News

World-renowned bioelectronics pioneer Prof. John Rogers to present second PAIR—Cambridge NeuroWorks online neuroscience seminar

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has partnered with Cambridge NeuroWorks, UK—an alliance of nine partners including the University of Cambridge—to launch an online seminar series in neuroscience.  The inaugural seminar was a remarkable success, attracting 14,000 viewers worldwide from academia, industry, and the public. Building on this strong momentum, the second seminar “Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces”, will be delivered by Prof. John A. ROGERS of Northwestern University on 21 July 2026.  The seminar will offer insights into cutting-edge bioelectronic technologies that are transforming the way researchers study and interact with the nervous system.  Prof. Rogers will present pioneering approaches that integrate advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices with neural tissues, enabling unprecedented capabilities for monitoring and modulating neural circuits.  Drawing on examples from brain research and organoid-based studies, the seminar will highlight how these innovations are opening new frontiers in neuroscience, regenerative medicine and the treatment of neurological disorders. The Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series provides an international platform for researchers, clinicians, students and industry professionals from Hong Kong, the UK and beyond to explore emerging ideas and breakthroughs in neuroscience research, technology development and clinical practice through expert-led presentations and cross-disciplinary dialogue.  Cambridge NeuroWorks is a transformative neurotechnology initiative led and hosted by Cambridge University Health Partners (CUHP) and powered by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).  The joint seminar series promotes professional exchange, encourages new partnerships and inspires future research opportunities, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to excellence, innovation and global engagement in improving healthcare and quality of living through advances in neurotechnology. Event website: https://polyu.hk/VeQzW Registration: https://polyu.hk/chKNV

PolyU and Lands Department extend strategic collaboration to promote geospatial social innovation for smart and inclusive urban development

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department, HKSAR Government, and The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of PolyU have officially established the Special Interest Group on Geospatial Social Innovation (SIG-GSI), marking a new milestone in promoting the use of geospatial technologies and social innovation for public and community benefit. The formation of the SIG-GSI builds upon the collaboration framework established between PolyU and the Lands Department in September 2025 to advance smart surveying, mapping and geospatial services that incorporate authoritative standards.  Through pioneering research, technology enhancement and professional training, the partnership aims to accelerate Hong Kong’s transformation into a digital city.  Under the framework, PolyU’s academic and research units work closely with the SMO in research, education and knowledge transfer, focusing on interdisciplinary fields including land surveying, geographic information systems, remote sensing, smart cities, artificial intelligence and location-based technologies. As the first major initiative under this collaboration framework, the Group brings together RILS, SMO and J.C.DISI, with J.C.DISI joining as a new collaborating unit.  Drawing on its expertise in social innovation, multidisciplinary engagement and community-centred design, J.C.DISI will help identify opportunities and foster collaboration in areas aligned with the Group’s mission. The convenors of the SIG-GSI are Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS; Mr CHOI Wai Man, Raymond, Chief Land Surveyor/Land Information Centre, and Mr SO Man Cheong, Kenneth, Chief Survey Manager/Special Duties of SMO; and Ms Sam LAM, Interim Director of J.C.DISI.  The SIG-GSI provides a platform for academia, government and social innovation practitioners to collaborate in leveraging spatial data and geospatial technologies to address urban and community challenges.  Through research exchange, capacity building, pilot projects and professional activities, the Group aims to advance applications of spatial data and geospatial technologies in areas such as community development, social inclusion, walkability and smart city development, while promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the public and social good. The Group held its inaugural meeting on 9 July 2026 at PolyU.  During the meeting, members discussed priority areas for collaboration and future initiatives that will harness spatial data and geospatial technologies to create positive social impact. A key focus of the discussion was the upcoming launch of the Walkin’HK application on 15 July 2026.  The application aims to promote the concept of walkability across Hong Kong by leveraging open spatial data available through the HKSAR Government’s Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) Portal.  By drawing on a wide range of open spatial datasets—including 3D visualisation map, 3D pedestrian network, address information and community facilities—the platform will provide valuable spatial insights into the pedestrian environment, support walkability studies and foster more people-centred urban development through enhanced community engagement. Through this tripartite collaboration, the SIG-GSI will serve as a dynamic platform for harnessing geospatial intelligence, social innovation and multidisciplinary expertise to develop practical, inclusive and sustainable land and space solutions for Hong Kong, contributing to the city’s continued advancement as a smart, resilient and people-centred metropolis.

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing receives the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Ir Prof. NI Yi-Qing, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), has recently been honoured with the 16th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Established by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award recognises Chinese engineers and scientists for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of engineering, technology and management. Presented biennially, the award comprises two categories: the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. Following a rigorous process involving nomination, preliminary assessment, public announcement and final review, CAE academicians selected 40 awardees from a pool of 471 outstanding candidates, including one recipient of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Achievement Award and 39 recipients of the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award. The awardees span a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical engineering, information technology, chemical engineering, metallurgy, materials and energy. Among them, three awardees are from Hong Kong. Prof. Ni has devoted more than 30 years to the research and application of structural health monitoring technologies. He pioneered an integrated modular design approach for large-scale structural health monitoring systems and a life-cycle structural health monitoring paradigm. These innovations have been widely applied in the design and implementation of health monitoring systems for major civil engineering structures. Press release: https://polyu.me/4fnU1km   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4bdy5Hi; https://polyu.me/4vRzYBJ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4vnsnd4; https://polyu.me/4bzXQBN Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/44ojtkF China News - https://polyu.me/3Tt14AL Sina - https://polyu.me/4pbUqLh China Daily - https://polyu.me/4wgawq1 People.cn - https://polyu.me/4vZNfZb Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4gxPzBQ Qiaobaous - https://polyu.me/4yh3pPm World Journal - https://polyu.me/4w2CWDC Rednet.com - https://polyu.me/4yvvt1E 

New directorship appointments for RISUD and RCRE

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ir Prof. NIU Jianlei, Chair Professor of Building Environment and Energy of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, as Director of Research Institute of Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) with effect from 1 July 2026.  An internationally recognised expert in building environment and energy, Prof. Niu’s research focuses on indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, HVAC systems and urban microclimates.  He currently leads a major RGC Theme-based Research Scheme project on healthy and resilient cities and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Energy and Buildings. He is also a Fellow of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Fellow of International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) and Fellow of the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA). We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Charles XU Chunbao as Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) and Chair Professor of Advanced Biorefinery in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with effect from 2 July 2026.  Joining PolyU following a global search, Prof. Xu is an internationally renowned scholar in advanced biorefinery and sustainable resource engineering.  With more than 20 years of research experience, he has published over 400 journal papers, holds 12 international patents and is recognised for his pioneering work in converting biomass and organic wastes into sustainable fuels, green chemicals and biopolymer materials.  He is a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Institute of Canada. We extend our warmest congratulations to Ir Prof. Niu and Prof. Xu on their new appointments.  We are confident that, under their leadership, RISUD and RCRE will continue to strengthen their research excellence and make significant contributions to sustainable urban development and carbon neutrality.

RCDTT and PATA forecast Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals to reach 789.2 million by 2028

The PolyU Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), has released the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028: Mid-Year Update. The report indicates steady growth in international visitor arrivals across 39 Asia Pacific destinations over the next three years, reaching 714.9 million in 2026, 758.8 million in 2027 and 789.2 million in 2028. By then, the region is expected to have recovered to 115.6% of its 2019 visitor volume, signalling a new phase of tourism expansion. The report also identifies the key destinations and source markets driving this growth. Among the region’s ten largest destinations, Vietnam is projected to record the strongest growth, with arrivals increasing by 31.2% between 2025 and 2027. Macao, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Turkey and Malaysia are also expected to see notable increases, while the Chinese mainland will remain the region’s largest destination, welcoming 157.8 million international visitors in 2027. Prof. SONG Haiyan, Director of RCDTT, Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), said that the forecasts provide governments, tourism organisations and industry stakeholders with valuable insights to support strategic planning in a rapidly evolving travel market.   Online coverage: Travel Daily News - https://polyu.me/4wh2In9 Travel and Tour World - https://polyu.me/4wmSi5L TTR Weekly - https://polyu.me/4v0oMRZ Travel Industry Wire - https://polyu.me/4w8P2KU FTN News - https://polyu.me/4eC4zNJ Hospitality Trends - https://polyu.me/4gNflSw Gaming Industry Wire - https://polyu.me/4wljUbq

Exploring a New Global Frontier in Neuroscience: Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series

