Assist. Prof. Dr. Hailang Dai | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Associate research fellow, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Dr. Hailang Dai is an Associate Researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a rising expert in the fields of advanced optics, micro-lasers, and biomedical photonics. After completing his studies under the mentorship of renowned professors Xianfeng Chen and Zhuangqi Cao, Dr. Dai has become a pivotal figure in interdisciplinary research that merges optical technologies with medical applications. He has led and participated in numerous nationally funded projects, built the first interdisciplinary biomedical photonics laboratory at the university, and published over 50 high-impact research articles in journals like Physical Review Letters, Optics Letters, and Photonics Research.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dai began his academic journey at the School of Physics and Astronomy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he studied under esteemed mentors, laying a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental optics. Early in his career, he demonstrated outstanding academic potential, receiving multiple prestigious scholarships, including the National Scholarship, CICIFSA, and Huawei Scholarship. His deep curiosity in light–matter interactions and functional materials led him to focus on optoelectronic devices. His consistent excellence earned him admission to the highly competitive Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Talent Support Program, marking a significant step in his scholarly development.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dai’s professional path has been defined by interdisciplinary innovation and academic leadership. As an Associate Researcher and doctoral supervisor, he has guided research in advanced functional optoelectronics and biomedical optics. He established the first biomedical photonics laboratory at the Institute of Optical Science and Technology and has successfully led several China Postdoctoral Science Foundation projects. In collaboration with leading academics, he has contributed as first or co-author in top-tier journals. Dr. Dai is currently the Principal Investigator of the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund Project, showcasing his research leadership and forward-looking vision.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dai’s research has focused on micro-lasers, nonlinear optics, biomedical diagnostics, and integrated photonic devices. His groundbreaking work involves optical waveguides, high-Q cavities, and laser-based biomedical applications that address real-world challenges such as disease detection and therapeutic solutions. He uniquely combines optical science with biomedicine, exploring novel mechanisms for treating diseases using photonics-based technologies. His ability to connect fundamental physics with practical solutions has placed him at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, with work featured in journals like Physical Review Applied and Biomedical Optics Express.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Dai’s interdisciplinary research has had a transformational impact on the development of optical medical diagnostics and next-generation optoelectronic devices. His innovations in micro-laser technology and waveguide systems have contributed to both academic advancement and industrial application. His publications have been widely cited, reflecting the relevance and scientific merit of his work. Beyond his own research, he has inspired emerging scholars and helped shape a new generation of researchers in optical physics. His research bridges fundamental science and applied biomedical engineering, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in photonics-driven medical solutions.

📊 Academic Cites

Dr. Dai’s body of work is well-recognized in the academic community, garnering hundreds of citations across highly respected journals. His articles in Physical Review Letters, Nano Letters, Optics Express, and ACS Photonics are frequently cited by peers working in optics, material science, and biomedical engineering. This citation record underscores the broad applicability of his work and his standing as a credible, high-impact researcher. His collaborations with international scholars and consistent contributions to cutting-edge research ensure continued visibility and academic influence, positioning him as a thought leader in his interdisciplinary field.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Dai exhibits a wide spectrum of research skills including theoretical modeling, experimental design, nanofabrication, optical simulation, and biomedical instrumentation. His command of nonlinear optics, laser physics, and optical materials is complemented by his ability to integrate optical platforms into clinical research settings. He is adept in using tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, and FDTD for photonic simulations. His ability to conceptualize and execute multidisciplinary projects makes him highly valuable in collaborative research. Furthermore, his experience in establishing laboratories and managing research teams showcases his strong leadership and project execution abilities.

📚 Teaching Experience

As a doctoral supervisor, Dr. Dai has actively mentored graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, integrating them into his research on micro-lasers and biophotonics. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. He has also contributed to curriculum development in photonics and optical instrumentation, and frequently delivers seminars and research talks within the university and at academic conferences. His mentorship has resulted in student-led publications and project awards, underlining his role in academic development. Dr. Dai continues to foster a supportive learning environment, cultivating future leaders in optics and biomedical science.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Dai’s academic journey is marked by prestigious accolades such as the Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Scholarship, Huawei Scholarship, and the CICIFSA Doctoral Scholarship. He has also secured funding from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and is currently leading a Youth Fund Project from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. These recognitions not only highlight his scientific excellence but also acknowledge his dedication to national research goals. His consistent record of scholarships and grants reflects a career built on merit, innovation, and academic contribution.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hailang Dai is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of biophotonics and functional optics. With an established research infrastructure and a growing team, his next steps likely involve expanding international collaboration, exploring AI-integrated optical diagnostics, and commercializing his biomedical technologies. His vision includes making optical solutions more accessible for healthcare diagnostics and pioneering next-generation optoelectronic materials. As a mentor, innovator, and leader, his ongoing work will continue to inspire future scientists and impact both academic research and real-world healthcare applications, making him a strong contender for prestigious global research awards.

Publications Top Notes

📄 High-quality factor in a symmetrical metal-cladding optical waveguide

• Authors: Yi Lai, Zhangchi Sun, Dan Ru, Chenhuan Ding, Ling Ding, Chen Wang, Cenxin Luo, Hailang Dai, He Li

• Journal: Journal of Nonlinear Optical Physics & Materials

• Year: 2025

📄 Manipulation of Rare-Earth-Ion Emission by Nonlinear-Mode Oscillation in a Lithium Niobate Microcavity

• Authors: Jiangwei Wu, Yuxuan He, Qilin Yang, Xueyi Wang, Xiangmin Liu, Yong Geng, Guangcan Guo, Qiang Zhou, Xianfeng Chen, Yuping Chen

• Journal: Nano Letters

• Year: 2025

📄 Analysis of the key signaling pathway of baicalin that induces autophagy in papillary thyroid cancer via an optical resonator

• Authors: Yi Lai, Dan Ru, Chenhuan Ding, Chen Wang, Ling Ding, Cenxin Luo, Yujie Qi, Xianfeng Chen, Hailang Dai, He Li

• Journal: Biomedical Optics Express

• Year: 2025

📄 Ultralow-Threshold Lithium Niobate Photonic Crystal Nanocavity Laser

• Authors: Xiangmin Liu, Chengyu Chen, Rui Ge, Jiangwei Wu, Xianfeng Chen, Yuping Chen

• Journal: Nano Letters

• Year: 2025

📄A Sixteen‐user Time‐bin Entangled Quantum Communication Network With Fully Connected Topology

• Authors: Yiwen Huang, Zhantong Qi, Yilin Yang, Yuting Zhang, Yuanhua Li, Yuanlin Zheng, Xianfeng Chen

• Journal: Laser & Photonics Reviews

• Year: 2025