PolyU Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation 香港理工大學中醫藥創新研究中心

10/06/2026

Strengthening Cross-Strait TCM Collaboration: Our Management Committee's Visit to Taiwan

From June 3–6, 2026, members of the RCMI Management Committee, led by Director Prof. Wong Man-sau, embarked on a strategic visit to Taiwan to deepen our academic and research partnerships in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and natural products.

This productive trip focused on fostering in-depth dialogue and exploring future opportunities with leading institutions:

🔬 Academic & Research Partnerships:

Chang Gung University & Chang Gung University of Science and Technology: We engaged in detailed dialogues with the Institute of Natural Products, exploring joint research avenues and potential academic exchanges.

China Medical University (Taichung): The team held a symposium between RCMI and CMU, toured the renowned Li-Fu Museum of Chinese Medicine, and visited the Department of Chinese Medicine. We also paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Yen and met with the CMU President to discuss high-level strategic collaboration.

Academia Sinica: A visit to the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center allowed us to meet Prof. Shyur and discuss advancements in biotech applications for herbal medicine.

Ministry of Health and Welfare: We visited the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM) to align on national health strategies and the future development of TCM in Taiwan.

The trip was incredibly fruitful, allowing us to connect with top TCM experts, gain valuable insights into Taiwan's advancements in the field, and lay the groundwork for significant future collaborations.

We look forward to turning these discussions into tangible projects that benefit the global TCM community.

28/05/2026

Big steps forward for herbal medicine research! 🌏🌱

On May 27, 2026, the Director of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine and Innovation (RCMI), Prof. Wong Man-sau, visited the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited for a landmark meeting.

We are thrilled to welcome representatives from the University of Waterloo to discuss the future of our collaboration network. 🤝💡 From sharing insights on drug development to mapping out future joint projects, we anticipate incredible energy and progress.

We are deepening the collaboration between CEVR (https://cevr.hk/) , RCMI, and the Center to tackle a critical health challenge: Eye Diseases. Our goal is to harness the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to develop effective, nature-based solutions for vision health.

This is what happens when global experts unite for a common cause! 🌍✨

Together, we will build a stronger bridge between academic research and real-world medical solutions. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!

26/05/2026

🚀 PolyU Breakthrough: Storing the AI Data Explosion in Proteins!
Facing the global surge in AI-generated data? An interdisciplinary team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has pioneered a revolutionary protein-based data storage solution, published in Nature Communications.
Led by Prof. Yao Zhongping (RiFood/RCMI) and Prof. Francis Lau (RIAIoT/EIE), the team achieved a full cycle of data storage and retrieval using de novo designed unnatural proteins.
Why Proteins?
✅ 30x Higher Density: Significantly outperforms peptide-based methods.
✅ 10% of the Cost: Mass-produced via E. coli, unlike expensive chemical synthesis.
✅ Superior Stability: Survives harsh conditions where DNA degrades.
✅ Security & Access: Features built-in encryption and "random access" capabilities.
This sustainable, high-capacity framework offers a promising answer to the world's exploding data needs.
🔗 Read the full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70061-7

Press release: https://polyu.me/4daJaKD

Online coverage:
Mirage - https://polyu.me/4wMwzoX
Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/42w9YPv (subscription required)
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4doi6GJ
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4do8rA2

26/05/2026

22/05/2026

🐾 Protecting Wildlife, Preserving Tradition! 🌿

We are thrilled to share that Prof. Wong represented our institution at the 4th Conference for Wildlife Protection in Chinese Medicine 2026, hosted by The University of Hong Kong School of Chinese Medicine.

Prof. Wong took the stage for a Plenary Speech on a topic closer to our hearts: 🎤 "Exploration of the Substitution Applications of Chinese Herbal Medicines and Nutrients for Endangered Wildlife Products"
This session explored how we can innovate within Traditional Chinese Medicine to find effective, ethical, and sustainable substitutes for endangered species. It's a crucial step toward a greener future for both our planet and our medical practices.

Congratulations to Prof. Wong on sharing vital insights with the global community! 🌏🐾

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21/05/2026

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Recap of Our Seminar on CHM Clinical Trials

On May 13th, we were honored to host Prof. Lao Lixing from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine for an insightful session titled "Clinical Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine: Methodology and Challenges."

While Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Asia for millennia, integrating it into the Western evidence-based paradigm presents unique hurdles. Prof. Lao provided a masterclass on how to navigate these complexities to generate high-level evidence.

Key takeaways from the session included:
🔬 The Evidence Gap: Why Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) remain the gold standard, yet high-quality evidence for CHM is still scarce due to formula complexity.
🌿 From Farm to FDA: A deep dive into the rigorous research methodology, covering herbal formula identification, raw material authentication, extraction methods, and quality control.
📉 Navigating Challenges: An honest discussion on the specific difficulties of conducting Phase I and II clinical trials under FDA guidelines.

Prof. Lao shared valuable insights from his team's collaborative work with the University of Maryland and the University of Hong Kong, highlighting the path forward for integrative medicine.

