HKUST continues to garner global accolades for outstanding achievements in cutting-edge research that directly impacts people’s lives.
Clever Solution to Water Infrastructure Issues
An interdisciplinary team co-led by Prof. Mohamed Salah GHIDAOUI, Chinese Estates Professor of Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, has won the Creativity Prize at the 12th Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW).
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious honors in water engineering and science, the PSIPW recognizes innovative scientific breakthroughs that address global water challenges. The prize was announced at the UN headquarters in Vienna and is valued at US$266,000.
The team was recognized for its pioneering work in using the time-reversal of waves to diagnose faults in pressurized water pipelines. This transformative technology enhances pressurized pipeline monitoring and condition assessments, leading to significant reductions in water, energy, and financial losses.
Already applied in 15 real-world places across Hong Kong, the technology has saved the Airport Authority Hong Kong an estimated HK$250 million by revealing that pipes scheduled for replacement were actually in good condition.
Space Robotics and Women Power
HKUST is proud to celebrate Prof. GAO Yang’s inclusion in the Global 200 Women Power Leaders of 2026 in the category of Space Robotics and Autonomous Systems by White Page International.
An acclaimed space robotics expert and academic leader with over two decades of experience across international space sectors, Prof. Gao joined HKUST’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in mid-2025.
Today, she spearheads cutting-edge research as the Founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics in Space Sustainability, Co-Director of the Space Science & Technology Institute. She is also the Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Space Robotics & Energy Centre, where she leads research in AI-powered spacecraft, orbital debris removal, and robotic exploration.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has contributed to landmark international missions, including China’s Chang’E lunar programs and the European Space Agency’s ExoMars.
An elected Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Royal Aeronautical Society, and Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, she continues to drive the future of deep-space innovation, inspiring the next generation of innovators right here at HKUST.
