What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:45 - 17:45 Tuesday 08:45 - 17:30 Wednesday 08:45 - 17:30 Thursday 08:45 - 17:30 Friday 08:45 - 17:30

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, HJ201, Podium Level, Stanley Ho Building, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom (2026)

15/09/2026

Please be reminded to join our 3rd 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐔 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 to be delivered by Mr Vincent SOURDAINE, Vice President of Neuromodulation in Europe, Middle East & Africa at Boston Scientific, on 29 September 2026 (Tuesday)!

In his presentation titled "𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧", Mr Sourdaine will share his perspectives on the evolving field of neuromodulation and the critical challenge of enabling access to innovation. While significant technological advances continue to drive progress in neurotechnology, broader adoption depends on improving patient access, increasing awareness, enhancing clinical training and optimising treatment pathways. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Mr Sourdaine will discuss how stakeholders across healthcare, research and industry can work together to ensure innovative therapies reach more patients who may benefit from them.

Moreover, four researchers and scholars from Cambridge NeuroWorks
and PolyU will present their latest applications in the pitching session:

Mr Jumpei KASHIWAKURA, Co-Founder of Neubond and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, will talk about a wearable device that can continuously monitor vitalactivity and provide therapeutic effects to patients recovering from stroke.

Ms Caterina AZAIS, Founder and CEO of Aequa Nanotherapeutics Ltd. and Fellow of Cambridge NeuroWorks, will present how her startup leverages nanoparticles for a non-surgical bidirectional neuralinterface approach.

Prof. Georg KRANZ, Associate Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU, will share his work “𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” (TPS), a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique with emerging evidence for both clinical antidepressant efficacy and target-specific neuromodulation.

Prof. Lei SUN, Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU, will share his research on ultrasound-mediated cellular modulation, translational bioeffects for cancer and diabetes therapies, and developments in multimodal molecular imaging and theranostics.

You will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of commercialising
neurotechnology, particularly in the field of neuromodulation, and the broader role of industry in translating scientific advances into practical healthcare solutions. The seminar will be of interest to researchers, clinicians, students and professionals across neuroscience, neurotechnology, biomedicalengineering, healthcare innovation and translational medicine.

📅Date: 29 September 2026 (Tuesday)
⏰Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm (HKT) / 10:00 - 11:30 am (CST) / 9:00 - 10:30 am (BST)
🎥Mode: Zoom
📣Language: English
🌐Event website: https://polyu.hk/SCOEh
✍Registration: https://polyu.hk/OIXcD

14/09/2026

十三位理大高等研究院成員榮獲理大專利成就獎殊榮

「理大專利成就獎」是香港理工大學（理大）頒發的大學級殊榮，旨在表揚學術部門及教研人員在知識轉移方面的卓越貢獻。此獎項不僅肯定了研究人員在科技創新與商業化方面的傑出表現，亦進一步推廣重視研究影響力的深厚學術文化。

PAIR 共有 13 位成員於「理大專利成就獎 2025」中獲表揚，並於五個獎項類別中的四個類別獲獎。此佳績充分展現 PAIR 在創新研發、知識產權保護及科研成果轉化方面的卓越表現。

瀏覽PAIR 獲獎成員名單: https://polyu.hk/VntlF

Thirteen PAIR members shine at PolyU Patents Achievement Award

The PolyU Patents Achievement Award (PPAA) is a prestigious university-level accolade that recognises academic departments and faculty members for their exceptional commitment to knowledge transfer. This award celebrates outstanding contributions to innovation and commercialisation while encouraging a strong culture of research impact across the University.

PAIR is proud to celebrate 13 members who were recognised at the PPAA 2025, earning awards across four of the five award categories. This achievement highlights PAIR’s strong commitment to innovation, intellectual property development, and research commercialisation.

