrated encouraging performance in the newly released Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The University has five subjects ranked among the top 100 globally, with Business & Economics and Engineering being placed in the top 50, highlighting its excellence in teaching and research, as well as its competitiveness in the global higher education landscape. Among the highest ranked PolyU subjects are Business & Economics (37th), Engineering (41st), Social Sciences (68th), Computer Science (74th) and, entering the global top 100 for the first time, Physical Sciences (97th). Other PolyU disciplines, including Arts & Humanities, Medical & Health and Life Sciences, were also listed in the Rankings, reaffirming the University’s endeavour to continue making breakthroughs in various academic fields. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. Moving forward, the University will further strengthen its ties and collaborations with partners around the globe, promote world-leading research and innovation, and nurture more socially responsible professionals and leaders for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The THE World University Rankings by Subject assess universities across 11 disciplines based on five core pillar criteria: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook and Industry. For more information on the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025, please visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/by-subject. ***END***

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences launches “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”, applying AI technology to assess the fall risk of 2,500 elderly in the community

According to the Department of Health, in Hong Kong approximately one in five community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 or above fall every year, posing significant health risks to themselves and placing a potential burden on public health resources. To alleviate the pressure on the public healthcare system, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has partnered with several local community organisations to launch the “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”. The Campaign aims to conduct fall risk screenings for 2,500 elderly individuals to identify those at higher risk of falling, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and provide them with fall prevention training, translating PolyU research achievements into practical benefits for the community. Mr Fletch CHAN, Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR Government; Mr Tommy CHEUNG, Executive Council Member and Legislative Council Member; Mr LEE Chun-keung, Legislative Council Member; Dr Roy CHUNG, Honorary Chairman of the PolyU Court; Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) ; and Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, together with district officers and representatives from PolyU, jointly officiated the Campaign commencement ceremony. During the event, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the co-organising local community partners to establish a framework for future community work. Mr Fletch Chan said, “To promote the use of technology in the social welfare sector, the Government allocated $1 billion in 2018 to set up the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care to subsidise eligible elderly and rehabilitation service units to introduce technology products such as fall prevention equipment.  So far, about $750 million has been approved.  In 2024-25, the Government injected additional $1 billion into the Fund and will expand its scope to cover gerontechnology products suitable for household use, with a view to benefitting more elderly persons.” Prof. Ben Young stated, “For more than 80 years, PolyU has been committed to innovating and providing quality higher education, bringing positive and powerful impact to the community. We have cultivated generations of students who have made outstanding contributions in the society. We aspire to be a leading university in pioneering knowledge transfer and in providing quality whole-person education, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. It is our aspiration to bring meaningful changes to the lives of individuals and communities. This campaign reflects our mission.” The Better Ageing in Community Campaign aims to promote healthier ageing, with a particular emphasis on the importance of fall prevention among the elderly. Utilising AI technology developed by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and other tools, the experienced research and teaching team will supervise physiotherapy and occupational therapy students who volunteer to conduct comprehensive assessments for 2,500 elderly individuals aged 60 or above. The assessments will focus on fall risk. Based on the results, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will invite those identified as being at moderate risk to participate in rehabilitation training, while those identified as being at high risk will be referred to District Health Centres for follow-up interventions. During the initial phase of the campaign, eligible elderly individuals will be recruited through the co-organising local community partners, with plans being made to expand the initiative to other districts in Hong Kong. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will analyse and compile the collected data, with the aim of assisting the government in optimising primary healthcare policies in Hong Kong. ***END***

16 PolyU projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund, recognising the University’s interdisciplinary research achievements

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research and transforming scientific achievements into impactful inventions to meet the rapidly changing demands in areas such as healthcare. 16 PolyU projects have received support from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) in its latest funding exercise, with a total funding amount of HK$14.3 million. These projects cover various research areas related to health technology and biomedical engineering, showcasing PolyU’s interdisciplinary proficiency in medical and healthcare research. The funded projects span multiple disciplines, including nursing care, rehabilitation sciences, health technology and informatics, optometry, biomedical engineering, and biology and chemical technology. They have developed innovative solutions to address the ever-evolving global healthcare challenges, aiming not only to benefit individuals’ physical health but also to take into account the overall well-being of patients, medical professionals and caregivers. In the field of nursing, PolyU’s funded projects are diverse. Research topics include music-with-movement training for people with cognitive frailty, mountain craft training to improve the psychological well-being of children with cancer, mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of people with dementia, as well as robot-mediated interactive intervention for the elderly living alone. Health technology and informatics research focuses on improving disease diagnosis and management by integrating advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The projects cover various areas, including thyroid dysfunctions, the transmission of foodborne antimicrobial resistance in Hong Kong, type 2 diabetes, early-pregnancy prediction of preeclampsia and an AI-empowered pulmonary perfusion imaging technique for lung cancer. In rehabilitation sciences, the funded projects explore topics including diabetic management, online exercise programmes for older people with chronic low back pain, addressing insomnia in the older population, and specific dance intervention to reduce the risk of falls in older adults. The research outcomes intend to help overcome the pressing healthcare challenges brought on by a rapidly ageing population. Projects in other health science and engineering areas also encompass a wide range of pioneering research and invention, involving drug development for biofilm infections, biosensors for dysphagia screening, myopia control for school children and more. For more details about the 16 PolyU projects funded by HMRF, please refer to the Appendix. Established by the Health Bureau in 2011, the HMRF 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.   ***END***  

PolyU develops low-carbon marine self-healing concrete to achieve carbon neutrality with supports from Green Tech Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing green technology to help tackle the pressing need for global sustainability. A team of interdisciplinary experts from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has developed a low-carbon marine self-healing concrete, which holds promising potential for marine construction materials and coastal engineering applications. Contributing to carbon neutrality, this initiative has received approximately HK$6.03 million from the HKSAR Government’s Green Tech Fund for a duration of 24 months. The project “Marine self-healing concrete with biomineralisation-enhanced construction waste for long-term decarbonisation” is led by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development at PolyU. The team members are Prof. Chi Sun POON, Head of Department, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials, and Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering, Prof. YU Tao and Prof. LENG Zhen, with Dr SUN Xiaohao, Research Assistant Professor as the co-principal investigator. Due to the scarcity of natural aggregate, scientists have been seeking effective alternatives. This project aims to design and develop low-carbon marine self-healing concrete by incorporating biomineralisation-enhanced recycled aggregates made from waste concrete. By employing biomineralisation technology, the marine carbon-capturing bacteria will utilise carbon dioxide (CO2) to accelerate carbonisation and improve the performance of recycled aggregates. This approach helps reduce CO2 emissions and facilitates the recycling of construction waste, offering a broad application in marine construction materials and coastal engineering. In addition, this microbial concrete structure possesses self-healing properties that enhance its durability, providing a significant advantage in achieving long-term decarbonisation and sustainability. Field testing and lifecycle assessments will be conducted to ensure that the new concrete meets the stringent standards of durability and marine ecosystem quality. Anticipated results include comprehensive design guidelines for marine self-healing concrete, optimised mixing techniques, and valuable insights into the influence and environmental performances of low-carbon marine self-healing concrete on marine ecology. Prof. Li said, “Through the innovative use of biomineralisation and recycled aggregates in marine concrete, this project drives progress in the production of marine construction materials and  pioneers new solutions in sustainable construction to accelerate the development of related industries. Our goal is also to address global environmental challenges such as reducing carbon emissions from construction waste, and promoting its recycling to alleviate landfill pressures. This approach conserves land resources and mitigates environmental hazards, making a contribution towards achieving carbon neutrality and the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” The Green Tech Fund was established in 2020 to provide better and more focused funding support to research and development projects which help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection.   ***END***