EdUHK Garners Landmark Success with Nine Awards at 50th Geneva Inventions Exhibition
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) celebrated a remarkable achievement at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, held from 9 to 13 April, with seven projects securing a total of nine prestigious awards. This year’s accolades include two International Special Merit Awards, one Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, one additional Gold Medal, three Silver Medals, and two Bronze Medals. This landmark success marks the first time EdUHK has achieved such recognition, further solidifying its standing as a leading institution in interdisciplinary research and innovation.
The winning projects, developed by research teams from various departments at EdUHK, cover a wide range of fields, including Artificial Intelligence, biomaterials, neuroscience, sports, and educational technologies. These achievements highlight the university’s growing strength in interdisciplinary research and its increasing influence on the international stage.
Two award-winning bio- and neuro-medical innovations, both from the newly established University Research Facility of Human Behavioural Neuroscience (UHBN) since August 2024, received International Special Merit Awards, underscoring EdUHK’s leadership in neuroscience research.
The first project, titled “A Hybrid EEG-fNIRS Neurofeedback Application for Brain Training for Autistic Children”, was led by Dr Michael Yeung Kin-chung, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology of EdUHK. This project was awarded a Gold Medal with Congratulations from the Jury and an International Special Merit Award.
The second project, namely “Novel Biomaterials Used for Dendritic Cell Vaccine for Cancer Immunotherapy”, was led by Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, EdUHK Associate Vice President (Research), Director of UHBN, and Chair Professor of Biology and Neuroscience at the Department of Science and Environmental Studies. This project was awarded a Gold Medal and an International Special Merit Award.
The Knowledge Transfer Office coordinated the EdUHK delegation's participation in the exhibition. Professor Stephen Chow Cheuk-fai, the Director of Knowledge Transfer, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “Since our first participation, this year EdUHK has sent its largest-ever delegation to the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva. We are deeply encouraged by this recognition, which reaffirms the dedication and hard work of our researchers. Participation in the Exhibition not only provides EdUHK researchers with opportunities to interact and collaborate with international innovators and industry executives, but also demonstrates our commitment to creating solutions that positively impact society and advance human well-being.”
Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the research teams. He noted that EdUHK’s research initiatives have profound implications for societal advancement and human development, reflecting the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “EdUHK aims to conduct impactful research with clear social benefits. Recently, we established the University Research Facility of Human Behavioral Neuroscience, the University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the SDG Living Laboratory. Currently, 42% of our research outputs directly contribute to SDGs. The awarded inventions demonstrate our researchers' exceptional ability to leverage science and technology to address societal and market needs, highlighting our dedication to knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of research outcomes. We will continue to champion innovation, driving the transformation of research into impactful and practical solutions,” he added.
The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, widely regarded as one of the world’s most prominent platforms dedicated to inventions that push the boundaries of innovation, attracted almost 1,050 entries from over 40 countries and regions.
List of EdUHK awarded projects and related awards:
| Project Name | Investigator(s) | Abstract | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
A Hybrid EEG-fNIRS Neurofeedback Application for Brain Training for Autistic Children | Dr Michael Yeung Kin-chung, Assistant Professor at Department of Psychology | A pioneering hybrid EEG-fNIRS system for multimodal neurofeedback training. It targets cognitive, emotional, and social functions in autism, using valid feedback stimuli, reward delivery, and progressive loading to maximise efficacy and engagement. |
|
| Novel Biomaterials Used for Dendritic Cell Vaccine for Cancer Immunotherapy | Professor Ken Yung Kin-lam, Chair Professor of Biology and Neuroscience at Department of Science and Environmental Studies | Traditional cancer treatments often rely on cytotoxic agents. The invention enhances dendritic cell maturation using silica nanomatrices, offering a safe & biocompatible approach to improve treatment efficiency, effectiveness and survival rates. |
|
Automatic Multi-modal Deep Learning Analysis System | Professor Philip Yu Leung-ho, Professor at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology | Reliable datasets are crucial for AI training, but evaluating ground-truth descriptions is error-prone. The invention automates this, offering quality, domain-specific feedback that improves AI model performance, effectiveness and quality control. |
|
Sign2V: Connecting Sign Language to the Verbal Sphere | Mr Lo Wai-kin, Student in Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology
Dr Henry So Chi-fuk, Senior Lecturer at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology | Sign2V integrates interactive AI and machine learning for seamless bidirectional interpretation between sign language and speech or writing. Overcoming communication barriers, it advances mutual understanding and inclusion in diverse social contexts. |
|
YoChatGPT!: Unleashing the Power of Collaborative AI | Dr Fridolin Ting Sze-thou, Senior Lecturer, Office of Vice President (Research & Development)
Mr Sam Lam, Dr Carter Lam, Office of Vice President (Research & Development); Mr Roger Wong, Mr Genius Chan, Mr Calvin Tsui, Office of the Chief Information Officer | YoChatGPT! is a context-aware collaborative virtual platform engaging multiple users with dynamic AI. It revolutionises advisory, business productivity and education through intelligent features, all within a secure environment. |
|
Integrated Nutrition Management System with Smart Panel and AI Platform for Sustainable Dietary Progress | Dr Steve Mung Wai-yin, Assistant Professor at the Knowledge Transfer Office
Miss Foo Sharon, Mr Woody Lai Chun-yin, Miss Crystal Lo Yuen-wing, at the Knowledge Transfer Office | A system combining a multi-sensing smart panel with an AI platform for personalised nutrition management through visual intelligence. It acts as an AI nutritionist to provide instant meal analysis and optimise meal plans to meet users’ dietary needs. |
|
Smart Vest for Improving Behavioral Performance of School-aged Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | Dr Fu Hong, Associate Professor at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology | The smart vest is a non-invasive real-time feedback vest to help children with ADHD integrate into the classroom and society. It captures motion data via 2 built-in 6-axis inertial measurement units and detect hyperactive behaviour. |
|
—Ends—
EdUHK Garners Landmark Success with Nine Awards at 50th Geneva Inventions Exhibition
Download all images