View list of awardees from PAIR: https://polyu.hk/JxQoF

11/09/2026

香港理工大學高等研究院誠邀您參加於2026年9月22日（星期二）在校園舉行的「生物分子工程與材料科學的交會：開拓創新治療方案」傑出學人講座，講者Prof. Jonathan DORDICK為美國倫斯勒理工學院化學與生物工程學講座教授及生物科學系教授，同時兼任該校副校長（策略夥伴關係及知識轉移）。

大自然在結構與功能的多樣性上無可比擬，往往為我們在彌補現有治療手段不足方面提供靈感與藍圖。DORDICK教授的科研團隊從大自然汲取靈感，開發出具有獨特結構與功能特性的材料，並研發出用於製備各類仿生結構的新型製程技術。

在本次講座中，DORDICK教授將分享團隊近年來如何結合生物學與材料科學，以應對臨床應用上的挑戰。其中一項研究是率先開發出具高度功能性的無細胞代謝途徑，用於生產基因工程生物製劑。團隊特別聚焦於一種已有逾百年使用歷史的硫酸化糖胺聚醣藥物——肝素（heparin）。目前，肝素完全取源自豬隻腸道。為解決供應鏈不穩定及產品批次差異等挑戰，團隊開發了一套可大規模生產、無動物源、無細胞的生物合成製程。團隊研發的生物工程肝素，為這項重要藥物提供了可靠且可控的替代供應方案。

另一項研究則從截然不同的方向切入。團隊開發了一套基因編碼、以蛋白質為基礎的納米粒子生成系統，可透過低頻無線電波或磁場遠端調控基因表達。在植入相關基因元件的小鼠模型中，磁場刺激能夠誘導胰島素表達，從而降低血糖水平。這項穩健且可重複的體內遠端調控技術，未來有望應用於基礎科學研究、技術開發以及疾病治療等領域。

📅日期：2026年9月22日（星期二）
⏰時間：上午10時30分至中午12時正（香港時間）
📍地點：香港理工大學李嘉誠樓十六樓教務會議室（M1603室）
🎙️講者: 美國倫斯勒理工學院副校長（策略夥伴關係及知識轉移）˴ 化學與生物工程學講座教授及生物科學系教授Jonathan DORDICK教授
📣語言：英語
🌐網址：https://polyu.hk/brTgm
✍報名：https://polyu.hk/PjyCm

You are cordially invited to join the upcoming PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Exploiting the Interface of Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science to Generate New Therapeutic Outcomes” by Prof. Jonathan DORDICK of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, on 22 September 2026!

Nature is unparalleled in its structural and functional diversity. In many cases, nature has provided us with a blueprint to overcome gaps in our therapeutic arsenal. We have taken cues from nature to design materials with unique structural and functional properties, along with new process technologies with the ability to produce a wide range of biomimetic structures.

In this lecture, Prof. Dordick will highlight his research team’s recent efforts to exploit the interface of biology with materials science to address clinical applications. In one example, they have pioneered the design of highly functional cell-free metabolic pathways for the generation of engineered biologics. In another example, they have focused on the over 100-year-old sulfated glycosaminoglycan drug, heparin, solely sourced from pig intestines, and have developed a scalable, animal-free and cell-free biosynthetic process to overcome multiple challenges, ranging from insecure supply chains and significant product variability.

Moreover, their newly developed bioengineered heparin represents a critical alternative for the reliable and controllable supply of this essential medicine. In a second, albeit orthogonal example, they have developed a genetically encoded protein-based nanoparticle-generating system for remote regulation of gene expression by low-frequency radio waves or a magnetic field. In mice with designed genetically encoded components, magnetic field stimulation of insulin expression lowers blood glucose. This robust, repeatable method for remote regulation in vivo may ultimately have applications in basic science, technology and therapeutics.

📅 Date: 22 September 2026 (Tuesday)
⏰Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time)
📍Venue: Senate Room (M1603), 16/F Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU
🎙️Speaker: Prof. Jonathan DORDICK, Institute Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Vice President of Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA
📣 Language: English
🌐Event website: https://polyu.hk/iyaBt
✍Registration: https://polyu.hk/PjyCm

10/09/2026

理大研發量子隧穿場效應晶體管　突破集成電路晶片發展樽頸

理大物理及材料學系系主任、材料物理與器件講座教授郝建華教授領導的研究團隊，與本地、北京及新加坡科研人員合作，成功運用二維（2D）納米材料，研製出一款全新的量子隧穿場效應晶體管（TFET）。是次突破性的成果，令這項備受期待的技術離商業化應用更進一步，為低能耗運算及新一代人工智能（AI）晶片提供關鍵的基本組件。

