PAIR Seminar
PolyU OER CollectionsA collection of seminars orgnaised by the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR).
Works (21)
-
Video
Prof. ZHAI Zhiqiang of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, delivered the 26th PAIR Seminar, titled “Building Environment and Energy: Challenges in Different Scales”, at PolyU on 12 June 2026. The seminar attracted nearly 50 in-person participants and garnered over 17,700 online views across multiple social media platforms, reflecting strong interest from both the public and academia in sustainable building development.
In his presentation, Prof. Zhai highlighted the systemic challenges facing the built environment amid intensifying climate change and rapid urbanisation. He introduced the concept of Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB), developed by the Building Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy. This holistic framework goes beyond the energy performance of individual buildings to incorporate their interactions with the electricity grid, aiming to enhance the overall system’s efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. He explained that GEB can enhance energy performance, facilitate two-way communication, support flexible demand management, and strengthen smart sensing, control and data analytics.
From a spatial perspective, Prof. Zhai examined a series of interconnected challenges spanning four scales, namely micro-scale physical interfaces, meso-scale occupant–building system interactions, macro-scale urban structures, and regional-to-global atmospheric processes. He pointed out that these scales are interrelated: challenges arising at one level may be amplified or intensified at another, underscoring the importance of integrated thinking in architectural and urban design. His analysis emphasised that future building performance cannot be understood from a single perspective, but must be considered within a broader system linking materials, occupants, infrastructure, and climate.
From a temporal perspective, Prof. Zhai further explored how multi-scale issues are shaped by both short-term environmental changes and long-term climate trends. By addressing immediate operational needs alongside long-term climatic shifts, he outlined a forward-looking, comprehensive roadmap for the key challenges facing next-generation smart buildings and cities. His framework highlights the importance of adaptive strategies that enable buildings and cities not only to respond to current demands but also to cope with the uncertainties posed by evolving environmental conditions.
Event date: 12/6/2026
Speaker: Prof. ZHAI Zhiqiang
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Smart power grids Buildings -- Environmental engineering Sustainable buildings
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
On 8 June 2026, Prof. HUANG Dejian, Professor and Deputy Head of Department of Food Science & Technology, Principal Investigator at Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at National University of Singapore, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Sustainable Plant Proteins and Functional Staple Foods” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted an audience of over 50 onsite attendees and nearly 14,600 online viewers across various social media platforms.
Prof. Huang opened the seminar by highlighting several pressing global challenges. With the world population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, pressure on global food supply systems is expected to intensify significantly. At the same time, food waste continues to cost the global economy an estimated USD 2.6 trillion annually. Moreover, the growing prevalence of highly processed diets has contributed to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity. In response to these structural challenges, Prof. Huang’s research team adopts a circular economy approach, transforming agricultural side-streams and underutilised resources into high-value functional food ingredients.
A major highlight of the seminar was the upcycling of food side-streams, including spent grains from alcoholic beverage production and oilseed meals, for the extraction of cereal prolamins such as zein. Prof. Huang demonstrated the immense potential of these plant proteins as edible biomaterials. His research team utilised zein to fabricate 3D-printed scaffolds and microbeads for cultivated meat production, enabling the scalable cultivation of muscle cells and the successful production of marbled cultivated meat. In addition, the team conducted in-depth research on pumpkin seed proteins rich in arginine and formulated them into plant-based hydrogels as gelatine mimics. By integrating 3D-printing technologies, the researchers successfully developed highly realistic plant-based seafood analogues, including salmon, Arctic shellfish, and sea cucumber, closely replicating both their appearance and texture. These innovations not only demonstrated the versatility of plant proteins in texture design, but also highlighted their enormous potential for future food innovation and sustainable development.
Turning the focus toward functional staple foods, Prof. Huang addressed the metabolic health risks associated with high-carbohydrate diets, noting that a single bowl of white rice contains more than twice the carbohydrate content of a canned soft drink. To tackle this issue, his research team identified various natural botanical extracts capable of inhibiting starch-hydrolysing enzymes, including okra seed powder, and successfully developed the ProTEGO™ noodle. Clinical studies showed that the functional staple food effectively reduces postprandial glycaemic response and glycaemic index (GI), while maintaining favourable taste, texture, and satiety, offering a healthier alternative to conventional staple foods. The related technologies have been commercialised, with successful applications in products such as plant-based abalone and vegan Poon Choi, providing practical solutions for promoting healthier and more sustainable dietary habits.
