The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently celebrated a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing health and medical research. In the latest funding exercise by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), 16 innovative projects have been awarded with a total funding amount of HK$14.3 million. This financial support acknowledges the exemplary interdisciplinary research achievements that PolyU has demonstrated, underscoring the university’s dedication to addressing pressing healthcare challenges through collaborative efforts across various fields of study.
As healthcare demands evolve rapidly, the need for interdisciplinary approaches becomes increasingly crucial. The projects funded by HMRF encompass a wide array of research areas within health technology and biomedical engineering, illustrating PolyU’s adeptness in synthesizing knowledge from multiple disciplines to generate impactful solutions. The breadth of these projects highlights the essential role that such collaborative endeavors play in enhancing the standard of care and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Among the diverse project array, nursing care emerges as a focal point. The funded research delves into topics that are not only innovative but also deeply relevant to current societal needs. For instance, one project explores music-with-movement training specifically designed for individuals grappling with cognitive frailty. This approach is rooted in the understanding that integrating art and physical activity can significantly uplift mental and emotional health. Moreover, another project investigates mountain craft training aimed at enhancing psychological well-being in children diagnosed with cancer, demonstrating PolyU’s commitment to holistic care methodologies.
In the realm of caregiving, PolyU is challenging conventional practices through mindfulness-based interventions tailored for caregivers of dementia patients. This research endeavors to offer support not just to patients but also to the family members and healthcare professionals who play crucial roles in their lives. By creating tools and methods that enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients, PolyU exemplifies how interdisciplinary research can build healthier communities.
Moreover, health technology remains a prominent field within the funded projects, particularly in integrating advanced technology for improved disease diagnosis and management. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a game changer in this respect. Several projects focus on pressing health concerns, such as thyroid dysfunctions and type 2 diabetes. These initiatives aim to streamline diagnostic processes and enhance patient management strategies, reflecting the transformative potential of merging technology with healthcare.
A significant area of exploration within health technology is the early-pregnancy prediction of preeclampsia, a condition that poses serious risks to both mothers and infants. By harnessing predictive analytics, PolyU’s researchers are working towards protocols that may one day ensure timely intervention, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Further, the development of an AI-empowered pulmonary perfusion imaging technique for lung cancer detection could revolutionize early diagnosis and improve patient prognoses, showcasing the vital intersection of technology and medical science.
Rehabilitation sciences represent another vital research domain, with several projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals grappling with chronic conditions. For instance, research into online exercise programs tailored for older adults with chronic low back pain aims to provide accessible alternatives to physical therapy, encouraging self-management of health. Specific interventions, such as dance programs designed to reduce fall risks among older individuals, reflect the university’s holistic approach to rehabilitation and prevention.
The commitment to addressing insomnia in the elderly population also stands out among the funded projects. Understanding sleep disturbances within this demographic is critical, as improving sleep quality can lead to enhanced overall health and well-being. Through specialized interventions, PolyU researchers are seeking to mitigate this common affliction, thereby promoting healthier aging and improved quality of life.
In addition to the primary focus areas, the funded projects also extend into pioneering health science and engineering research. Efforts involving the development of biosensors for dysphagia screening and drug innovations targeting biofilm infections exemplify the university’s broad spectrum of health research. Each project not only aims at tackling specific health issues but also contributes to a deeper understanding of complex biological interactions, paving the way for groundbreaking therapeutic strategies.
The wide-ranging nature of these initiatives reflects the substantial commitment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to enhancing research capacity within health and medical fields. Established by the Health Bureau in 2011, the HMRF aims to foster an environment conducive to groundbreaking research that informs health policy, enhances healthcare practices, and promotes clinical excellence. Through initiatives like the HMRF, the trajectory of health research is being actively shaped to confront contemporary challenges and pave the way for future advancements.
Ultimately, these funded projects highlight the possibilities that arise from collaborative efforts across disciplines, illustrating how specialized knowledge in nursing, health technology, rehabilitation, and biomedical engineering can intersect to develop comprehensive solutions. Each project stands as a testament to PolyU’s unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes and contributing positively to the community at large.
As the landscape of healthcare continues to shift, the need for innovative and interdisciplinary approaches will only grow. The investment in these 16 projects exemplifies a forward-thinking mindset that prioritizes research that is not only scientifically robust but also grounded in real-world applicability. PolyU is not just contributing to the academic body of knowledge; it is playing a vital role in shaping the future of health care in meaningful ways.
In a world grappling with healthcare challenges, the groundbreaking research efforts at Hong Kong Polytechnic University serve as a beacon of hope. These projects signify more than just funding awards; they represent a commitment to transformative research that aims to enrich lives, empower caregivers, and advance the standards of patient care across the globe.
—
Subject of Research: Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) funding for interdisciplinary projects at Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Article Title: PolyU Secures HK$14.3 Million to Propel Interdisciplinary Health Research
News Publication Date: [To be determined based on the publication schedule]
Web References: [https://www.polyu.edu.hk/-/media/department/home/media-release/2025/0116/appendix-en_2.pdf?rev=85af8554d4cf4053a3042f736ff4e0cf&hash=5489B62FED2DCE1F5BF4A63F8D321BED]
References: [Not applicable]
Image Credits: © 2025 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved.
