KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

 

Prof. Mohamad Sawan (FIEEE, FCAE, FEIC)

Westlake University, China

 

Mohamad Sawan is Chair Professor in Westlake University, Hangzhou, China, and Emeritus Professor in Polytechnique Montreal, Canada. He is founder and director of the CenBRAIN Neurotech Center of Excellence in Westlake University, Hangzhou, China. He received the Ph.D. degree from University of Sherbrooke, Canada. Dr. Sawan research activities are bridging micro/nano electronics engineering with life sciences fields which allow him to introduce efficient smart medical devices dedicated to improving the quality of human life. He is Co-Founder, Associate Editor and was Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems (2016-2019). He is founder of the Polystim Neurotech Laboratory, and Co-founder of the International IEEE-NEWCAS and the International IEEE-BioCAS Conference. He was General Chair of both the 2016 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, and the 2020 IEEE International Medicine, Biology and Engineering Conference (EMBC). He was awarded the Canada Research Chair in Smart Medical Devices (2001-2015), and was leading the Microsystems Strategic Alliance of Quebec, Canada (1999-2018). Dr. Sawan published more than 1000 peer reviewed papers, three books, 13 book chapters, and 14 patents and 25 other pending patents. He received several awards, among them the Chinese National Friendship Award, the Qianjiang Friendship Ambassador Award, the Shanghai International Collaboration Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Medal of Merit from the President of Lebanon. Dr. Sawan is Life Fellow of the LIEEE, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Engineering Institutes of Canada, and “Officer” of the National Order of Quebec.

 

Speech Title: "Closed-loop Neuromorphic Neuromodulation to Manage Brain Diseases"

 

Abstract: Bioinspiring medical devices for sensing and predicting are becoming popular research targets for their efficient operation. They are mainly based on machine and deep learning algorithms and corresponding architectures. They are emerging neural network-based chipsets which are replacing the conventional state machines. Neuro-degenerative diseases are among main applications requiring building custom smart medical devices intended for the diagnosis, treatment, and prediction of health conditions. This talk covers the design and implementation of neuromorphic-based circuits and systems intended to implement dedicated closed-loop neuromodulators representing brain-machine interfaces. These interfaces deal with multidimensional design challenges such as very-small devices, reliable implantable systems, efficient power management, low-power consumption, and high-data rate wireless communication methods. Case studies include both wearable and implantable devices which are recording neural signals, monitor biomarkers and close the loops applying electrical, magnetics or optogenetics.

 

 

Prof. Tuan D. Pham

Queen Mary University of London, UK

 

Tuan D. Pham currently holds a position as a Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Imaging, Diagnostics, and Trauma with Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK. He was drawn to the UK with a Global Talent Visa subsequent to receiving a notable Endorsement from The Royal Society for his work on AI and Imaging in Medicine and Health. Additionally, he holds the position of Honorary Professor at Barts Health NHS Trust, solidifying his commitment to bridging academia and practical healthcare. His primary responsibilities revolve around spearheading and nurturing novel research initiatives specializing in 3D imaging and AI, particularly emphasizing the realm of oral cancer and maxillofacial trauma diagnostics. He is dedicated to fostering collaborative endeavors across the comprehensive spectrum of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, aiming to elevate innovation within his domain. Presently, his research efforts remain dedicated to the advancement of AI and machine learning methodologies in the context of image processing, time-series analysis, complex networks, and pattern recognition. These efforts are deeply rooted in their applications to a diverse range of fields encompassing dentistry, medicine, biology, and mental health.

 

Speech Title: "Mandibles, Forensics, Tooth Loss, and Cardiovascular Disease: An AI Perspective"

 

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal component reshaping the landscape of dental medicine, extending far beyond conventional automation and playing a critical role in revolutionizing dental care. To begin with, this presentation introduces a novel application of AI that employs nonlinear dynamics and network analysis to unveil distinctive radiographic features in the mandibles of both male and female subjects. The mandible, as a crucial component of facial anatomy, is prone to fractures in emergency cases. A comprehensive understanding of mandibular morphology across diverse facial types not only aids in trauma treatment but also holds significance in fields such as forensics and anthropology, particularly in gender and individual identification. Additionally, this talk presents another original application of AI, focusing on exploring the subtle association between tooth loss, clinical information, and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, a gradual process characterized by the thickening and narrowing of inner artery walls, often involves calcium deposits leading to coronary artery calcification. As plaque accumulates, it impedes blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in various cardiovascular problems. This presentation serves as a testament to the transformative power of AI in advancing not only the aspects of dental care but also its broader implications in interdisciplinary fields.

 

Chair Prof. Yu Huang (FISHR, FIUPS, FBPS)

City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

 

Yu Huang is the Jeanie Hu Professor of Biomedical Sciences and the Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Vascular Biology at City University of Hong Kong, where he leads the Department of Biomedical Sciences. He received a BSc degree from Fudan University Shanghai Medical College and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining CityU in 2021, he was a A3 Professor of Biomedical Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the founding Director (Basic Sciences) of the Heart and Vascular Institute. He received the inaugural Senior Research Fellow Award from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council in 2020. He has co-authored 493 publications in SCI-indexed journals including Nature, Science, Cell Metabolism, Circulation Research, European Heart Journal, PNAS, Diabetes, Hypertension, ATVB, Stroke, Kidney International, etc. His work has earned him over 33,100 citations on Google Scholar (an h-index of 95).

 

Speech Title: "Hemodynamic Regulation and Vascular Homeostasis"

 

Abstract: Vascular endothelial cells are cells that sense mechanical stimuli and respond to hemodynamic forces generated by blood flow. These forces are critical in the development and geometric distribution of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death in patients with stroke and heart attack. Atherosclerotic plaques are not evenly distributed in the vascular lumen. Instead, they are preferentially localized at the curvature and bifurcations along the arterial tree where the shear stress is low or disturbed. However, much less plaque is detected in the straight parts of arteries where blood flow is unidirectional and shear stress is high. The study presents new evidence that inflammation and atherogenesis are promoted by endothelial YAP/TAZ activation induced by atheroprone disturbed flow, while athero-protective laminar flow inhibits YAP/TAZ activity by modulating the RhoA pathway to suppress atherogenesis. Our recent study identifies uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) as a new mechano-sensitive suppressor of atherosclerosis and UCP2 as the novel target gene of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in endothelial cells. We have also found that endothelial KLF2 plays a role in inhibiting vascular calcification by suppressing the endothelial BMP/SMAD1/5 signalling cascade in response to laminar flow. Furthermore, our recent research has shown that exercise induces KLF2 to activate eNOS, resulting in improved endothelial function in diabetic mice. Our studies suggest that the integrin-Gα13-RhoA-YAP pathway, UCP2, and KLF2 may serve as promising drug targets for treating metabolic vascular diseases.