HONG KONG, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lingnan University today (20 September) honoured the achievements of 46 faculty members at the Research and Knowledge Transfer Excellence Awards Presentation Ceremony 2024, recognising exceptional performances in academic research and knowledge transfer while highlighting the contributions of Lingnan staff in enhancing community quality of life and societal advancement.
This year, Lingnan University secured 39 Research Grants Council (RGC) competitive grant projects, totalling an impressive $24.4 million ⸻ the highest sum awarded over the years, and a 17 per cent increase over last year's HK$20.8 million. Moreover, Lingnan University obtained outstanding results in the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme, with seven out of nine nominated candidates receiving offers, an impressive success rate of 78 per cent.
The awards included the Research Output Excellence Award, the Young Researcher Output Award, and the Research & Knowledge Transfer Fund Award. The Science Unit from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies won most of these, with seven awardees, including the two projects that received the highest funding from the RGC: Assistant Professor Inga Elizabeth Conti-Jerpe's "Calibrating the mixotrophy spectrum: quantifying nutrient inputs and recycling in three corals with different trophic strategies", and Assistant Professor Anthony Lau's "Demystifying the origin of tetrodotoxin in the Hong Kong newt". In addition, Assistant Professor of the School of Graduate Studies Huang Genghua's funded proposal "When digitisation encounters financialisation: divergent strategies for providing social protection for platform workers in Chinese localities" received a perfect score of 5.0 in the rigorous peer review conducted by the RGC subject panels. (Table 1)
Officiating guests included Ms Candy Kan Shuk-fun, Assistant Secretary-General (Research) of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Dr Patrick Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of the Court of Lingnan University and Lingnan Education Organization representative, Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, and Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning, who were all on stage.
In his welcoming remarks, President S. Joe Qin congratulated all the award-winning scholars. He highlighted the University's continuous pursuit of innovation amidst the digital era, noting that Lingnan University has achieved several significant milestones over the past year. Achievements include the establishment of the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) and the School of Data Science (SDS), as well as the appointment of 15 globally renowned scholars through the "Lingnan-60 Global Talent Recruitment" initiative, representing a quarter of the goal already reached. Additionally, 14 per cent of the University's scholars are now ranked among the top 2 per cent of scientists worldwide by the Stanford University list. Furthermore, generative AI has been introduced as a core course for all first-year students in the new academic year, enhancing their AI literacy and critical thinking skills for dealing with AI's impact in daily life and work.
President Qin said, "Lingnan University emphasises the importance of cultivating innovative capabilities and has set a new goal of becoming a comprehensive university in arts and sciences in the digital era, with impactful research and innovations. This signifies that the University not only provides a broad-based education but also strengthens research capabilities, enabling students to develop innovative thinking through academic exploration. Additionally, the University emphasises the integration of arts and sciences, offering a well-rounded education that blends humanities and scientific knowledge. This educational model not only nurtures students' comprehensive skills but also establishes a strong foundation for adaptability and innovation in an ever-changing professional landscape, contributing to the development of future leaders."
Dr Patrick Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of the Court of Lingnan University and Lingnan Education Organization representative, who delivered the opening address, said that Lingnan will keep building on its achievements so that its research and knowledge transfer efforts have a lasting, meaningful influence on society. "We are taking bold steps toward nurturing talent and driving groundbreaking research that benefits society. Our integration of arts and sciences has begun to spark creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary insights, bringing technology closer to humanity. Our University continues to build on its strengths in the Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences, while expanding into new fields like data science, artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, and environmental sustainability. Our scientists are dedicated to developing solutions that will shape the future for generations to come."
In his closing remarks, Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning of Lingnan University, described collaborations with strategic partners: "We have witnessed exciting developments in areas like AI and environmental sustainability. These emerging fields of research have opened the door for collaboration with partners outside the University. We have entered into strategic agreements with organisations in Shandong, and a close partnership with Northeastern University's State Key Laboratory on the Mainland. In addition, Lingnan University has been approved as a Supporting Institution for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which presents a wealth of opportunities for our scholars. We have also saluted our first awardee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China Young Scientists Fund."
He added that the University remains committed to promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will continue to develop inspirational academic and research initiatives that contribute to these global aims.
Please see the details for the full list of awardees: https://www.ln.edu.hk/orkt/orkt-and-committees/research-and-kt-excellence-awards/research-kt-excellence-awards2024.
Table 1.