集成電路（IC）由在開、關狀態之間切換的晶體管組成，是現代運算的基礎。傳統的互補金屬氧化物半導體場效應晶體管（MOSFET）依靠由閘極電壓驅動熱電子發射，讓電荷跨越勢壘，此項操作中控制一個數量級的電流變化所需要的最低閘極電壓為 60 毫伏特（mV）。然而，由於「波爾茲曼極限」的物理限制，使得在室溫之下，MOSFET的亞閾值擺幅（Subthreshold swing，SS；用以量度開關勢壘的指標）無法降低至每十倍 60 毫伏特（mV decade⁻¹）以下，阻礙了高性能電子產品的進一步發展。

為解決以往TFET設計的效率局限，郝教授的團隊採用脈衝激光沉積（PLD）技術，製作出超薄的二維鉍（Bi）與硒化銦（InSe）交替層異質結。團隊在納米尺寸的層狀結構上進行精確控制，令原本呈半金屬性質的鉍在二維形態下轉化為半導體，形成理想的能帶對齊，使電荷載流子得以透過量子隧穿機制高效注入硒化銦。

由此製成的 Bi/InSe 量子隧穿場效應晶體管，在六個數量級的電流開關範圍內，其亞閾值擺幅遠低於每十倍 60 毫伏特的熱電子極限。這種TFET在室溫下於標準厘米尺寸的矽基板上運作時，所需閘極電壓範圍僅為 160 毫伏特，遠低於先進 MOSFET 所需的 800 毫伏特。

這種最新器件解決了實驗性質TFET長期面對的難題：既能輸出高達每微米數微安培（μA μm⁻¹）的高輸出電流，同時具備極高的開關電流比。高輸出電流對驅動多個下游邏輯閘極為重要，有助降低電路延遲，並確保與現有集成電路晶片相容，甚至可帶動其跨代升級。

研究同時證明，脈衝激光沉積技術在製造精密、晶圓級二維材料方面切實可行，此類材料對未來採用超短通道的晶體管尤其重要。由於該技術能與傳統矽基製程相互配合，此項突破為節能微型晶片及推動 AI 應用的專用硬件，提供了可規模化的發展藍圖。

此項研究由理大與與新加坡國立大學、香港科技大學、北京大學及新加坡科技設計大學的研究人員合作進行。研究成果具重要里程碑意義，並已於國際權威期刊《科學》（Science）發表。

郝建華教授現為光子技術研究院、潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院及體育科技研究院成員。

閱讀研究全文：https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx6059

PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development

A research team led by Prof. HAO Jianhua, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Head of Department of Physics and Materials, in collaboration with researchers from Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore, has engineered a novel tunnelling field-effect transistor (TFET) utilising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. The breakthrough brings this long-awaited experimental technology closer to commercial reality, offering a fundamental building block for energy-efficient computing and next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chips.

Integrated circuits (ICs), composed of transistors switching between ON and OFF states, form the foundation of modern computing. Conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) rely on thermionic emission of electrical charges over a barrier, driven by the gating voltage, the minimum of which is just 60 millivolts (mV). However, the notorious Boltzmann limit, or “Boltzmann tyranny”, makes subthreshold swing (SS, a measure of switching barrier) values below 60 mV decade⁻¹ at room temperature a physical impossibility for MOSFETs, putting the brakes on further progress in high-performance electronics.

To solve the performance limitations of previous TFET designs, Prof. Hao’s team created ultra-thin heterostructure of 2D bismuth (Bi) and indium selenide (InSe) alternating layers using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). By exercising precise control over the layer structure at nanoscale, the normally semi-metallic bismuth transforms into a semiconductor in 2D form, creating ideal energy band alignment for charge carriers to tunnel efficiently into InSe through quantum tunnelling mechanism.

The resulting Bi/InSe TFET achieved SS values well below the 60 mV decade⁻¹ thermionic limit across six orders of magnitude of current switching. Operating at room temperature on standard centimetre-scale silicon substrates, the device required a gate-voltage range of only 160 mV—far lower than the 800 mV required by advanced MOSFETs.

