PAIR Seminar
PolyU OER CollectionsA collection of seminars orgnaised by the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR).
Works (21)
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Video
At the PAIR Seminar on 14 October 2025, Prof. Sara DOLNICAR of The University of Queensland, Australia, shared her pioneering theory of consumer behaviour during leisure. Her presentation, titled “Habit-Enjoyment-Effort Theory – Changing Consumer Behaviour in Hedonic Contexts”, explored human behaviours in settings where the pursuit of pleasure is paramount. The seminar attracted over 170 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,800 across various social media platforms.
Prof. Dolnicar began her speech by providing an overview of the global tourism industry, highlighting its contribution to global carbon emissions and the significance of behavioural theories in enticing pro-environmental behaviours in tourists. She noted that prevailing theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Value-Belief-Norm Theory, are predominantly cognitive-focused: they assume that human behaviours are guided by cognitive processes and are therefore predictable. However, these theories are less adept at explaining behaviour in hedonic contexts, where pleasure-seeking is the primary motivation.
Introducing her Habit-Enjoyment-Effort Theory, Prof. Dolnicar offered an alternative to the existing cognitive-focused models. Drawing on real-world survey studies conducted in hotels around the world, she demonstrated that this new theory outperforms the Value-Belief-Norm Theory and shows considerable promise in field experiments, where the competing theories were assessed for their construct validity.
In summary, Prof. Dolnicar argued that the current dominant theories adequately support the design of effective behavioural change interventions. She emphasised the need for ongoing development of new theories, such as the Habit-Effort-Enjoyment Theory, and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and university-industry collaborations. She concluded that preliminary research results generally provided empirical support for this new theory, highlighting that the theory has great potential for further refinement and deserves continued attention and uptake by the industry.
Event date: 14/10/2025
Speaker: Prof. Sara DOLNICAR
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Hotel, Travel and Tourism
- Keywords:
- Travelers Consumer behavior Tourism
- 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:
- Career development Vocational guidance Success
- 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 Solar energy Hydrogen as fuel Clean energy Photocatalysis
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
The seminar commenced with a warm welcome and introduction of the speaker by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. Prof. Pui began his presentation by outlining the recent advancements in nanoparticle technologies, covering instrumentation developments, ISO standards and industry partnerships. He then delved into the applications of nanoparticle technologies in four interdisciplinary areas:
Microelectronics: Contamination control in Extreme UV Lithography (EUVL) systems;
Air Quality: PM2.5 mitigation, respirators, and indoor and urban pollution controls;
Health Effects: Nanomedicine, bioaerosol sensors, UV-C decontamination; and
Filtration: Prediction of filter media performance and wildfire impacts on electret filter efficiency, and large-scale direct-capture of atmospheric CO2 to combat climate change.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Pui highlighted that nanoparticles are involved in multiple disciplines, bringing both benefits and potential harm to the environment, human health and semiconductor manufacturing. He underscored the importance of collaborative fundamental and applied research between academia and industry to foster a sustainable future, urging stronger partnerships among governments, industries and researchers to create a healthier and more prosperous society in the long run.
Event date: 13/06/2025
Speaker: Prof. David Y. H. PUI
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Environmental Engineering
- Keywords:
- Environmental health Nanotechnology Nanostructured materials Environmental engineering
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
Prof. Yao began his presentation with an overview of microwave photonics (MWP), emphasising that the technology uses light as a carrier and photonic and optoelectronic devices for the generation, transmission, control and processing of microwave signals. He compared the properties of four major material systems including indium phosphide (InP), silicon nitride (Si3N4), lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) and silicon on insulator (SOI), highlighting that SOI, Si3N4, and LNOI are playing important role in implementing photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
Prof. Yao further explored current applications of photonic integrated MWP systems. These included: true time delay networks for wideband beamforming, optoelectronic oscillators for low-phase-noise, high-frequency microwave generation, programmable signal processors for versatile photonic signal processing, high-sensitivity optical sensors and integrated MWP radar, etc.
Event date: 11/06/2025
Speaker: Prof. YAO Jianping
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Electrical Engineering
- Keywords:
- Optical communications Microwave communication systems
- 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:
- Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Engineering
- 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:
- Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Engineering
- 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:
- Shape memory polymers Additive manufacturing Smart materials Polymeric composites
- 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) Urban pollution Urbanization -- Environmental aspects
- Resource Type:
- Video
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Video
We have witnessed a rapid expansion of the global Chinese medicines market in recent years. Herb-based products are becoming an integral part of health management not only in the East, but also in the Western world. Notwithstanding the booming of herbal markets, there are challenging issues and concerns from the medical/healthcare professionals, the nutritional/pharmaceutical communities, regulatory agencies, as well as the general public. In this presentation, a closer look will be taken at the scientific challenges of the quality, safety, and effectiveness of herbal products. While some of these difficulties are unlikely to be overcome within a short period of time, there are wide-open opportunities for international collaborative research to help meet the demands for high-quality Chinese medicine products.
Event date: 01/12/2023
Speaker: Prof. CHE Chun-Tao
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
- Subjects:
- Medicine
- Keywords:
- Herbs -- Therapeutic use China Drugs -- Quality control Materia medica Medicine Chinese
- Resource Type:
- Video
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