CityUHK Showcased Sustainable Innovations at Science in the Public Service 2026
Marking the milestone 20th anniversary of "Science in the Public Service" (SIPS) 「科學為民」— an initiative dedicated to improving the livelihood of people through science and innovation. CityUHK is proud to be one of the supporting organizations, presenting cutting-edge technologies, public lectures, hand-on workshops, and site visits with guided tours designed to bridge the gap between complex science and everyday life.
SIPS Science and Technology Fair「科學為民」科技嘉年華
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary milestone, the flagship Science and Technology Fair took place from 25 to 27 September 2026, following a kick-off ceremony and press preview on 24 September.
At the main exhibition, CityUHK showcased two premier technological innovations that embody our commitment to environmental sustainability and global healthcar accessibility:
1. UN-FIRST Initiative: Passive Radiative Cooling — Advancing Carbon Neutrality:
International Recognition: Featured under the UN-FIRST Programme—an international initiative endorsed by UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). It represents one of four global projects developing affordable technologies for underprivileged regions.Lead Researcher: Ir Prof. Tso Chi-Yan (School of Energy and Environment)
2. AeroNOx: Portable, Tank-Free Nitric Oxide Inhaled Therapy
- Lead Researcher: Prof. Jin Shang (School of Energy and Environment, PI) in collaboration with HKUST
- The Technology: The handheld AeroNOx system generates medical-grade nitric oxide on demand, bypassing the need for heavy, expensive gas cylinders.
- Global Recognition: Awarded gold medals at the 2025 Geneva and Silicon Valley invention exhibitions, the technology is advancing towards pilot manufacturing and medical-device translation.
Public Engagement Series: Forums, Tours & Workshops
While the main September exhibition has concluded, CityUHK’s public outreach under SIPS 2026 continues throughout the remainder of the year.
Expert Forum & Public Lecture Series
Held at the Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum:
- Marine CSI: Tracking Threats and Solving Mysteries of Stranded Megafauna
Date & Time: 22 August 2026 | 14:30 – 15:15
Speaker: Prof. Brian Kot Chin Wing (Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab)
Focus: Exploring how non-invasive virtopsy techniques uncover causes of death in marine megafauna to inform conservation strategies.
- Building a Sustainable Future: The Evolution of Intelligent Building Envelope Materials
Date & Time: 29 August 2026 | 16:00 – 16:45
Speaker: Ir Prof. Edwin Tso (School of Energy and Environment)
Focus: Part of the Climate Action & Sustainable Future Forum, focusing on smart materials that reduce urban heat island effects.
- Can We Bottle Sunlight?
Date & Time: 10 October 2026 | 14:30 – 15:15
Speaker: Prof. Fatwa Firdaus Abdi (School of Energy and Environment)
Focus: Converting solar radiation into storable chemical energy for clean fuel production.
Site Visits with Guided Tours
- Story of the Ocean Giants: Cetaceans and Sea Turtles Exhibition Tour
Dates: 14 November & 19 December 2026 (Saturdays)
Sessions: Morning & Afternoon sessions (Capacity: 30 participants/session)
Venue: Pedestrian Footbridge, 7/F, Lau Ming Wai Academic Building, CityUHK
Organizer: Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab (AAVL)
Highlights: Guided insider access to research facilities examining ocean conservation.
Workshops
- Hands-on Workshop — "Clash of the Cities: Mission Net-Zero"
Date & Time: 4 December 2026 (Friday) | 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Libratorium-A, Run Run Shaw Library, 3/F, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building, CityUHK
Organizer: School of Energy and Environment
Highlights: An interactive simulation challenging participants to make policy and technological choices to achieve urban carbon neutrality.
Come and discover how CityUHK research is advancing environmental sustainability and public health! Join us at the exhibition, forums, workshops, and site visits to explore the power of science in serving the community.