Crucially, the device resolved a long-standing challenge in experimental TFETs by delivering a high output current of up to several microamps per micrometre (μA μm⁻¹) alongside an exceptionally high ON/OFF current ratio. High output current is essential for driving multiple downstream logic gates (fan-out), demonstrating diminished circuit-delay, and ensuring compatibility with and even generational upgrade for the existing IC chips.

The study also demonstrates the practical viability of PLD for high-precision, wafer-scale manufacturing of 2D materials that appreciated for future transistors with ultra-short channel lengths. Given its seamless integration capability with traditional silicon-based manufacturing processes, this breakthrough provides a scalable roadmap for energy-efficient microchips and specialised hardware powering AI applications.

The research was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Peking University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The landmark findings have been published in the prestigious international scientific journal Science.

Prof. Hao Jianhua is currently a Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Otto P**n Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports).

Read the full paper: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx6059

08/09/2026

理大高等研究院四名成員當選香港工程院青年部會員

理大高等研究院四名成員憑藉在各自領域取得的突破成果及重要貢獻，當選為香港工程院青年部會員，展現理大在科研人才培育及創新研究方面的卓越成果。

當選的四位成員︰
段煥豐教授
土地及空間研究院及可持續城市發展研究院成員
土木及環境工程學系副系主任（研究）兼教授
研究貢獻: 工程科學及技術創新，提升城市水利基礎設施韌性，並促進氣候可持續發展

劉亮教授
人工智能物聯網研究院成員
電機及電子工程學系副教授
研究貢獻: 新一代蜂窩網絡技術

鄭湃教授、工程師
先進製造研究院成員
黃鐵城智能機器人青年學者
工業及系統工程學系副教授
研究貢獻: 互認知人機協作製造系統

周超教授
土地及空間研究院及可持續城市發展研究院成員
崔德剛土木工程青年學者
土木及環境工程學系副教授
研究貢獻: 熱—水—力耦合土力學及地質可持續發展工程技術

完整名單︰https://hkae.hk/en/twenty-young-academics-and-industrial-leaders-elected-members-hkaes-young-member-section .tab=0

Four PAIR members elected to Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Young Member Section

Four PAIR members have been elected Members of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) Young Member Section (YMS), in recognition of their breakthroughs and contributions in their respective fields. This remarkable achievement highlights the University’s success in nurturing young research talent and driving scientific research and innovation.

The four elected PAIR members are:
Prof. DUAN Huan-Feng
Member of RILS and RISUD
Associate Head (Research) and Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Research Contributions: Innovation in engineering science and technology, enhancing the resilience of urban water infrastructure and supporting climate sustainability

Prof. LIU Liang
Member of RIAIoT
Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Research Contributions: Next-generation cellular technologies

Ir Prof. ZHENG Pai
Member of RIAM
Wong Tit Shing Young Scholar in Smart Robotics
Associate Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Contributions: Mutual cognitive human-robot collaborative manufacturing systems

Prof. ZHOU Chao
Member of RILS and RISUD
Tsui Tack Kong Young Scholar in Civil Engineering
Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environment Engineering Research Contributions: Engineering advances in THM-coupled soil mechanics and geo-sustainability

Full list: https://hkae.hk/en/twenty-young-academics-and-industrial-leaders-elected-members-hkaes-young-member-section .tab=0

07/09/2026

推動氣溶膠科學走向政策實踐：Lidia MORAWSKA 教授談超細顆粒物、微塑膠與公共健康

2026 年 8 月 27 日，昆士蘭科技大學 Lidia MORAWSKA 教授，於香港理工大學主講理大高等研究院傑出學人講座，講題為「當代科學的挑戰：可吸入懸浮微粒及其管控之道」。活動吸引逾70位人士現場出席，並於多個社交媒體平台錄得約14,700人次在線觀看。

講座中，Morawska 教授全面闡述大氣污染對人類健康及社會經濟所造成的深遠影響，並指出室內空氣污染帶來的健康及經濟損失估計相當於中國國內生產總值（GDP）的3.45%。她強調，當務之急是將先進的氣溶膠科學研究成果轉化為具體且具執行力的公共衛生政策，藉此更有效應對大氣污染帶來的挑戰。

