Research project led by Professor Young Fung-yu receives fund of over HK$65 million from RGC under the Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26

Date: 
2025-07-11
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The research project “Next Generation EDA”, led by Professor Young Fung-yu, Chairman and Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at CUHK, has been awarded over HK$68.5 million funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC) under the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2025/26.

The TRS aims to focus the research efforts of UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong.

About the project

Theme 4: Advancing Emerging Research and Innovations Important to Hong Kong
Project Title: Next Generation EDA
Project Coordinator: Prof. Evangeline F.Y. Young (CUHK)

Abstract:

The VLSI industry has advanced rapidly, moving beyond 5nm and pushing into 3nm technology. Designing such complex chips with billions of transistors and wires relies heavily on powerful electronic design automation (EDA) tools. As circuits grow more complex, there is an urgent need for fast, smart and scalable EDA solutions powered by AI and modern hardware. Modern large-scale heterogeneous integration ICs, such as 3D/2.5D ICs, chiplets, and advanced packaging also demand new EDA approaches. Our objective is to explore and develop Large Circuit Models, AI-native EDA, GPU/CPU-Accelerated EDA, and their applications on heterogeneous integrated ICs.

 

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/four-cuhk-led-research-projects-receive-funds-of-over-hk220-million-from-rgc-under-the-areas-of-excellence-scheme-and-theme-based-research-scheme-2025-26/

Group photo of Professor James Tang Tuck-hong (front row, 5th left), Secretary-General of the UGC, Professor Timothy Tong Wai-cheung (front row, 6th left), Chairman of the RGC, and the research teams awarded funding from the RGC of the UGC under the AoE Scheme and the TRS 2025/26.

Four research projects led by CUHK have been awarded over HK$220 million in total funding from RGC of the UGC under the AoE Scheme and the TRS 2025/26. (From left) Professor Owen Ko, Professor Jiang Liwen, Professor Wing Yun-kwok, Professor Patrick Wong Chun-man, Professor Florrie Ng Fei-yin, Professor Yu Bei

Prof. Evangeline F.Y.Young.

 

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CSE
Media Release

中大新型病毒納米纖維技術 為治癌帶來新突破

香港中文大學生物醫學工程學系教授毛傳斌及其團隊研發出「噬菌體」新型病毒納米纖維技術,能精準針對癌細胞,將其消滅。此技術突破腫瘤低氧對光動力療法成效的限制,研究成果已刊登於國際期刊《Advanced Materials》。

Date: 
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Media: 
Wenweipo

CUHK develops new virus-based nanofibre technology to enhance cancer treatment

Date: 
2025-07-09
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A research team led by Professor Mao Chuanbin, Director of JC STEM Lab of Nature-inspired Precision Medical Engineering and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has developed an innovative cancer treatment – a phage-based nanofibre technology. This technology can precisely target and kill cancer cells. It also overcomes the limitation of low oxygen levels in tumours that hinder the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Research findings have been published in the international journal Advanced Materials.

Currently, PDT is a widely used and highly effective minimally invasive cancer treatment that destroy cancer cells by light-activated drugs called “photosensitiser”. However, PDT can be scattershot and its effectiveness is often hindered by hypoxia, a common condition in tumours where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain the therapy. To overcome this challenge, Professor Mao’s team has developed new technology that engineered bacteriophages to produce oxygen directly inside tumours. Professor Mao said: “Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria but are harmless to humans. My team has been using the phage to treat diseases such as cancer for more than a decade, so we are at the forefront in phage-based therapy. By using sophisticated nanotechnology, we rebuilt bacteriophages and created a therapy that mimics the structure and function of the virus, enabling precise targeting of cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.”

The team incorporated tumour-targeting peptide known as AR. It proved highly effective in such precise targeting when tested on mice with a type of slow-growing breast cancer tumour called MCF-7. Additionally, the team developed their own type of artificial enzymes, known as platinum nanozymes, and attached them on the surface of bacteriophages. These nanozymes catalyse the conversion of hydrogen peroxide, which is naturally present in cancer cells, into oxygen, enhancing PDT.

