Project No.: R1001-24
Project Title: Advancing Sustainable and Closed-loop Eco-friendly Emerging Perovskite Photovoltaic Technologies
Project Coordinator: Prof Zonglong ZHU (CityU)
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging as a promising solution for producing affordable and efficient solar energy. They have potential applications in various areas such as building-integrated photovoltaics, tandem solar cells, and devices connected to the internet of things. Currently, these solar cells can achieve power conversion efficiencies close to 27% for single-junction cells and up to 35% for perovskite/silicon tandem cells. However, as these technologies approach commercialization, environmental concerns have become increasingly important. These concerns include the potential pollution from the manufacturing process, operation, and disposal of these solar cells. In response to these environmental concerns, a project has been initiated to create a sustainable, closed-loop lifecycle for both PSCs and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. This project includes three main tasks: developing eco-friendly production methods, creating strategies to prevent lead leakage, and establishing sustainable recycling practices. The first task aims to replace harmful solvents used in the production of perovskite films with environmentally friendly alternatives and to enhance the performance and stability of the solar cells through advanced engineering techniques. The second task focuses on preventing environmental contamination by lead, which is a toxic component of PSCs. This will be achieved by designing materials that can effectively trap lead ions. The third task involves developing recycling methods that allow for the recovery of valuable materials and reduce environmental impact. By integrating state-of-the-art materials science, innovative engineering solutions, and strict environmental considerations, this project seeks to not only improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PSCs but also set new standards for environmental responsibility in the solar power industry. Successful implementation of these strategies is expected to support the sustainable commercialization of these technologies, contributing to the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
Project No.: R1004-24
Project Title: Aqueous flow batteries for peak shaving energy storage
Project Coordinator: Prof Chunyi ZHI (CityU)
Abstract
Our project focuses on developing advanced zinc-iron flow batteries (ZIFBs) for large-scale energy storage. These batteries are crucial for storing renewable energy, like solar and wind power. By improving ZIFBs, we aim to create a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective way to store energy.
We plan to enhance the battery's components, such as the electrodes, electrolytes, and membranes, to increase their performance and lifespan. Our research includes developing smart battery management systems to monitor and optimize battery health and efficiency. We will also demonstrate a large-scale battery system to showcase its potential for real-world applications.
The ultimate goal is to provide a reliable and sustainable energy storage solution that supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. This will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Project No.: R1005-24
Project Title: Development and validation of novel therapeutic agents for glaucoma treatment through integrated preclinical and clinical studies with a drug repurposing approach
Project Coordinator: Prof MA Chi Him Eddie (CityU)
Abstract
Glaucoma is expected to affect 112 million people by 2040, posing a significant economic burden worldwide. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The current primary treatment option for glaucoma aims to lower IOP to prevent further damage to the retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) and optic nerves, but unable to either reverse existing optic nerve damage or to restore vision that has already been lost. Additionally, nearly half of the glaucoma patients exhibit only mild to moderate increases in IOP, yet they still experience ongoing progressive vision loss and blindness. Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) occurs secondary to mechanical injury (car accident/head injury), leading to the loss of RGCs, degeneration of optic nerves, and results in irreversible blindness. Accumulating evidence indicates that animal models of optic nerve injury and patients with TON shares common pathophysiology with glaucoma, which can be used to identify novel therapeutic targets for glaucoma. Therefore, non-conventional IOP treatment strategies targeting both neuro-protection (enhances RGC survival) and neuro-regeneration (promotes optic nerve regrowth) are urgently needed to enhance RGC survival, regenerate optic nerve and restore visual function.
Unlike the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nervous system (PNS) regenerates axon (bundles of axons made up of nerve) successfully due to the enhanced intrinsic growth capacity of injured neurons although at a slow rate (1mm/day). Damage to the nervous systems induces either adaptive (regrowth) or maladaptive (cell death) responses coordinated precisely by a set of regulators. Key signaling pathways crucial for successful PNS axon regeneration are often found to be inactivated after CNS injury. Mechanistic insights into the processes driving axon regeneration in the PNS could extend our understanding and pave the way for re-activating nerve regeneration in the CNS such as optic nerve. Identifying key regulators that drive the intrinsic growth capacity of injured neurons, suitable for targeting with small molecules/drugs, could provide readily accessible therapeutic targets for glaucoma.