We are delighted to announce that the second seminar of the Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series will be held on 21 July 2026 (Tuesday).  The seminar titled “Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces” will be delivered by Prof. John A. ROGERS of Northwestern University, U.S.A. Prof. John A. ROGERS is Director of the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics in the Northwest University.  He has co-authored nearly 1000 papers and is co-inventor on more than 100 patents, over 70 of which have been licensed to major companies or to start-ups that have emerged from his laboratories.  His research has been recognised through numerous honours, including the James Prize for Science and Technology Integration from the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A. (2022) and the IEEE Biomedical Engineering Award (2024).  He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the U.S.A. In this seminar, Prof. Rogers will explore the transformative field of bioelectronic neural interfaces, which are reshaping neuroscience and opening up new avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.  He will also discuss how advanced electronic and optoelectronic technologies can be seamlessly integrated with soft biological tissues, enabling the precise monitoring and modulation of neural circuits across 1D, 2D and 3D architectures. Join us for an engaging presentation by Prof. Rogers, offering insight into the potential of bioelectronic systems to transform healthcare and deepen our understanding of the nervous system.   Bioelectronic Systems as Neural Interfaces Date: 21 July 2026 (Tuesday) Time: 8:00-9:30pm (HKT) / 7:00-8:30am (CDT) / 1:00-2:30pm (BST) Format: Online via Zoom Speaker: Prof. John A. ROGERS, Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Neurological Surgery (and by courtesy Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and Dermatology) Director, Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics Northwestern University Language: English Event website: https://polyu.hk/VeQzW Registration: https://polyu.hk/chKNV

Tracking influenza transmission through wastewater: Stanford research reveals new opportunities for public health

On 29 June 2026, Prof. Alexandria BOEHM of Stanford University, U.S., delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Influenza Transmission and Diversity in Humans and Animals Inferred from Untreated Wastewater across the United States”.  The lecture attracted more than 80 attendees in person, while approximately 15,600 viewers watched the livestream across multiple social media platforms. During the lecture, Prof. Boehm highlighted the important role of wastewater surveillance in monitoring infectious diseases and explained how viral signals can provide timely insights into trends of community transmission.  She noted that Influenza A RNA detected in wastewater solids can effectively reflect seasonal influenza transmission patterns and accurately track the beginning, peak, and end of flu seasons.  These data not only help monitor outbreak developments but also provide valuable references for clinical decision-making and public health communication. Prof. Boehm further pointed out that Influenza A RNA concentrations in wastewater closely correspond to community infection patterns.  The wastewater surveillance programme she leads, WastewaterSCAN, began as a pilot project at just two sites and has since expanded to more than 150 wastewater treatment plants across 40 U.S. states.  Data accumulated over years of surveillance have not only revealed patterns of influenza transmission across seasons and regions, but also demonstrated close associations between influenza activity and other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The lecture also explored how wastewater surveillance can be used to identify influenza virus subtypes.  Prof. Boehm explained that while total Influenza A RNA levels can reflect outbreak trends, subtype information is equally essential for assessing vaccine effectiveness and disease severity.  By analysing haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene sequences, researchers can identify currently circulating virus subtypes—including H3N2, H1N1, and H5N1—from wastewater samples, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution and transmission of different influenza strains. Beyond reflecting human infections, animal influenza signals detected in wastewater also provide valuable insights for disease transmission monitoring.  Prof. Boehm explained that these data help track the progression of avian influenza outbreaks in U.S. cattle and assess transmission risks among animals.  With advances in metagenomic technologies, researchers are now able to assemble novel influenza virus genomes from wastewater samples, offering deeper insights into how these viruses evolve over time. Prof. Boehm emphasised that understanding circulating virus subtypes can support more effective vaccine development and help anticipate potential viral reassortment events at an early stage, strengthening preparedness for emerging threats.  She concluded that continued advances in wastewater surveillance may eventually help predict which influenza gene sequences are likely to circulate, providing a stronger scientific basis for preventive vaccine development, including the selection of strains for future seasonal vaccines. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development.  Both in-person and online participants had lively discussions with Prof. Boehm, exploring topics ranging from wastewater surveillance to influenza prevention and control. Please click here for an online review.

Prof. LIU Ai-Qun shares quantum technology trends and cybersecurity insights at LegCo

Prof. LIU Ai-Qun, Director of the Research Institute of Quantum Technology (RIQT), recently shared his expert insights on cybersecurity in the quantum era at Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo).  He also met with members of the LegCo T5 Group, the Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting, and representatives of China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) to exchange views on the subject. Prof. Liu noted that, with the continued advancement of quantum computing, future quantum computers may be capable of breaking widely used commercial encryption within hours, whereas conventional computers could take thousands of years to perform the same task.  Such a technological breakthrough could pose significant cybersecurity and financial risks to Hong Kong, warranting close attention from all sectors of society. He highlighted that quantum technology has been identified as one of the key developments in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and outlined PolyU’s forward-looking response through its research in Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography.  Prof. Liu further shared that his team has developed low-cost, scalable quantum chips with high key rates and has completed security trials on Hong Kong’s first 55-kilometre chip-based quantum communication network.  He also revealed that the team will embark on a new round of trials with CMHK to advance the development of cross-boundary and metropolitan hybrid chip-based QKD networks, further supporting Hong Kong’s ambition to establish a secure, world-class quantum communications infrastructure.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/43WnbBS