Moreover, the team attached a light-sensitive drug called Indocyanine Green to the virus. Upon exposure to near-infrared light, the photosensitisers activated, producing reactive oxygen species that effectively destroyed cancer cells. Results showed the technology significantly outperformed conventional PDT. Experiments demonstrated remarkable outcomes: tumours shrank and, in most cases, disappeared; 40% of mice tested were cancer-free after 16 days of treatment.

This research represents a breakthrough in the use of biological-nanomaterial hybrids for precision medicine. By combining the natural tumour-targeting ability of phages with synthetic nanocatalysts, the research team has created a versatile platform that could be adapted to enhance other cancer therapies, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Professor Mao added: “This work exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research. By merging virology, nanotechnology and cancer biology, we have developed a strategy that not only addresses a critical limitation in PDT but also opens new avenues for targeted drug delivery.” The research team is advancing its preclinical research to further refine the technology. It is also establishing collaborations with clinicians across the Greater Bay Area to accelerate the translation of this discovery into clinical applications.

 

Source: Communications and Public Relations Office Press Release

Professor Mao Chuanbin, Department of Biomedical Engineering.

 

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BME
Media Release

[New Registration] The A.I. Masterclass: Technology Beyond GenAI

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive A.I. Masterclass, presented in collaboration with 聯合共敘 - 人機共融新視野. This session, "Technology Beyond GenAI", will uncover the next frontier of artificial intelligence—going beyond generative AI to explore groundbreaking innovations shaping our future.

This event is hosted by the CUHK Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association and co-organized with United College, New Asia College, and Shaw College Alumni Associations. It is a unique opportunity to gain expert insights and connect with like-minded professionals.

 

Venue
LT9, Yasumoto International Academic Park (YIA), CUHK
Date: 
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time
Saturday, August 23, 2025 to 15:30
e_title: 
AI Masterclass in Collaboration with UC Get-Together (聯合共敍) - New Vision of Human-Machine Integration
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Professor Ching Pak-chung appointed honorary fellow by The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Date: 
2025-06-30
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held its 23rd Honorary Fellowship Presentation Ceremony today (30 June 2025) on campus. Professor Ching Pak-chung from Department of Electronic Engineering was appointed honorary fellow in recognition of his remarkable accomplishment in engineering field and his exceptional contribution to the University and the wider community.

Professor Ching Pak-chung currently serves as Director of the Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering and Research Professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at CUHK. His early career at Cable & Wireless sparked his interest in telecommunications, leading him to pursue further studies at the University of Liverpool, where he received his BEng and PhD. His research focuses on digital signal processing, particularly speech and communication systems. In recent years, his work has expanded to encompass speech emotion recognition, Cantonese-English code-mixing analysis and artificial intelligence.

Professor Ching joined CUHK in 1984 and has held key leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Head of Shaw College and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University. During his tenure as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, he spearheaded the Campus Master Plan in response to the transition to a four-year curriculum, profoundly shaping CUHK’s long-term growth. He also played an instrumental role in the development of CUHK-Shenzhen and has served as Director of the Shenzhen Research Institute, CUHK, fostering collaboration between the University and organisations within the Greater Bay Area. Beyond academia, Professor Ching has made substantial contributions to public service, holding pivotal positions in various government and professional bodies. In recognition of his community work, Professor Ching has been awarded the Bronze and Silver Bauhinia Stars.

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/the-chinese-university-of-hong-kong-23rd-honorary-fellowship-presentation-ceremony/

CUHK holds its 23rd Honorary Fellowship Presentation Ceremony.

Professor Ching Pak-chung.

 

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EE
Media Release

AI年代:給AI裝耳朵 識聽識唱識奏樂 中大教授研音頻AI 冀像人類理解聲音

成式人工智能逐漸融入日常生活,通過文字與人對話的人工智能(AI)大模型ChatGPT、DeepSeek風靡全球,能生成圖像的midjourney、生成影片的SORA紅極一時。音樂也有自己的「ChatGPT」,SUNO、Mureka等AI能把用戶輸入的一段文字描述轉化成一段音樂,聲稱能讓每個普通人都成為作曲家。

 