To address these key questions, we demonstrated that purified Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), a major active compound of traditional Chinese medicine Wolfberry, promoted intrinsic growth capacity of injured neurons and function recovery after PNS and CNS injuries in adult mice. However, large scale production of LBP is impractical and costly. We therefore explored the clinical relevance of LBP by bioinformatic analysis of small-molecule screening and identified two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs (glycopyrrolate and mexiletine). We demonstrated that glycopyrrolate and mexiletine accelerated axon regeneration and function recovery in the PNS, and promoted robust optic nerve regeneration after crush injury. We will optimize the treatment paradigm (route of administration, eye drop formulation) using sciatic nerve pinch test and test the optimal treatment paradigm in mouse models of optic nerve injury and glaucoma. Finally, in collaboration with two prominent ophthalmologists, we will conduct a clinical study on the efficacy of glycopyrrolate and mexiletine in treating patients with glaucoma.
Our proposal aims to accelerate translational research from bench to bedside, ensuring research discovery reaches patients faster and improve health care. We believe that our findings would revolutionize glaucoma treatment, improving healthcare standards and enriching the quality of life for millions of patients suffering from glaucoma worldwide.
Project No.: R1007-24
Project Title: Uncovering Dynamically Functional Cells Using a Time-Resolved Intelligent Cell Sorter (TRIC) for Cancer Treatments
Project Coordinator: Prof CHEN Chia-Hung (CityU)
Abstract
Understanding how individual cells behave over time is crucial for improving cancer treatments like immunotherapy and chemotherapy. For example, when do immune cells start attacking cancer cells? How quickly do they kill them? Which cancer cells manage to resist chemotherapy over time? To answer these questions, we need to track how cells release molecules and change their behavior, but most current methods only provide a snapshot at the end of an experiment. Even real-time tools that exist can only observe one cell at a time, which is slow and not practical for large-scale studies. In this project, we’re developing a new tool called the Time-Resolved Intelligent Cell Sorter (TRIC). It will track how individual cells release molecules and respond to their environment over time, allowing us to study many cells at once. Each cell will be placed in a tiny droplet along with a special gel bead that captures the molecules it releases. Every 12 hours, the droplets will be refreshed, and the molecules will be labeled with fluorescent tags to track when they were released. We’ll also include systems to study how immune cells interact with cancer cells and how cancer cells resist treatments over time. The TRIC system, powered by AI, will help us identify immune cells that are especially good at killing cancer cells, which could improve immunotherapy. It will also find cancer cells that develop resistance to treatments, helping us design better chemotherapy strategies. TRIC will be a transformative tool for advancing cancer care and precision medicine.
Project No.: R1017-24
Project Title: Thin, soft, wireless, air and sweat permeable electronics for long term ECG monitoring
Project Coordinator: Prof Xinge YU (CityU)
Abstract
Advanced wearable electronics have attracted great of attention, due to their advantages of seamlessly integration with the skin, taking the forms of thin, soft, and conformable devices that capture physiological signals to reflect the wearer's health status. However, low permeability limited their wide usage in long-term health monitoring. This project aims to develop thin, soft, wireless, air and sweat permeable electronics for long term ECG monitoring, which will revolutionize the wearable electronics industry by providing practical and reliable solutions for clinical standard applications.
Project No.: R2005-24
Project Title: Hong Kong Historical Spatial Data Platform
Project Coordinator: Dr KWONG Chi Man (HKBU)
Abstract
This interdisciplinary project aims to transform the way historical spatial data is used through collaboration between history, geographic information technology, and artificial intelligence to create a historical data platform about Hong Kong's history from the 18th to 20th centuries for research, education, urban planning, conservation, and tourism purposes. The research team will work with public and private institutions to organize, digitize, and visualize different types of historical materials, then integrate them into a GIS-based online platform. This platform will provide researchers, various professionals, and the public with a free and user-friendly database that allows them to explore Hong Kong's history in a spatial context, changing the way they interact with the past.
