Three pioneering research projects at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have won Awards for Research Excellence in Natural Sciences 2012 presented by the Ministry of Education, with two in First-Class and one in Second.

Prof Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies offered his heartfelt congratulations to the award-winning research teams. He reiterated the University's ongoing mission to drive socio-economic development through excellence in education, research and innovation for the purpose of making greater contributions to Hong Kong and Mainland China. The Awards received by HKUST research teams attest to the University's strength in research and give a big boost to the conscientious researchers, not to mention deepening ties between local and Mainland scientists in resolving central issues and enhancing research capabilities.

The following summarizes HKUST's projects which are winners of the Awards for Research Excellence in Natural Sciences in 2012:

First Class in Natural Sciences
Prof Furong Gao, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Theory of High-performance Batch Process Control Systems

Prof Furong Gao and the Zhejiang University research team (who are former PhD students and researchers of HKUST) have achieved major breakthroughs in batch process control systems from 1995 onwards, which encompass process control and monitoring, quality prediction, process optimization and new quality measurement technology. It initiated model migration concepts based on process similarity and enhanced control performance through an unprecedented 2D representation of batch process dynamics and 2D control algorithms. In addition, the project creatively developed a capacitive transducer for injection molding and provided a new technology for quality online measurement. The project laid a good foundation for establishing 2D batch monitoring and control theory and system methods. The research results are set to underpin the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries

Prof Christopher Leung, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Mechanisms for Crack Control in Quasi-brittle Cementitious Materials and the Developing of Ultra High Toughness Cementitious Composites

Prof Christopher Leung and collaborators from Zhejiang University, Tongji University, Shantou University and Dalian University of Technology have since 1992 worked on developing high-toughness fiber-reinforced cementitious composites with excellent tensile ductility and crack control. Such materials exhibit very high energy absorption capability and have been used for the construction of earthquake resistant structures. The materials' strong resistance to crack opening can ensure long-term durability of concrete structures under severe environmental conditions. The team has also produced important results for practical applications, including the testing methods to quantify the fracture resistance of cementitious composites. To maximize performance while minimizing cost, they put forward a design theory for beams with a layered structure consisting of the high-toughness cementitious composites, conventional fiber-reinforced concrete and normal concrete. They have also theorized delamination between the layers, providing insights to the control of delamination failure. The research findings can bring along a new generation of structures with improved safety and repairability under severe loading (such as earthquake) as well as higher durability, reducing carbon emission affiliated with reconstruction or major repair.

Second Class in Natural Sciences
Prof Matthew Yuen, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- 3D Garment Design

Prof Matthew Yuen and his PhD students have successfully developed a 3D computer simulation technology, which features 3D parametric human body modeling, material draping, simulated garment fitting, garment draping, garment design and modification. The research received its primary funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong government. Its outcomes have now been widely translated into benefits for industry, where fashion design and garment making personnel have been trained in the system by the Clothing Industry Training Authority, with the design and manufacturing processes significantly streamlined. The research team's various writings on 3D garment design and its pertinent technologies have made their way into influential international journals and been widely cited. With the advent of parallel computing and next-generation display technology, 3D garment design will be injected with new energies to tie in with fashion design and simulated computer-to-plate technology, giving conventional product development processes a much-needed facelift. As online shopping and technical support services have been all the rage nowadays, the system is set to have wide potential use in online garment retailing.