Scholar | Project title | RGC funding amount |
Prof Inga Elizabeth Conti-Jerpe, Assistant Professor of Science Unit | Calibrating the mixotrophy spectrum: quantifying nutrient inputs and recycling in three corals with different trophic strategies | HK$1,279,540 (Early Career Scheme) |
Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of Science Unit | Demystifying the origin of tetrodotoxin in the Hong Kong newt | HK$1,254,975 (General Research Fund) |
Prof Huang Genghua, Assistant Professor of School of Graduate Studies | When digitisation encounters financialisation: divergent strategies for providing social protection for platform workers in Chinese localities | HK$881,800 (General Research Fund) |
Scholar
Project title
RGC funding amount
Prof Inga Elizabeth Conti-Jerpe, Assistant Professor of Science Unit
Calibrating the mixotrophy spectrum: quantifying nutrient inputs and recycling in three corals with different trophic strategies
HK$1,279,540 (Early Career Scheme)
Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of Science Unit
Demystifying the origin of tetrodotoxin in the Hong Kong newt
HK$1,254,975 (General Research Fund)
Prof Huang Genghua, Assistant Professor of School of Graduate Studies
When digitisation encounters financialisation: divergent strategies for providing social protection for platform workers in Chinese localities
HK$881,800 (General Research Fund)
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Lingnan University celebrates outstanding achievements in research and knowledge transfer
Lingnan University celebrates outstanding achievements in research and knowledge transfer
Lingnan University celebrates outstanding achievements in research and knowledge transfer
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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock, the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, became the most awarded Robotic Vacuum Brand at CES 2026, after announcing its new product line-up for the first half of the year. Under the theme "The Greatest Meeting the Greatest", the brand's keynote presentation led by Roborock's President, Quan Gang, unveiled the Saros Rover, the world's first robotic vacuum with AI-powered wheel-leg architecture that can both navigate stairs and slopes with human-like agility while cleaning them.
Announcements also included the Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, Roborock F25 ACE Pro, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. These launches happened in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club for the Vacuum Cleaner category, announced ahead of the show's starting date.
Roborock also announced separate to the Real Madrid partnership its entry into the US market for lawnmower products, including the new RockMow X1 LiDAR. Consumers, clients, and interested parties can visit Roborock's Booth #52632 at Venetian Expo CES 2026 from January 6 to January 9th during show hours.
Roborock Saros Rover - The World's First Wheel-Leg Robovac
In a world-first, Roborock introduced at CES 2026 the Roborock Saros Rover, featuring the world's first two-wheel-leg architecture in a robovac. Each wheel-leg provides reach, lift, height, and imitates human mobility, enabling the robot to raise and lower each one of the wheel-legs independently, execute small jumps, agile turns, sudden stops, and directional changes, all while maintaining a level body as the ground changes.
At a software level, Saros Rover harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, in conjunction with complex motion sensors and 3D spatial information to understand its environment and make its wheel-legs react with precision.
The Saros Rover excels in multi-storey homes, where it is able to clean each one of the steps of a staircase as it goes to the second floor, dramatically reducing "no-go" zones and transitioning into cleaning areas previously inaccessible for homes with a single robovac.
The Saros Rover is able to tackle several types of non-flat surfaces, with staircases being the most obvious one. This includes not only traditional staircases but also curved staircases, or even carpeted staircases with bullnose fronts, all while cleaning each one of their steps as it navigates through them. Other types of surfaces that Saros Rover is able to tackle include slopes as well as complex multi-level room thresholds requiring height and power. Saros Rover is a real product in development with an unconfirmed launch date.
The Greatest Meeting The Greatest - Roborock and Real Madrid Football Club join hands
Announced days before the show's beginning, Roborock presents at CES its first activation within the strategic global partnership with Real Madrid Football Club's First Men and First Women teams, widely ranked as one of the greatest football clubs in history. The partnership is solely related to Roborock's extensive portfolio of Vacuum Cleaner products and excludes other product lines from the brand. Under the umbrella theme of "The Greatest Meeting The Greatest", the partnership responds to a deep affinity between the brand ethos of both organizations, which have achieved remarkable historical performance with innovation as common denominator. The partnership will bring Roborock's smart-cleaning innovations to life through stadium exposure, campaigns and player-led storytelling that translate the meaning of "Real Smart Cleaning" from the pitch to the home.
Roborock's early 2026 Robovac line-up: Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow
At its keynote, Clarbi Lu, product marketing lead at Roborock, unveiled new smart cleaning products launching in the first half of the year. Leading the lineup are the Roborock Saros 20 and Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, the latest flagship models in the Saros Series. Saros 20 upgrades the StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0 with enhanced AI object recognition and a new AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. Saros 20 Sonic adds RetractSense™ Navigation, an ultra-slim body, and the VibraRise® 5.0 Mopping System. Both use a 35,000 Pa HyperForce® motor and a new RockDock®. The Qrevo Series also expands with the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.
Rockmow X1 LiDAR, X1, RockNeo Q1 lead the Roborock North American Roll-Out of Lawnmowers
Roborock has announced its North American expansion into the lawnmower category with three key models. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR features Sentisphere™ LiDAR Environmental Perception, 4WD traction, and Active Steering for flawless coverage. Alternatively, the RockMow X1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation alongside a Dynamic Suspension System for industry-leading edge cutting. For smaller gardens, the entry-level RockNeo Q1 makes smart care accessible by combining RTK + VSLAM navigation with Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.