Project No.: R4002-24
Project Title: EarthBioGenome Project Hong Kong: Butterflies and Next Generation of Scientists
Project Coordinator: Prof HUI Jerome Ho-lam (CUHK)
Abstract
Understanding the biodiversity on Earth is more than just scientific interests, as it can also inform how to maximise the utilisation of its resources in a sustainable way. This is both scientifically and socially important. In terms of science, it will allow better fundamental understanding of the evolution and interactions of organisms on earth, and socially, it will allow new applications development as well as using the resources in a sustainable way. The Earth BioGenome Project, which has been described as a moonshot project for biology, aims to sequence, catalogue, and analyse the genomes of all eukaryotes on Earth, including animals, fungi, and plants. Hong Kong has a surprisingly rich biodiversity in terms of its geographical size, and has around 40% of land area being protected for different reasons such as for nature conservation. Butterflies play important and unique roles in the natural environment such as with plants. Despite Hong Kong has an impressive number of more than 230 species of butterflies recorded from time to time at different seasons, butterflies remain relatively understudied here. Here, we will obtain and study genomes of butterfly species found in Hong Kong, carry out regular surveying, and educate the public in parallel with university staff and postgraduates, NGO (butterfly reserve), government, and secondary school students. This will not only form an informative base here to provide better understanding of the butterfly biology at different aspects, but also train the next generation of scientists in a new mode we have not carried out in Hong Kong before. In a longer run, such benefits could range from increasing the understanding of how biodiversity is evolving under climate change, conservation of endangered species, provision of ecosystem services, to discovering of hidden biological knowledge for new technological inventions and development.
Project No.: R5015-24
Project Title: WASTES to WINGS – Constructing a High-Throughput Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Platform to Facilitate Zero Carbon Air Travel in Hong Kong
Project Coordinator: Prof LEU Shao Yuan (PolyU)
Abstract
This study aims to establish a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) research platform in Hong Kong, which focus on producing, testing, and validating SAF from waste biomass. SAF is a promising solution for reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. Cathay Pacific has therefore taken the lead in Asia by committing to use 10% SAF by 2030. However, the current SAF supply chain lacks both economically and environmentally-friendly options to support this goal. The market is limited to a few overseas SAF suppliers, and existing production methods often rely on food-based substrates or have significant environmental impacts, making them less sustainable. Additionally, the current SAF testing platforms are expensive and time-consuming, which is not suitable for research involving urban waste-derived SAF.
To address these challenges, investigators and organizational partners are gathered to build a SAF research platform at PolyU. The project introduces several key innovations: (1) A novel integrated flow-through biorefinery model using a PolyU-patented control algorithm for biomass fractionation, catalytic hydrogenolysis, and SAF production at significant scales. (2) Tailored PolyU-proprietary catalysts for lignin depolymerization, enabling direct conversion into cyclo-alkane SAF. (3) A newly isolated fermentation strain by the PolyU team to convert waste-derived sugars into 2,3-BDO, using a novel in-situ fibrous bed bioreactor from CityU, to produce iso-alkane SAF. (4) A state-of-the-art jet-engine simulator with a real-time HRR-ToF-MS monitor and innovative testing protocols to evaluate the waste-derived SAFs. (5) Economic and environmental assessments of these new techniques.
Led by PolyU, the project has attracted significant attentions. The biorefinery approach is sustainable and cost-effective, avoiding competition with food crops, minimizing development costs, and ensuring high SAF testing throughput. This positions our project uniquely and advantageously to drive decarbonization within the aviation industry, boost the establishment of circular economy in Hong Kong, and promote low carbon air travel in the world.
Project No.: R5033-24
Project Title: Targeting autophagy to potentiate cancer immunotherapy – a novel combination strategy
Project Coordinator: Prof ZHAO Yanxiang (PolyU)
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious global health challenge in Eastern and South-eastern Asia, including China. Notably, more than 50% of annual new cases and deaths for HCC are reported in these regions. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for HCC is only ~10%, making it the second most deadly cancer type with huge unmet medical need.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a type of cancer immunotherapy that harness the host immune system to combat cancer. ICIs are monoclonal antibodies that target specific checkpoint molecules highly expressed on T cells (PD-1, CTLA-4) or tumor cells (PD-L1) to release the “brake” on T cells and enhance anti-tumor immune response. The combination strategy of ICI+X, with X being a therapeutic modality that helps to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, has demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy in many cancer types. However, the ICI+X strategy only has limited success in HCC and novel strategies are urgently needed.
