Prof. Hwa Yaw Tam | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hwa Yaw Tam | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hwa Yaw Tam at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong

Prof. Hwa Yaw TAM ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ, IEEE Life Fellow and OPTICA Fellow, is a visionary in photonics and optical fibre sensing. Currently Chair Professor of Photonics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ฐ, he has spearheaded groundbreaking innovations in fibre-optic sensor systems for transportation ๐Ÿš„, energy โšก, and medical ๐Ÿ‘‚ applications. With over 800 publications ๐Ÿ“š and 20 patents ๐Ÿ”–, he stands as the second most cited expert in fibre-optic sensing, boasting an H-index of 73. His trailblazing contributions span continents, from Hong Kong’s MTR to the Netherlands and Australia ๐ŸŒ. A laureate of the Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis ๐Ÿ† and multiple Geneva Invention awards, Prof. Tamโ€™s legacy bridges academia, industry, and public safety. His work has also spun off seven photonics companies ๐Ÿš€. With unwavering passion and pioneering spirit, Prof. Tam continues to illuminate the future of smart sensing and laser technologies ๐Ÿ”ญ.

Professional Profileย 

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Prof. Hwa Yaw TAM embarked on his academic voyage at The University of Manchester, UK ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง, earning both his B.Eng in 1985 and Ph.D. in 1989 ๐ŸŽ“. His early educational foundations laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to photonics and optical engineering. Specializing in electrical and electronic engineering, his doctoral studies fused rigorous theory with hands-on research in laser systems and fibre technologies ๐Ÿ”. This dual emphasis cultivated a mindset driven by innovation and precision. The UK academic environment, rich in historical scientific achievement, greatly influenced his research ethos ๐ŸŒ. Prof. Tamโ€™s education not only equipped him with cutting-edge technical knowledge but also instilled in him a vision to translate science into impactful, real-world applications. Today, that foundation continues to echo through his advanced fibre-optic sensor innovations ๐Ÿ”ฌ, standing as a beacon for future generations of engineers and scientists ๐Ÿ“˜๐Ÿ’ก.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Professional Experience

Prof. Tamโ€™s professional journey spans academia and industry in equal brilliance ๐ŸŒ . He began his research career at GEC-Marconi Ltd. (London) between 1989โ€“1993, delving into erbium-doped fibre amplifiers and laser systems ๐Ÿ’ก. He then joined The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1993, rising through the ranks from Lecturer to Chair Professor of Photonics. He also served as Head of the Electrical Engineering Department and was the Founding Director of the Photonics Research Centre (2000โ€“2022) ๐Ÿซ. Presently, he is Associate Director at PolyUโ€™s Photonics Research Institute, spearheading interdisciplinary innovations. Prof. Tamโ€™s work transcends traditional academiaโ€”his team has launched seven start-ups, catalyzing photonics-based solutions globally ๐Ÿš€. His leadership has shaped fibre-optic sensing systems for cities and industries across Asia, Europe, and Australia, turning theoretical breakthroughs into operational systems in railways ๐Ÿš‰, energy grids ๐Ÿ”‹, and hospitals ๐Ÿฅ, positioning him as a pivotal force in global smart sensing networks ๐ŸŒ.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interest

Prof. Tamโ€™s research orbits around specialty optical fibres tailored for real-world sensor applications ๐Ÿ”. His core interests span the design and fabrication of advanced fibre-optic systems that serve as digital sentinels in complex infrastructures ๐Ÿง . From structural health monitoring (SHM) to real-time railway diagnostics, his innovations help prevent failures before they occur โš ๏ธ. His pioneering optical fibre networks have monitored everything from high-speed trains ๐Ÿš† to smart escalators and even cochlear implants for medical precision ๐Ÿ‘‚. By embedding fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) into intelligent sensing webs, heโ€™s revolutionized predictive maintenance across industries. His groupโ€™s work is particularly transformative in railway monitoring, with deployment success stories in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Netherlands ๐ŸŒ. Always ahead of the curve, Prof. Tamโ€™s research fuses AI ๐Ÿค–, photonic engineering, and real-time analytics to create a safer, more connected world through light ๐ŸŒˆ and precision sensing technologies ๐Ÿ“ˆ.

