Ren, LeiView profile
Professor
Lei Ren, PhD is a Professor and Associate Chief of Physics Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Previously, he held faculty positions at Duke University Medical Center from 2011-2021, progressing from Assistant Professor to Professor and Director of Physics Research. A clinical medical physicist certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR), Dr. Ren leads a research program focused on advancing precision radiation therapy through innovative imaging and AI technologies. Dr. Ren's research centers on image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and AI applications in radiotherapy. His seminal contributions include developing digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for fast target localization, creating the limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system, and pioneering cone-beam CT (CBCT) scatter correction methods. Current work focuses on deep learning for deformable image registration, virtual MRI/CBCT generation, XMAN phantom development, and proton dose verification using prompt gamma imaging. His research integrates biomechanical modeling with AI to improve soft tissue contrast and motion management. His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong trend toward clinical translation of AI in radiation oncology, with emphasis on interpretable AI for clinical decision making, radiomics for cancer prognostics, and novel imaging techniques for proton therapy verification. Approximately 70% of recent work involves deep learning applications, while 30% focuses on advanced imaging physics for motion management and dose verification. Award highlights include: Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), 2020 Thomas Gorrie Clinical Leadership Impact Award, Duke University, 2019 Top 5 team in AAPM Grand Challenge for 4D-CBCT reconstruction, 2018 Multiple Excellence in Research/Mentorship awards from Duke Medical Physics Program Distinguished Graduate Award from Tsinghua University, 2003 Dr. Ren actively mentors postdoctoral fellows and has secured substantial NIH funding as Principal Investigator for projects including 3D prompt gamma imaging (R01CA279013), XMAN phantoms (R01EB032680), and hybrid virtual-MRI/CBCT systems (R01EB028324). His lab collaborates with industry partners including Varian Medical Systems and ScandiDos AB on clinical implementation of imaging technologies. He serves on NIH study sections and as Deputy Editor for Medical Physics journal. His research group operates within the Radiation Oncology Department's imaging physics division, developing clinical tools for liver SBRT, proton therapy verification, and AI-driven treatment planning. Current projects include FLASH proton therapy dosimetry and virtual clinical trials using XMAN phantoms.