講座其中一個重點議題是超細顆粒物（Ultrafine Particles，UFPs）。這類粒徑小於 0.1 微米的微小污染物不僅能深入肺部，更能進入血液循環系統，繼而引發全身性發炎，對腦部健康構成長期風
險。為克服傳統監測光譜儀成本高昂的限制，Morawska 教授介紹了一項於 2024 年 9 月啟動、覆蓋全球 19 個國際監測站的研究項目。該項目透過便攜式 Partector2-Pro 儀器進行監測，旨在驗證一套可大規模部署並適用於長期監測的超細顆粒物監測方案，從而更準確評估暴露水平與健康影響之間的關係。她指出，相關研究結果將為世界衛生組織（WHO）即將公布的指引，以及各國未來的監管標準提供重要科學依據。

講座亦深入探討了傳染性呼吸道顆粒與空氣中微塑膠所帶來的雙重威脅。Morawska教授以嚴重急性呼吸系統綜合症（SARS）和新型冠狀病毒（COVID-19）為例，說明監測空氣傳播病原體的重要性，並剖析當前即時病原體檢測在靈敏度、特異性及成本效益方面的技術瓶頸。此外，她亦警告微塑膠與納米塑膠（Nano- and Microplastics，NMPs）所帶來的環境與健康風險正日益加劇。自 1950 年以來，全球塑膠累計產量已超過100 億噸，但回收率僅約6%。其中來自合成纖維、輪胎和塗料、粒徑小於 10 微米的可吸入塑膠碎片，已廣泛存在於空氣環境之中。她呼籲科研界建立並採用標準化測試方法，以更準確評估其在真實環境中的毒理風險及潛在健康影響。

總結時，Morawska 教授強調，空氣中的顆粒物受到建築環境、人類活動及周邊環境等多重因素影響。要有效降低相關風險，必須從控制污染源頭、降低環境濃度及減少人體暴露三方面同步著手。她最後強調，科學研究只有轉化為政策行動，才能帶來真正改變。由於氣溶膠科學本身高度複雜，相關監管措施和標準必須建基於嚴謹的科學證據，方能有效保障全球人口健康。

講座最後設有問答環節，由理大高等研究院院長陳清焰教授主持。現場及線上參與者踴躍提問，與Morawska教授展開熱烈而深入的交流討論。

網上重溫: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lNdkZ4Rxpk

Bridging aerosol science and policy action: Prof. Lidia MORAWSKA discusses ultrafine particles, microplastics and public health

On 27 August 2026, Prof. Lidia MORAWSKA of the Queensland University of Technology delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Current Problems of Science: The World of the Particles We Inhale and How to Control it”. The event drew more than 70 in-person attendees and approximately 14,700 online viewers across multiple social media platforms.

During her lecture, Prof. Morawska provided a comprehensive overview of the profound impacts of atmospheric pollution on human health and socioeconomic development. She noted that the health and economic burden associated with indoor air pollution is estimated at 3.45% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP). She underscored the critical need to translate advances in aerosol science into concrete and enforceable public health policies to address better the challenges posed by atmospheric pollution.

A major highlight of the lecture was the discussion on ultrafine particles (UFPs). These tiny pollutants, measuring less than 0.1 micrometre in diameter, can pe*****te deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and posing long-term risks to brain health. To overcome the limitations of conventional, costly monitoring spectrometers, Prof. Morawska presented a global study launched in September 2024 across 19 international monitoring sites. Utilising the portable Partector2-Pro instrument, the project aims to validate a scalable, long-term approach to UFP monitoring, enabling a more robust assessment of the relationship between exposure levels and health impacts. These findings, she noted, will provide scientific foundation for upcoming World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and future regulatory standards worldwide.

The presentation also examined the dual threats of infectious respiratory particles and airborne microplastics. Drawing on lessons from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Prof. Morawska highlighted the importance of monitoring airborne pathogens and examined the technical bottlenecks facing real-time pathogen detection, including sensitivity, specificity and cost-effectiveness. She also warned of the escalating crisis of microplastics and nanoplastics (NMPs). Since 1950, global plastic output has exceeded 10 billion tonnes, while only around 6% has been recycled. Inhalable plastic fragments smaller than 10 micrometres from synthetic textiles, tyres and paints have become increasingly pervasive in the atmosphere. She urged the scientific community to establish and adopt standardised testing methods to assess better their toxicological risks and potential health impacts under real-world conditions.