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular “self-eating” process that sequesters cytosol materials into double-membraned autophagosomes and transports these cargo-filled vesicles to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Autophagy plays a multi-faceted role in HCC and is also essential for anti-tumor immunity. In our previous studies, the research team focused on Beclin 1, an essential autophagy gene and a tumor suppressor frequently deleted in many human sporadic cancer types. Our team successfully developed autophagy-targeting peptidomimetics (autotides) and validated their anti-proliferative efficacy in cell- and animal-based models of HCC. Our research findings have been published in leading journals and our patents for the autotides have been granted.
In this RIF proposal, we aim to extend our study into the exciting frontier of cancer immunotherapy. We propose to develop antibody-autotide-conjugates (AACs) that tether our patented autotides to ICIs such as anti-PD-L1 antibody to potentiate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy for HCC. Inspired by the design principle of antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs), our novel AAC scaffold uses an ICI like the anti-PD-L1 antibody as the tumor-targeting “missile” to deliver the autotides as the “payload” to both HCC cells and tumor-infiltrated immune cells. We have obtained preliminary results showing that this ICI+AAC approach can significantly reduce tumor size and enhance the immune response. Our goal is to develop AACs into a potential novel therapeutic modality for HCC patients.
Project No.: R5052-24
Project Title: Development of modular integrated 3D-printed concrete construction (MI3DC)
Project Coordinator: Prof POON Chi-sun (PolyU)
Abstract
In recent years, the construction industry has grown rapidly due to urbanization and infrastructure development, making concrete the second most used material worldwide. Traditional concrete production, which involves manual labor, has faced challenges like labor shortages and construction waste generation. To address these issues, 3D concrete printing (3DCP) has emerged as a promising technology. This method uses digital models to print concrete layer by layer, reducing the need for formwork and offering benefits like lower costs, faster construction, and more design flexibility.
However, due to the stringent requirements of 3DCP, this technology often involves high carbon-intensive printing materials and limited structural applications, which have greatly hindered its further adoption in the construction industry. Inspired by the concept of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), this proposed study will systematically develop a Modular Integrated 3D Construction (MI3DC) technology, integrating printed formwork and cast reinforced concrete. Merits of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) and MiC will be synergistically combined, enabling the production of large, irregular elements in a factory setting with much higher productivity. A comprehensive methodology is proposed, commencing with the development of a series of low-carbon concrete formulations suitable for both printing and casting, utilizing solid waste-derived supplementary cementitious materials. An AI-aided concrete printability adjustment method will be developed to enable real-time quality control during printing and casting. A novel interlayer enhancement strategy will be proposed and validated through detailed investigations of the various interlayers present in the system. Furthermore, leveraging a Gen-AI-driven smart structural configuration modeling method and experimental validation, design guidelines for MI3DC will be established.
The successful implementation of this project is expected to integrate robotics into construction, boosting technology and innovation and helping society advance. It will also improve working conditions by reducing workplace accidents. Traditionally, construction has been labor-intensive, but the development of MI3DC technology could change that by reducing the need for physical labor. This shift will improve job quality and make better use of human resources, significantly enhancing productivity.
Project No.: R5062-24
Project Title: Creating Delightful Visual Experience in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Headsets through Optimal Optical Design
Project Coordinator: Prof WEI Minchen (PolyU)
Abstract
Today, about 70% of people rely on prescription lenses to correct vision issues such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and age-related vision loss. These lenses are meticulously designed using advanced formulas and precise measurements to ensure they provide clear vision and fit well. However, the advent of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets has introduced new challenges for those who wear glasses, creating problems that traditional glasses are not designed to handle. VR/AR headsets position displays only 20 to 30 millimeters from the eyes, with optical systems that create magnified virtual images at a fixed distance. This makes the eyes an integral part of the display system, leading to various issues not encountered with regular glasses.