A huge thank you to Prof. Lao for expanding our understanding of how to scientifically validate traditional remedies for a global audience.

19/05/2026

🚀 From Diagnosis to Prevention: Prof. MA Cong on the Future of AI in Healthcare

Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor at PolyU and Member of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), recently represented our institution at the 6th Asia Healthcare Summit during the 5th International Healthcare Week. As a panellist, he discussed how digital health and AI are reshaping the medical landscape.

Prof. Ma pointed out that HK has unique advantages for "AI + healthcare," including strong research, policy support, a solid healthcare system, and robust IP protection. He also highlighted the new Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, which will speed up the approval of local drugs and the commercialisation of research.

The Evolution of Medical AI
The development of AI in HK has moved through three key stages:
🔹 2021: Lung imaging diagnosis.
🔹 Next: Stroke and eye disease screening.
🔹 Now: Genetic risk assessment and early disease prediction.

This shift is moving us from a "treatment-led" model to a "prevention-first" approach. AI is improving workflow efficiency, image accuracy, and enabling personalised health management.

🧬 Cutting-Edge Research
Prof. Ma's team is making waves by combining generative AI with structural biology to speed up antibiotic development. They have identified candidates for five difficult-to-treat infections, with two drugs now in the preclinical safety evaluation stage.

This progress highlights Hong Kong's dedication to building a comprehensive healthcare innovation ecosystem. Congratulations to Prof. Ma on his insightful contributions! 👏

18/05/2026

Strengthening Medical Collaboration: RCMI Scholars Visit Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital
On May 11th, led by Prof. Wong, Director of the Research Center for Medical Innovation (RCMI), a distinguished delegation of RCMI scholars paid a visit to Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital. This visit marked a significant step in fostering cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange in the medical field.
During the visit, our team engaged in insightful discussions and presented on four critical areas of healthcare, highlighting our center's commitment to holistic patient care:
👁️ Ophthalmology: Exploring advancements in ocular health and vision care.
🩺 Endocrinology: Sharing insights on metabolic disorders and hormonal health.
👩‍⚕️ Nursing: Discussing modern nursing practices and patient-centered care models.
🦽 Rehabilitation: Presenting on innovative strategies for physical recovery and functional restoration.
The exchange was met with great enthusiasm, laying the groundwork for future joint research projects and clinical partnerships. We are grateful to the leadership and staff at Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital for their warm hospitality and open dialogue.
Together, we are building a stronger future for medical innovation and patient well-being.

15/05/2026

🌿 當陳式太極遇上國際中醫智慧：5/9 養生功法坊精彩回顧
5 月 9 日，我們有幸邀請到兩位重量級大師，為學員帶來了一場身心靈的深度洗禮！🧘‍♂️✨
👤 大師陣容
🔹 陳二虎大師：陳氏太極拳第 12 代嫡傳宗師、陳家溝「八大天王」之一。將正統的「站樁」心法帶入現代生活，傳承數十年內功精髓。
🔹 勞力行教授：美國維吉尼亞整合醫學大學校長、前港大中醫藥學院院長。擁有 40 年臨床經驗及 330+ SCI 論文，以科學視角解讀中醫養生。
🌟 課程亮點
✅ 太極站樁：「百練不如一站」。透過外靜內動，改善駝背、增強下肢力量，提升「精氣神」，讓睡眠與循環更順暢。
✅ 八段錦工作坊：勞教授親授 90 分鐘「手把手」教學。專為初學者設計，無需深奧理論，透過拉伸與呼吸調節自主神經，打造自然免疫屏障。
這次活動成功結合了傳統武術傳承與現代醫學研究，讓大家在體驗中親證中醫的自癒力量！🌱
感謝所有參與的學員，讓我們一起將傳統智慧融入現代生活，守護身心健康。
#養生功法 #陳式太極 #八段錦 #中醫養生 #陳二虎 #勞力行 #身心健康 #非遺傳承

13/05/2026

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: Tai Chi & Qigong in Healthcare 🌏🩺
On May 8, 2026, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (PolyU RCMI) hosted a landmark event: "The International Symposium on Martial Arts: Bridging Art and Science."
We were honored to welcome global leaders, including Dr. Vincent Chung (Health Bureau), Prof. David Shum (PolyU), and Prof. Man-Sau Wong (PolyU RCMI), to discuss the future of integrative medicine.
🔬 Key Highlights:
Global Expertise: Keynotes from Harvard's Prof. Gloria Yeh and Tufts' Prof. Chenchen Wang on chronic disease management and pain relief.
Clinical Evidence: Deep dives into Tai Chi for cardiac/brain health, Baduanjin for rehabilitation, and Qigong for frail elderly care.
The Future: A strong commitment to evidence-based integration of traditional practices into modern healthcare systems.
As Prof. Wong noted in her closing remarks, this symposium reaffirms our mission to support whole-person health through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Thank you to all the researchers, clinicians, and attendees who joined us in advancing this vital field!