Group photo of all participants
The Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE) at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) successfully held an engaging seminar titled " Advancing Research and Teaching Innovation in Engineering" on April 2, 2025. The event featured Prof. Sun Qiao, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada and Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, attracting over 150 faculty members and students.
Prof. Sun Qiao delivered keynote speech
Prof. Sun began with an in-depth exploration of model-based control and digital twin technology. She highlighted their innovative applications in mechanical systems, demonstrating how these advancements significantly enhance industrial productivity and drive breakthroughs in academic research. Her insights opened new perspectives for attendees on the future of engineering technologies.
Following this, Prof. Sun shared her experiences in promoting educational innovation at the University of Calgary. She detailed various educational reforms aimed at alternative admission pathways, which have successfully attracted students from diverse backgrounds and significantly increased female enrollment in engineering study. Additionally, she discussed a Bioengineering Summer Institute that offered students a unique learning experience and broadened their academic perspectives. She also introduced Integrated Project-based Learning (IPBL), which incorporates the development of employability skills and professional responsibilities into the curriculum, effectively enhancing students' comprehensive abilities. Furthermore, she highlighted the Maker Space as an important platform for innovative practice, providing students with a venue to implement their innovative ideas. These initiatives have yielded significant results in optimizing curriculum development, increasing student enrollment rates, and enhancing student engagement.
During the Q&A session, faculty members and students from the FIE engaged in in-depth discussions with Prof. Sun. Participants praised her valuable insights into merging research frontiers with teaching innovation, sparking reflections on how engineering education can evolve to meet future challenges.
The seminar not only showcased advancements in engineering research but also provided a platform for exploring teaching innovation. Prof. Sun’s sharing deepened attendees’ understanding of future directions in engineering research and education, and equipped students with strategies to tackle emerging challenges. The event marked a significant step in advancing teaching and research excellence at FIE.
