PAIR Seminar
PolyU OER CollectionsA collection of seminars orgnaised by the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR).
Works (12)
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Video
On 9 December 2025, Prof. John D. SPENGLER from Harvard University delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “If you think it is hot now – just wait a few years”. The seminar explored innovative approaches to cooling neighbourhoods, saving lives, and strengthening local economies. The event attracted over 70 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,000 across various social media platforms.
Prof. Spengler began his presentation by highlighting warnings from experts regarding the climate crisis and global warming. He emphasised that transitioning from fossil fuels—such as coal, oil and natural gas—to renewable energy, including wind, solar and other green alternatives, is a key solution to these challenges.
Using the analogy of the Earth as a patient visiting a doctor, Prof. Spengler described how his team and collaborators monitor the planet’s vital signs. This includes measuring ground and sea temperatures; collecting fluid samples from seas, lakes, rivers and water pipes; and monitoring moisture and relative humidity. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the world’s population will experience, for the first time in human history, prolonged exposures to uncompensable extreme moist heat.
As urban heat islands contribute to increased heat-related mortality, Prof. Spengler warned that the widespread use of air-conditioning, dark surfaces and high glaze materials are among the main culprits. To address these issues, he advocated for the adoption of smart surfaces, such as trees, solar panels, bioswales, urban meadows, porous pavements, reflective pavements and cool roofs.
Prof. Spengler went on to share recent collaborations with industry partners and universities on smart surface projects. He asserted that smart surfaces offer cost-effective and scalable tools for climate adaptation, and that global urban adoption of current reflective surface technologies could reduce up to 78 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Smart surfaces can also cool cities by up to 5°F, providing a powerful, systemic public health intervention. These measures help protect outdoor workers, reduce electricity costs for families and businesses, and sustain economic activities such as tourism, construction and recreation. Furthermore, under-invested, low-income communities and communities of colour are typically 10–15°F hotter than wealthier areas; smart surfaces can help redress these inequalities.
Prof. Spengler emphasised the importance of working together with young people and the wider community to create a cooler world. The objectives are to assess the accrued health benefits and costs for cities adopting extreme heat mitigation strategies, as well as to examine differential impacts and benefits through the lens of environmental justice.
Event date: 9/12/2025
Speaker: Prof. John D. SPENGLER
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Environmental Engineering
- Keywords:
- Environmental protection -- Technological innovations Climate change mitigation Urban heat isl
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
At the PAIR Seminar on 26 November 2025, Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS from the University of Toronto shared his latest tech-enabled rehabilitation projects at the AgeTech Futures Institute (AgeTech). His presentation, titled “Supporting and rehabilitating older adults through AgeTech: from prevention to personalised care” explored how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) drive elderly care and rehabilitation services to go beyond the institution-based, recovery-focused model and move towards home-based, personalised care, while also providing support to caregivers and alleviating their burden. The seminar attracted over 110 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,000 across various social media platforms.
Prof. Mihailidis began his presentation by highlighting AgeTech’s pioneering projects, which include sensors for fall detection and home safety; a home-based reminder system called “Remindful” for people living with dementia and their caregivers; AI-driven predictive systems; and AI-driven solutions for generating synthetic memories for helping people with dementia to reclaim lost memories and improve cognitive functions. Drawing on practical case studies and early machine-learning insights, he demonstrated how integrated data, user-centred design and systems-level approaches can shift rehabilitation from a passive, reactive model to an active, anticipatory one.
Prof. Mihailidis further explained how AgeTech, as an independent think tank, is advancing global policy, education and partnerships to scale equitable, human-centred innovation. Collectively, these efforts outline a path towards a more responsive and empowering future of ageing—one in which technology complements, rather than replaces, care and supports older adults in leading healthier, more connected lives.
Event date: 26/11/2025
Speaker: Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Video
Prof. Cui began his presentation by outlining the current progress of ATMPs, including tissue engineering, stem cell and cell therapies, and gene therapies. Biomanufacturing of ATMPs presents a range of complexities and challenges due to the intricate nature of these therapies. The manufacturing processes often require highly specialised facilities and equipment to ensure product safety, consistency and efficacy. Maintaining stringent quality control is particularly challenging, as ATMPs are predominantly patient-specific or involve living cells that are sensitive to environmental conditions. Regulatory requirements are rigorous and continually evolving, necessitating robust documentation and validation procedures. Additionally, scaling up production from laboratory to clinical and commercial levels can be difficult, as processes that work on a small scale may not translate seamlessly to mass production. These factors, combined with the need for skilled personnel and high production costs, make ATMP biomanufacturing a complex and demanding endeavour.
