Such a Beautiful Conclusion to Summer 2024 – 6 Incredible Young Souls Excelling in the Summer Research Programme 2024 (SRP2024)!
Seize the best out of summer! HKU IDS took the pleasure to have received 6 young fellows under the Summer Research Programme 2024 (SRP2024) who were hosted at our Institute from June 3 – August 9, 2024. Organized by the Graduate School, HKU welcomed 102 talented students in total to participate in SRP2024, and 39 students have been awarded an Outstanding Completion Award. The most encouraging of all was that two of them have specially outstood the rest of their peers as to be given a conditional offer of the prestigious HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship (HKU-PS), reflecting on their extraordinary achievements during their time with their mentors amidst the truly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment at HKU IDS which facilitates high-quality research.
Warm welcome by HKU IDS for the orientation session upon their arrival in Hong Kong!
Delighted as we witness how the 6 gentlemen improved and grew during the course of the 10-week programme, our two participants made remarkable progress as remarked by their tremendous progress which was duly agreed with the judging panel from HKU Graduate School and discipline-specific faculty members who helped evaluate their performances in the Project Plan Oral Presentation and final Project Presentation.
How enjoyable our SRP2024 participants were while taking part in the different activities organized by Graduate School and HKU IDS!
Mr. Xusen Xiao from Peking University, supervised by Prof. Qingpeng Zhang
- Outstanding Achievement: Conditional offer of HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship among the 39 recipients
Prof Yanchao Yang and Xusen, mentee of another HKU IDS faculty member, cheering for his great work as a recipient of the conditional offer of HKU-PS!
Participating in the Summer Research Program at IDS was a unique and enriching experience for me. Spending nearly two months in an unfamiliar city, while engaging in research, was both refreshing and challenging. Throughout the summer, my advisor and the faculty at IDS provided me with substantial support and guidance.
My advisor, Professor Qingpeng Zhang, is currently focused on developing knowledge-enhanced predictive decision analytics methods to analyze high-dimensional biological, clinical, and behavioral data for drug discovery, precision medicine, and public health. Despite my limited background in biology and medicine, my advisor and the postdoctoral researchers in the group had extensive discussions with me at the beginning, allowing me the freedom to choose the areas I was most interested in and pursue them. This summer research experience taught me how to apply my existing knowledge to new fields, enabling me to conduct research while simultaneously learning and exploring. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to fully engage in the research process, from topic selection to exploration, providing valuable insights for my future academic work.
In addition to the support from my advisor, the IDS community and environment were incredibly impressive. The IDS staff provided immense support throughout the program. They organized orientations and sessions where past participants shared their experiences, helping us quickly get to know each other and engage in discussions. They also assisted us in preparing our poster presentations and were always available to help, even responding to emails late at night. Additionally, IDS provided workspaces near our advisors’ offices for all summer research participants, offering a bright and spacious environment. Engaging with fellow students and having in-depth discussions with my advisor enriched my research experience.
The program also allowed me to form connections and friendships with other students participating in the Summer Research Program at IDS. We commuted from the dorms to the office together, dined out after work, and supported each other when faced with challenges. These interactions resulted in cherished friendships and invaluable experiences.
Overall, I am grateful to have completed the Summer Research Program at IDS. The knowledgeable mentors, supportive community, and new friends made this experience an unforgettable memory.
Mr. Liulu Peter Chen from Columbia University, supervised by Dr. Yue Xie
Peter presenting his poster after weeks of diligence, under the patient guidance of Dr. Yue Xie
How have our HKU IDS scholars inspired you?
What impressed me most about this program was the instantaneous feedback from my IDS supervisors. The professors were willing to spend time with each student, holding regular individual meetings where we brainstormed together. It felt as though they were working alongside us as peers rather than as superiors, tackling challenges together. Although the program lasted only 10 weeks, my supervisors treated it as a serious, long-term endeavor. They listened to my requests and needs, providing various resources and collaboration opportunities from their research group to support my work.
What is so special about the HKU IDS research community?
IDS provides us with a cozy working environment, and the staff supports students with various activities and assistance to make the research process more enjoyable. Everything progresses smoothly.
Mr. Jiefeng Wu from Zhejiang University, supervised Prof. Yanchao Yang
Jiefeng showcasing his fruits of research to his peers and other research collaborators at the poster presentation session
I was most impressed by the final sea food and the orientation prepared by IDS. During the SRP, IDS not only prepared special clothes and work space for us, but also printed and designed posters for us, and provided very patient and helpful assistance. My mentor and his PhD students kept offline guidance with me every week and provided very excellent scientific research conditions. I think the most precious thing about this SRP for me is to meet students from all over the world, communicate with them about work, and have the opportunity to truly participate in scientific research.
Mr. Lei Fang from Peking University, supervised by Prof. Yingyu Liang
Lei putting his heart and souls into his assigned research project!
What has IDS/the programme impacted you the most?
The aspect of IDS that impacted me the most was the exceptional expertise of the faculty. The professors’ profound knowledge and their willingness to share insights significantly broadened my understanding of data science. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping my research and enhancing my analytical skills.
How do you perceive the support from IDS?
The support from IDS was unparalleled. The staff provided warm and consistent assistance throughout the research process. The availability of independent workstations and various amenities made it easier for us to focus on our research tasks. The supportive environment fostered by IDS staff was a key factor in making this experience productive and enjoyable.
How have our IDS scholars inspired you?
The IDS scholars inspired me through their dedication and passion for their respective fields. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of data science research and their collaborative spirit were truly motivating. Observing their work ethic and innovative approaches has encouraged me to strive for excellence in my own research endeavors.
What have you cherished the most in the programme, and with IDS?
What I cherished the most about the programme was the sense of community and the collaborative atmosphere. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about data science created a stimulating environment for intellectual growth. Additionally, the various welfare benefits provided by IDS, such as access to resources and networking opportunities, greatly enhanced the overall experience.
Any other memorable moments at SRP2024 & IDS?
One memorable moment was the project presentations. It was inspiring to see the diverse range of topics and innovative solutions proposed by my peers. We wore the unified T-shirt provided by IDS, which was quite interesting and standed us out from other students. I felt a sense of belonging during the last days staying in the department. The feedback sessions with the faculty were particularly valuable, as they provided constructive criticism and new perspectives on our research.
My time at IDS this summer was profoundly impactful and has left a lasting impression on me. I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities provided by IDS, and I look forward to continuing my journey in data science with the inspiration and knowledge I have gained.