Associate Professor,
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. Jingzheng Ren is currently an Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has been selected as the only winner of the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE Prize), in recognition of his scientific contribution commitment to excellence in “Innovation to achieve economic, environmental, and social goals” and Bio-Circular-Green Economy. Heworked as an Assistant Professor, then an Associate Professor at University of Southern Denmark before moving to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is also an Associated Senior Research Fellow of Institute for Security & Development Policy (Sweden) and was also appointed as Honorary Associate Professor of University of Southern Denmark (Denmark). His research focuses on process systems engineering for energy, environment and sustainability.
He has published more than 400 publications including more than 300 SCI indexed journal papers, 1 authored book by Springer, more than 20 edited books (published by Elsevier, Springer, World Scientific Publishing and AIP, etc.), and more than 50 book chapters. All his papers were published in the top-tier journals such as Nature Series Journals (Nature Food and Nature Communications) and Cell Press Series or Partner Journals (The Innovation and STAR Protocols). and he is also ranked in the top 2% scientists listed in The Stanford List since 2020.
He serves as the co-editor-in-chief, editor, associate editor, specialty chief editor, or section chief editors of more than 10 journals belonging to Elsevier, Springer, AIP or some other publishers as well as the guest editor of more than 20 special issues. He also served as the general chair, session chair, organizing committee member, academic member and technical committee member of more than 30 international conferences as well as referee of many international grants.
“AI and Systems engineering for waste-to-wealth: achieving circular economy, carbon-neutrality and sustainability transition“
This talk will delve into the challenges posed by various types of waste—such as biomass, waste plastics, medical waste, and waste tires—and examine the limitations of conventional thermochemical treatment methods, including gasification and pyrolysis. The presentation will introduce a range of systems engineering tools, such as process design, simulation and optimization, artificial intelligence modeling, sustainability assessment, multi-attribute decision-making, supply chain management, industrial symbiosis, and circular economy principles, all aimed at enabling sustainable "waste-to-wealth" conversion. Key topics will cover the innovative design and optimization of waste-to-energy processes, lifecycle sustainability assessment and decision-making advancements, and holistic system innovations focused on achieving carbon neutrality and driving sustainable transformation. The speaker will also present cutting-edge systems engineering approaches, processes, and methodologies to facilitate the sustainable utilization of waste resources.