๐Ÿ… Awards and Honors

Prof. Tamโ€™s achievements are globally celebrated ๐Ÿ†. In 2025, he won the Special Prize and Gold Medal at Genevaโ€™s Invention Expo for a smart cochlear implant ๐Ÿ‘‚๐ŸŒŸ. In 2024, he secured another Gold Medal for lithium-ion battery health monitoring via FBG sensors ๐Ÿ”‹. Earlier, in 2022, his intelligent escalator monitoring system earned him yet another Geneva Gold Award ๐Ÿฅ‡. The Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis in 2014, among the world’s highest laser tech honors, recognized his work in wavelength-tunable laser sensing for railways ๐Ÿš„. His team also received the Presidentโ€™s Award for Knowledge Transfer in 2022 at PolyU for creating AI-enhanced optical fibre networks ๐ŸŒ. Further accolades include a Best Paper finalist at IEEE SENSORS 2016 ๐Ÿ“ƒ. Each honor underscores Prof. Tamโ€™s deep impact on laser technology, smart sensing, and translational engineering. His consistent award-winning contributions reflect a perfect blend of scientific creativity, societal value, and engineering excellence ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ”ฌ.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Noteย 

  1. Title: Enhanced Quasi-Distributed Accelerometer Array Based on ฯ•-OTDR and Ultraweak Fiber Bragg Grating
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6
    Source: IEEE Sensors Journal
    Summary: Proposes an enhanced accelerometer array using phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (ฯ•-OTDR) and ultraweak fiber Bragg gratings for distributed vibration sensing, suitable for applications like structural health monitoring.


  1. Title: Label-Free DNA Detection Using Etched Tilted Bragg Fiber Grating-Based Biosensor
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6
    Source: Sensors
    Summary: Describes a label-free biosensor using etched tilted fiber Bragg gratings to detect DNA without the need for fluorescent labels, enhancing sensitivity and simplicity in genetic diagnostics.


  1. Title: Recovery of a Highly Reflective Bragg Grating in DPDS-Doped Polymer Optical Fiber by Thermal Annealing
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2
    Source: Optics Letters
    Summary: Demonstrates the recovery of degraded Bragg gratings in doped polymer optical fibers using thermal annealing, showing potential for longer lifespan and reusability in fiber-optic sensors.


  1. Title: Accident Risk Tensor-Specific Covariant Model for Railway Accident Risk Assessment and Prediction
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 8
    Source: Reliability Engineering and System Safety
    Summary: Introduces a tensor-based statistical model for accurately assessing and predicting accident risks in railway systems by incorporating covariant risk factors.


  1. Title: Polymeric Fiber Sensors for Insertion Forces and Trajectory Determination of Cochlear Implants in Hearing Preservation
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
    Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
    Summary: Presents polymeric fiber-optic sensors designed to measure insertion force and trajectory during cochlear implant surgeries, helping to preserve hearing by reducing inner ear trauma.


  1. Title: Miniature Two-Axis Accelerometer Based on Multicore Fiber for Pantograph-Catenary System
    Authors: , , , ,
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 8
    Source: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
    Summary: Develops a compact fiber-based accelerometer capable of sensing in two axes, tailored for monitoring the dynamics of pantograph-catenary interactions in electric rail systems.


  1. Title: Ultraminiature Optical Fiber-Tip Directly-Printed Plasmonic Biosensors for Label-Free Biodetection
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 19
    Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
    Summary: Describes a highly miniaturized fiber-tip plasmonic biosensor fabricated via direct printing, enabling sensitive and label-free detection of biomolecules at the microscale.


  1. Title: Accelerated Pyro-Catalytic Hydrogen Production Enabled by Plasmonic Local Heating of Au on Pyroelectric BaTiO3 Nanoparticles
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 83
    Source: Nature Communications
    Summary: Reports a novel hydrogen production method using gold-decorated BaTiOโ‚ƒ nanoparticles, where plasmonic heating enhances pyro-catalytic activity under mild conditions.


  1. Title: Biomechanical Assessment and Quantification of Femur Healing Process Using Fibre Bragg Grating Strain Sensors
    Authors: , , , …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
    Source: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
    Summary: Uses fiber Bragg grating strain sensors to monitor and quantify mechanical changes in the femur during bone healing, supporting better postoperative assessment.


