The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) reaffirmed its commitment to interdisciplinary research, global collaboration and talent cultivation with the successful conclusion of the inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit (QWIS) on 30–31 March 2026. Organised by PolyU and sponsored by the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, the QWIS was held in honour of Professor Qian Weichang, widely recognised as the "Father of Mechanics" in China. With the theme of "Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering", the QWIS brought together distinguished guests and leading academics from renowned institutions worldwide to discuss cutting-edge topics and jointly drive innovation and development in the fields of science and engineering.
The QWIS featured eight distinguished plenary speakers from world-renowned universities, including Prof. CHEN Gang, Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Prof. Dario FARINA, Professor and Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at Imperial College London; Prof. GAO Huajian, Xinghua Distinguished University Professor at Tsinghua University; Prof. HU Haiyan, Chair Professor of Mechanics at the Beijing Institute of Technology; Prof. George MALLIARAS, Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge; Prof. David QUÉRÉ, Professor at the École Polytechnique; Prof. YANG Wei, Professor at Zhejiang University; and Prof. ZHANG Xu, President of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. Their presentations focused on the latest research findings in mechanics, medicine, electronics, energy and materials science, which stimulated interdisciplinary collaboration and fresh perspectives for scientific exploration.
Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said in his opening address, "The QWIS aims to bring together distinguished scholars from around the world to foster cross-boundary exchange and collaboration, inspire innovative thinking, push knowledge boundaries, and empower the next generation of talent in science and engineering to address global challenges, carrying forward the shared mission of the K.C. Wong Education Foundation and Professor Qian Weichang. The PolyU motto 'To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind' embodies our steadfast commitment to world-class education and interdisciplinary research that creates meaningful impact for Hong Kong, our Nation, and the world."
The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of the Graduate School of PolyU, broadened the QWIS's scope beyond technical topics. The plenary speakers not only discussed academic topics, but also shared insights into balancing research and life, choosing research directions, and the core qualities young scholars should possess, offering practical guidance for early-career researchers in attendance.
At the QWIS's Gala Dinner, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, made the opening speech, saying, "The QWIS breaks interdisciplinary boundaries, marks a significant milestone in PolyU's mission to foster international academic collaboration, and reinforces our role as a world-class innovative institution, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a dynamic international education hub."
A highlight of the evening was the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards presentation. These awards recognise young researchers who have obtained their PhD degrees within the past ten years and have made outstanding contributions to the fields of science and engineering. Prof. Gao Huajian, Chair of the Award Selection Committee, announced the two laureates: Prof. SONG Bai, Associate Professor at Peking University, who won the Science Category Award, and Prof. ZHAO Ruike, Assistant Professor at Stanford University, who won the Engineering Category Award.
More than 70 parallel sessions were held on the second day of the QWIS, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including mechanics and advanced manufacturing, energy science, materials science, data science, smart cities and health sciences. The sessions provided participants with groundbreaking perspectives and fresh inspiration, reinforcing the QWIS's role as a catalyst for global academic exchange.
