Get to know our new AIS faculty!

We’re thrilled to introduce Prof. Hongbo FU, Acting Head in the new Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) and Professor in the Division of the Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA). As an internationally recognized and highly accomplished researcher in the multidisciplinary areas of computer graphics, human-computer interaction, virtual and augmented reality, and computer vision, Prof. FU brings his extensive experience to lead the development of the new Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC).

Here’s a glimpse into the insights and cutting-edge research of Prof. FU!

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Could you tell us more about you? 

Before joining HKUST, I worked at the School of Creative Media (SCM), the City University of Hong Kong for over 15 years. SCM emphasizes the fusion of art and tech, and encourages interdisciplinary teaching and research. I have been attracted by the interdisciplinary activities by HKUST in recent years and am excited to join the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS). I graduated from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST in 2007 and am happy to return home. 

I have conducted research in computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and computer vision. I am interested in developing novel algorithms and interfaces to facilitate the easy creation of 2D and 3D visual content. For example, our team has developed various tools for sketch-based image/video synthesis of human portraits and content/interaction prototyping in mobile Augmented Reality (AR). 
 

What inspired you to specialize in this line of research?
There is a high demand for ordinary users to create visual content, including drawings, images, videos, 3D models, etc. However, existing content creation tools are largely limited to professional users. This gap has motivated me to develop more accessible tools for visual content creation. 
 

What impact do you want your work to have on society?

It would bring me great joy to see our tools empower ordinary users to express themselves more creatively with 2D and 3D visual content.

Do you have any advice for students interested in your research area?

Stay hungry, stay foolish. 

Could you share a fun fact about you?

Although my surname, “Fu”, may translate to “vice” or “associate” in Chinese, I am a full professor.