  1. Title: Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Based Fiber-Optic Nitrate Sensor
    Authors: , , , ,
    Year: 2022
    Citations: Not listed
    Source: Optics Express
    Summary: Presents a Mach-Zehnder interferometer design using optical fiber for detecting nitrate concentrations in water, aiming at applications in environmental monitoring

๐Ÿ”š Conclusionย 

Prof. Hwa Yaw TAM is more than a scholarโ€”he is a trailblazer in light-based sensing technologies ๐ŸŒŸ. His career weaves together pioneering science, practical engineering, and impactful entrepreneurship ๐ŸŒ. Through over 800 papers, 20 patents, and numerous awards, he has reshaped how the world monitors structural, environmental, and human conditions using optical fibres ๐Ÿ’ก. His real-world implementationsโ€”from monitoring city-wide railways to enabling hearing restorationโ€”demonstrate how research can elevate safety, precision, and quality of life for millions ๐ŸŒ. He continues to mentor future innovators and drive collaborative photonic research through his leadership roles at PolyU and the Photonics Research Institute. With vision, dedication, and humility, Prof. Tam stands as a guiding light for the global photonics community ๐ŸŒ . His journey exemplifies how science, when paired with compassion and creativity, becomes a force for building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world ๐Ÿ”—๐ŸŒฟ.

Prof. Dr. Jian Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jian Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher at Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Jian Chen ๐ŸŽ“, an accomplished Associate Research Fellow at the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences ๐Ÿ›๏ธ, brings over 20 years of rigorous academic and professional experience. With a steadfast foundation in Communication Engineering and a doctorate in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Dr. Chen has contributed extensively to the scientific community ๐Ÿ“š. His scholarly portfolio includes 39 academic articles, 3 granted patents ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ”ง, and active participation as an editorial board member and reviewer for 25 prominent journals, including SCI and EI indexed publications ๐ŸŒ. His consistent commitment to research, innovation, and peer-review excellence marks him as a dedicated scholar in the field of optics and fine mechanics. His career trajectory is a testimony to persistence, insight, and global scientific collaboration ๐ŸŒŸ.

Professional Profileย 

ORCID Profile

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Jian Chen’s academic journey ๐ŸŒฑ began at Jilin University, where he pursued both his Bachelor’s (2001โ€“2005) and Master’s (2005โ€“2007) degrees in Communication Engineering ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ. Driven by a passion for applied science, he later obtained his Doctorate in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2011โ€“2014) โš™๏ธ. His studies reflect a rare combination of precision communication systems and multi-disciplinary engineering expertise ๐Ÿง . This robust academic progression laid the intellectual groundwork for his future research in optics, electromechanics, and fine instrumentation. The strong theoretical foundations combined with practical insight enabled him to tackle cutting-edge challenges in optics and engineering technologies with a holistic mindset ๐Ÿ“˜๐Ÿ”ฌ.

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Professional Experience

Since 2007, Jian Chen has served as an Associate Research Fellow at the prestigious Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, CAS ๐Ÿข. Over 14 years, he has cultivated deep expertise in electromechanical systems, optical instrumentation, and advanced mechanics ๐Ÿ’ก. His work is not just academic; it holds tangible value, evidenced by his 3 granted patents ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ“‘. Dr. Chen also stands out as a peer-review gatekeeperโ€”serving on the editorial boards of 25 respected journals, including those indexed by SCI and EI ๐Ÿงพ๐Ÿ“–. His research environment fosters both independent innovation and collaborative exploration, positioning him as a central contributor to Chinaโ€™s optics and precision mechanics research domain ๐Ÿ”ง๐ŸŒ.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interest

Jian Chenโ€™s research interests orbit around the convergence of optics, mechanical design, and electrical systems ๐Ÿ”ญโš™๏ธ. His studies delve into fine optical mechanics, signal processing, and advanced instrumentation, where accuracy meets innovation ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ”ง. He has a keen focus on integrating communication systems with mechanical-electrical interfaces, aiming to improve efficiency, precision, and reliability across applied research platforms ๐Ÿ“ก๐Ÿ”. Through over 39 academic publications and patent filings, he continually addresses real-world problems with scientifically grounded solutions. His passion lies in turning theoretical concepts into functional technologies, especially those impacting optics and information transfer systems ๐Ÿš€. Dr. Chen’s vision includes pushing boundaries in smart optical devices and advancing China’s high-tech research infrastructure ๐Ÿ“ˆ.

