Three scholars from Faculty of Engineering received awards from the 2025-26 Research Grants Council (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme and RGC Research Fellow Scheme in recognition of their distinguished research achievements.

Professor Xing Guoliang, Professor, Department of Information Engineering, and Professor Chen Shih-Chi, Professor, Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering were named in the RGC Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS). Professor Xing’s research project is “Multi-modal Perception Fusion and Interaction for Infrastructure-assisted Driving Systems”, while Professor Chen’s is “Closed-loop High-throughput Super-resolution Two-photon Lithography”. Each SRFS awardee will be given the title “RGC Senior Research Fellow” and CUHK will receive a fellowship grant of about HK$8.2 million per award to cover salary costs for relief teachers and support for research projects over a period of 60 months.

Professor Zhou Renjie, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering was named in the RGC Research Fellow Scheme (RFS). His research project is “High-sensitivity Morpho-molecular Microscopy for High-throughput Imaging Applications”. Each RFS awardee will be given the title “RGC Research Fellow” and CUHK will receive a fellowship grant of about HK$5.5 million per award to cover salary costs for relief teachers and support for research projects over a period of 60 months.

More details: Seven CUHK scholars named RGC Senior Research Fellows or Research Fellows | CUHK Communications and Public Relations Office

A cross-disciplinary research team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering has developed a first-of-its-kind sub-millimeter Magnetically Actuated Soft Rotatable-tipped Microcatheter (MSRM) for targeted endovascular interventions. The novel technology demonstrates potential to provide a faster, safer, and more precise solution for treating life-threatening blood vessel blockages in the brain, addressing longstanding limitations of conventional tools in stroke intervention. Study results have been published in the international journal Science Advances.

As 22 July marks World Brain Day, the research team calls on the public to strictly manage stroke risk factors and adopt healthy lifestyles as stroke, regardless of whether the vessel occlusion is in the large or the distal-to-medium vessels (DMVO), may result in severe disability or death if not treated promptly and effectively.

Advancing stroke treatment with precision and speed

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Research shows that every minute saved between stroke onset and treatment can translate into an extra week of healthy life, making rapid intervention critical. DMVOs are estimated to account for 25% to 40% of acute ischemic strokes. However, current treatment options, such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, have limited effectiveness for these smaller, more distal vessels due to procedural risks and difficulty in achieving full reperfusion.

Stroke intervention requires arterial access, typically through a limb, followed by the navigation of guidewires and catheters through the cerebral vasculature. The interventionalist manipulates these devices externally by rotating the guidewire, but the passive transmission of rotational force through narrow, tortuous vessels often leads to slow and imprecise device control, which can compromise patient outcomes. Furthermore, the single-function design of current devices necessitates frequent tool exchanges, increasing the risk of losing distal vascular access during the procedure. Additionally, the limited ability of guidewires and catheters to negotiate sharp turns in complex vascular anatomy raises the risk of vessel wall injury, potentially resulting in cerebral hemorrhage or dissection.

The MSRM: a soft, steerable, all-in-one solution

To address these challenges, a research team with members from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine, and the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering jointly developed the MSRM, a submillimeter-sized (0.5 mm to 0.9 mm), soft-tipped microcatheter, designed specifically for navigating complex vascular pathways and performing multiple treatment functions in one go.

Professor Zhang Li from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering explained: “The MSRM features a soft, rotatable tip that can be guided wirelessly using external magnetic fields, which enables precise navigation through complex blood vessels. Once it reaches the blockage, the MSRM can directly deliver clot-dissolving drugs, mechanically break down the clots, and safely retrieve clot debris. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for tool exchanges, reduces procedural risks, and significantly enhances treatment efficiency.”

Professor Thomas Leung Wai-hong, Lee Quo Wei Professor of Neurology and Head of the Division of Neurology in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine, added: “Unlike conventional tools, the MSRM’s soft silicone-based tip and low rotation speed (2–8 Hz) minimise trauma to delicate brain vessels. In tests using human placenta blood vessels, which closely resemble cerebral arteries, the MSRM showed minimal cell damage compared to the notable vessel wall damage caused by traditional guidewires. This novel device addresses key limitations in current stroke interventions and offers hope for better stroke treatment.”

Professor Tony Chan Kai-fung, Research Assistant Professor of the Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine at CU Medicine, commented: “The MSRM has been successfully validated in both in vivo rabbit models and ex vivo human placenta vessels, showing strong potential for future clinical application. The team envisions that this invention offers new hope for DMVO stroke patients, for whom current clot-busting procedures have not proven beneficial, partly due to the risk of complications.”

Early stroke intervention and prevention remain the key

Alongside this technological breakthrough, the team emphasizes that stroke prevention and early intervention are equally vital. Risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes significantly increase the likelihood of stroke. The team urges the public to adopt a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, and manage chronic health conditions through routine medical check-ups.

Dr Bonaventure Ip Yiu-ming, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine, remarked: “Recognising stroke warning signs is just as important. If a stroke is suspected, it is vital to act without delay and seek urgent medical attention. Timely intervention can save lives and significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability.”

The full research article can be accessed here:

Science Advances: http://bit.ly/4k6JOJs

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/cuhk-develops-first-of-its-kind-magnetic-tip-rotatable-microcatheter-for-precise-safe-and-rapid-treatment-of-acute-ischemic-strokes/

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A research team led by Professor Zhang Li from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has developed a novel magnetic control bioadhesion technology. It precisely controls the adhesion strength between medical materials and biological tissues through an external magnetic field, showing promising applications in postoperative care following surgical procedures. The research findings have been published in the internationally renowned journal Nature Communications.

Innovative magnetic nanostickers: precisely tuning adhesion strength

In surgical procedures, precisely tuning the adhesion strength of medical materials on biological tissue surfaces can significantly promote wound healing. To address this challenge, the team led by Professor Zhang Li and Dr Hou Changshun from CUHK’s Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering developed a method using an external rotating magnetic field to remotely manipulate an anchoring agent across both temporal and spatial scales, precisely controlling its adhesion strength on biological tissues. By precisely setting the dosage and magnetic field parameters, this technology enables intelligent manipulation of magnetic nanostickers to anchor them on various biological tissues, significantly enhancing and precisely controlling bioadhesion performance.

Compared with other bioadhesion strategies, magnetic control bioadhesion technology stands out due to its ability to anchor magnetic nanostickers at temporal and spatial scales via a remote magnetic field. This is particularly suitable for fragile areas, such as diseased regions and deep tissues, providing a new reference direction for intelligent bioadhesion technology.

Combining tradition with intelligence: advancing safe and precise treatments

Professor Zhang explained: “This precisely controlled bioadhesion technology is suitable for surgical treatment of biological tissues. For instance, during intestinal surgery, precisely controlled bonding strength prevents medical materials from exerting excessive pressure on the intestine, avoiding intestinal stenosis. Meanwhile, the medical materials can adhere effectively to the diseased regions for protection, reducing the risk of complications such as tissue adhesion.”

Dr Hou added: “The technology combines the advantages of traditional medical materials with the characteristics of magnetic fields. Through an external magnetic field, conventional medical materials are endowed with intelligence and driving force, enabling us to precisely control their adhesion properties on biological tissue surfaces.”

This research was supported by CUHK, the Research Grants Council, the Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center under InnoHK, the CUHK-SIAT Joint Research Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences. 

The full research article can be accessed here:

Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61719-9

Source: Press release from Communications and Public Relations Office

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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/

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

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/