Jin Labs

6th Summer Datathon on Linguistic Linked Open Data (SD-LLOD-26)

jinlabs_admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 23:32:58 +0000

From 30 August to 4 September 2026, I attended the 1st GOBLIN Training School / 6th Summer Datathon on Linguistic Linked Open Data (SD-LLOD-26) at Villa Cagnola, Gazzada Schianno, Italy, near Milan.

It was an intensive and memorable week. We had seminars and hands-on sessions on SPARQL, VocBench, RML, metadata, LLM-based evaluation of Linguistic Linked Data, corpora annotation, and Knowledge Graph embeddings. On the final day, we also enjoyed an invited talk by Dr. Raquel Amaro, “Why lexical data still matter in the age of LLMs”, followed by final project presentations and awards.

Beyond the academic programme, Gazzada Schianno also gave me many unexpected memories. We visited Santa Caterina del Sasso, an ancient church and hermitage built into the cliff by Lago Maggiore. The boat trip across the lake was beautiful. In the evening, we also visited Villa Cagnola, the historic villa where we stayed. I learned that it was once an old noble estate, with collections including Chinese porcelain from the Yuan and Qing periods. Standing in the villa and looking across Lago di Varese, I could even see the snowy peaks of the Alps in the distance.

Our team worked on the mini-project “Automatic Classification of Literal Properties in Text-Rich Knowledge Graphs”, exploring how lightweight features and classifiers can help distinguish short terms, long descriptions, and numerical values in knowledge graphs.

A big thank you to my wonderful teammates: Huan Chen, Phonephet Vilaysack, Randy Saputra, Muhammad Azam Afridi, and Wenting Sun, and special thanks to our tutor Katerina Gkirtzou for the guidance and support.

Beyond the technical learning, what I will remember most is the friendship, teamwork, and shared moments with people from different places. This experience will stay with me for a long time.

Life is like this: some people arrive, some people leave, and we all continue our own journeys. It was short, intense, and unforgettable. I am grateful for the people I met, the work we did together, and the friendship we built. Take care, everyone — hope to meet again in the future.

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CEISEE 2026 in Cork: Reflections on AI, Software Engineering Education and Academic Community

jinlabs_admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 21:46:57 +0000

I was delighted to attend CEISEE 2026 – the China-Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education, held at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, on 27–28 August 2026. It was a very rewarding few days in Cork, with opportunities not only for academic exchange, but also for reflecting on how rapidly AI is reshaping computer science and software engineering education.

One of the highlights was the keynote by Professor Klaas-Jan Stol from University College Cork, titled “Onboarding of Software Professionals in a Hybrid World.” His talk discussed how software professionals adapt to increasingly hybrid working environments and how software development practices continue to evolve. It was particularly interesting to consider these changes alongside the rapid development of Generative AI and AI-assisted software engineering. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into programming, development and professional workflows, the skills we expect students to develop—and the way we teach and assess them—will also need to evolve.

Another valuable part of the conference was the China-Europe panel discussion on “Impact of AI on Software Engineering Education and the Potential Response Strategies.” The discussion brought together academics from both Europe and China to exchange perspectives on how universities should respond to the opportunities and challenges created by AI. Topics around curriculum design, assessment, student learning and the changing role of educators were especially relevant to my own teaching and research interests. It was useful to hear how colleagues from different educational systems are thinking about many of the same questions.

Beyond the technical programme, I also learned a great deal from the people who have built and sustained this academic community. In particular, it was inspiring to see the continued support and leadership of our Honorary Chairs, Professor Xiaofei Xu and Professor Bing Wu, and to learn from their experience in developing CEISEE over more than 20 editions. Building a long-running international academic forum requires not only research expertise, but also vision, commitment, collaboration and the ability to bring people together year after year. This was a valuable example for me as I think about my own future academic development and the possibility of organising workshops, forums and conferences in the years ahead.

The visit to Cork was also very enjoyable. I stayed at The Kingsley Hotel, which provided a relaxing setting during the conference. The riverside environment, particularly the restaurant overlooking the river, was a great place to unwind and continue conversations with colleagues after a full day of sessions.

