Chi-Ren Shyu

Chi-Ren Shyu is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Missouri, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Strategic Initiatives and Director of the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics (MUIDSI). The institute unites 68 interdisciplinary faculty from 24 departments, supporting over 140 graduate students in data science and informatics programs with emphases in bioinformatics, health informatics, and geospatial informatics.

• PhD, Purdue University
• MS, Purdue University
• BS, Feng Chia University

Dr. Shyu's research spans biomedical informatics, explainable AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and spatial big data analytics. His work integrates artificial intelligence with public health, precision medicine, and rural health coordination. He has led initiatives in blockchain-based clinical trial matching, AI for Type 1 diabetes, and geospatial platforms for socioeconomic and health data visualization.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary, data-driven health research, combining AI, blockchain, and quantum computing to solve real-world problems in healthcare, security, and public policy. His work emphasizes scalability, explainability, and ethical deployment of technologies.

Scientific honors include:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• Fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics (FACMI)
• Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association (FAMIA)
• Mizzou Alumni Association Faculty Alumni Award (2022)
• UM System President’s Leadership Award
• Multiple teaching and research awards

Dr. Shyu is Principal Investigator of Mizzou’s NSF CyberCorps SFS program ($3.6M), which provides full scholarships for cybersecurity students committed to public service. He has mentored numerous trainees who have gone on to make significant contributions in informatics. His leadership in establishing interdisciplinary programs and securing major grants underscores his role as a key academic innovator.

He leads the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, which functions as a central hub for data-driven discovery across precision medicine, agriculture, behavioral science, and rural health. The institute fosters collaboration among 22 schools and departments, promoting team-based research and education in emerging technologies.