Prof. Cui therefore suggested that AI has significant potential to reduce the costs of biomanufacturing ATMPs by optimising various stages of the production process. AI-driven analytics can streamline process development by rapidly analysing large datasets to identify optimal conditions for cell growth, gene editing or tissue engineering, thereby reducing the need for costly trial-and-error experimentation. Machine learning algorithms can predict and prevent manufacturing deviations, improving batch consistency and minimising waste. AI can also enhance supply chain management by forecasting demand and optimising inventory, thus reducing storage and material costs. Furthermore, automation powered by AI can reduce labour costs and increase throughput by enabling real-time monitoring and control of complex bioprocesses. Collectively, these advancements can make ATMP production more efficient, scalable and affordable, ultimately increasing patient access to these cutting-edge therapies.
Event date: 18/11/2025
Speaker: Prof. CUI Zhanfeng
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Biology
- Keywords:
- Gene therapy Stem cells Biotechnology -- Data processing Artificial intelligence -- Biological applications Tissue engineering
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
Prof. Bahnfleth commenced his presentation by outlining his research focus on the development of intelligent building systems that monitor and respond to changes in indoor air quality, aiming to create a healthy air environment for public health. Drawing upon his extensive experience, he emphasised four key elements for successful research: clearly defining research objectives, fully engaging with the processes required to achieve them, breaking down disciplinary silos, and fostering effective communication with practitioners, the public and regulators. He noted that the indoor air quality challenges faced by society during the COVID-19 pandemic are not new; they have existed throughout the history of the field.
Prof. Bahnfleth further explained that a significant gap remains between scientific knowledge and practical application. He asserted that this gap can be bridged, but only if we recognise that the major obstacles are not scientific nor technological, but pertain to human behaviours, risks and uncertainty, standards and regulations, regulatory processes and policy considerations. He stressed that improving indoor air quality depends on broader engagement and cooperation, which is grounded in the shared vision and collective efforts of all stakeholders.
In summary, Prof. Bahnfleth expressed his firm belief that the success we pursue is attainable, provided we understand our current landscape, chart a clear path towards our goals, and persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
Event date: 14/11/2025
Speaker: Prof. William P. BAHNFLETH
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Environmental Engineering
- Keywords:
- Indoor air quality Environmental health
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
At the PAIR Seminar on 10 October 2025, Prof. David Y. H. PUI of University of Minnesota, USA, shared insights that have contributed to his career success in both academia and industry. His talk, titled “Preparing for a Successful Career Starting with Your Graduate Theses”, focused on the essential personal qualities and skill sets for completing university education and excelling as an educator or technologist. The seminar attracted over 100 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 15,000 across various social media platforms.
To begin his presentation, Prof. Pui briefly introduced his works at the Particle Technology Laboratory and his contributions to research on Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) as well as his longstanding collaborations with industry. He then went on to highlight some of his former postdoctoral students, who are now prominent figures in both academia and industry in the world.
Reflecting on his own remarkable academic journey, Prof. Pui emphasised that successful individuals should possess personal qualities such as Passion, Independence, Teamwork, Creativity, Hard Work (PITCH), and skill sets including Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration (CCC). He also recounted on his experiences with international collaborations, which have not only advanced his career but also fostered lifelong friendships with his collaborators and their families. Finally, he provided an example of how he continues to cultivate PITCH and CCC in his work, demonstrating their positive impact on society.
Event date: 10/10/2025
Speaker: Prof. David Y. H. PUI
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Success Career development Vocational guidance
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy, is anticipated to become a leading fuel of the future, offering clean, carbon-free energy for a wide range of industrial applications. It also has the potential to provide complementary energy storage when combined with intermittent solar power. However, achieving economically competitive, large-scale solar-generated hydrogen production remains a significant challenge. Photochemical water splitting, a process that uses light-absorbing nanoparticle semiconductors to drive redox reactions on their surface, offers a promising solution.
At the PAIR Seminar on 2 October 2025, Prof. Iain McCULLOCH of Princeton University, USA, shared the latest developments in photochemical water splitting. His talk, titled “Harnessing the Sun for Chemistry”, focused on the use of light-absorbing nanoparticle semiconductors capable of driving redox reactions on their surface. The seminar attracted over 80 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 15,500 across various social media platforms.
To begin his presentation, Prof. McCulloch briefly introduced the development of photo-catalysts fabricated from organic semiconductors, which can be chemically tuned to absorb strongly throughout the UV-visible spectrum. His research has demonstrated that these organic semiconductor nanoparticles, featuring an internal donor/acceptor heterojunction between two organic semiconductors with a type II energy level offset, achieve higher solar-to-hydrogen efficiency than traditional inorganic photocatalysts. The donor/acceptor heterojunction significantly enhances charge generation within the nanoparticles, thereby greatly improving their hydrogen production efficiency. Furthermore, his team has also shown that adjusting the nanoparticle composition can substantially increase hydrogen production efficiency.
