The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially inaugurated the Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) on 23 October, taking a critical step forward in advancing interdisciplinary microbiology research and innovation across the University. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. GAO Fu, Director of the CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. CHEN Sheng, Director of RIM, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology; Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) and Associate Director of RIM; Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), Associate Director of RIM and Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence; Prof. HUANG Jian, Associate Director of RIM, Chair Professor of Data Science and Analytics of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, witnessed the official establishment of RIM.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, "The establishment of the Research Institute for Microbiology marks an important milestone in PolyU's pursuit of interdisciplinary research and innovation. Embracing a One Health perspective, the Institute will bring together expertise in microbiology, immunomedicine, data science, systems biology, and artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery and address pressing challenges. Through close collaboration across disciplines and sectors, we aim to translate research into innovations that safeguard public health and advance biotechnology, and to develop RIM into a world-renowned research institute in microbiology with impact extending well beyond the laboratory."
Prof. Zhang Weixiong, said that, with the valuable addition of RIM, PAIR now comprised 20 research units. The Institute will accelerate collaboration among PAIR's research units and across its three research themes: Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing, Good Health and Well-being, and Smart and Sustainable Cities.
Prof. Chen Sheng introduced RIM to the audience, outlining the Institute's vision and mission which encompasses five research focus areas: infectious diseases; bacterial antimicrobial resistance under the One Health framework; drug and vaccine development; beneficial microorganisms and human health; and AI core.
Following the ceremony, a seminar - "AI-Empowered Vaccine Development" - was delivered by renowned microbiologist Prof. Gao Fu who shared significant research breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutic antibodies development, and T-cell immunotherapy. He also explained how AI can facilitate antibody design and modification. The seminar and subsequent inspiring discussion engaged over 16,000 online and in-person participants.
