October 2025

TechTalk – Rydberg Atomic Receiver: Next Frontier of Communications and Sensing

Innovation Wing Two, TechTalk / By

November 6, 2025 (Thursday) 4:00pm-5:00pm
The advancement of Rydberg atoms in quantum information technology is driving a paradigm shift from classical receivers to Rydberg atomic receivers (RARE). RAREs utilize the electron transition phenomenon of highly-excited atoms to interact with electromagnetic (EM) waves, thereby enabling the detection of wireless signals. Operating at the quantum scale, such new receivers have the potential to breakthrough the sensitivity limit of classical receivers, sparking a revolution in wireless communications. In this talk, I will first introduce the fundamentals of RAREs, covering their definition and properties, the interaction of Rydberg atoms with EM waves, as well as the electromagnetically-induced-transparency based quantum measurement. Then, the pros and cons of of RAREs compared as opposed to classical receivers will be discussed. The second part of this talk will present our latest progress in RARE aided communications and sensing, ranging from MIMO communications, sensing architecture, and integrated communication and sensing. The talk will be concluded with some promising future directions on integration of RARE into modern wireless communication systems.

Young Scholar TechTalk – Towards Resilient Intelligence in 6G Wireless Networks

Innovation Wing Two, TechTalk / By

November 4, 2025 (Tuesday) 4:00pm-5:00pm
As we move towards Sixth Generation (6G) wireless networks, the focus shifts from speed and capacity to building intelligent, adaptable, and resilient systems. This talk explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into 6G networks, focusing on developing resilient intelligence for dynamic and resource-constrained environments. We present a novel framework that combines reinforcement learning, multi-agent coordination, and reward modeling to tackle challenges in wireless optimization, especially in environments with sparse, noisy, and delayed feedback. Our methods enable continuous adaptation to dynamic changes in traffic, mobility, and energy constraints, enhancing the resilience of 6G systems for critical applications like autonomous transport, industrial IoT, and emergency response. Through practical case studies, we demonstrate how adaptive intelligence can optimize network performance and improve the scalability of future wireless systems, offering insights into the path towards resilient, intelligent 6G networks.

Young Scholar TechTalk – Synergistic Low Carbon and Durable Design for Reinforced Concrete Structures

Innovation Wing Two, TechTalk / By

October 23, 2025 (Thursday) 4:00pm-5:00pm
The construction industry faces dual demands for decarbonization and longevity. However, existing research often addresses decarbonization and durability separately. Achieving synergistic carbon reduction and service life extension through advanced materials and paradigm shift remains a critical challenge. The speaker has developed a multi-scale design framework — a novel corrosion-based service life model in concrete level, a load-harsh environment coupled durability model in reinforcement level and a whole life carbon-durable design framework in structure level. These advances unveil the mechanisms between decarbonization and durability enhancement in reinforced concrete structures, effectively lowering carbon footprint of buildings while extending service life. Such achievements can provide critical theoretical and technical supports for national carbon neutral initiative.

HKAE TechTalk – The Unequal Burden of Climate Change

Innovation Wing Two, TechTalk / By

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) 4:00-5:00pm
While climate change is a global crisis, its impacts are profoundly and systematically unequal. This talk will confront the uncomfortable truth that the burden of a warming planet is not shared fairly. We will explore how different communities, nations and even people of different sexes are suffering its most devastating consequences.
We will start with first the frontlines of the crisis, then trace the roots of this disparity, highlighting how vulnerable regions are experiencing climate impacts with a severity that outstrips their capacity to cope.
However, this is not just a story of victimhood; it is a call for redefined responsibility. This talk will argue that climate justice must be at the heart of our response. The fight against climate change is inseparable from the fight for a more equitable world.