Dr. Paul Chu is a distinguished leader in materials science and engineering with a profound impact on plasma surface modification technologies. He currently serves as Chair Professor at City University of Hong Kong where he has held a faculty position since 1996, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the institution's materials research enterprise. After completing his BSc at The Ohio State University and earning both MSc and PhD degrees from Cornell University in the United States, he built an impressive academic foundation that included receiving the prestigious DuPont Teaching Award during his tenure at Cornell. His transition to City University of Hong Kong marked the beginning of a transformative period in his career where he would pioneer new research directions while maintaining exceptional teaching standards.
Professor Chu's groundbreaking work in plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) has revolutionized surface modification techniques with applications spanning biomedical devices, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced materials development. He successfully secured funding from multiple Hong Kong institutions to establish the Plasma Laboratory at City University of Hong Kong, creating a world-class research facility that has attracted international collaboration and recognition. His research output is exceptionally prolific, comprising more than 550 papers in international refereed journals and 550 conference papers, many of which were invited or plenary presentations reflecting his standing in the field. One of his significant inventions was prominently featured on the cover of Solid State Technology's 40th anniversary issue as the representative technology from Hong Kong, underscoring the global impact of his innovative work.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Chu has been deeply committed to academic leadership and community building, evidenced by his numerous fellowships including the American Physical Society, American Vacuum Society, IEEE, and Materials Research Society. He has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, having been voted best lecturer and best presenter by students in his department and shortlisted for the Teaching Excellence Award at City University of Hong Kong. For over two decades, he also contributed to the university's athletic community as Honorary Manager of the City University of Hong Kong varsity badminton and swimming teams from 1998 to 2021, while personally excelling in competitive sports. His continued leadership in the field promises to drive further innovation in materials engineering and inspire the next generation of scientists through his exemplary career that seamlessly integrates research excellence, teaching mastery, and community engagement.