๐Ÿ† Award and Honor

With a track record of consistent scholarly output, Jian Chen has earned high regard in his field ๐ŸŒŸ. His appointment as an Editorial Board Member and reviewer for 25 journals, including SCI and EI indexed ones ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“˜, speaks volumes about his recognition in the global academic community. This role is both prestigious and demanding, requiring sharp insight, peer leadership, and deep subject-matter expertise ๐Ÿง โœ’๏ธ. The successful granting of 3 patents in his field further confirms his inventive spirit and commitment to practical innovation. While specific awards are not listed, the honors bestowed upon him through editorial responsibilities, patents, and research publications reflect a career shaped by excellence, discipline, and global relevance ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ.

Publications Top Notes

1. Multihop Anchor-Free Network With Tolerance-Adjustable Measure for Infrared Tiny Target Detection

This paper introduces a multihop anchor-free network designed to detect tiny infrared targets in complex backgrounds. The proposed method employs a tolerance-adjustable measure to enhance detection accuracy without relying on predefined anchor points. This approach improves the detection of small targets that are easily obscured by background noise.


2. A Novel Equivalent Combined Control Architecture for Electro-Optical Equipment: Performance and Robustness

This study proposes a novel equivalent composite control structure for electro-optical equipment. The architecture aims to balance tracking performance and robustness by adjusting the time coefficient of the compensation loop. The paper analyzes the impact of this adjustment on system dynamics, providing insights into optimizing performance without compromising stability.


3. CA-U2-Net: Contour Detection and Attention in U2-Net for Infrared Dim and Small Target Detection

This paper presents CA-U2-Net, an enhanced version of U2-Net tailored for detecting infrared dim and small targets. By integrating contour detection and attention mechanisms, the model achieves a detection rate of 97.17%, maintaining accurate target shapes even in challenging conditions.


4. A POCS Super Resolution Restoration Algorithm Based on BM3D

This research combines the Projection Onto Convex Sets (POCS) method with BM3D filtering to enhance super-resolution image restoration. The approach addresses the noise sensitivity of traditional POCS by incorporating BM3D’s denoising capabilities, resulting in improved restoration quality for low-resolution images affected by various noise types.

๐Ÿงพ Conclusion

Dr. Jian Chenโ€™s career is a synthesis of academic strength, research innovation, and peer leadership ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒŸ. From earning degrees in communication and electromechanical engineering to publishing influential papers and contributing patented solutions, his journey underscores a rare dedication to the advancement of science and technology ๐ŸŒ. His service as a reviewer and editor across 25 journals illustrates not only his expertise but also the respect he commands among peers. Jian Chen exemplifies what it means to be a scholar-practitionerโ€”someone who not only explores ideas but also brings them to life ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’ก. With two decades of impact in optics and mechanical systems, his legacy is both intellectual and tangible, influencing future researchers and technologies across the globe ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ˆ.

Ehsan Adibnia | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Ehsan Adibnia | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Ehsan Adibnia at University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran

Dr. Ehsan Adibnia ๐ŸŽ“ is a dedicated academic researcher in electrical engineering โšก, specializing in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence ๐Ÿค–, machine learning ๐Ÿ“Š, deep learning ๐Ÿง , nanophotonics ๐Ÿ’ก, optics ๐Ÿ”ฌ, and plasmonics โœจ. He is proficient in Python ๐Ÿ, MATLAB ๐Ÿงฎ, and Visual Basic, and utilizes simulation tools like Lumerical ๐Ÿ“ˆ, COMSOL ๐Ÿงช, and RSoft ๐Ÿ”ง to drive innovative research. Fluent in English ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง and Persian ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท, Dr. Adibnia contributes to academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals ๐Ÿ“š. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. and actively engaged in interdisciplinary scientific exploration ๐ŸŒ.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Google Scholar

๐Ÿ”น Education & Experienceย 

๐ŸŽ“ Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering โ€“ University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran (Expected 2025)
๐ŸŽ“ B.S. in Electrical Engineering โ€“ University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran (2014)
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ’ผ Executive Committee Member โ€“ 27th Iranian Conference on Optics and Photonics & 13th Conference on Photonic Engineering and Technology
๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ Assistant Editor โ€“ International Journal (Name not specified)
๐Ÿ” Researcher โ€“ Actively engaged in interdisciplinary AI & photonics research projects

