* E.g. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018: Engineering and Technology: No.17. More School rankings details: http://bit.ly/2BBo9XK s science and technology innovation moves to the strategic forefront in Hong Kong and southern China, the School of Engineering is actively seeking to optimize emerging opportunities for faculty, students, and graduates, says Prof. Richard H. Y. SO, who became Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies) in July . From research to impact Consistently high rankings* in global league tables provide recognition of the quality of research carried out in the School’s comprehensive engineering remit. Now the HK$ billion investment in innovation and technology announced in Hong Kong’s budget, openings in the Greater Bay Area, and alliances to access new countries to attract top talents, are some of the ways that the School can keep moving ahead, he said. “We have to help colleagues grasp these chances, translate basic research into impact, and establish stronger links with industry to achieve win-win situations for both HKUST and Hong Kong.” “He is thrilled to see a research and development culture unfolding in Hong Kong” A highly successful researcher himself, Prof. So (PhD, University of Southampton) joined the Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics in . He specializes in ergonomics, human factors, and functional brain studies, with a focus on human visual and auditory systems and bio-inspired smart algorithms. His research has been applied to innovative hearing aids which isolate desired sounds from unwanted noise. Another invention aims to prevent virtual reality users from feeling dizzy, a phenomenon that a ects one-third of people a er prolonged exposure. He also became the rst in Hong Kong to be elected a Fellow of the International Ergonomics Association in , an honor held by less than people worldwide at the time of his election. R&D impetus Prof. So is thrilled to see a research and development (R&D) culture unfolding in Hong Kong, with his PhD and postdoctoral students now starting to nd positions available in local start-ups and expanding options for technology and science-related careers in the city. “Asian companies, including those in Mainland China and Hong Kong, are gradually building their own R&D divisions, and this positive trend is spreading to small and medium-sized enterprises,” he said. Excitingly, once R&D directors and chief scientists start to be hired, he foresees Hong Kong will be able to retain its scienti c and technological talents as the job openings, career ladder, and leadership will nally be there. Hong Kong takes o as innovation hub A 17 IN FOCUS Prof. Richard So welcomes the growing scope for the School’s postgraduates and researchers Prof. Richard So (above), and discussing modeling human auditory responses with former student-turned-entrepreneur Calvin Zhang.
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