HKBU Physics Research Workshop Sparks Ideas, Connections and Innovation
HKBU Physics Research Workshop Sparks Ideas, Connections and Innovation
The Department of Physics at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted its 2026 One-day Research Postgraduate Workshop on 28 August 2026 at the Ho Sin Hang Campus, bringing together young researchers for a full day of scientific exchange, lively discussion and interdisciplinary inspiration.
Hosted by Prof. Changsong Zhou, the workshop brought together research postgraduate students, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers and outstanding undergraduate students. The event provided a dynamic platform for researchers at different career stages to share new ideas, challenge one another’s thinking and build connections across research areas.
The workshop featured 12 oral presentations, each followed by an interactive Q&A session. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, complex systems, neuroscience, biophysics, protein science, advanced materials, optoelectronics and biomedical research. From near-sensor computing and neuromorphic vision to disordered proteins, deep neural network dynamics, brain criticality, non-Hermitian mechanics and cancer therapeutics, the programme showcased both the breadth and ambition of research across the Department.
The discussions went well beyond the presentations themselves. Speakers were encouraged to explain the broader scientific questions behind their work and engage with researchers from different backgrounds. Questions from the audience opened new perspectives on how physical principles, computation and data-driven approaches can be combined to tackle complex scientific problems.
The afternoon poster session further energized the exchange. Through concise research pitches followed by Q&A, participants presented work on neuronal dynamics, brain organization, wearable sensing, thermoelectric devices, organic photodetectors, protein language models, membrane-protein mechanics, synaptic plasticity and neural-network topology. The fast-paced format encouraged clear scientific communication and sparked conversations across research groups.
A judging panel comprising Prof. Liang Tian, Prof. Songsong Li, Prof. Shancheng Wang and Prof. Qianyuan Tang evaluated the presentations. The workshop recognized not only scientific quality, but also the ability of young researchers to communicate ambitious ideas clearly and stimulate discussion among a broad audience.
The event concluded with closing remarks and a prize presentation. Zhuangmiao Wang received the Best Oral Talk Award for “Bioinspired in-sensor orthogonal adaptation for robust all-weather multispectral vision,” while Zhenli Zhou received the Best Poster Award for “n-Type Semiconductor Hydrogels for Tunable Organic Electrochemical Transistors Operation and Evaporation-Driven Synergistic Energy Harvesting and Thermal Management.”
More than a showcase of research achievements, the workshop created a shared space for ideas to meet, questions to emerge and collaborations to begin. The enthusiastic participation and animated discussions throughout the day reflected a vibrant research culture in which curiosity, interdisciplinary exchange and innovation reinforce one another.