Media Releases

PolyU welcomes the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Government’s announcement of the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park). The Outline sets out a clear development plan for the Hong Kong Park, and innovative policies facilitating the exchange of talent and resources between the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Co-operation Zone). These initiatives lay a solid foundation for developing the Hetao Co-operation Zone into a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub, thereby fostering additional momentum for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre and promoting the high-quality economic growth of the city. PolyU is committed to nurturing I&T talents, and has collaborated closely with local and international universities, research institutes, I&T platforms, quangos, enterprises, and the industrial sector to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to work in partnership with the Government and relevant stakeholders to support and promote the development of the Hong Kong Park. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President stated, “We fully support the Outline and believe that it can help transform the Hetao Co-operation Zone into a crucial source of new quality productive forces for the country. The Outline delineates the development strategy for the Hong Kong Park, aiming to explore the trial implementation of innovative facilitation measures with respect to the flow of personnel, materials, capital and data between the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park. Convenient and effective cross-boundary flow of innovation elements is essential for developing the Hetao Co-operation Zone into an international I&T hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This approach can help leverage the strengths of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. If the policies prove feasible, they could be extended to other GBA cities.” PolyU has cutting-edge research laboratories and centres, including two state key laboratories, two Hong Kong branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres, four Chinese Academy of Sciences – PolyU Joint Laboratories, and 30 university research centres. These facilities foster frontier research and innovation across various disciplines, such as life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy, and new materials. In 2022, PolyU established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), which is the largest research platform of its kind in the GBA, focusing on mission-driven frontier research in areas of socioeconomic importance. Currently, 19 research institutes and centres have been established under PAIR, further enhancing PolyU’s commitment to advancing innovation with tangible societal impact. PolyU has established three research centres under two InnoHK research clusters. Recently, the University also received a generous donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to establish eight Jockey Club STEM Labs. PolyU has played a significant role in enlarging Hong Kong’s I&T talent pool. Currently, the University has more than 7,000 faculty members, alumni, and postgraduate research students on campus engaged in research activities. PolyU has been actively recruiting distinguished overseas scholars, including 13 internationally renowned scholars selected for the Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme to lead innovative research projects. This year, 355 scholars from the University have been recognised in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists list, placing PolyU third among tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Over the years, PolyU has nurtured over 500 startups through the PolyVentures ecosystem, involving more than 7,600 entrepreneurs. Recently, the University also signed cooperation agreements with eight companies to establish strategic partnerships. The parties will leverage their respective strengths in research and industry to nurture I&T leaders and entrepreneurs, with a view to accelerating the incubation and growth of startups, while providing comprehensive support for PolyU students, alumni and academics who are committed to entrepreneurship.   ***END***

PolyU ranks 29th globally in first-ever Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the inaugural Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, launched by Times Higher Education (THE) in association with Schmidt Science Fellows, ranking 29th globally. This reflects the University’s commitment and contributions to impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research. Covering 749 universities from across 92 countries and territories, the Rankings evaluate universities’ performance in the three main stages of the life-cycle of research projects: inputs, process and outputs, through a total of 11 metrics. PolyU has performed well in terms of inputs, highlighting its commitment to and funding for interdisciplinary science research. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with PolyU’s impressive performance in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, which reflects the international recognition of the University’s achievements in promoting innovation and interdisciplinary research. PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university. Capitalising on our distinctive holistic education philosophy, we strive to nurture talents to address societal needs and benefit society with our demand-driven research. Moving forward, the University will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, as well as strengthen ties and cooperation with partners around the world with the aim of playing an increasingly important role on the global stage of higher education.” The University established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) to drive interdisciplinary innovations and explore impactful solutions to pressing global challenges. Bringing together 19 research institutes and research centres, PAIR fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, deep space exploration, smart cities and smart energy. For more information on the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, please visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/interdisciplinary-science-rankings   ***END***

