Understanding PolyU's Remarkable Research Surge
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a leading institution among University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong, has achieved a stunning 55% increase in highly cited papers between 2020 and 2024, as validated by independent analysis from Clarivate, a global leader in research analytics. This surge underscores PolyU's rising prominence in global research, particularly in engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and medical research fields. Highly cited papers are those ranking in the top 1% by citations within their specific field and publication year, based on Web of Science data—a benchmark for research influence.
In 2024 alone, PolyU topped all UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong for total research publications, demonstrating sustained output growth. This validation comes at a pivotal time as Hong Kong positions itself as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub within China's Greater Bay Area (GBA) strategy, aligning university research with national priorities in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and sustainable development.
Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers 2025: PolyU's Elite Scholars
Clarivate's annual Highly Cited Researchers list honors scientists whose papers consistently rank in the top 1% cited globally over an 11-year window, reflecting broad impact across disciplines. In 2025, PolyU boasts 21 scholars on this prestigious list—second among Hong Kong institutions—up from 20 initially announced, with one recognized in two categories.
Standouts include Prof. CHENG Ran and Prof. TAN Kay Chen in Computer Science; Prof. ZHANG Xiao in Materials Science and Engineering; and leaders like Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research), in Materials Science. Cross-Field category features 14 PolyU experts, highlighting interdisciplinary prowess in areas like renewable energy (Prof. LI Gang) and atmospheric environment (Prof. WANG Tao).
Additionally, 428 PolyU academics rank in Stanford University's World's Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2025, further cementing the university's citation dominance.
Quantitative Growth: 65% High-Impact Output Boom
Beyond papers, PolyU recorded a 65% surge in high-impact research output from 2020 to 2024, per Clarivate metrics. This encompasses publications in top-tier journals and those with exceptional citation trajectories. PolyU's total publications reached record highs, outpacing peers in volume and quality.
- Topped UGC-funded universities in 2024 publication count.
- 55% rise in highly cited papers (top 1% cited).
- Strong performance in 22 Essential Science Indicators (ESI) fields, leading in Engineering, Mathematics, and Biology & Biochemistry for top 1% researchers.
These figures reflect PolyU's strategic investments in research infrastructure, including state-of-the-art labs and interdisciplinary centers fostering collaboration.PolyU's official announcement
Disciplinary Leadership: Engineering, AI, and Beyond
PolyU excels globally in niche yet critical areas. It holds the #1 world ranking in Hospitality & Tourism Management (Shanghai Ranking) and leads in engineering subfields like energy conversion and nature-inspired engineering. In AI-driven medical research, scholars like those in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) department produce breakthroughs in computational intelligence and computer vision.
Materials Science innovations, led by Prof. ZHENG Zijian in soft materials and devices, address real-world challenges in flexible electronics and biomedical applications. These strengths position PolyU at the forefront of China's push for technological self-reliance and GBA integration.
For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in these high-growth fields. Explore research jobs or academic CV tips to join such teams.
Photo by Spencer Gu on Unsplash
Benchmarking Against Hong Kong Peers
Among UGC-funded universities—HKU, CUHK, HKUST, CityU, BaptistU, LingnanU, and EdUHK—PolyU's 2024 publication leadership marks a shift. While HKU leads with 54 Highly Cited Researchers, PolyU's 21 and second-place Stanford ranking (428 scholars) signal rapid ascent.
| Institution | HCR 2025 | Stanford Top 2% | 2024 Pubs Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| PolyU | 21 | 428 (2nd HK) | 1st |
| HKU | 54 | Lead | - |
| HKUST | 12 | - | - |
Hong Kong SAR's total HCR rose to 145 in 2025, up from 134, reflecting regional momentum.
From Lab to Market: Patent Powerhouse
Research translation is key: PolyU secured 1,020 granted patents (2020-2024), second-highest among UGC peers, fueling startups and industry partnerships. Initiatives like the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) bridge academia and enterprise, exemplifying 'Innovate to Benefit Society.'
Prof. C.K. Tang, Acting President, emphasized: 'Clarivate's validation affirms our commitment to world-leading research benefiting Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.'
Drivers of Success: Strategies and Investments
PolyU's rise stems from targeted strategies:
- Interdisciplinary hubs like DSAI and Building Environment labs.
- Presidential Young Scholars program nurturing talents like Prof. CHENG Ran.
- Global partnerships enhancing collaboration.
- Alignment with national priorities in I&T under 14th Five-Year Plan.
These foster a vibrant ecosystem, attracting top talent amid China's higher education expansion.
Faculty positions at PolyU offer competitive paths for researchers eyeing impactful careers.Broader Impacts on Hong Kong and China
PolyU's achievements bolster Hong Kong's role in the GBA, driving innovation in fintech, biomedicine, and green tech. They support China's ambitions to lead in high-quality research publications, with HK universities contributing to national rankings ascent. Stakeholder views—from government to industry—praise this as vital for economic resilience post-global challenges.
For students and professionals, this signals robust China higher ed opportunities.
Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum
Looking ahead, PolyU aims to maintain leadership through expanded facilities and AI integration. Challenges like funding competition persist, but solutions include diversified grants and industry ties. Expect continued growth in citations, patents, and global collaborations, shaping tomorrow's innovators.
Professionals can leverage Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, and career advice to engage with this ecosystem. University jobs in research are booming—stay ahead!
