Meet Our Academicians

As a creative scientist, he seeks to address grand problems facing society and strives enthusiastically for evidence-based, practical, and impactful solutions. Professor Chen is a prolific contributor to low-order turbulence models for computational fluid dynamics (CFD), such as the indoor zero-equation model and fast fluid dynamics, that are used in predicting complex airflow, air quality, and thermal comfort in various built environments. His models for simulating indoor environments have significantly enhanced air quality and energy efficiency in both buildings and commercial aircraft, effectively mitigating health risks and transforming industry standards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he conducted research on infectious disease transmission in airplanes and cruise ships that helped the flying public, cruise passengers and airliners engage in safe travel, and his work in this area was reported in more than 80 media outlets worldwide. His work on forward and inverse simulations of airborne disease transmission has been instrumental in shaping public policy and driving innovation in ventilation systems. Additionally, he has developed key technologies, standards, guidelines, and design parameters for the environmental control system in commercial airplanes and for ventilation and indoor air quality control in residential buildings. The design guidelines and strategies he developed have become industry benchmarks, fostering healthier, more energy-efficient environments that prioritise occupant well-being.

Professor Chen’s expertise is evidenced by his authorship of nearly 300 SCI journal papers. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Building and Environment” that published over 1,000 papers in 2022. Throughout his career, Professor Chen has received numerous honours and awards from prestigious international organisations, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST); the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA); the Scandinavian Federation of Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Engineering Associations (SCANVAC); the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan (SHASE); and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Highly recognised for his outstanding scientific achievements, he has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences.

As the Director of PAIR, Professor Chen oversees 12 research institutes and 8 research centres with over 600 senior researchers and manages more than HK$ 600 million in annual research funding. PAIR provides interdisciplinary solutions for major societal challenges through advanced research and knowledge transfer in three major areas: sustainable cities, good health and well-being, and advanced technologies. PAIR makes significant contributions to improve the lives and prospects of people in Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.