Jiawen Li

Dr. Jiawen Li is an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, specializing in Biomedical Engineering. She leads the intravascular imaging program at the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), focusing on developing ultrathin, flexible fiber-optic imaging probes for vascular and biomedical applications. Her work bridges photonics, engineering, and medicine to advance diagnostics for cardiovascular diseases and other conditions.

Research Interests: Dr. Li’s research centers on multimodal imaging technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound integration. She pioneers innovations in 3D-printed micro-optics, fiber-optic sensors, and nanoparticle-based contrast agents to enhance deep-tissue imaging capabilities. Her lab addresses fundamental questions about plaque evolution, heart attack mechanisms, and treatment responses at the cellular level.

Awards & Recognition: She has received prestigious accolades such as MIT’s Innovators Under 35, Sony Women in Technology Award, and multiple grants totaling over $13 million. Her team’s inventions include the world’s smallest 3D-printed endoscope and a single-fiber probe for simultaneous imaging and sensing.

Grants & Funding: As a chief investigator, Dr. Li secures major funding from NHMRC, MRFF, and ARC, advancing projects like quantum biosensing, meta-optics for medical imaging, and real-time ocular imaging. Her collaborative work spans universities, industries, and international partnerships (e.g., University of Nottingham, Stuttgart, Germany).

Labs & Teams: Her lab at IPAS fosters interdisciplinary innovation, with active projects in cardiovascular imaging, cancer detection, and biomedical device development. She mentors students in cutting-edge topics such as quantum biosensing and meta-optics through ARC-funded training programs.