Making impact for greater good

[Sponsored article] The inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit, co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and THE, commenced on 31 May with the PolyU Showcase, highlighting four areas of the University’s innovations that have been impacting economy and society, solving problems, creating hopes and benefitting mankind. Led by PolyU researchers, over 100 delegates participated in the pre-summit workshops which were divided into four concurrent sessions, namely “Space, aviation and railway”, “Sustainable urban development”, “Human-centered innovation” and “Hospitality”.

Workshop 1: Space, aviation and railway

At this workshop, delegates were taken on a journey to learn how the University’s innovations enhance people’s travel experience from the ground up to the sky. In particular, delegates were impressed by PolyU’s optical fibre sensing technology for better rail safety. Researchers explained that since optical fibre sensors are installed in both passenger trains and tracks for cross-monitoring, operational and maintenance efficiency is highly enhanced. This most effective mode of maintenance has recently been adopted in two of the busiest metro lines in Singapore.