For pricing and availiability, please contact your local Roborock sales or communications representative.
About Roborock
Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2026, Roborock serves more than 22 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock, the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, became the most awarded Robotic Vacuum Brand at CES 2026, after announcing its new product line-up for the first half of the year. Under the theme "The Greatest Meeting the Greatest", the brand's keynote presentation led by Roborock's President, Quan Gang, unveiled the Saros Rover, the world's first robotic vacuum with AI-powered wheel-leg architecture that can both navigate stairs and slopes with human-like agility while cleaning them.
Announcements also included the Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, Roborock F25 ACE Pro, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow. These launches happened in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club for the Vacuum Cleaner category, announced ahead of the show's starting date.
Roborock also announced separate to the Real Madrid partnership its entry into the US market for lawnmower products, including the new RockMow X1 LiDAR. Consumers, clients, and interested parties can visit Roborock's Booth #52632 at Venetian Expo CES 2026 from January 6 to January 9th during show hours.
Roborock Saros Rover - The World's First Wheel-Leg Robovac
In a world-first, Roborock introduced at CES 2026 the Roborock Saros Rover, featuring the world's first two-wheel-leg architecture in a robovac. Each wheel-leg provides reach, lift, height, and imitates human mobility, enabling the robot to raise and lower each one of the wheel-legs independently, execute small jumps, agile turns, sudden stops, and directional changes, all while maintaining a level body as the ground changes.
At a software level, Saros Rover harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, in conjunction with complex motion sensors and 3D spatial information to understand its environment and make its wheel-legs react with precision.
The Saros Rover excels in multi-storey homes, where it is able to clean each one of the steps of a staircase as it goes to the second floor, dramatically reducing "no-go" zones and transitioning into cleaning areas previously inaccessible for homes with a single robovac.
The Saros Rover is able to tackle several types of non-flat surfaces, with staircases being the most obvious one. This includes not only traditional staircases but also curved staircases, or even carpeted staircases with bullnose fronts, all while cleaning each one of their steps as it navigates through them. Other types of surfaces that Saros Rover is able to tackle include slopes as well as complex multi-level room thresholds requiring height and power. Saros Rover is a real product in development with an unconfirmed launch date.
The Greatest Meeting The Greatest - Roborock and Real Madrid Football Club join hands
Announced days before the show's beginning, Roborock presents at CES its first activation within the strategic global partnership with Real Madrid Football Club's First Men and First Women teams, widely ranked as one of the greatest football clubs in history. The partnership is solely related to Roborock's extensive portfolio of Vacuum Cleaner products and excludes other product lines from the brand. Under the umbrella theme of "The Greatest Meeting The Greatest", the partnership responds to a deep affinity between the brand ethos of both organizations, which have achieved remarkable historical performance with innovation as common denominator. The partnership will bring Roborock's smart-cleaning innovations to life through stadium exposure, campaigns and player-led storytelling that translate the meaning of "Real Smart Cleaning" from the pitch to the home.
Roborock's early 2026 Robovac line-up: Roborock Saros 20, Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow
At its keynote, Clarbi Lu, product marketing lead at Roborock, unveiled new smart cleaning products launching in the first half of the year. Leading the lineup are the Roborock Saros 20 and Roborock Saros 20 Sonic, the latest flagship models in the Saros Series. Saros 20 upgrades the StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0 with enhanced AI object recognition and a new AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 for improved threshold climbing. Saros 20 Sonic adds RetractSense™ Navigation, an ultra-slim body, and the VibraRise® 5.0 Mopping System. Both use a 35,000 Pa HyperForce® motor and a new RockDock®. The Qrevo Series also expands with the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.
Rockmow X1 LiDAR, X1, RockNeo Q1 lead the Roborock North American Roll-Out of Lawnmowers
Roborock has announced its North American expansion into the lawnmower category with three key models. The flagship RockMow X1 LiDAR features Sentisphere™ LiDAR Environmental Perception, 4WD traction, and Active Steering for flawless coverage. Alternatively, the RockMow X1 utilizes RTK and VSLAM navigation alongside a Dynamic Suspension System for industry-leading edge cutting. For smaller gardens, the entry-level RockNeo Q1 makes smart care accessible by combining RTK + VSLAM navigation with Stereo Vision Obstacle Avoidance.
For pricing and availiability, please contact your local Roborock sales or communications representative.
About Roborock
Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2026, Roborock serves more than 22 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club
CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club
CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club
CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club
CES 2026: Roborock releases the world's first robotic vacuum with wheel-leg architecture as it joins hands with Real Madrid Football Club
