Post Date: 31 October 2025

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Demonstrates Its Leadership in Air Quality Research to the Eco Expo Asia 2025 Delegation

The Eco Expo Asia 2025, the annual flagship event in the environmental sector, takes place from October 28 to 31, 2025 under the theme “Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality”, the Expo brings together government representatives and industry leaders from Chinese Mainland, China Macao, and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative to share their green policies, project outcomes, and insights into key environmental issues.

Prof. Zhe WANG introduced to the delegation the outdoor PM samplers of the Air Quality Research Supersite located outside the station.

As part of the Expo’s official program, the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department(EPD) organized a delegation visit on 29 October 2025 (Wednesday) to the HKUST Air Quality Research Supersite at the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) & Institute for the Environment (IENV), HKUST. The delegation comprised over 50 representatives from environmental protection authorities and research institutions across Chinese Mainland.

Jointly established by HKUST and the EPD, the HKUST Air Quality Research Supersite is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments capable of real-time detection and monitoring of various organic and nitrogen pollutants at the molecular level. The facility plays a vital role in tracking photochemical smog pollution and high-ozone or haze episode events, as well as understanding the transport and transformation of air pollutants. Data and findings from the Supersite provide valuable scientific support for policymaking on carbon emissions reduction and ozone pollution control.

Mr. Eddie Lee of the EPD shared an overview of the Department's work.

The visit began with welcome remarks by Prof. Jimmy Fung, HKUST Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning) and Mr. Eddie Lee, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Air Science and Modelling) of the EPD, who highlighted recent progress in environmental research collaboration and policy support between the two institutions.

Prof. Zhe WANG introduced the Air Quality Research Supersite and highlighted the collaborative achievements between HKUST and EPD in air quality research.

Prof. Zhe WANG, UG Programs Coordinator (Environment and Sustainability) and Associate Professor of ENVR & IENV at HKUST, presented the key outcomes of HKUST–EPD joint research on air quality. These included the project “Characterization of Photochemical Ozone Formation, Regional and Super-Regional Transportation in the Greater Bay Area”, led by the EPD in collaboration with local universities, and the establishment of a comprehensive 3D air quality monitoring platform covering land, sea, and air domains.

Other HKUST faculty members also shared their recent research progress:

• Prof. Alexis LAU, Head & Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), HKUST and Tang Junyuan Professor of Environmental Science, introduced the development of Hong Kong’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and forecasting systems.
• Prof. Jianzhen YU, Chair Professor of ENVR and Department of Chemistry presented findings on toxic air pollutants (TAPs) and PM2.5 chemical composition assessment.
• Prof. Ning ZHI, Associate Dean of Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (Research and Graduate Studies) and Director of Environmental Central Facility discussed the development and applications of advanced environmental sensors.

Prof. Zhe WANG, introduced the advanced equipment of the Air Quality Research Supersite to the delegation during the visit.

Following the presentations, delegates then toured the Air Quality Research Supersite, where HKUST researchers demonstrated ongoing real-time observation projects and explained the operational principles of advanced monitoring instruments. The visit concluded with an in-depth discussion between the delegation, EPD officials, and HKUST researchers, laying the groundwork for further collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing sustainable development.

Photos

Mr. Eddie Lee, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Air Science and Modelling) of the EPD

Prof. Zhe WANG, introduced the advanced equipment of the Air Quality Research Supersite to the delegation during the visit

PM samplers installed at outdoor facing Port Shelter