Wei Cai

Dr. Wei Cai is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean Science and Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). He also serves as Assistant to the President of the Academy of Marine Sciences at SUSTech and Assistant Director of the Shenzhen Branch of the Laboratory of Marine Science and Engineering of Guangdong Province. Additionally, he is the Deputy Director of the Marine Robot & Power System Laboratory and a member of the National Technical Committee for the Standardization of Submersibles.

Dr. Cai received his educational background as follows:

• Doctor of Biomedical Engineering: Zhejiang University, September 2007 - June 2012
• Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering: Zhejiang University, October 2002 - June 2007

Dr. Cai has dedicated his career to marine technology research for nearly 15 years, with expertise spanning multiple disciplines of ocean science and engineering. His primary research interests focus on marine sensors, scientific applications of submersibles, and polymetallic sulfide resources in the international seabed area. His work bridges engineering innovation with practical oceanographic applications, particularly in deep-sea exploration technologies. Dr. Cai has extensive field experience, having participated in 12 cruises on China Ocean Voyages, where he served as chief scientist for several important missions including sea trials of the "Qianlong II" AUV in 2016, "Qianlong III" AUV in 2018, and Deep-Sea Drilling Rig in 2021. His January 2019 expedition with the "Deep Sea Warrior" manned submersible reached a depth of 2,773 meters in the Southwest Indian Ocean, demonstrating his hands-on expertise in extreme deep-sea environments.

Dr. Cai's research portfolio demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental sensor development to sophisticated deep-sea exploration systems. His early work focused on chemical sensors for water quality monitoring, particularly for heavy metal detection, which laid the foundation for his later specialization in marine applications. Over time, his research evolved toward deep-sea technologies, with increasing emphasis on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), hydrothermal vent systems, and polymetallic sulfide resource exploration. His publications reveal strong interdisciplinary connections between chemical engineering, robotics, marine geology, and environmental science, with practical applications in both resource exploration and environmental protection.

Dr. Cai's scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award (Team), 2019
• Outstanding Contribution Award of China Marine Engineering Consulting Association (Team), 2019
• Outstanding Graduate of Zhejiang Province, 2012
• 2022 Pearl River Talent Plan Young Top Talent
• 2022 Shenzhen "Pengcheng Peacock Plan" Special Post C

As a principal investigator, Dr. Cai has secured significant research funding, including the National Key Research and Development Program of China, projects from the Deep Blue Project Fund by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and various provincial and national research grants. His leadership extends to serving as deputy chief designer of technical upgrade and scientific application of the "Qianlong II" AUV. Dr. Cai has also contributed to major scientific endeavors as a participant in numerous China Ocean Voyage projects, with funding ranging from millions to tens of millions of RMB per project.

Dr. Cai leads the Marine Robot & Power System Laboratory at SUSTech, where his team focuses on developing advanced marine technologies for deep-sea exploration. His laboratory work integrates robotics, sensor development, and data analysis to create comprehensive solutions for underwater research and resource exploration. The lab's current projects include developing high-sensitivity methane sensors for deep-sea environments, systems for detecting heavy metals in hydrothermal plumes, and wireless sensor networks for red tide early warning systems. This multidisciplinary approach positions Dr. Cai's team at the forefront of marine technology innovation in China.