PolyU is advancing the integration of AI into medical science, recently hosting the "AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health" Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Professor Barry Marshall, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and Distinguished Honorary Professor at PolyU, and marked the opening of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology followed by a panel discussion. Attracting around 500 attendees, including academic staff, students, alumni, and leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, the Forum fostered academic exchange and inspired innovation.

Exploring his research journey and award-winning discovery

Co-hosted by PolyU’s Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science, the Forum highlighted Professor Marshall’s groundbreaking discovery of Helicobacter pylori with Dr J. Robin Warren, which earned them the Nobel Prize. In his keynote speech, “Theory and Practice: Innovation and Curiosity Driven Research”, Professor Marshall shared his research journey and offered valuable insights into the future of medicine.

Panel discussion exploring the future of AI in medicine and education

The panel discussion, hosted by Prof. Yang Hongxia (left), featured Prof. Marshall (centre) and Prof. Zhang Ya-qin (right), who discussed the future of AI-driven medicine.

A panel discussion was held, exploring the future of AI in medicine and education. Professor Marshall was joined by the Guest of Honour of the event, Professor Zhang Ya-qin, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) at Tsinghua University. The discussion was facilitated by Professor Yang Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU.

Professor Marshall remarked, “AI is revolutionising our ability to diagnose diseases, personalise treatments and predict patient outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. By harnessing vast amounts of data, AI enables us to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach, ultimately improving patient care and advancing medical research.”

Professor Zhang said, “The field of life sciences and biomedicine has entered the era of Digitalisation 3.0, where AI plays a pivotal role, driving advancements toward greater speed, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. However, challenges remain in terms of algorithm transparency, interpretability, security, privacy, and ethics.”

Opening of new research centre

An opening ceremony was held for the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology.

The event also marked the opening of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology. Led by Professor Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, with Professor Marshall serving as a member of its Management Committee, the Centre aims to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. It will leverage Professor Marshall's pioneering research to establish AI-driven e-biobanks, and develop novel antimicrobial therapies.

PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests of honour for making the Forum a valuable platform to explore emerging AI trends in medicine and to collaborate for a healthier future.