Prof. McCulloch’s research team also observed that the high efficiency of these nanoparticles stems from their ability to generate exceptionally long-lived reactive charges upon illumination, increasing their likelihood of participation in photocatalytic reactions. In addition, he discussed solution-processable, linear conjugated polymers of intrinsic porosity for gas-phase carbon dioxide photoreduction, highlighting the potential of such polymers in transforming carbon dioxide into solar fuels.
Event date: 2/10/2025
Speaker: Prof. Iain McCulloch
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Electrical Engineering and Chemistry
- Keywords:
- Nanoparticles Photocatalysis Clean energy Solar energy Hydrogen as fuel
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
The seminar began with a warm welcome by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Mr Gavin NGAI, Deputy Director of the Global Engagement Office. Dr Tzezana commenced his presentation by identifying the common myths about AI and discussing how these myths hinder public awareness of AI’s rapid development in various fields. He then projected AI’s capabilities towards the end of the decade, suggesting that AI would soon outperform humans in many areas. Dr Tzezanna also examined the broader implications of these advancements, particularly their impact on the future of work, and offered insights into the skills and knowledge areas essential for staying competitive and successful in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Event date: 24/9/2024
Speaker: Dr Roey TZEZANA
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Mechanical Engineering and Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Keywords:
- Artificial intelligence
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
The seminar began with a warm welcome by Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PAIR, followed by a brief introduction of the speaker by Prof. ZHANG Chengqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Liu kick-started his presentation by outlining the key milestones in the evolution of robotics, and pointed out that human-centred intelligent robots should be able to co-exist, cooperate and collaborate with humans. He stated that robotics is a truly interdisciplinary field that combines engineering, science and humanities. Next, through a series of case studies, Prof. Liu examined how intelligent robots have been designed to work alongside humans in various applications, including civil infrastructure maintenance, construction, and manufacturing. He then discussed the dynamics of collaboration between humans and robots, and examined issues such as trust, computational modelling, physical and cognitive workload, brain-robot interface and human-centred design. By reflecting on the lessons learnt from these case studies, Prof. Liu highlighted both successes and challenges. At the end of his presentation, Prof. Liu emphasised that human-robot teaming is an interdisciplinary field. He also pointed out some areas for further development in the field, highlighting the many opportunities in robotics.
Event date: 10/10/2024
Speaker: Prof. LIU Dikai
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Mechanical Engineering and Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Keywords:
- Artificial intelligence Robotics Human-robot interaction
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech and speaker introduction by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU. This was followed by Prof. Leng’s presentation. He first provided a brief background about shape memory polymers (SMP), pointing out that these smart materials can reversibly change between permanent and temporary shapes in response to changes in external stimuli such as temperature. Next, he gave an overview of the researchers from different scientific research institutions and universities around the world who specialise in SMP research, and the types of SMP materials that HIT researchers focus on. He said that SMP are hard to actuate and their recovery strength and speed are low, and so relevant solutions to these challenges are important for the development of SMP composites (SMPC). Prof. Leng then gave examples demonstrating how SMPC can be prepared through actuation methods involving different stimuli such as heat, electricity, magnetism, radio frequency, solution/water, light, etc. He mentioned that SMPC can be used to prepare various structures for aerospace, smart manufacturing, photoelectric applications, microelectromechanical systems applications, and smart clothing. After that, Prof. Leng introduced 4D printing, a novel additive manufacturing process for producing printed objects that can adaptively change their configurations/properties in response to external stimuli. He mentioned that 4D printing is important for producing a range of SMPC-based materials for biomedical applications. To conclude, Prof. Leng said that SMP research is a fast-growing emerging research field. He anticipated that shape memory smart structures incorporated with sensors, actuators, and controllers, would be widely used in aerospace, civil aviation, automotive, energy and daily life.
Event date: 15/07/2024
Speaker: Prof. LENG Jinsong
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Smart materials Polymeric composites Additive manufacturing Shape memory polymers
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech and speaker introduction by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR). In his presentation, Prof. Cao stated that urban environment engineering seeks to apply system engineering to solve complex urban problems. He highlighted that interdisciplinary research that combines scientific and mathematical approaches is crucial for understanding the mechanisms and laws concerning the complex interactions between humans and the ecological environment. Prof. Cao emphasised that the modelling of urban pollution involves a mix of techniques, including remote sensing, big data, computational simulation, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, digital twins, etc. He gave various project examples to explain how different techniques can be used for scientific monitoring, fast prediction, assessment and regulation of urban pollution. To conclude, Prof. Cao pointed out that advancements in urban environment modelling and intelligent control can build the scientific foundation for sustainable urban development.
Event date: 22/05/2024
Speaker: Prof. CAO Shi-Jie
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Environmental Engineering
- Keywords:
- Urban ecology (Sociology) Urbanization -- Environmental aspects Urban pollution
- Resource Type:
- Video