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PolyU researchers develop breakthrough method for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets, unlocking cost-effective applications in de-icing
Published in Nature Chemical Engineering as the cover feature for its last December issue, the research project “Freezing droplet ejection by spring-like elastic pillars” is led by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering. First co-authors include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan ZHANG, PhD student Mr Wei ZHANG, Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai JIN, and PhD student Mr Chenyang WU.
The discovery of the self-ejection phenomenon in freezing droplets was inspired by a fungus capable of shooting its spores away through osmosis-induced volume expansion. Noting that a similar volume expansion occurs when water droplet is freezing, the research team has replicated the self-shooting mechanism found in the fungi and developed a structured elastic surface (SES) with spring-like pillars and wetting contrast that allows for the spontaneous ejection of freezing water droplets.
The SES structure is designed to accelerate the ejection velocity and enlarge the kinetic energy transformation of freezing droplets. When the freezing droplet undergoes volume expansion, it compresses the pillar of SES. The volume expansion work is first converted to and stored as elastic energy in the pillar within tens of seconds, and then to be transformed into the droplet’s kinetic energy rapidly within milliseconds. This thousandfold reduction in timescales leads to sufficient kinetic energy to drive freezing droplet ejection.
The simple SES structure, after parameter design, is effective in ejecting freezing droplets without external energy input and even against the forces of wind and gravity. It can be applied to aircraft, wind blades or cable lines to prevent hazards caused by ice accretion. Dr Huanhuan Zhang said, “It is exciting that we, for the first time, introduce a self-powered ice removal concept that will offer a wide range of innovative solutions. We will continuously improve the design of SES, allowing it to be manufactured at various scales and at a low cost to meet societal needs.”
Furthermore, the theoretical model developed in the research elucidates the factors determining the successful onset of the freezing droplet ejection phenomenon, with scalable design exhibiting potential practicability in various fields.
Prof. Wang envisions, “This nature-inspired research paved the way for numerous impactful applications. We believe that the freezing droplet ejection, as a prototype, could stimulate the development of self-powered concepts and methods for a wide range of purposes such as de-icing, energy harvesting and soft robotic applications.”
Specifically, droplet ejection induced by volume expansion enhances understanding of multi-phase freezing dynamics for anti-icing applications. Prof. Yao remarked, “Our research demonstrates a strategy to efficiently harness and utilise the volume expansion work of freezing droplets to generate ballistic motion. This could subsequently expand the application of energy conversion phenomena, and inspire the development of droplet-based energy generators and soft robotic catapults.”
Hashtag: #PolyU #Nature-inspiredResearch #De-icing #SoftRobotics #香港理工大学 #仿生研究 #除冰 #飞机积冰 #软件机器人
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Global Excellence Recognized
The Faculty of Education has secured outstanding positions in prestigious global rankings, placing #20 in Education (QS World University Rankings 2025), #11 in Education Studies (Times Higher Education 2025), and an impressive 2nd place globally in Education & Educational Research (U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026). These achievements reflect the Faculty’s commitment to excellence in both research and teaching, as further highlighted by the recognition of 13 faculty members among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in 2024.
Through its four specialised departments—Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration and Policy, Educational Psychology, and Sports Science and Physical Education—the Faculty offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate programmes including doctoral degrees, master’s degrees, and postgraduate diplomas in Education, nurturing and empowering the next generation of outstanding educators to transform education responsibly to meet the society’s evolving needs.
Pioneering Research and Innovation
As a dynamic academic hub, the Faculty pioneers educational research and scholarship in Hong Kong, sharing insights with researchers, scholars, school leaders, and practitioners through conferences and seminars. Through the Centre for University and School Partnership (CUSP), the Faculty maintains strong connections with over 2,000 educational institutions and has successfully completed more than 45 development and research projects, focusing on quality education, positive learning environments, small class teaching, strong curriculum leadership and development in kindergartens, financial literacy for children, and gifted education programmes.
The Faculty’s commitment to innovation is evident in its current research projects, which address crucial contemporary education areas and challenges such as AI in education, curriculum reform, and academic integrity in the age of generative AI. A standout example is the Robot for Autism Behavioral Intervention (RABI) project, led by Professor Catherine So of the Department of Educational Psychology, which advances autism diagnosis and early intervention through robotics. The project earned international recognition, receiving the Silver Award in the “Access, Diversity, and Inclusion” category at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024.
International Student Success
The Faculty’s global impact is reflected in its diverse student body of over 2,600 students. Dr. Ma. Jenina Nalipay, a recent PhD graduate from the Philippines, highlights the Faculty’s strength in nurturing international talent: “CUHK has provided me with numerous opportunities to flourish as a PhD student and prepare for success after graduation. The holistic approach to student development and excellent supervision have been invaluable to my career goals.”
Looking to the Future
As education continues to evolve, the Faculty remains dedicated to its vision of nurturing the next generation of educators and education leaders with global perspectives. Its focus on combining research excellence with practical application ensures graduates are well-equipped to address future educational challenges.