Event date: 8/6/2026
Speaker: Prof. Guo Wanlin
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Food Science
- Keywords:
- Functional foods Plant proteins Agricultural wastes
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
On 28 May 2026, Prof. Manuela FERREIRA, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, delivered a PAIR seminar titled “High-Impact Research Using Big Data Analysis – The Global Burden of Disease Study”. The lecture attracted over 70 scholars and students onsite, alongside 15,000 plus online viewers streaming via various social media platforms. Prof. Ferreira’s engaging and lively presentation style resonated with the audience, as she posed relatable questions rooted in everyday experiences and effectively translated complex epidemiological concepts into clear and accessible insights.
At the outset, Prof. Ferreira highlighted a key public health issue: “Without data, there is no disease; without global big data, we cannot truly understand the existence of disease”. She further emphasised that “data is the foundation of the entire health ecosystem”. She noted that, historically, major musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain (LBP) have been underestimated or overlooked by global health organisations due to insufficient documentation and data. To enhance awareness and advocate for greater healthcare resources, Prof. Ferreira compared traditional “cost-of-illness” studies with composite metrics such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). She explained that DALYs provide a more standardised and equitable framework for comparing diseases, thereby strengthening the scientific basis and equity of health policy decision-making.
In her discussion of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study—a large-scale international collaboration—Prof. Ferreira pointed out that LBP remains the leading cause of Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) globally. Data show that approximately 619 million people were affected by LBP in 2020, with projections indicating that this number may rise to nearly 800 million by 2050. The findings also reveal a marked gender disparity, with women experiencing a significantly higher prevalence of LBP than men across almost all age groups. This pattern is closely associated with global risk factors such as smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and occupational ergonomic hazards.
Event date: 28/5/2026
Speaker: Prof. Manuela FERREIRA
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Medical informatics Public health Medical care -- Data processing Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases Big data
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
On 13 May 2026, Prof. LAO Lixing, President of Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, United States, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Clinical Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine, Methodology and Challenges” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted an audience of over 40 scholars, researchers, practitioners and students onsite, and over 13,300 online viewers across various social media platforms.
The Pursuit of Evidence-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Prof. Lao opened the seminar by discussing the paradigm shift toward Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). While Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been used for millennia, the complexity of multi-herb formulas presents unique hurdles for scientific validation. According to the EBM hierarchy, Randomised Controlled Trials represent the gold standard. Prof. Lao’s work focuses on applying FDA research guidelines to CHM, covering everything from the authentication of raw materials and extraction methods to quality control and quality assurance using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Case Studies: HLXL and TSD
The seminar delved into two primary case studies. The first focused on HLXL (Huo-Luo-Xiao-Ling) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Pre-clinical trials on rats demonstrated significant reductions in arthritic scores and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, a subsequent Phase II human clinical trial, while confirming the formula's safety, revealed that the 8-week treatment was not superior to the placebo in reducing pain. Prof. Lao noted this as a classic example of the “species gap” between animal and human responses.
The second case study examined Tumour-Shrinking Decoction (TSD) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. This double-blind, dose-controlled trial aimed to evaluate symptom relief and fibroid size reduction. While the study provided valuable data on safety and potential efficacy, it highlighted the challenges posed by “fixed” formulas compared with the “individualised” nature of TCM diagnosis.
Event date: 13/5/2026
Speaker: Prof. LAO Lixing
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- China Clinical trials ----Methodology Drugs -- Testing Medicine Chinese
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
On 14 April 2026, Prof. JIN Ying, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism and Director of Studies for Robinson College of the University of Cambridge, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “What does improving longevity mean for the future of our cities?” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted nearly 100 entrepreneurs, scholars, researchers and students joining onsite, and over 16,400 online viewers across various social media platforms to explore how the global “longevity revolution” is reshaping urban space, cultural activities, and socio-economic development.
Prof. Jin opened the seminar by highlighting that 2026 marks an important tipping point in the global demographic landscape, as the global median age reaches 31.1 years. He noted that while ageing is a global trend, East Asian countries are experiencing a markedly faster pace of population ageing than Western nations. Prof. Jin further emphasised that although increased life expectancy is often regarded as a healthcare or public health issue, in reality, it is closely intertwined with city planning and urban design. He highlighted that macro-economists often describe population ageing as a “Grey Rhino”, implying that it is a highly probable yet long-ignored threat associated with a series of consequences, including rising dependency ratios, shrinking workforces, and escalating healthcare expenditures.
One of the core themes of the presentation was the need for society to undergo a fundamental shift from “caregiving” to “inclusion”. Prof. Jin argued that society must move beyond the entrenched mindset of older adults as “care recipients” or “social burdens”. Drawing on the philosophical perspectives of Confucius’ concept of filial piety and Zhuangzi’s notion of aligning with nature, he emphasised that how a society treats its older population fundamentally reflects its core societal values. As such, city transformation goes beyond improvements in urban infrastructure and represents a shift in values. To truly improve “health expectancy”, Prof. Jin emphasised that reshaping urban design is critical, not only to foster greater independence across generations but also to strengthen intergenerational relationships, ensuring that both urban environments and humanistic values evolve in tandem with demographic changes.
Prof. Jin also discussed the importance of “spatial balance” in urban planning. Using the United Kingdom as a case study, he demonstrated how the excessive concentration of jobs and wealth in a small number of urban hubs exacerbates regional inequality. He argued that longevity should not be understood solely as the extension of life span, but also as a process in which people of all generations can equitably enjoy quality of life and development opportunities. He advocated for fostering inclusive and equitable business and employment environments to ensure that cities remain vibrant and resilient, even as populations continue to age.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Jin summarised that while population ageing is often perceived as a pressing problem, it is also an opportunity that should be embraced. He warned that because of persistently declining birth rates, particularly in East Asia, this “urban revolution” must take place before today’s younger generations enter old age. He cautioned that forward-looking planning, individual responsibility and government-community collaboration are essential; without them, demographic imbalance will become an irreversible crisis.
Event date: 14/4/2026
Speaker: Prof. JIN Ying
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Keywords:
- Older people--Housing Population aging City planning Intergenerational relations
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
Video
Prof. CHE Chun-tao of the University of Illinois Chicago, USA, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Chinese Medicines and Geriatric Health – A Research Perspective” on 14 January 2026. The event drew around 90 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 15,850 across various social media platforms.
Prof. Che opened his presentation by addressing the global challenge of an ageing global population. He emphasised that society will face substantial healthcare costs if precautionary measures for ageing are not undertaken. Against this backdrop, Chinese Medicine (CM), grounded in the principles of “preventing illness before it arises” and “nurturing life”, offers a complementary perspective that aligns with modern strategies for healthy ageing and geriatric care.
Prof. Che went on to discuss five areas that CM may benefit geriatric health: supporting cognitive function and brain health, managing pain and mobility issues, strengthening immunity and preventing illness, improving digestive health and nutrient absorption, and managing sleep and emotional well-being. He noted that rigorous research projects, modern technologies, collaborative efforts have demonstrated that herbal formulations, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and movement therapies such as Tai Chi and Qigong—when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle—offer safe and effective ways to help individuals achieve a higher quality of life. He also introduced the audience to some CM herbs that support geriatric health.
In conclusion, Prof. Che affirmed that CM can foster holistic and integrative approaches in preventive and geriatric wellness programmes, highlighting the need for robust evidence-based validation, quality control and safety in herbal and integrative care, while underscoring the importance of integrating both biomedical and traditional models to optimise elderly care.
Event date: 14/1/2026
Speaker: Prof. CHE Chun-tao
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Health Sciences
- Keywords:
- Older people -- Health hygiene Older people -- Diseases -- Treatment Geriatrics Medicine Chinese China
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
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 Urban heat isl Climate change mitigation
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
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
-
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:
- Artificial intelligence -- Biological applications Gene therapy Tissue engineering Biotechnology -- Data processing Stem cells
- Resource Type:
- Video
-
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:
- Environmental health Indoor air quality
- Resource Type:
- Video
- « Previous
- Next »
- 1
- 2
- 3