Overall, CEISEE 2026 was a highly rewarding experience. I came away with new ideas about AI and software engineering education, new perspectives from colleagues across China and Europe, and a better appreciation of the long-term effort required to build a successful international academic community.

Many thanks to the organisers, chairs, speakers and participants who made the event possible. I look forward to bringing some of these ideas into my own teaching, research and future academic activities.

Cork, Ireland | 27–28 August 2026.

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A Memorable Ending: Neuroscience, Qixi Festival and the Sea Sunset

jinlabs_admin — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:09:06 +0000

This last day of the conference left me truly impressed. At first, I thought this was just a national-level organisation, but it turned out to be much more than that. Many senior researchers attended, delivered inspiring talks, and shared career insights highly relevant to my own research. Their journeys and advice gave me a lot to reflect on for my own career development.

The morning started with Professor Charlie Stagg from the University of Oxford, who gave a fascinating talk on “Revolutionising precise neuromodulation for human motor control.” Her presentation showed how carefully targeted brain stimulation techniques can open up new ways to improve human motor control. It was not only scientific but also full of translational potential for rehabilitation and clinical applications.

Later, the conference also invited several industry partners, especially from the EEG neuroscience field. One highlight was Alison Buick from Cumulus Neuroscience, who presented their validation study “CNS-101: A validation study of multimodal digital biomarkers for longitudinal at-home use in dementia patients.” It was very interesting to see how a company integrates EEG with digital health tools, working to bring research closer to real-world healthcare applications. I found it particularly exciting because it connects directly to my interest in EEG-based systems.

At the end of the day, Professor Mark Cunningham from Trinity College Dublin gave the DIA Award lecture: “From neurons to networks: A journey through the dynamic brain.” His speech was very impressive — he shared the history of his research, the challenges, the progress, and the people he worked with along the way. It was not only about scientific achievements but also about building a career and community in neuroscience. I learned a lot from his talk, and I really hope to have the chance to work with him in the future. He is a great role model for me.

After the conference closed, I had to catch the train at 6 PM to return home. Coincidentally, today was also Qixi Festival (七夕节), known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. It is a traditional festival that celebrates the legendary love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, who are allowed to meet only once a year across the Milky Way.

Before heading to the train station, I wanted to buy a small gift for my fiancée Luhan. Many doll shops in Belfast were already closed by 5 PM, but luckily, I found a nice shop near Victoria Square — Mooch Belfast (Arthur Street). Since I was born in the Year of the Dog and Luhan loves dogs very much, I picked up some dog-themed gifts for her.

On the way back, when the train passed Malahide, there was a short section of railway running almost on the sea — with water stretching out on both sides. At that moment, the sun was setting, casting golden light across the waves. It was such a breathtaking scene, and I felt both peaceful and excited, rushing to get home to see Luhan.

This trip to Belfast was a wonderful experience — full of inspiration, learning, and beautiful memories. A perfect ending to the conference, and a meaningful day both professionally and personally.

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Posters, People and Perspectives

jinlabs_admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:18:18 +0000

The second day of the Neuroscience Ireland Conference started with a classic British breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Fried egg, beans, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, hash brown and toast – a perfect hearty way to fuel up for a full day of science and discussions.

After breakfast, I headed to Queen’s University Belfast Whitla Hall for registration and to prepare my poster presentation. My poster was displayed at number 22, titled “Time-Resolved Method for Spectral Analysis based on Linear Predictive Coding, with Application to EEG.” It was exciting to stand by my work, share ideas and answer questions from colleagues.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting new friendly researchers. Right next to me was Guy Sion from Israel, at poster number 23. His work was titled “Varanid Teeth Asymmetry and Correlation to Body Size.” It was interesting to see how his research connected biological structures with functional asymmetry, something quite different from neuroscience but very inspiring to hear about.

The conference sessions were equally stimulating. I attended a keynote lecture by Professor John Foxe from the University of Rochester, USA. His talk on “Oscillatory Brain Activity and the Deployment of Selective Attention” was both insightful and inspiring. One key lesson I took away was that delivering a great scientific presentation is not just about one paper or one piece of work – it is about building a coherent story across a series of studies, something that takes time and accumulation.

