IoC Visiting Professor Timothy Mitchison shares pioneering journey at HKBU Research Mixer

The latest Research Mixer organised by the Research Office was yet another engaging event, brimming with knowledge-sharing, dynamic interaction, and academic aspiration.

The gathering attracted HKBU scholars and students from diverse fields, all drawn by a talk delivered by the world-famous Professor Timothy Mitchison, Hasib Sabbagh Professor of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School and a Visiting Fellow at the University's Institute of Creativity (IoC).

In his highly professional sharing, titled “20 Years in a Systems Biology Department: A Personal View of Quantitative Biology Research”, Professor Mitchison took the audience on a journey from his time as an undergraduate at Oxford to becoming the director and co-founder of the Institute for Chemistry and Cell Biology (ICCB) at Harvard — the first such institute in an academic setting.

He also delved into the evolution and future of Systems and Quantitative Biology, providing deep and insightful analysis.

A particularly engaging segment of his talk explored the impact of artificial intelligence. Professor Mitchison shared his perspective on AI technology and its growing impact on academia and education, illustrating its potential with a thought-provoking example of how AI might answer the fundamental questions posed by two of mankind's most prominent thinkers — Confucius and Immanuel Kant.

Professor Lyu Aiping (right), Vice-President (Research and Development), presents a commemorative souvenir to Professor Mitchison in recognition of his special visit.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development), greeted the distinguished guest by highlighting his strong ties with HKBU — noting his status as an Honorary Graduate in 2022 and a Visiting Fellow at the IoC. Professor Lyu also reiterated the Institute's vital role in fostering interdisciplinary research, nurturing talent, and advancing academic excellence.

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