In conclusion, Prof. Morawska emphasised that airborne particles are influenced by multiple factors, including the built environment, human activities and surrounding environmental conditions. Effective risk mitigation necessitates a three-pronged approach: controlling source emissions, reducing environmental concentrations and limiting human exposure. She further stressed that scientific discoveries could bring about meaningful change only when translated into policy action. Due to the intrinsic complexity of aerosol science, such regulatory measures must be grounded in rigorous scientific evidence to protect global public health.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. Both in-person and online participants engaged in lively and insightful discussions with Prof. Morawska.

Online review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lNdkZ4Rxpk

04/09/2026

How to Bring Neuromodulation Innovations to More Patients? Boston Scientific Executive Shares Industry Insights

PolyU PAIR and Cambridge NeuroWorks are pleased to welcome Mr Vincent SOURDAINE, Vice President of Neuromodulation for EMEA at Boston Scientific, as the speaker for the forthcoming joint online seminar on 29 September 2026 (Tuesday). The title of his presentation will be “Neuromodulation - Access to Innovation”.

Boston Scientific is a global medical technology company specialising in implantable devices and minimally invasive therapies that help physicians diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, oncological, neurological and urological diseases and conditions. With more than 30 years of experience in the medical technology industry, Vincent has played a leading role in advancing and commercialising innovative therapies that improve patient care and quality of life across international markets.

In this seminar, Vincent will share his perspectives on the evolving field of neuromodulation and the critical challenge of enabling access to innovation. While significant technological advances continue to drive progress in neurotechnology, broader adoption depends on improving patient access, increasing awareness, enhancing clinical training, and optimising treatment pathways. This keynote explores the gap between technological breakthroughs and real world adoption. Why do effective therapies remain underused? How can awareness, clinician training, patient education and procedure improvements accelerate access to care? And what role do industry, healthcare providers and policymakers play in turning innovation into impact? Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Vincent will discuss how stakeholders across healthcare, research and industry can work together to ensure innovative therapies reach more patients who may benefit from them.

Participants will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of commercialising neurotechnology, particularly in the field of neuromodulation, and the broader role of industry in translating scientific advances into practical healthcare solutions. The seminar will be of interest to researchers, clinicians, students and professionals across neuroscience, neurotechnology, biomedical engineering, healthcare innovation and translational medicine.

The Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series provides an international platform for researchers, clinicians, students and industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore emerging advances in neuroscience, neurotechnology and clinical practice. Cambridge NeuroWorks is a UK neurotechnology initiative led by Cambridge University Health Partners, United Kingdom, advancing innovation in neuroscience, healthcare and technology. PolyU PAIR is an interdisciplinary research platform of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China, driving innovations in advanced technologies and manufacturing, good health and well-being, and smart and sustainable cities.

🌐️Event website: https://polyu.hk/SCOEh
✍Registration: https://polyu.hk/OIXcD

03/09/2026

范金土教授接受《中國科學報》專訪　談紡織領域核心挑戰

未來服裝紡織科技研究中心主任兼纖維科學與服裝工程講座教授范金土教授近日接受《中國科學報》專訪，分享了其科研歷程，深入剖析該領域面臨的核心科學難題，並就青年學者的科研發展提供寶貴建議。此外，他亦暢談對國際學術期刊《Textiles》未來發展的願景。

訪談中，范教授指出，當前紡織領域主要面臨三大核心挑戰：

1. 可持續發展的瓶頸：極需突破混紡回收的技術難關，減少微塑膠污染，並建立低能耗、高效的閉環回收機制；

2. 以大健康為導向的功能性紡織品研發：在實現生理監測、理療及特種防護等功能的同時，必須兼顧產品安全性與穿著舒適度；

3. 產業的智能化轉型：須依托 5G 與工業互聯網打通全產業鏈數據鏈條，並將紡織科學機理深度融入人工智能模型，推動產業由「生產優化」到「產品研發」的逆向驅動。

談及青年學者的科研發展，范教授建議研究選題應緊扣領域內的重要科學問題，以「十年磨一劍」的精神深耕專業方向，避免盲目追逐短期熱點。他表示，青年學者既要保持對前沿動態的敏銳觸覺，亦要在「長期堅守主業」與「適度創新」之間取得平衡，方能建立扎實的學術基礎，實具影響力的科研突破。

