27/03/2026
You are warmly invited to join an upcoming seminar on Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience related to Mental Health, organised by the MSSPSY Programme and the Asian Chapter of Society for Social Neuroscience (S4SN).
Moderator: Dr. Bess Lam (Associate Head (Postgraduate Studies) and Associate Professor at Hong Kong Shue Yan University)
Speaker 1
Title: Cognitive Computational Neuroscience: Cross-Disciplinary Research Bridging Brain Mechanisms, Mental Health, and Brain-Inspired Intelligence
Speaker: Prof. KU Yixuan (Sun Yat-sen University)
Abstract (Talk Summary):
Abstract: In the age of artificial intelligence, our brains, despite processing vast amounts of information, possess a surprisingly limited working memory, necessitating the rapid and continuous flow of information. Our research delves deeply into the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying such memory representations. We further explore how memory performance can be optimized through the modulation of attention, reward mechanisms, and even neuromodulation technologies. Understanding and optimizing the brain's information-processing mechanisms hold immense potential. On one hand, it provides inspiration for developing novel brain-inspired intelligent models that are closer to the human brain's efficiency and low energy consumption. On the other hand, it helps us gain deeper insights into cognitive dysfunctions present in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. This understanding offers critical clues for early diagnosis, the development of novel rehabilitation training methods, and even neuromodulation intervention strategies, ultimately serving the goal of improving human health.
Biography (Brief):
Prof. KU Yixuan is a Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and a Distinguished Young Scholar under the "Hundred Talents Program" at Sun Yat-sen University. He holds a B.Eng. and Ph.D. from Tsinghua University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco. He is also a recipient of the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program. His primary research focuses on the neural mechanisms of memory and emotion. He has authored over 80 SCI/SSCI papers, with senior/corresponding author publications in leading journals including Alzheimer's & Dementia, Brain Stimulation, Cognition, Journal of Neuroscience, PLoS Computational Biology, and Progress in Neurobiology.
Speaker 2
Title: The Bipolar Transition: Mapping Early Neurodevelopmental Changes in Youth with Familial Risk
Speaker: Prof. LIN Kangguang (Professor, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen)
Abstract (Talk Summary):
This lecture presents findings from a 10-year prospective study mapping the neurodevelopmental trajectory of bipolar disorder in youth with familial risk. Our research identifies critical biomarkers and neural mechanisms that signal impending illness conversion years before clinical diagnosis. Through multimodal assessment including neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and biological markers, we have documented progressive alterations in prefrontal cortex development, disrupted emotional regulation circuits, and elevated neuroinflammatory markers that serve as early indicators of disease progression. The findings reveal a neurodevelopmental cascade model where genetic vulnerability interacts with environmental factors during critical developmental windows. We demonstrate how specific cognitive endophenotypes and neural circuit dysfunctions predict the transition from at-risk status to full-blown bipolar disorder. These insights provide a scientific foundation for early intervention strategies, offering new opportunities for risk stratification and preventive approaches in high-risk populations. The research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, advancing our understanding of bipolar disorder pathogenesis while informing targeted prevention efforts.
Mark your calendar
Date: April 24th (Friday)
Time: 2:30-4pm (Hong Kong Time)
Venue: HKSYU RHB 108 or ZOOM
Registration link: https://www3.hksyu.edu/eform/view.php?id=3186843