Maintaining muscle health helps protect the brain against depression, PolyU study reveals key mechanism

A recent study led by Principal Investigator Prof. Sonata YAU and funded by the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has uncovered an important biological mechanism underlying the antidepressant effects of exercise. The research team found that apelin, a myokine released by muscles during physical activity, serves as a crucial mediator linking skeletal muscle and the brain, helping to promote emotional well-being and protect brain function. The findings further highlight the significant benefits of exercise for mental health. The study found that exercise stimulates skeletal muscles to release apelin, which activates a series of signalling processes through APJ receptors, including the CK2/GluN2B/NMDA receptor pathway. This, in turn, enhances neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and produces antidepressant effects. The research team noted that skeletal muscle is not only responsible for movement, but also functions as an important endocrine organ that can influence brain functions through the secretion of bioactive molecules. As such, it plays a key role in promoting brain health and building lifelong psychological resilience. The team also highlighted that, for older adults, maintaining muscle health is important not only for preserving mobility but also for supporting mental well-being. As muscle mass naturally declines with age, regular exercise helps sustain apelin production, enabling the brain to continue receiving these essential signals. This may help combat depressive symptoms and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The findings deepen understanding of how exercise supports brain health and further underscore the importance of maintaining muscle health through regular physical activity, providing new scientific evidence for promoting mental well-being and healthy ageing.   Read the full research paper: https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-how-exercising-muscles-communicate-with-the-brain-to-fight-depression/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03651-y  

RIAIoT leads global dialogue on semiconductor innovation at 3rd Microelectronics Technology Forum 2026

The 3rd Microelectronics Technology Forum (MTF) 2026, held as part of the IEEE Electron Devices Society (EDS) Celebration Series marking the 100th anniversary of the Field-Effect Transistor (FET), took place successfully on 18 June 2026 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).  Jointly organised by the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and the Semiconductor Nanotechnology Alliance (SNA), and co-organised by IEEE EDS, the forum brought together renowned researchers, industry leaders and technology innovators to discuss the future of semiconductors under the theme “Semiconductor Technologies in the AI Era”.  The event celebrated a century of transistor innovation while showcasing emerging technologies that will drive the next generation of artificial intelligence, computing and intelligent systems. The forum opened with remarks by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Prof. CHAI Yang, Director of RIAIoT and Chairman of SNA.  In his opening remarks, Prof. Teng reaffirmed PolyU’s commitment to advancing frontier research, fostering innovation and strengthening academia-industry collaboration, while underscoring the University’s ambition to contribute to regional and global leadership in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies.  Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the organising institutions, Prof. Chai highlighted RIAIoT’s vision of advancing intelligent systems through the convergence of artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductor devices, sensing technologies and computing hardware.  He also outlined three key technological pillars shaping the future of AI—continued Moore’s Law scaling, emerging computing architectures such as neuromorphic, quantum and optical computing, and advanced power devices that enable energy-efficient intelligence. The technical programme featured a distinguished line-up of speakers and presentations spanning the semiconductor innovation value chain.  The morning sessions celebrated the centenary milestone of FET development, covering innovations beyond traditional scaling approaches and topics such as heterogeneous integration, 3D complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) architectures, advanced memory technologies and computing-in-memory (CIM) solutions to meet the growing demands of AI. The afternoon sessions focused on industrialisation and ecosystem development, highlighting advances in semiconductor equipment, metrology, chip packaging, smart manufacturing and AI data centre infrastructure, as well as strategies to strengthen regional innovation capabilities and accelerate technology commercialisation through cross-sector collaboration and investment. A highlight of the forum was a series of panel discussions that brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and researchers.  The discussions explored the evolution of microelectronics over the past century, opportunities for emerging chip startups in the Greater Bay Area, and pathways to translate breakthrough research into real-world industrial impact through stronger academia-industry collaboration. The forum closed on a positive note with a call for continued collaboration among academia, industry and government to accelerate innovation in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies.  The insights shared and partnerships forged during the event are expected to drive future advancements in AI-enabled hardware and semiconductor innovation.  Looking ahead, RIAIoT will continue to foster cross-sector collaboration, drive advances in microelectronics, and support Hong Kong’s sustainable innovation-led growth in the AI era.