Qian Weichang International Summit, hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Graduate School and sponsored by the K. C. Wong Education Foundation, is a premier academic event honouring the enduring legacy of Professor Qian Weichang, also known as Chien Wei-zang (1912–2010). A towering figure in science and education, Professor Qian served as the former President of Shanghai University and former Vice Director of the Institute of Mechanics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is widely revered as the “Father of Mechanics” in China.
Despite the hardships of his early life, Professor Qian remained remarkably optimistic and driven, pursuing interdisciplinary academic fields with unwavering dedication. He carried a profound sense of duty to his country, and his pioneering contributions to mechanics and applied mathematics not only transformed scientific progress across Asia and beyond, but also laid the foundational groundwork for modern interdisciplinary innovation. As a legendary educator and scientist, his vision of breaking interdisciplinary boundaries continues to inspire global innovation and collaboration to this day.
Professor Qian emphasised the importance of connecting education institutions and society, advocating that education should serve the greater good. His perspective on education perfectly echoes the motto of PolyU - “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” - a shared value that makes us proud to host this summit in his name.
Themed Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering, the summit will take place on 30-31 March 2026, at Hotel ICON and the campus of PolyU in Hong Kong. This two-day summit brings together over 100 distinguished scholars, researchers, and emerging academic stars from Asia, the United States and Europe. By fostering cross-regional dialogue and weaving bridges across disciplines, the summit empowers the next generation of talent in science and engineering to tackle global challenges.
Our Mission
- Ignite global academic collaboration by uniting world-class scholars for transformative exchange
- Spark high-level discussions across diverse science and engineering disciplines
- Inspire and empower young scholars to carry forward a legacy of scholarly excellence
- Elevate Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic global hub for academic innovation
About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside Hong Kong, making pivotal contributions to its social and economic development, as well as to the Nation and the world. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. Guided by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, the University nurtures socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, while driving world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. PolyU’s unwavering commitment to excellence, impact, and innovation has earned it widespread international recognition. The University consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities, a testament to its status as a global leader in higher education and cutting-edge research.