HKU Research Postgraduate Symposium 2026

The HKU Research Postgraduate Symposium will be held on March 9, 2026 (Monday) at Lecture Hall II, Centennial Campus, HKU, to showcase the learning progress of research postgraduate (RPg) students and promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas.  

Awardees of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar (HKU-PS) Programme admitted in 2024/25 and recipients of the HKU Foundation Publication Award for Research Postgraduate Students 2025 and the Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award 2025/26 will gather at the Symposium to share their research projects and interim findings in the form of poster presentation. To celebrate the research excellence of our students and graduates, the annual Award Presentation Ceremony will be held on the same day.

All staff and RPg students are invited to join us and engage yourselves in enlightening discussions with our presenters, and to share the joy with our awardees.

Tentative Programme

Date:     March 9, 2026 (Monday)
Venue:  Lecture Hall II, LG/F, Centennial Campus, HKU

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Meet and Greet the Keynote Speaker (CPD-LG.60)

12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Registration
12:30 – 1:00 pm

Alumni Sharing
  Dr Yuebing Liang, Assistant Professor
  Department of Urban Planning, Tsinghua University
 
  Dr Jixiang Jing, Post-doctoral Fellow
  Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

1:00 – 2:40 pm

Poster Presentation: Session A* 
  (CPD-LG.17, 61-62, Lecture Hall II and foyer area)

2:40 – 4:25 pm

Poster Presentation: Session B* 
  (CPD-LG.17, 61-62, Lecture Hall II and foyer area)
4:25 – 5:00 pm

Keynote Speech 
Unlocking the Perfect Smile: Integrating Aesthetic Dentistry with Biomimetic Innovations
  Professor Cui Huang
  Professor and Director, Department of Prosthodontics
  School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University
5:00 – 6:00 pm

Award Presentation

*Students who are required to present in the poster sessions shall report at 11:45 am to put up their poster and attend the whole Symposium till 6:00 pm.

Poster Presentation

The Symposium offers an interactive platform, encouraging open discussions among students and the audience. Poster presentation is separated into two sessions and presenters are divided into 15 groups by Faculties. There are 8 groups in Session A and another 7 groups in Session B.  

Important Information for Presenters:

For HKU-PS awardees of the 2021/22 cohort and thereafter, the HKU-PS Advisory Panel and Thesis Advisory Committee will take into consideration the poster presentation when recommending the continuation, or otherwise, of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.

Best Poster Presentation Awards
The judging panel will select the best presenter from each group. Each award includes a certificate and a cash prize of HK$1,000. The poster presentation assessment criteria are here.

The Best Poster Presentation Awards will be announced on the same day during the award presentation session. 

Note: Recipients of the HKU Foundation Publication Award for Research Postgraduate Students and Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award will not be eligible to compete for the award.

Keynote Speech
 Professor Cui Huang

 

Unlocking the Perfect Smile: 
Integrating Aesthetic Dentistry with Biomimetic Innovations

Professor Cui Huang
Professor and Director, Department of Prosthodontics
School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University
 

Biography

Professor Cui Huang is a distinguished clinician-scientist in stomatology, specialising in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. Her pioneering research integrates advanced materials, biomimetic mineralisation, and digital dentistry to create innovative, patient-centred clinical solutions that enhance oral health outcomes.

Professor Huang earned her PhD in Prosthodontics from Wuhan University and a MDS in Conservative Dentistry from the University of Hong Kong. She currently serves as Chair of the Aesthetic Dentistry Division of the Chinese Stomatological Association (2025–2028) and Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong (2020–2026). She is also an active editorial board member for the Journal of Dentistry and Journal of Prosthodontic Research.

Globally acclaimed, Professor Huang ranks among the World’s Top 2% Scientists (2023–2024) and received the 2025 William J. Gies Award from the International Association for Dental Research for her research on rapid intrafibrillar mineralisation strategies. In education, she founded the “Luojia Morning Lesson” platform, engaging over 70,000 dental professionals worldwide in continuing education. Her multidisciplinary work fosters collaboration and clinical translation, with numerous publications in top international journals advancing prosthodontics and bioengineering.

Abstract

A radiant and perfect smile extends beyond mere aesthetics. It is a cornerstone for boosting confidence in every interaction and unlocking doors in social and professional realms. Yet, tooth defects remain a widespread challenge, impairing functions like chewing and pronunciation while compromising smile aesthetics and overall quality of life. Modern aesthetic dentistry artfully restores harmony of tooth shape, color, alignment and gingival contour, empowered by digital innovations and multidisciplinary collaboration across restorative, periodontal, and orthodontic fields. 

However, the longevity of any aesthetic restoration depends fundamentally on the health and stability of the underlying tooth structure, especially dentin. The inherent biological complexity of dentin, characterised by permeable tubules and a dynamic collagen matrix, presents a critical clinical challenge. It is often the hidden cause of post-treatment hypersensitivity, secondary caries, and weakened bonding strength, ultimately jeopardising the durability of the aesthetic outcomes.

To address this core issue, our research draws inspiration from nature's principles, advancing a series of biomimetic mineralisation strategies. Key innovations include deep tubular occlusion for long-lasting desensitisation, hierarchical dentin reconstruction, and rapid pre-bonding methods to stabilise collagen within one minute, fitting seamlessly into clinical workflows. By integrating these with aesthetic practices, we aim to reinforce the critical interfaces between tooth and restoration, creating smiles that are not only visually captivating but also biologically enduring. It is our hope that these efforts will translate the bio-inspired innovations from the laboratory to the clinic, bridging the gap between advanced science and sustainable aesthetic health. 

Student Organising Committee

Meet our student organising committee

Award Presentation

Coming Soon

Registration for HKU Staff and Students

Coming Soon

Registration for Non-HKU Students

Coming Soon

Past Symposiums

HKU Research Postgraduate Symposium 2025
HKU Research Postgraduate Symposium 2024
HKU Presidential Scholars Symposium 2023

*The Symposium has been supported by the Postgraduate Students Conference/Seminar Grants of the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong.