Engineering bridges the gap between theory and practice by applying science and mathematics to turn discoveries into new innovations and technologies that are applicable to everyday life. Recent decades have seen an accelerating pace in engineering research and development in the fields of power systems, computers and artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, aerospace, manufacturing, building, transportation, biomedical applications, robotics, and many others. The rapid changes brought about by engineering research has affected every aspect of society.

The Contribution of CityU to Engineering Research

The College of Engineering (CENG) at CityU has made significant advances and is at the forefront of engineering research. The CENG generates new knowledge and creates innovative solutions to tackle global challenges and improve people’s lives through research covering a vibrant spectrum of engineering fields.   

Regarding advanced materials, CityU scientists have achieved major breakthroughs in resolving the longstanding dilemma between strength and ductility.

CENG research teams have also successfully developed a special “ink”, which enables the world’s first-ever 4D printing for ceramics with complex shapes.

Breakthroughs in diamond research at micro/nano scale have broken new ground in the development of next-generation microelectronic applications.

Enhancing the Quality of Medical Care

CityU research teams are committed to strengthening healthcare delivery systems and enhancing the quality of medical care. Leveraging data analytics and AI technologies, CityU researchers have focused on improving public hospital resource management and providing better integrated community elderly care in Hong Kong. Another team has advanced studies in cell biology by developing a novel computational tool and co-clustering methods based on tensor models, which can help medical researchers understand the growth of cancer cells and plan optimal treatment for cancer patients. A new non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) approach has been devised for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Top scientists also developed the world’s first 3D-printed magnetic microrobots, which can deliver cells to precise locations in the body, invented a new generation of microneedles technology for intradermal therapeutic cell delivery in a minimally invasive manner, developed internationally recognised, award-winning microfluidic technology for accelerated screening of anti-cancer drugs, increased the precision of gene editing with a new CRISPR-Cas9 protein, and pioneered a wireless-controlled and wearable skin-integrated haptic virtual reality (VR) system.   

Addressing the Ongoing Energy Crisis

To address the ongoing energy crisis, a CityU team applied nature-inspired engineering by harvesting the kinetic energy from falling water droplets, thereby expanding sustainable energy sources. Other teams developed environmental friendly perovskite and organic solar cells, and leveraged thermal nano technologies to recycle waste heat from air-conditioning systems into useful electricity.   

The Development of THz Technology for 6G Communications

Looking to the future, a team of multi-disciplinary experts at CityU’s State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimeter Waves (SKLTMW) has advanced the development of terahertz (THz) technology for 6G communications, imaging and spectroscopy.

Actions to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic

To help fight global pandemics, a CityU team developed a new ventilation system, which can thoroughly filter viral particles and quickly stop the spread of Covid-19 in the air at low cost. The fast-track ventilation system is easy to install and can be used in high-risk places, such as hospitals and washrooms, effectively reducing the risk of virus transmission. Another team has also looked into how pathogens are spread by aerosol droplets emitted from various toilet flushing systems and suggested ways to reduce contamination.

The Scientists and Academics behind CityU

Led by internationally renowned scientists and academics, the CENG leverages world-class facilities and collaborates with leading experts and researchers from Mainland China and around the world to create a powerful and dynamic network and synergy. The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020, published by the University Grants Committee (UGC), reaffirmed that CityU is taking a leading position in engineering research and that its output in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering is deemed to be of world-leading quality.

The impact and contributions of the CENG are internationally recognised. Many research findings have been published in highly prestigious scientific journals, including Science, Nature, and Science Advances, and CENG researchers have won major awards. According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the CENG is ranked among the top 100, reflecting its substantial and rapidly rising research strengths.