PolyU and University of Toronto Unite for Joint Research Centre on Smart Ageing Solutions
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring the establishment of a Joint Research Centre dedicated to Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. This initiative intends to tackle the complications associated with global ageing by advancing gerontechnology — a field focused on improving the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership is designed to facilitate collaborative research, knowledge transfer, and talent development in gerontechnology, benefiting elderly populations in both Hong Kong and Toronto.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU signing ceremony occurred on the PolyU campus and featured several key attendees, including Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation; Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David Shum, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Zhang Ming, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The agreement was signed by Prof. Zheng Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, alongside Prof. Alex Mihailidis, Associate Vice-President for International Partnerships at the University of Toronto.
Collaboration Goals
According to the MoU, PolyU’s Research Institute for Smart Ageing and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will collaborate with the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its AGE-WELL National Network. Their joint efforts aim to create the research centre, develop practical gerontechnologies, and co-organize exchanges for staff and students, as well as international conferences, to enrich research and education in this field. Both institutions seek to enhance care support for elderly Cantonese-speaking individuals and their families.
Commitment to Innovation
Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation in addressing societal challenges and acknowledged the significance of collaborating with the University of Toronto, recognized for its leadership in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology. He stressed the objective of developing solutions that enable older adults to lead healthier, more independent lives and to strengthen connections between the two cities.
Focus on Dignity and Well-being
Similarly, Prof. Alex Mihailidis expressed that the University of Toronto, in partnership with AGE-WELL, is focused on innovating technologies that uphold dignity and well-being for older adults. The MoU marks an important advancement in establishing a global ecosystem for gerontechnology by harnessing the strengths of both institutions in biomedical engineering, clinical research, and community engagement.
Future Implications
The collaboration is anticipated to create a solid international platform for gerontechnology, fostering effective translations of research into practice and cultivating future talent in related disciplines. Furthermore, both universities plan to actively involve their communities to drive innovation and promote gerontechnology, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for older adults and support a healthy environment for aging populations.
(Source: Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
