Portsmouth academic appointed as member of new research panel

A University of Portsmouth industrial artificial intelligence application expert has been appointed as a panel member for a new initiative, which is an important new approach to funding interdisciplinary research.

Dr Hongjie Ma is a senior research fellow in the University’s Innovative Industrial Research group. He is one of 200 candidates from across academia and industry who has been selected for the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Interdisciplinary Assessment College. 

Dr Ma has extensive experience in integrating smart technology into practical applications, particularly focusing on making industrial processes more efficient and effective, even with limited computing resources. 

He said: “This innovative initiative, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research, represents a significant step in the research funding landscape in the UK. Being selected as one of 200 members from a wide range of disciplines reflects my personal commitment to interdisciplinary research and also enhances the reputation of our faculty in pioneering research efforts.

“I think this role is really quite interesting and there will be plenty of potential for fostering innovative solutions to global challenges. I’ll also be able to bring some of the knowledge and experience to our own research programmes here at Portsmouth.”

The UKRI Interdisciplinary Assessment College is a new venture designed to foster collaborative research endeavors across disciplines.

By convening experts from diverse fields, the College will play a vital role in shaping the direction of research funding and supporting projects that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Dr Ma from the University’s School of Energy and Electronic Engineering will be a panel member for two years.