In this project, our interdisciplinary team, including experts in optometry, ophthalmology, display technology, and optics, will focus on developing new methods for designing prescription lens inserts specifically for VR/AR headsets, addressing the three critical areas. Firstly, existing standards for prescription lenses, such as the Tscherning ellipse, are designed for viewing the real world at various distances. In contrast, VR/AR lenses need to focus on a fixed virtual image. Therefore, new design methods are necessary to account for the unique optical systems in VR/AR headsets. Secondly, motion sickness is a significant issue with VR/AR headsets, often caused by image distortions when users move their eyes. Standard prescription lenses may exacerbate this problem. Our research aims to develop better lens designs that minimize motion sickness and consider the optical systems in VR/AR headsets. Thirdly, VR/AR headsets use polarized displays and incorporate sensors (e.g., eye tracking), which can be disrupted by standard lens coatings. Developing new coatings that work well with these systems is essential to ensure accurate eye tracking and a comfortable visual experience. We will carry out investigations on these issues, develop prototypes for validation, and also investigate manufacturing feasibilities, so that the outcomes of the project can bring direct impacts beyond academia. By addressing these challenges, our goal is to enhance the visual experience for the millions of people who use prescription lenses and wish to enjoy the benefits of VR/AR technology. Our preliminary work has suggested the necessity to carry out this project, and also the encouraging results that add to the significance and prospects of this research.
This project will make great contributions to academia. The interdisciplinary team with different background can support each other to thoroughly investigate such problems, which further our understanding about human visual system. At the same time, this project is timely to the industry, especially to the great number of manufacturers in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, helping them to build better Rx inserts, which can help the adoption of VR/AR through enhanced user experience. The involvements of the various partners, including world-leading manufacturers (i.e., Facebook, Huawei, Xiaomi), and international standardization body (i.e., the International Commission on Illumination), and also the close collaborations between the investigators, especially the Project Coordinator, and the industrial community can definitely strength the impact of this work.
Project No.: R6005-24
Project Title: OrthoAI: Mobile Tools for Early Orthodontic Management & Education in Children with Multi-view Multi-modality Language-Vision Foundation Models
Project Coordinator: Prof Xiaomeng LI (HKUST)
Abstract
Malocclusion, a common dental problem affecting tooth alignment and bite, impacts millions of children worldwide. This condition can lead to difficulties with chewing, sleep, and even social and emotional well-being. Early detection of the dental problems and provision of orthodontic treatments is crucial for preventing these issues to be worse and ensuring optimal oral health. However, access to early orthodontic screening and treatment is limited, especially in Hong Kong, where a significant shortage of orthodontists exists. Furthermore, many patients, parents, and even some medical institutions are unaware of the benefits of early intervention, leading to delays in treatment. These delays could increase the severity and complexity of the deformity, potentially requiring more extensive and complex treatment during adulthood.
To tackle this issue, dental and artificial intelligence (AI) experts are joining forces to create "OrthoAI", an innovative smartphone-based system designed to make early orthodontic screenings easier and more accessible. The project includes several key components: (1) Portable Imaging Device: A new device that works with smartphones will allow for convenient dental screenings at home. (2) Large-Scale Dataset: A unique collection of dental images will be gathered from clinics to train the AI model. (3) High-Performance AI Model: An advanced AI system will be developed to detect malocclusion using the collected data, allowing it to analyze images taken with the smartphone device. (4) User-Friendly Mobile App: An easy-to-use app will provide personalized dental health information, show the AI's findings, and connect users with dental professionals for remote consultations. (5) Real-World Validation: The system will be tested in real-life situations to ensure it works effectively for early screenings.
The goal of OrthoAI is to make early orthodontic screenings easier to access and more engaging. This will improve oral health for children, lessen the burden on the healthcare system, and encourage proactive oral health management. By equipping families with the necessary tools and knowledge, OrthoAI seeks to foster a culture of preventive care, leading to better long-term oral health outcomes.