PolyU hosts Aerospace Innovation Research Summit and establishes Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy to support national development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings. At the opening ceremony, Ms WU Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr Christian FEICHTINGER, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation; Ms LI Tingting, Division Director of Satellite Data and Application International Cooperation Center, China National Space Administration; Dr Hon Hoey Simon LEE, Hon Duncan CHIU, Dr Hon Wendy HONG Wen, Hon SHANG Hailong, Prof. Hon William WONG Kam-fai, Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Members of Legislative Council of the HKSAR; Mr Allen YEUNG, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), inaugurated the event. Prof. WU Weiren, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program and Ms Aarti HOLLA-MAINI, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs also delivered video speeches to wish the Summit great success. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to fostering international outreach and partnerships in the field of aerospace. Last year, PolyU proudly became the first educational institution in Hong Kong to join the International Astronautical Federation, which has a network of over 500 leading corporate members from 77 countries worldwide. Last month, we also presented seven pioneering research projects at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. As an innovative world-class university, now ranked 57th in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific, engineering and research excellence to further contribute to the development of aerospace.” In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering–LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications. A highlight of the thematic parallel sessions was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between PolyU and two industry partners. In the parallel session themed “Commercialising Space”, PolyU signed an MoU with the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy (Hong Kong) Limited (OASA), to promote innovation and advancement of space technology. The two parties will collaborate to establish a “Space Accelerator” aimed at nurturing future talent for the NewSpace Economy and related industries. Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating. PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and announced the launch of an MSc Programme in Low Altitude Economy in September 2025. In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.” RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations. Mr LI Bin, Vice President of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology shared in the session themed “Engineering – LEO Satellites and Rockets”  PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics co-organised the “Space Exploration: Technology and Science” session. The AIR Summit showcased PolyU’s interdisciplinary research strengths and capabilities across various fields. The University will continue to leverage its influence by working closely with the higher education sector, research institutions and industry partners to bring valuable innovations to society through education, research and knowledge transfer.   ***END***  

PolyU honours four outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has conferred the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2024” on four alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. They are fitting testament to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU, as well as to those of its forerunners, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2024, in alphabetical order of surname, are: Mr CHIANG Tung-keung Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, CLP Holdings Limited Dr SHEN Peng Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Waterdrop Inc. Mr Banting SZE Wai-pan Founder and Chairman, Freetech Road Recycling Technology (Holdings) Limited The Hon. Perry YIU Pak-leung, MH, JP Legislative Council Member (Tourism) of the HKSAR; Chairman, China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata) The University level Award Selection Committee was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, PolyU Council Chairman. The ex-officio members included Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, BBS, JP, PolyU President; and Dr Miranda LOU, MH, PolyU Executive Vice President. Other members included Ir Arthur LEE Kam-hung, PolyU Council Member; Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping, GBS, JP, Honorary Chairman of the University Court; Ir Dr Samson TAM Wai-ho, JP, President of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President of the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. Since the launch of the Award in 1996, 109 recipients have been honoured for great distinction in their respective fields, dedicated support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held on 16 December 2024.   ***END***

PolyU Chinese Culture Festival “The Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau University Students’ Chinese Classics Recital Show 2024” successfully held

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to promoting the rich traditions of Chinese culture. On 16 November 2024, PolyU successfully hosted “The Mainland-Hong Kong-Macau University Students” Chinese Classics Recital Show 2024” at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre. Over 40 university students from Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China participated in reciting classic works from various eras to showcase the diversity and charm of Chinese culture. The show aimed to enhance the younger generation’s appreciation of Chinese culture and promote the art of recitation in Chinese heritage. This Show, part of the year-long “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival”, was co-organised by PolyU, the Jiangsu Normal University, and the University of Macau, with The Tertiary Putonghua Recitation Society as a collaborator. It was also supported by the “Ten Thousand People’s Scheme” provided by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The event was launched by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU; Prof. YANG Yiming, Chairperson of the Academic Committee of the Jiangsu Normal University and Chairperson of the State Language Promotion Institute; Prof. XU Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Macau; Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities of PolyU; and other distinguished guests. In his welcoming address, Prof. Kwok-yin Wong said, “PolyU is committed to promoting the rich traditions of Chinese culture, bringing together outstanding scholars, and nurturing a diverse range of talents to contribute to Hong Kong and serve the Nation.  Last year, PolyU established the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to facilitate promotion of Chinese history and cultural education on campus. Through this Recital Show, PolyU has collaborated with the Jiangsu Normal University, the University of Macau, and The Hong Kong Tertiary Putonghua Recitation Society to unite teachers, students, alumni and friends, providing everyone with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exceptional Chinese arts and the profound history and culture of China.” PolyU also invited faculty and students from the Jiangsu Normal University to host the Language and Literary Arts Workshops, allowing participants to experience Chinese culture related to language and literary, including classic poetry, drama, sign language, Hanfu and calligraphy. For the latest information about PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/tc/cpeo/chinese-culture-festival/   ***END***

PolyU and NIO join forces to develop next-generation materials for mobility and energy storage batteries

Chinese version only

PolyU and CTSHK forge partnership to advance tourism industry through technological empowerment

