Academic and Teaching Staff

Prof. James Chung-Wai Cheung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He holds a diverse academic foundation, having received a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics from the City University of Hong Kong, a Graduate Diploma in Astrophysics from the University of London, and a Master’s degree in Business Information Systems from the University of East London. He went on to obtain both his Master’s degree in Healthcare with Technology and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Dedicated to community service and bridging academia with healthcare institutions, Prof. Cheung serves as an Honorary Advisor to the Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department, advising on the implementation of gerontechnology in rehabilitation centers and elderly hostels. He is also frequently invited as a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, speaking on "AI and Gerontechnologies in Dementia Care."

The research dedication of Prof. Cheung focuses on the convergence of artificial intelligence, wearable technologies and IoT, medical imaging, signal processing, and soft robotics, with a strong emphasis on clinical applications for elderly care, dementia, dysphagia, and smart hostel management. Beginning his research career in 3D ultrasound imaging and elastography, Prof. Cheung has since expanded his portfolio into advanced sensing and robotic systems. His innovations in advanced sensing and wearables encompass the development of ultra-wideband radar arrays for sleep posture analysis, novel soft biomechanical sensors utilizing nanocomposites and liquid metal for dysphagia detection, and real-time kinesthetic and haptic glove systems for immersive virtual reality applications.

In the domain of machine learning and medical AI, his team develops multi-modal and large language model systems for sleep quality assessment, dysphagia screening using acoustic and depth imaging, and computer-aided diagnostics for thyroid pathology from cell to organ levels, nodule analysis, and bone fractures. Furthermore, his laboratory explores autonomous robotic arms designed to assist in ultrasound scanning and activities of daily living, alongside the design of diverse robotic platforms including UAVs, land rovers, and soft robotic gloves. Most recently, Prof. Cheung has pioneered the use of BioFET chips for disease monitoring, targeting specific biomarkers for chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Cheung has secured over HK$7 million in competitive external research funding as a Principal Investigator, reflecting strong peer recognition from funding agencies. He has been awarded prestigious grants from the Research Grants Council General Research Fund, the Health and Medical Research Fund, the SK Yee Medical Foundation Fund, and the Innovation and Technology Fund Partnership Programme, which supports international collaborations with medical technology listed companies in Canada and Hong Kong. His research has also been backed by corporate collaboration funds from publicly listed companies. These translation-focused research achievements are demonstrated through 16 core patents and widespread dissemination in leading international journals, including the Chemical Engineering Journal, Materials & Design, Knowledge-Based Systems, Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, and the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

At the undergraduate level, Prof. Cheung coordinates and teaches highly interactive, technology-driven subjects that heavily integrate machine learning, data analytics, and hands-on prototype development. These subjects include 'BME1D01: Bionic Human and the Future of Being Human,' 'BME1D02: Wearable Healthcare and Fitness Devices for Everyone,' and 'BME1D03: Technologies for Smart Ageing.' Beyond formal classroom instruction, he actively supervises and mentors research teams on projects exploring cutting-edge biomedical frontiers. These initiatives include the application of deep learning and large language model development, soft robotics, dysphagia screening, sleep posture classification, and the integration of Metaverse environments, interactive robotic companions, musical therapy, and gamification for elderly care.

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• MSc. in Health Care with Technology, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnics University
• Graduate Diploma in Astrophysics, Astronomy Unit, School of Mathematics, University of London (Queen Mary College)
• MSc. in Business Information System, Department of Engineering and Computing, University of East London

• Assistant Professor, Dept of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2026 - Current
• Research Assistant Professor, Dept of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2020 - 2026
• Senior Scientific Officer, Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Dept of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2017 - 2020
• Scientific Officer, Interdisciplinary Division of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2016 - 2017
• Post-Doctoral fellow, Interdisciplinary Division of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2014 - 2016
• Project Associate/Post-Doctoral Project Associate, Interdisciplinary Division of BME, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2012 - 2014