Date: 
Monday, June 30, 2025
Media: 
Mingpao.com

中大製微型機械人 微創治療鼻竇炎

香港文匯報訊(記者 高鈺)根據《刺針》統計,細菌感染是全球第二大死亡原因,每年奪去數百萬人的性命。抗生素、沖洗和手術穿刺等傳統療法,容易引發抗藥性與組織損傷。為此,香港中文大學機械與自動化工程學系教授張立,聯同深圳大學及廣西大學的兩名學者,研發出創新的光催化微型機械人(CBMR),可提供微創且高度針對性的治療方法,測試顯示細菌存活率由逾九成大降至低於百分之一,可見其強大的殺菌效能,新技術特別適用於鼻竇炎等深層生物膜感染。研究結果已於《Science Robotics》上發表。

Date: 
Friday, June 27, 2025
Media: 
Wenweipo

CUHK develops groundbreaking microrobot therapy to combat persistent sinus infections

Date: 
2025-06-26
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A collaborative research team led by Professor Zhang Li from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Professor Wang Ben, an associate professor at Shenzhen University’s College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, and Professor Zhang Yabin from Guangxi University, has developed a microrobot-based therapy to tackle one of the most pressing global health challenges: chronic bacterial infections caused by resilient biofilms. The research has been published in prestigious journal Science Robotics.

According to The Lancet, bacterial infections have emerged as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in millions of deaths each year. Conventional treatment, such as antibiotics, irrigation and surgical puncture, often proves ineffective, leading to potential antibiotic resistance and tissue damage. In response, the research team has developed a novel therapeutic platform using photocatalytic microrobots (CBMRs) that delivers a minimally invasive, highly targeted solution for the treatment of deep-seated bacterial biofilm infections, particularly sinusitis.

The CBMRs are constructed from single-atom copper-doped bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) and integrate precise magnetic navigation with light-activated photocatalysis. Under an external magnetic field, the microrobots swarm and swiftly navigate to infection sites. Visible light delivered via optical fibre activates antibacterial activity. This enables photothermal effects that reduce mucus viscosity, enhance penetration and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for powerful biofilm disruption. In vitro tests demonstrated a dramatic reduction in bacterial survival, from over 90% to less than 1%, showcasing the microrobots’ potent bactericidal efficacy.

Using a rabbit sinusitis model, the team validated the treatment’s effectiveness. The microrobots successfully penetrated dense inflammatory secretions and disintegrate biofilms. The treatment restored healthy sinus tissue, reduced inflammation and minimised fibrosis. Additionally, the treatment showed excellent biocompatibility, with no visible mucosal damage and cell viability exceeding 90% after light exposure for 20 minutes.

Professor Zhang said: “Our goal was to develop a precise, non-invasive solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional treatments. This microrobot platform not only demonstrates impressive antibacterial capabilities but also presents exciting opportunities for safe and targeted treatment of other deep-seated infections. The breakthrough represents a significant milestone in microrobotic therapy, providing a targeted and minimally invasive solution for chronic infection treatment. It paves the way for clinical applications in otolaryngology and beyond.”

This study was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC), the Croucher Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, as well as the SIAT–CUHK Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent Systems and the Multi-scale Medical Robotics Center (MRC) under the InnoHK research platform.

 

Extracted from CUHK Communications and Public Relations Office press release

More details: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jun/25/swarms-of-tiny-nose-robots-could-clear-infected-sinuses-researchers-say

Structure and material composition of photocatalytic microrobots.

Therapeutic mechanism of photocatalytic microrobots in sinus biofilm infections.

Under an external magnetic field, the microrobots swarm and navigate rapidly to infection sites. Visible light delivered via optical fibre activates antibacterial activity, enabling photothermal effects that reduce mucus viscosity and enhance penetration and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for powerful biofilm disruption.

 

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Media Release
Name: 
ZHANG Qihang
Title ( post ): 
Research Assistant Professor
Department: 
Biomedical Engineering
email: 
qhzhang@cuhk.edu.hk
phone: 
3943 5072
website: 
https://www.bme.cuhk.edu.hk/new/zhangqihang.php
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Name: 
LI Tiantian
Title ( post ): 
Research Assistant Professor
Department: 
Biomedical Engineering
email: 
tiantianli@cuhk.edu.hk
phone: 
3943 5073
website: 
https://www.bme.cuhk.edu.hk/new/litiantian.php
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