Li Kai

Li Kai is an Associate Professor and doctoral supervisor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). Selected as the 14th National Youth Thousand Talents Program awardee, his research focuses on developing novel molecular probes and nanoprobes for applications in cancer diagnosis and regenerative medicine. With a Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore, he has extensive experience in biomedical imaging and nanotechnology research.

Education:

• 1999-2003: Bachelor, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
• 2004-2006: Master of Polymer Engineering, Chungnam National University
• 2008-2011: Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, National University of Singapore

Dr. Li's research centers on the development of optical probes, particularly focusing on molecular imaging techniques for biomedical applications. His work spans multiple areas including fluorescence imaging, photodynamic therapy, and regenerative medicine. He has made significant contributions to the field of NIR-II imaging, developing novel probes that enable deep tissue imaging with minimal background interference. His research has important applications in cancer diagnosis, cell therapy monitoring, and tissue engineering.

Analysis of Dr. Li's recent publications reveals a strong focus on next-generation imaging technologies, particularly in the NIR-II window. His work shows increasing sophistication in probe design, with emphasis on multifunctional theranostic agents that combine imaging and therapeutic capabilities. Key trends include the development of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials, precision drug delivery systems, and novel approaches to cancer immunotherapy.

Scientific Awards:

• 2018: The 14th National Youth Thousand Talents Program
• 2019: Shenzhen Overseas High-level Talent Class B, Guangdong Province Youyue Talent, Nanshan District Leading Talent
• 2016: World Molecular Imaging Conference Travel Award
• 2015: Singapore Finnish Science and Technology Research Bureau International Fellowship
• 2013: Singapore Institute of Science and Technology Young Researcher Career Development Award
• 2011: Ministry of Education Excellent Self-financed International Student Scholarship
• 2008: National University of Singapore President Scholarship
• 2004: Korea Science and Technology Foundation Excellent Foreign Student Scholarship
• 2003: Excellent graduates of colleges and universities in Beijing

Dr. Li serves as a doctoral supervisor at SUSTech, mentoring students in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology research. He has secured significant research funding including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Joint Fund key support project and participated in the National Key R&D Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology. His lab has applied for 14 invention patents with 7 authorized, demonstrating strong translational potential of his research.

Dr. Li leads an active research group at Southern University of Science and Technology focused on optical probe development. The lab maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Singapore and the United States. Current projects emphasize the development of next-generation imaging agents for precision medicine applications, with particular focus on cancer diagnosis and regenerative medicine.