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In light of accelerating technological integration worldwide, the Department of Mechanical Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) organised the X-Dimension: Frontiers in Engineering Science Forum on April 12-13. The event aimed to address the engineering science challenges of the new era. 

Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivered the Opening Address, stating, “At HKU, we are committed to contributing to society—locally and globally—by solving humanity’s pressing problems through engineering solutions. As we face unprecedented challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, we believe in crossing boundaries and fostering innovation across disciplines, including arts and psychology. In the face of the ‘AI tsunami’, we see things differently and recognize the importance of rethinking engineering education and research. I am optimistic about our future. Through our dedicated students and collaborative spirit, we aim to inspire innovation that makes a meaningful impact on society.”

The forum was co-initiated and chaired by Professor David SROLOVITZ, Dean of HKU Engineering; Professor Zhigang SUO from Harvard University and Professor Gang CHEN from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It brought together leading scholars and pioneering industry experts from around the world, including Professor Wei YANG from Zhejiang University, Professor Ke LU from Liaoning Academy of Materials, Professor Liejin GUO from Xi’an Jiaotong University, Professor Tianshou ZHAO from Southern University of Science and Technology, Professor Peixue JIANG from Tsinghua University, Professor Jinsong LENG from Harbin Institute of Technology, Professor Jun NI and Professor Ruzhu WANG from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Haixia ZHANG from Peking University, Professor Yu HUANG  and Professor Xiangfeng DUAN from UCLA, Professor Ruina XU from Tsinghua University, as well as outstanding faculty members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and other faculties at HKU.

On the first day of the forum, distinguished guests and speakers went in-depth into the cutting-edge breakthroughs in engineering science. In the fields of advanced materials and mechanics, Professor Wei YANG from Zhejiang University, Professor Ke LU from Liaoning Academy of Materials, and Professor Jinsong LENG from Harbin Institute of Technology shared the latest developments in X-mechanics at extreme conditions, extreme crystalline metals, and stimulus-responsive composites. In the domains of energy science, Professor Liejin GUO from Xi’an Jiaotong University, Professor Tianshou ZHAO from Southern University of Science and Technology, and Professor Peixue JIANG from Tsinghua University engaged in extensive discussions on ordered conversion of energy, long duration energy storage based on flowable energy carriers, and turbulent heat transfer in supercritical-pressure CO2. Within the sustainability and micro-nano engineering field, Professor Ruzhu Wang from Shanghai Jiaotong University, Professor Yu HUANG and Xiangfeng DUAN from UCLA as well as Professor Ruina XU from Tsinghua University introduced innovative designs ranging from atmospheric water harvesting and electrocatalysts for hydrogen economy to two-dimensional structures and two phase flow in porous media. Additionally, professors from HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering — Professor Xiaobo YIN, Professor Mingxin HUANG, Professor Yang LU, and Professor Chunyi ZHI — shared their recent discoveries in sustainable metamaterials, ultrahigh strength steels, deep strain engineering of semiconductors, and zinc electrode technologies.

On the second day of the event, multiple guests and speakers also shared research breakthroughs and forward-looking academic insights toward addressing global engineering challenges, facilitating the commercialization of scientific research and nurturing talent for the new era. This forum provides an international platform for discussing innovative interdisciplinary achievements, exploring the dimensions of the future development of engineering science and inspiring pioneering ideas. 

During the fireside chat hosted by President Xiang ZHANG, esteemed guests engaged in an in-depth discussion on the fundamental evolution of engineering, the role of artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of educational paradigms. A consensus was reached that the essence of engineering lies in discovering nature and changing the world. Addressing the rise of AI, participants emphasised that AI should be viewed as a collaborative partner to human capability rather than a replacement. They highlighted the need for higher education to redefine its value in this new context.

Subsequently, in a roundtable discussion chaired by Professor Anderson SHUM from City University of Hong Kong, scholars including Professor Jun NI from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Haixia ZHANG from Peking University, and Professor Hayden SO from HKU explored innovations in engineering education. The panelists agreed that AI will be integrated into classroom instruction to bridge gaps among students from diverse backgrounds. As a result, the role of professors is shifting from simply imparting foundational knowledge to facilitating high-level discussions. Looking ahead, the most crucial skill for students will be their ability to pose significant and meaningful questions.

In addition, Professor Gang CHEN and Professor Zhigang SUO also shared their own research insights in rethinking of thermodynamic entropy and chemical potential as well as recent advances in polymer design and its applications for human health respectively.

Professor David SROLOVITZ remarked, “At HKU’s X-dimension 2026 Forum, we embrace the spirit of exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration, where the unknown serves as the catalyst for innovation. By bringing together world-leading experts from diverse fields, we aim to uncover new frontiers in engineering science—whether at microscopic scales or in groundbreaking applications. This gathering exemplifies the limitless potential that arises when brilliant minds meet, challenge established paradigms, and forge unexpected connections. Together, we are shaping the future of engineering, driven by curiosity, creativity, and the shared pursuit of scientific excellence.”

About HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one of the core founding disciplines of the Faculty of Engineering. Since its inception, the Department has kept pace with advancements in engineering science, consistently standing at the forefront of academic and technological research. The Department offers a comprehensive educational framework encompassing Bachelor's, Taught Master's, and Research Postgraduate programmes. Beyond imparting cutting-edge technical knowledge, we strongly emphasise cultivating students' interdisciplinary systems thinking, innovative research capabilities, and global perspectives. The Department is committed to nurturing technology leaders equipped with lifelong learning abilities and excellent communication skills, delivering high-calibre professionals with a profound foundation in “engineering science” to all sectors of society. Website: https://mech.hku.hk.

Media enquiries:
Faculty of Engineering, HKU
Ms Christina Chung (Tel: 3910 3324; Email: chungmc@hku.hk)
Ms Natalie Yuen (Tel: 3917 1924; Email: natyuen@hku.hk)