對於接任《Textiles》主編一職，范教授表示，這源於對學術共同體的責任感，希望藉此打造高水平的學術交流平台，並扭轉專業期刊優質稿源流失的現象。他認為，開放獲取（Open Access）模式打破了知識傳播的壁壘，顯著提升科研成果的國際影響力，但前提是必須嚴格把控同行評審質量及恪守學術倫理。展望未來，《Textiles》期刊將聚焦前沿與跨界創新成果，並透過吸納優秀青年學者加入編委團隊，持續為期刊注入新動力。

閱讀訪問全文: https://polyu.me/3SkWcxr

Prof. FAN Jintu outlines key challenges in textiles in ScienceNet.cn interview

In a recent exclusive interview with ScienceNet.cn, Prof. FAN Jintu, Director of Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF) and Chair Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Engineering, reflected on his research journey, examined the key scientific challenges facing the textiles field, and offered valuable advice for young academics navigating their research careers. He also shared his vision for the journal Textiles.

Prof. Fan identified three primary hurdles facing today’s textiles industry:

1. Sustainability bottlenecks: Overcoming technical barriers in recycling blended fibers, reducing microplastic pollution, and establishing low-energy, high-efficiency closed-loop recycling systems.

2. Health-oriented functional textiles: Developing functional textiles for physiological monitoring, therapeutic applications and specialised protection without compromising product safety or wearer comfort.

3. Intelligent industrial transformation: Utilising 5G and industrial IoT to connect data across the entire supply chain, and embedding core textile physics into AI models to drive a shift from production optimisation to product R&D.

Addressing the development of young scholars, Prof. Fan stressed the importance of tackling fundamental scientific problems within the field. He advised against chasing fleeting research trends, encouraging long-term dedication to a core field alongside measured innovation. He noted that young scholars should maintain a keen awareness of emerging developments while striking a balance between sustained commitment to their core research areas and appropriate innovation. Such an approach, he explained, is essential for building a solid academic foundation and achieving impactful research breakthroughs.

On assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief at Textiles, Prof. Fan said the decision stemmed from a sense of duty to the academic community, with the aim of building a high-calibre platform for scholarly exchange and helping to retain top-quality submissions. While highlighting that Open Access breaks down barriers to knowledge dissemination and significantly enhances the international visibility of research outcomes, he underscored the necessity of upholding rigorous peer-review standards and strict adherence to academic integrity. Moving forward, Textiles will focus on frontier research and interdisciplinary innovation and recruit talented young researchers to its editorial team to drive sustained growth.

Read the full interview: https://polyu.me/3SkWcxr

01/09/2026

微生物研究院正式成立

理大高等研究院宣布於 2026 年 9 月 1 日正式成立微生物研究院（Institute of Microbiology），作為本院轄下新設研究單位。微生物研究院致力成為全球領先的尖端微生物學研究樞紐，聚焦應對微生物在人類健康、環境可持續發展、食品安全及生物科技發展等領域帶來的的全球重大挑戰，同時推動微生物研究的成果轉化及創新應用，提升大眾健康與福祉。

微生物研究院由食品科學及營養學系系主任兼微生物學講座教授陳聲教授擔任院長；副院長則由協理副校長（知識轉移）兼生物醫學工程學系細胞工程及免疫醫學講座教授董澄教授、數據科學及人工智能學系及應用數學系數據科學與分析講座教授黃堅教授，以及理大高等研究院副院長兼醫療科技及資訊學系系統生物學及人工智能學講座教授章偉雄教授出任。

我們衷心歡迎微生物研究院全體成員加入理大高等研究院，期待與大家攜手合作，共創科研新里程。

瀏覽微生物研究院官網: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/rim/

Establishment of the Research Institute for Microbiology

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) with effect from 1 September 2026 as a constituent research unit of PAIR. RIM aims to become a world-leading hub for cutting-edge microbiological research, dedicated to addressing global microbial challenges that pose significant threats to human health, environmental sustainability, food security and biotechnological advancement, while also advancing the beneficial applications of microorganisms to improve human health.

Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head and Chair Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, will lead the Institute as Director. Prof. D**G Cheng, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine in the Department of Biomedical Engineering; Prof. HUANG Jian, Chair Professor of Data Science and Analytics in the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Department of Applied Mathematics; and Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, will serve as Associate Directors.

Please join us in welcoming them and all members of RIM to the PAIR family!

Visit RIM official website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/rim/

31/08/2026

PAIR通訊．第19期．2026年9月號現已出版

新學年，新氣象；新合作，新突破。第19期《PAIR通訊》帶您重溫本院過去數月的科研亮點與學術盛事。從傑出學人講座、專題研討會到研究交流活動，來自世界各地的頂尖學者匯聚理大校園，促進學術交流，深化交叉學科合作，為未來科研發展開拓更多可能。

今期專題訪問兩位享譽國際的學者，他們的真知灼見為當代社會一些最迫切的挑戰提供寶貴視角。英國倫敦國王學院高級副校長（研究與策略發展）Bashir M. AL-HASHIMI爵士教授分享他對人工智能時代下人類推理能力、批判性思維及科研發展的觀察與思考，並提醒我們，縱然AI技術日新月異，人類的獨立思考、判斷力與求知精神依然不可或缺。另一方面，PAIR院士、澳洲昆士蘭大學Sara DOLNICAR教授則帶領讀者走進可持續旅遊與酒店業的世界，探討行為科學如何鼓勵旅客在旅遊及酒店體驗中作出更可持續的選擇，同時保留旅遊帶來的樂趣與美好體驗。

本期亦聚焦PAIR科研人員的卓越成就。多位學者先後獲國際知名學院及專業學會推選為院士或會士，充分展現PAIR科研的國際影響力。其中，PAIR院長陳清焰教授獲選為英國皇家學會院士。英國皇家學會為全球歷史最悠久、最享負盛名的科學院之一。

此外，我們亦欣然歡迎新成立的微生物研究院（Research Institute for Microbiology，RIM），進一步拓展本院的交叉學科研究版圖，並加強我們應對健康、生物醫學及其他全球挑戰的科研實力。

除上述最新動向外，本期亦涵蓋多項科研成果、知識轉移項目及影響力故事，內容涵蓋健康與福祉、可持續發展、新興科技、先進製造，以及環境、社會及治理（ESG）等領域，展現交叉學科研究如何持續為社會創造實質價值。

按此閱讀《PAIR通訊》第19期：https://polyu.hk/mGvjV

PAIR Newsletter · Issue 19 · September 2026 is now available

A new academic year brings new ideas, new collaborations and new discoveries. In Issue 19 of the PAIR Newsletter, we look back on a particularly vibrant season at PAIR, marked by distinguished lectures, research seminars and scholarly exchanges that connected PolyU with leading researchers from around the world.

This issue features thought-provoking conversations with two distinguished scholars whose insights offer valuable perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Prof. Sir Bashir M. AL-HASHIMI, Senior Vice President (Research & Special Initiatives) of King’s College London, shares his reflections on human reasoning, critical thinking and the future of research in the age of artificial intelligence, reminding us that independent thinking, sound judgement and the pursuit of knowledge remain indispensable, even as AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, PAIR Fellow Prof. Sara DOLNICAR of The University of Queensland takes readers into the world of sustainable tourism and hospitality, exploring how behavioural science can encourage more sustainable choices without compromising the joy of travel.

We also celebrate the achievements of PAIR scientists. Several scholars have recently been elected Fellows of prestigious learned societies and professional bodies, underscoring the growing international impact of PAIR research. Among them, PAIR Director Prof. CHEN Qingyan has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the world’s most distinguished scientific academies, with a centuries-long tradition of scientific excellence.

We are also delighted to welcome the newly established Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) to the PAIR family, further expanding our interdisciplinary research landscape and strengthening our capacity to address global challenges in health, biomedicine and beyond.

Beyond these important updates, readers will discover research achievements, knowledge transfer initiatives and impact stories spanning health and wellbeing, sustainability, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and ESG, showcasing how interdisciplinary research continues to create meaningful benefits for society.

Read PAIR Newsletter – Issue 19: https://polyu.hk/mGvjV

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The University

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	08:45 - 17:45
Tuesday	08:45 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:45 - 17:30
Thursday	08:45 - 17:30
Friday	08:45 - 17:30