RGC Senior Research Fellow Scheme

Biography

Professor in Department of Physics at Hong Kong Baptist University
Research interests include complex neural dynamics and neural information processing, analysis and modeling of large-sale brain networks, structure-function relationship of brain cortical networks and collective dynamics of complex networks
SRFS project — to integrate our knowledge of nonlinear brain networks to address an important and impactful question on neuromodulation and to establish a new theoretical and experimental framework to identify effective strategies and brain network targets for modulating neurocognition and treating neuropsychiatric disorders with non-invasive neuromodulation technology, such as magnetic stimulation
Awards and Honours:
- RGC Senior Research Fellow (2023)
- HKBU President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Scholarly Work (2021)
- HKBU Faculty Award for Outstanding Research Supervision (2020)

Project Title

Stiffness in Nonlinear Brain Connectome: Identifying Effective Strategies for Modulating Neurocognition and Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Award Citation

Professor Changsong Zhou is Head of Department of Physics, Director of Centre for Nonlinear Studies, and Director of the Life Science Imaging Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).

Prof. Zhou is a highly recognized expert in brain studies and complex systems. He has investigated fundamental organization principles of neural networks and brain functions from the perspective of nonlinear complex network systems. He integrates approaches of mathematical and physics-based modeling, computer simulations and the analysis of experimental neuroimaging data in terms of complex connectivity and activity patterns in the brain. He aims to reveal dynamical mechanisms and the functional relevance of highly complex brain dynamics. He collaborates extensively with experimental neuroscientists and cognitive scientists locally and internationally. Their joint, cross-disciplinary efforts have led to important insights into brain working underlying cognitive functions and disorders.

He has published over 160 research papers in interdisciplinary journals such as Nature Communications, PNAS, Physical Review Letters, J Neuroscience. He was recognized to be among the World’s Top 2 percent scholars. He was the recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Young Researcher 2011, Faculty/School Award for Outstanding Research Supervision 2020 and President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Scholarly Work 2021 at HKBU.

In this SRFS project, Prof. Zhou’s team aims to establish a new theoretical and experimental framework based on nonlinear brain network models to identify effective strategies and brain network targets for modulating neurocognition and treating neuropsychiatric disorders with non-invasive neuromodulation technology, such as magnetic stimulation. The project will provide very rich and unique opportunities to train young talents for transdisciplinary brain studies. The active international collaborative network of Prof. Zhou will provide opportunities for group members to conduct innovative interdisciplinary projects and research exchanges.