Project No.: R6008-24
Project Title: 3D Printing of Self-regulating Biochar-enhanced Concrete for Low-carbon Intelligent Construction
Project Coordinator: Prof Dan TSANG (HKUST)
Abstract
The construction industry in Hong Kong faces major challenges, including labour shortages, high costs, and inefficiencies. While 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) offers a promising solution by reducing labour and material waste, it suffers from cracking, shrinkage, and weak interlayer bonding, making large-scale applications difficult. Additionally, 3DPC relies heavily on high cement dosage, increasing carbon emissions and environmental impact. Our project proposes a novel solution by incorporating engineered biochar, a sustainable material custom-made from biomass waste, into the 3DPC mix to reduce shrinkage, improve bonding between layers, and enhance long-term durability. Biochar’s porous structures help prevent early-age cracking, while its chemical properties improve the printability and mechanical performance of 3DPC. Our research will integrate advanced knowledge of materials science, multiscale simulations, and machine learning-based structural optimization. A multiphysics modelling framework will be developed to predict material behaviour and optimize the concrete mix, while topology optimization will enable the design of lightweight, high-strength printed structures. Our real-time sensor-based monitoring will ensure printing precision and quality control. A life-cycle assessment will evaluate the environmental and economic benefits, proving how biochar-enhanced 3DPC can significantly reduce carbon footprints. Our innovative approach will set a new standard for sustainable and intelligent construction, paving the way for low-carbon and resilient infrastructures in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities.
Project No.: R8002-24
Project Title: Alleviating Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Poverty: A Multi-level Intervention
Project Coordinator: Prof CHOU Kee Lee (EdUHK)
Abstract
Loneliness is widespread, with negative impacts on both individuals and society and associated direct and indirect healthcare and long-term care costs. Thus, it is imperative to alleviate loneliness in old age by implementing effective, accessible, affordable, and scalable interventions. Loneliness is often erroneously considered an individual problem due to personal failure. Still, growing evidence indicates that loneliness is caused by factors at multiple levels, including the individual, interpersonal, and community levels. Consequently, a multi-level approach is recommended to alleviate loneliness. However, multi-level interventions for reducing loneliness are in their infancy, and there is yet to be evidence to suggest that they are more effective than single-level interventions. We propose to conduct an innovative and impactful study to fill this important research gap.
This study is a single-blinded cluster, four-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test the effect and cost-effectiveness of a multi-level intervention to alleviate loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese older adults living in poverty. In this proposed study, we adopt the modified biopsychosocial (BPS) model, called the BPS-Pathways model, as the theoretical framework to guide our selection of interventions, mediators, secondary outcomes, long-term outcomes, and impact.
The objectives of this study are to: 1) develop and implement an individual-level intervention consisting of mindfulness plus a cognitive component and evaluate the effect of this individual-level intervention for reducing loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese older adults living in poverty by comparing it with a usual care control group; 2) develop and deliver an interpersonal-level intervention consisting of a simplified version of the Community Navigator program, evaluate the effect of the interpersonal-level intervention on reducing loneliness by comparing it with a usual care control group as well as if there is any benefit in adding this interpersonal-level intervention to the individual-level intervention for reducing loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese older adults living in poverty; 3) develop and implement a community-level intervention consisting of Neighbor Day program, evaluate the effect of this community-level intervention on reducing loneliness by comparing it with a usual care control group as well as examine if there is any benefit in adding this community-level intervention to two-level interventions consisting of individual- and interpersonal-level components for reducing loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese older adults living in poverty; 4) explore mediators underlying the effect of individual-level, interpersonal-level and community-level intervention on loneliness; 5) assess the long-term outcome and impact of the single-level (individual-level), two-level (individual- and interpersonal-level) and three-level (individual-, interpersonal- and community-level) intervention on reducing loneliness and enhancing physical and mental health, cognitive functioning and health care service utilization by comparing with a usual care control group; and 6) evaluate the cost-effectiveness for the single-level (individual-level), two-level (individual- and interpersonal-level) and three-level (individual-, interpersonal- and community-level) intervention on loneliness by comparing with a usual care control group.
To achieve these six objectives, we will conduct a cluster 4-arm RCT in which 1,648 lonely and poor older adults will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of four arms: 1) those who will only receive individual-level interventions; 2) those who will receive both individual-level and interpersonal-level interventions; 3) those who will receive individual-level, interpersonal-level and community-level interventions; and 4) a usual care control group. All interventions will be delivered by well-trained volunteers and in a group format. They will be assessed at baseline and two months, four months, and six months from baseline, as well as 12 months and 24 months after the completion of the intervention. The findings of this study will provide evidence to highlight the importance of multi-level intervention to alleviate loneliness in older adults and lay the solid foundation for large-scale implementation of such effective, accessible, affordable, and scalable intervention shortly by capitalizing community social capital.