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited (CTS HOLDINGS HK) have formed a strategic partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and scholarship donation agreement. The two parties will join hands to nurture tech talent and promote the application of cutting-edge technology in the tourism industry, propelling the development of technology-empowered tourism through industry-academia-research collaboration. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; Mr WANG Haimin, Chairman of CTS HOLDINGS HK; and Mr FAN Yunjun, General Manager of CTS HOLDINGS HK, the MoU and donation agreement were signed by Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), and Mr JIAN Yi, Deputy General Manager of CTS HOLDINGS HK at a signing ceremony held on the PolyU campus on 13 November. Representatives from the PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management and Faculty of Engineering, alongside CTS executives and other esteemed guests, also attended to celebrate the partnership. The partnership brings together the unique strengths of both parties, including PolyU’s academic and research prowess in hotel and tourism management and various emerging fields, as well as CTS HOLDINGS HK’s comprehensive expertise across the whole industrial chain. Both parties will explore the application of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), metaverse and blockchain in the tourism sector with the aim of enhancing travel experiences and customer service. In addition, in support of talent cultivation, CTS HOLDINGS HK has generously established the “CTS HOLDINGS HK Digital Intelligence and Tourism Scholarship” at PolyU. The Scholarship is set to support the University in nurturing talents with both expertise in hotel and tourism management, and knowledge in new technologies including computing, AI and big data analysis. CTS HOLDINGS HK will also offer internship opportunities for students, equipping them with practical experience to face evolving challenges in the industry. In his speech, Prof. Teng said, “With its long history and esteemed reputation, CTS HOLDINGS HK is a flagship in the tourism industry. PolyU, as an innovative world-class university, excels in research and education in hotel and tourism management as well as in emerging fields like AI. Earlier this year, the University established the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism to anticipate and address the needs and challenges of the industry’s transformation. We hope this collaboration will spark innovative thinking and practices, driving the robust development of digital tourism industry in Hong Kong and supporting our Country’s goal of building a leading tourism nation.” Mr Wang said, “As one of the top 100 universities in the world, PolyU boasts outstanding academic achievements and a talented pool of professionals, with several disciplines including hotel management and AI ranking among the best globally. CTS HOLDINGS HK, as a leading enterprise in the tourism sector with a long-standing presence in Hong Kong, leverages its competitive edge by offering comprehensive services across the industry spectrum, covering dining, accommodation, transportation, touring, shopping and entertainment. Through this partnership, we look forward to empowering the tourism industry with cutting-edge technologies and to nurturing new talents. We also aspire to create an industry chain, innovation chain and value chain that integrates the efforts of industry, academia, and research, thereby transforming and upgrading Hong Kong’s traditional tourism landscape.” The partnership marks a significant milestone for PolyU and CTS HOLDINGS HK in their ongoing commitment to the evolution and growth of Hong Kong’s digital tourism industry. Both parties envision that the collaboration will create new value and opportunities for society.   ***END***

PolyU research in advanced sensory AI recognised by BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that unlocks new insights across diverse fields, ultimately driving innovation and transforming our understanding of complex systems. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has garnered recognition in the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024 (STIP) for its remarkable achievements in the category of “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”. Prof. Yang CHAI, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science and Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, is recognised in the “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics” field for his contributions to Artificial Intelligence (AI) sensor technology. His groundbreaking works, particularly in developing disruptive in-sensor computing paradigms for artificial vision sensors, enable information processing directly within the sensors. The award highlights how Prof. CHAI’s innovation minimises the need for frequent data transfers to external computing units, enhances computational efficiency, and enriches sensor functionalities for visual processing applications. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “We take pride in this honourable award, which acknowledges our talented scholar’s remarkable achievements for excellence in AI sensory technology. The pioneering and innovative research at PolyU is inspiring and laying the foundation for widespread applications, promising a bright future in both technology and human life.” The BOCHK STIP is an annual accolade open to key fields of Hong Kong’s scientific and technological innovation. Each year, five awards are presented, with each winner receiving a cash reward of HKD 2 million. Since the inception of this award, PolyU has had six scientists recognised over three consecutive years, spanning fields such as “Advanced Manufacturing”, “FinTech”, “Life and Health”, and “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”. Prof. CHAI has made significant strides in sensory AI systems by addressing critical challenges in power consumption, latency, and data compression. His innovations have unlocked the potential of sensory AI across various industries, enhancing decision-making and situational awareness while improving privacy and security. Targeting the development of neuromorphic computing devices for efficient processing of complex visual information, he has developed novel hardware architectures and optimisation techniques that facilitate the application of advanced sensory AI in mobile devices, IoT sensors, and edge computing. This transformation offers promising applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. Inspired by natural bioinspired sensory systems, his research team is committed to exploring how to fuse sensing and processing functions through new hardware design. By mimicking biological visual systems, the team has developed vision sensors that can improve image recognition accuracy, adapt to extremely dim/bright lighting and different wavelengths, and agilely perceive dynamic motion. The BOCHK STIP, hosted by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, is a non-governmental merit-based award. It aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation. ***END***