Discover the diverse postgraduate programmes offered by CUHK’s Faculty of Education: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/programme/education.
Application for the 2026-27 intake starts from 1 September 2025. CUHK provides a wide range of scholarships and financial support for outstanding students to pursue their postgraduate studies at CUHK. Join the upcoming CUHK Postgraduate Virtual Info Week 2025 to learn more: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/admission-events.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.
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More than 60% of Malaysians Lack Vitamin D Alpro Pharmacy Subsidises RM1.6 Million for Project :D to Tackle Malaysia’s Silent Vitamin D Crisis
Project 😀 will begin in September 2025 with 30 pilot outlets, before expanding nationwide in October 2025. Screening is priced at RM1 ONLY for high-risk groups (elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, or individuals with limited sun exposure) and RM15 for the general public (normal price RM35). Each test comes with professional counselling and a tailored health plan.
“Vitamin D deficiency is more than a nutritional issue; it is a public health challenge that affects immunity, mood, energy, and even the risk of falls among our elderly. At Alpro, we believe every Malaysian deserves access to the tools and care they need to live healthier, brighter lives. Project 😀 is our commitment to walk this journey together with the public — towards a healthier and vibrant Malaysia,” said Ph. Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Pharmacy.
Supporting this mission, Powerlife, a leading health supplement provider in Malaysia, has stepped forward as the main partner of Project :D. They have contributed 300 advanced Vitamin D analysers to Alpro outlets nationwide. These devices, powered by Global Science’s handheld fluorescence technology, deliver accurate results within minutes and bridge the accessibility gap between costly laboratory tests and less reliable rapid kits.
To strengthen the initiative’s long-term impact, Alpro is also collaborating with two leading academic institutions. The International Medical University (IMU) will conduct research on Vitamin D’s role in maternal and infant health, while Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) will study its impact on elderly care, particularly in preventing falls and fractures.
Our research is not just about data — it is about people. By understanding how Vitamin D shapes the health of mothers, babies, children & adolescents and the elderly, we can turn science into action. Through this collaboration with Alpro, we are taking meaningful steps to improve lives in Malaysia,” said Professor Winnie Chee, Professor of Nutrition & Dietetics at IMU and Director of the Institute of Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI).
Beyond screenings, Project 😀 will also roll out educational campaigns, community talks, and awareness programmes in partnership with MyFalls, focusing on fall prevention among the elderly and raising awareness of the crucial role Vitamin D plays in everyday wellness.
Malaysians are encouraged to take the first step towards better health by joining Project :D. Visit your nearest Alpro Pharmacy or Alpro Clinic to learn more and locate participating outlets. For updates and expert advice, follow Alpro Pharmacy’s official social media channels.
Hashtag: #AlproPharmacy
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About Alpro Pharmacy
With a humble beginning starting with a single pharmacy outlet in the small town of Port Dickson in 2002, Alpro Pharmacy is now a diversified community chain pharmacy that provides comprehensive primary healthcare solutions via over 300 outlets including Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Physio and Alpro Baby, both online and offline, nationwide. It is supported by a team of more than 650 healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians to physiotherapists and many other healthcare professionals.
Serving more than 3 million families in Malaysia, Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the country to provide RM1 million product liability insurance to safeguard the supply of genuine medications. With over 500,000 prescriptions filled per year, Alpro Pharmacy is also the largest prescription pharmacy chain in Malaysia.
For more information, please visit 
https://www.alpropharmacy.com.
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Hun Ming Kwang, Founder of InnerWork Circle, Wins Excellence in Professional Coaching Award at Ignite Global 2025
Ignite Global is an international platform that promotes professional coaching and leadership excellence. Its annual awards highlight individuals who set high standards of practice and impact across industries and communities.
An internationally recognised inner work specialist and life coach, Hun Ming Kwang is known for his work in inner development and leadership transformation. He is the author of five books, including four titles on mental health published by Penguin Random House SEA, and has worked with organisations, institutions, and communities worldwide to help individuals and groups navigate complexity and change.
Under his leadership, InnerWork Circle has partnered with corporations, institutions, and communities to strengthen organisational culture, guide leadership transitions, and resolve systemic challenges. Using Processwork Psychology and integrating systemic, somatic, and transpersonal methods, the practice equips leaders and organisations to manage complexity and deliver lasting results.
“This recognition is not just about personal achievement but about raising the standards of coaching and leadership globally,” said Hun Ming Kwang. “My mission is to help leaders and communities navigate complexity with clarity, and to create change that endures.”
Looking ahead, InnerWork Circle continues to roll out programmes and initiatives in Singapore and across the region to strengthen leadership capacity, build resilient organisational cultures, and equip people to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and purpose. For more information, visit https://innerworkcircle.consult.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #InnerWorkCircle #HunMingKwang
https://innerworkcircle.consult.com.sg/
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