EdUHK’s Research Project Awarded HK$4.28 Million under RGC’s Research Impact Fund
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) announced that Dr Leung Ka-man, Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, has been awarded HK$4.28 million under the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2025/26.
Out of 195 proposals submitted this year, only 13 projects were funded, representing a success rate of 6.67%. Dr Leung’s success in the highly competitive process demonstrates her outstanding academic excellence and the significant societal impact of her research.
Dr Leung’s project, entitled “Revolutionizing Adapted Physical Activity for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: Examining the Health Impact of and Promoting Sitting Light Volleyball in the Greater Bay Area”, will implement a 16 week Sitting Light Volleyball (SLVB) intervention for adults with physical disabilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China. The 42 month study will compare SLVB with seated dance and control groups, aiming to enhance physical and psychological health of people with physical disabilities. The project also includes experiential sessions and competitions to promote SLVB, practitioner training, the development of teaching aids, and the identification of barriers and facilitators for future adoption. This is the second time Dr Leung has secured support from the RIF.
Invented by Dr Leung and her team in earlier years, SLVB has been shown to improve agility, cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength among people with disabilities, while providing an enjoyable sporting experience. The multifunctional sports equipment developed for seated sports activities has also gained international recognition, winning a Bronze Medal at the 2023 International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, and a Gold Medal and Special Award at the 2023 International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN).
Professor Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK, is the project’s Co Principal Investigator. He extended his warm congratulations to Dr Leung and her team, and encouraged colleagues to leverage their strengths to pursue impactful research. He said, “Let’s seize the opportunities to advance your scholarly trajectory. I am confident that, together, we will break new ground and propel the University toward greater success.”
The RIF aims to encourage local scholars to consider the potential benefits of their research to the wider community, to promote impactful and translational projects, and to foster collaborations beyond academia, including with government departments, businesses, industry and research organisations.
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EdUHK’s Research Project Awarded HK$4.28 Million under RGC’s Research Impact Fund
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