This thematic research area aims to design and develop new biomedical imaging methods and devices, biosensors, screening methods and treatment approaches.

A key focus of this group is biomedical ultrasound instrumentation and application including 3D ultrasound imaging, tissue elasticity imaging and measurement, photo-acoustic imaging, ultrasound molecular imaging, ultrasound neuromodulation, ultrasound biomicroscopy, ultrasound tissue characterisation, and ultrasound assessment of the heart, breast, liver, skin, tendon, muscle, cartilage, diabetic foot, etc.

Another key focus of this group is biomedical sensing, including the development of nano- and micro-biosensors, microfluidic devices, nanoporous membranes for sensing, microchips and micro- and smart-drug delivery devices.

We also develop wearable sensors for healthcare for motion and vital sign monitoring.

This thematic research area aims to apply engineering principles and tools to study the fundamental problems in tissue, cellular and molecular scales, overcoming the problem of tissue and organ failure, enabling the understanding of cellular behavior from molecular-level interactions, elucidating of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a broad spectrum of diseases, and tackling the human health-related challenges.

We are dedicated to research fields involving cellular mechanics, cell micro-environment, cellular electrophysiology, biomaterials, nanotechnology for theranostics, imaging-guided stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

This research area encompasses various clinical and engineering sciences related to the neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system.

The scope covers the molecular understanding of the pathologies associated with the NMS system and health protection against those diseases and disabling processes; laboratory, imaging and functional assessment of the NMS system; acute and long-term therapeutics for NMS disorders; sports-related science and technology; and assistive technologies for rehabilitation and enablement.

A major focus of this thematic area is to help develop healthcare technology that will support NMS health in the community.

This research grouping has long-standing collaborations with a number of world-class programmes overseas as well as with the two medical faculties in the universities of Hong Kong.

Prosthetics and orthotics aim to improve the condition and function of people with disabilities and thus enhance their quality of life.

The scope covers the design of prosthetic components and interfaces, control of prostheses, smart orthotic devices, management of foot problems, stroke, cerebral palsy, scoliosis and other spinal deformities, outcome measures of prosthetic and orthotic interventions, CAD-CAM applications, evidence-based practice and other engineering and clinical aspects of prosthetics and orthotics.

Rehabilitation engineering applies existing or emerging technologies for improving the independence and productivity of persons with disabilities. The Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Centre has offered direct expert services to the disabled and rehabilitation communities since 1987. Many research projects have been developed, namely environmental control and monitoring systems, special seating and mobility devices, augmentative and alternative communication devices, therapeutic training systems and robotic devices.

The following research centre under BME is associated with this theme:

• Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Centre

This research team has long-term collaborations with locally and internationally renowned research teams.