 | Prof. Christopher Chao Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Ir Prof. Christopher Chao is Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, and Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He is responsible for the planning and strategic development of research and innovation, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship activities at PolyU, as well as steering its development and engagements in research-related initiatives to enhance the University’s leadership and impact both nationally and internationally.
Prof. Chao received his BSc(Eng) degree in Mechanical Engineering (First Class) from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) in 1988. He was awarded the prestigious Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship for Overseas Studies in 1990 and obtained his MS and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 1992 and 1994, respectively.
Prof. Chao started his academic career as an Assistant Professor at PolyU from 1995 to 1997. He then joined The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 1997, moving through the ranks of Assistant Professor to Chair Professor in 2015. He was Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering at HKU as from 2018 and prior to joining PolyU in September 2021.
Professor Chao is internationally renowned in the area of Built Environment and also a highly cited researcher in the field. As an accomplished scholar in Thermal Engineering and Built Environment, his research integrates intelligent building systems incorporating public health consideration. By utilizing AI-driven energy optimization strategy, he has recently been focusing on infection-resilient and energy efficient environmental system development. This dual focus positions smart buildings essential for health and sustainability. He has also expanded his research into Innovation and Technology Policy.
Professor Chao is the recipient of the ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award in 2025 for his outstanding research work. He is a Fellow of several major professional organisations, including the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (USA), and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK), etc.
Prof. Chao has been making unwavering contributions to the professional community and the HKSAR Government. He is currently the Council Chairman of Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council, a member of the Research Strategy Expert Group of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit, Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, and Council of the Hong Kong Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. He is also a Senior Vice President of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering.