Three research projects by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) outstanding scholars have been awarded funding under the 2024/25 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS), amounting to over HK$8.8 million. The number of funded projects for this exercise at CityUHK was tied for the highest in Hong Kong.

Additionally, five CityUHK scholars have been awarded funding from the 2024/25 NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme (JRS), with total funding exceeding HK$6 million. These honours affirm the commitment of CityUHK scholars to advancing cutting-edge research, translating academic findings into practical applications, and contributing to the sustainable development of society and the environment.

The CityUHK research projects awarded funding under the Collaborative Research Scheme are as follows (in alphabetical order by surname of the Project Coordinators):

“1D van der Waals Atomic Chains for 3D-integrated Retinomorphic Optoelectronics”, led by Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise) and Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, integrates multiple fields, including materials science, electronic engineering and artificial intelligence. Its aim is to advance the development of novel sensor technologies, particularly in the application of retinal-like optoelectronics.

“Unbalanced Quantum Interferometers with Optical Path Difference Beyond Coherence Length and Their Applications in Sensing and Quantum Information”, led by Professor Jeff Ou Zheyu, Chair Professor of the Department of Physics, seeks to enhance sensing capabilities using non-traditional quantum interference techniques, demonstrating the potential of quantum technology in various applications, especially in sensing and quantum information systems.

“Theoretically Guided Material Design, Syntheses and Device Engineering for Efficient and Stable Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells”, led by Professor Zeng Xiaocheng, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, aims to develop high-performance perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 28%, promoting the development of sustainable clean energy while advocating global carbon neutrality.

The CityUHK research projects awarded funding under the Joint Research Scheme are as follows (in alphabetical order by surname of the Principal Investigator):

“Efficient, Trustworthy and Safe Learning-Based Controller Design and Analysis”, led by Professor Chen Jie, Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering, aims to develop a highly efficient and reliable intelligent control system that addresses challenges related to data efficiency, safety and verifiability in existing technologies, thereby promoting further applications of intelligent control technology.

“Functional Reconstruction: A ‘Scar-Free’ Strategy for Transplanting Human Neural progenitor Cells after Spinal Cord Injury”, led by Professor Jessica Liu Aijia, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience, aims to improve functional reconstruction after spinal cord injuries by jointly transplanting human glial cells and genetically modified human neural precursor cells, advancing the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injuries.

“Research on basic scientific issues and applied technologies for electric-field coupled wireless power transfer systems”, led by Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation) and Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering, aims to enhance the wireless power delivery capabilities of capacitive power transfer systems in aerospace applications by addressing power level limitations, power converter issues and modelling-related challenges.

“Towards Intelligent Reconstruction and Transmission of 3D Cultural Heritage for Human and Machine Perception”, led by Professor Wang Shiqi, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, aims to develop advanced systems and artificial intelligence technology for the digital reconstruction and dissemination of cultural heritage, promoting the establishment of digital museums and enhancing public awareness of, and engagement with, cultural heritage.

“Enabling carbon-neutral sewage treatment: A/O-MABR intensifying autotrophic nitrogen removal and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions”, led by Professor Yuan Zhiguo, Chair Professor of the School of Energy and Environment, aims to develop an efficient wastewater treatment technology to facilitate the achievement of carbon neutrality goals, maximising resource recovery and minimising the environmental impact through the retrofitting of existing treatment facilities.

Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, congratulated the eight scholars who received funding and expressed great pride in their achievements. “The funding received by CityUHK scholars from the NSFC and RGC this year demonstrates the University’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to pressing global issues through pioneering research. We will continue to support our teaching and research teams in advancing cutting-edge research to make a positive impact on society,” said President Boey.

Launched in 2022/23, the CRS supports larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and across universities in Mainland China and Hong Kong to enhance research output and impacts on both sides. The six focus areas are Information Technology, Life Science, New Materials Science, Marine and Environmental Science, Medicine, and Management Science. The grant for each Hong Kong applicant is limited to HK$3.6 million. The JRS promotes collaboration between researchers in Mainland China and Hong Kong to benefit from their complementary strengths. The amount of funding for Hong Kong applicants is limited to HK$1.25 million.