Wai Lok Woo

Prof Wai Lok Woo is a Chair in Machine Learning at Northumbria University's Computer and Information Sciences Department. He serves as Faculty Postgraduate Research Director (Engineering and Environment) and Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology Research Cluster. With a PhD in Statistics and Machine Learning from Newcastle University, he has over 450 publications and holds IET and IEEE Fellowships.

Education

• PhD in Statistics and Machine Learning, Newcastle University, UK
• MSc in Communications Engineering, Newcastle University, UK
• BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Newcastle University, UK

Research Interests

His work focuses on machine learning foundations, signal/image processing, and smart sensing for applications like non-destructive testing, energy systems, and mental health monitoring. Core themes include:

• AI & Machine Learning: Deep neural networks, ethical AI, reinforcement learning
• Data Science: Latent variable analysis, blind signal separation
• Sustainable Development: Smart grids, precision farming, disaster resilience

Awards

• Fellow of IET and IEEE
• IEE Prize
• British Commonwealth Scholarship

Grants & Projects

Leads the EU-funded CO_VER project (€6M) on UAV-based emergency response systems. Active in UK/EU grant evaluations and has supervised 8 PhD students.

Labs & Teams

Directs the AI & Digital Technology Research Cluster, collaborating globally on UN SDGs like affordable energy and climate action.