PolyU and Tsinghua University collaborate on joint STEAM lab to foster innovation in art and design

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University have collaborated to establish a Joint Lab for STEAM, fostering art and design innovation in research, technology and talent development by leveraging the two universities’ exceptional expertise and knowledge in this cross-disciplinary area. This signifies the inaugural collaborative laboratory formed by PolyU and Tsinghua University. The Joint Lab for STEAM will enhance and bolster art and design innovation within the conventional STEM platform which encompasses science, technology, mathematics and engineering. It will also promote STEAM professional education and technology development through seminars and promotional activities, highlighting how blending arts and design with STEM enhances innovation, and economic and societal well-being. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU led a PolyU delegation to Tsinghua University to attend the signing ceremony. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. Sai MA, Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design and Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. This significant partnership between PolyU and Tsinghua University leverages the expertise and achievements of both universities in multidisciplinary research, particularly focusing on knowledge transfer in art and design for impactful social applications. Collaboratively, the Joint STEAM lab strives to cultivate a culture of creativity, innovation and technological excellence. The principal investigators of the Joint Lab for STEAM are Prof. Stephen Jia WANG, Professor of the School of Design and Director of the Research Centre of Future (Caring) Mobility (RcFCM) at PolyU and Prof. Sai Ma, Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. The research focus areas of the Joint Lab include artificial intelligence and design, intelligent interactive systems, sustainable design and technology, innovative educational methods, data-driven design and human-machine symbiotic design. The PolyU RcFCM has developed a design-led innovations platform for conducting high-impact research with a vision that highlights an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge, STEAM and innovative design approach focusing on the caring and well-being of human life. It has made significant innovative research advancements in various areas including intelligent, interactive and experiential design. The Art and Science Research Center of Tsinghua University was established in May 2001 through the collaborative efforts of the renowned contemporary Chinese painter, Mr WU Guanzhong and the Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Mr LEE Tsung-Dao. Led by Prof. Sai Ma as Director and with the late Mr Lee Tsung-Dao as Honorary Director, the Art and Science Research Center has developed a comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates teaching, research and academic publications in arts and sciences. Furthermore, the Center actively nurtures talents, with a strong emphasis on individuality and innovation. Together with the Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University, the vision for this collaboration was supported by Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of the School of Design of PolyU and Prof. Winco YUNG, Senior Consultant of the Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety of PolyU. The Joint Lab aims to advance STEAM research, education and product development to foster a sustainable future. Research projects will be undertaken with a view to fostering collaboration among academia, research and industry, while also strengthening inter-university cooperation and bolstering the overall academic standing of the universities. ***END***

PolyU project promotes multidimensional machine learning in geotechnical engineering supported by RGC via EU Co-funding Mechanism

Ensuring the resilience of geo-infrastructure is a critical global task amid the challenges brought about by climate change. A project led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance geotechnical engineering, positioning these technologies as next-generation tools to tackle complex challenges. The research has been supported via the European Union (EU) — Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the Research Grants Council (RGC) 2024/25. The joint project - “Geotechnical Resilience through Intelligent Design” - is led by Prof. Zhen-Yu YIN, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Enrico SORANZO, Deputy Head of the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering at BOKU University in Austria, and has been awarded HK$497,600 for a duration of 48 months. Geotechnical engineering faces inherent challenges due to the diverse compositions of geomaterials, complex geological processes and the nonlinear interactions among them. These challenges are further intensified by the impacts of climate change, with the attendant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events. This project aims to train the next generation of machine learning-savvy geotechnical engineers and assemble an interdisciplinary, intersectoral team that connects industry and academia. Together, the team will develop transformative approaches to infrastructure design, including for tunnels, tailing dams, artificial slopes and embankments, as well as geohazard monitoring and prediction through innovative data-driven methods. Key initiatives of the project include exploring advanced sensor technologies for on-site data acquisition, leveraging generative AI techniques to optimise design processes and implementing physics-informed neural networks to enhance the fidelity of geotechnical simulations by integrating physical principles into machine learning models. The project additionally focuses on designing customised solutions for specific challenges and tailoring machine learning approaches to address geotechnical issues encountered in the construction and management of geo-infrastructures, such as tunnels and tailing dams. It also aims to improve the monitoring and mitigation of geohazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in critical areas. Prof. Yin said, “By employing a multidimensional approach, the study aims not only to apply machine learning in geotechnical engineering but also to fundamentally transform the field, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability and resilience.” The European Union Hong Kong Research Cooperation Co-funding Mechanism by the RGC aims to strengthen collaboration between European and Hong Kong research communities in areas of mutual interest in order to achieve world-class scientific results.   ***END***