๐Ÿ”น Professional Developmentย 

Dr. Ehsan Adibnia continually enhances his professional growth through active participation in conferences ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ, committee leadership ๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ, and editorial work ๐Ÿ“‘. He develops algorithms and conducts simulations using advanced tools such as Lumerical ๐Ÿ”ฌ, COMSOL ๐Ÿงช, and RSoft ๐Ÿ’ป. His expertise in AI and photonics drives innovative research and collaboration ๐ŸŒ. He also hones his programming skills in MATLAB ๐Ÿงฎ, Python ๐Ÿ, and VBA ๐Ÿง , ensuring precision in modeling and data analysis. His hands-on knowledge in PLC systems ๐Ÿค– and industrial automation makes him versatile across both academic and applied research settings ๐Ÿญ.

๐Ÿ”น Research Focusย 

Dr. Adibniaโ€™s research focuses on the fusion of artificial intelligence ๐Ÿค– and photonics ๐Ÿ’ก. His work explores machine learning ๐Ÿ“Š, deep learning ๐Ÿง , nanophotonics ๐Ÿ”ฌ, plasmonics โœจ, optical switching ๐Ÿ”, and slow light ๐Ÿข technologies. He is particularly interested in leveraging these technologies in biosensors ๐Ÿงซ, metamaterials ๐Ÿ”ท, and quantum optics โš›๏ธ. Through simulation and algorithm development, he aims to optimize performance in optoelectronic and photonic systems ๐Ÿ”. His interdisciplinary research bridges electrical engineering with physics and AI, creating advanced systems for diagnostics, sensing, and smart environments ๐ŸŒ.

๐Ÿ”น Awards & Honorsย 

๐Ÿ… Executive Committee Role โ€“ 27th Iranian Conference on Optics and Photonics
๐Ÿ… Executive Committee Role โ€“ 13th Iranian Conference on Photonic Engineering and Technology
๐Ÿ“œ Assistant Editor โ€“ International scientific journal (name not specified)
๐Ÿง  Scopus-indexed Researcher โ€“ Scopus ID: 58485414000

Publication Top Notes

๐Ÿ”น High-performance and compact photonic crystal channel drop filter using P-shaped ring resonator

  • Journal: Results in Optics

  • Date: Dec 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.rio.2025.100817

  • Summary: Proposes a novel P-shaped ring resonator design for channel drop filters in photonic crystal structures. Focuses on achieving high performance in terms of compactness and spectral selectivity for integrated optical circuits.

๐Ÿ”น Optimizing Few-Mode Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers for high-capacity optical networks using a multi-objective optimization algorithm

  • Journal: Optical Fiber Technology

  • Date: Sep 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.yofte.2025.104186

  • Summary: Introduces a multi-objective optimization approach for designing few-mode EDFAs, targeting performance improvements in next-gen high-capacity optical networks.

๐Ÿ”น Inverse design of octagonal plasmonic structure for switching using deep learning

  • Journal: Results in Physics

  • Date: Apr 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.rinp.2025.108197

  • Summary: Utilizes deep learning for the inverse design of an octagonal plasmonic structure used in optical switching, demonstrating enhanced precision and compact design capability.

๐Ÿ”น Chirped apodized fiber Bragg gratings inverse design via deep learning

  • Journal: Optics & Laser Technology

  • Date: 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/J.OPTLASTEC.2024.111766

  • WOS UID: WOS:001311493000001

  • Summary: Applies deep learning to the inverse design of chirped apodized fiber Bragg gratings, optimizing the spectral characteristics for filtering and sensing applications.

๐Ÿ”น Inverse Design of FBG-Based Optical Filters Using Deep Learning: A Hybrid CNN-MLP Approach

  • Journal: Journal of Lightwave Technology

  • Date: 2025

  • DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2025.3534275

  • Summary: Proposes a hybrid CNN-MLP architecture to design fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical filters, improving accuracy and speed in the inverse design process using deep learning techniques.

Conclusion

Dr. Adibnia is still in the process of completing his Ph.D., his broad technical expertise, multidisciplinary research focus, early academic leadership roles, and active participation in both national and international platforms make him a highly promising candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award in the early-career researcher or emerging researcher category.