The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond.
Held on the PolyU campus, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. ZHANG Ming, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering. The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of the University of Toronto.
Under the MoU, the PolyU's Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families.
Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, "PolyU is firmly committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, with population ageing being one of the most pressing issues of our time. By joining forces with the University of Toronto – a global leader in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology – we aim to co-develop solutions that have real-world impact, enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This collaboration will not only drive technological breakthroughs but also foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Toronto in advancing smart ageing, creating an influential international innovation platform."
Prof. Alex Mihailidis said, "The University of Toronto, together with AGE-WELL, has long been dedicated to developing technologies that enable older adults to age well and with dignity. This MoU with PolyU marks an important step towards a truly global ecosystem for gerontechnology innovation. By combining our complementary strengths in biomedical engineering, clinical research and community-based innovation, we will be able to accelerate the development, evaluation and deployment of technologies that support better care, independence and quality of life for diverse older populations – including Cantonese-speaking communities in both cities."
PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields.
In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a "HAPPI" life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent.