Another fascinating session was by Professor Daniel Smith from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His topic, “A circadian neuroscience perspective on bipolar disorder,” reminded me of the Chinese traditional medical theory of Yin and Yang balance. While Chinese medicine approaches this from centuries of human experience and observation, modern neuroscience is now uncovering biological mechanisms that echo this balance – in this case, circadian rhythms and mental health. It was inspiring to see how ancient ideas and modern science sometimes align.

In the evening, I joined the Campus Walking Tour at 6:30 PM (see photo 7). It was a guided stroll through the historic grounds of Queen’s University Belfast, where we admired the stunning Victorian Lanyon Building, leafy quadrangles, and hidden gems across the campus. The guide shared fascinating stories about the university’s academic and cultural heritage. It was the perfect way to stretch our legs, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks.

Finally, we ended the day with the Conference Drinks Reception (6:30 – 7:30 PM). I had a wonderful time chatting with two new friends from Israel and also catching up with Arjun, a PhD student from TU Dublin.

Overall, it was a lovely and inspiring day – filled with science, new friendships and memorable experiences at Queen’s University Belfast.

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A Day of Trains, History and First Impressions in Belfast

jinlabs_admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:37:21 +0000

This morning, I took the train from Dublin to Belfast to attend the Neuroscience Ireland Conference. Although Ireland and Northern Ireland share the same island, Northern Ireland belongs to the UK, so as a foreigner I had to apply for a UK visa in advance. I’m very grateful to my school for sponsoring all the conference fees this time and it really helps my career development.

The day started with some unexpected stress: the Luas was not running for some reason, so I had to run from home to Connolly Station. I arrived just five minutes before the train departed, sweaty and overheated, but relieved to make it on time.

The first photo shows my arrival at Belfast Grand Central Station, a modern and busy hub with many people coming and going.

Since hotel check-in is usually at 3 PM and I arrived around 11 AM, my first stop was Belfast City Hall. This landmark is not only beautiful but also full of history. Inside, I learned about Belfast’s industrial achievements and its role in the political story of Ireland. The city has a strong connection with the debates around Home Rule, a recurring theme in Irish and British history.

Visiting here also reminded me of my trip in 2018 with my girlfriend. It’s hard to believe that was already seven years ago, we were both so young back then. This time, I spent more time exploring the exhibitions and was fascinated by the city’s proud industrial past.

Afterwards, I walked to Victoria Square, one of Belfast’s major shopping centers. At the top floor viewing dome, I had a panoramic view of the city. From there, I could spot landmarks like the Harland & Wolff cranes near the docks – symbols of Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.

On the way out, I discovered the Flatiron Belfast, a striking triangular red-brick building. Its style immediately reminded me of Shanghai’s 武康大楼 (Normandie Apartments), with its narrow, wedge-shaped design that makes it stand out at a street corner.

I then headed to St George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. Although it wasn’t open today, I could still appreciate its historic architecture and imagine the lively atmosphere when traders and visitors fill the space.

Continuing my walk towards my hotel, I passed the BBC Northern Ireland Broadcasting House. The BBC is one of the most famous media organizations in the world, and Belfast’s branch has played an important role, especially during times of conflict. The photos show both its historical significance and ongoing renovation work.

Finally, I arrived at my hotel – Ibis Belfast Queens Quarter. From my window, I had a direct view of the Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, a beautiful and historic building with its distinctive stone towers.

After checking in, I took a short rest, as I hadn’t slept well the previous night. The hotel kindly provided me with a wine voucher, and in the evening, I enjoyed a Franciscan Well Chieftain IPA. I don’t usually drink much alcohol, so even one pint felt like a lot for me, but it was refreshing and relaxing.

That concludes my first day in Belfast. Tomorrow the official sessions of the Neuroscience Ireland Conference will begin and I’m looking forward to learning and engaging with researchers from across the country.

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ARISE 2025 Showcase

jinlabs_admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:54:57 +0000

Today, I attended the Arise showcase, an event stemming from the TU Dublin Arise program. This accelerator is designed to empower TU Dublin’s emerging entrepreneurs by providing the foundational support, mentorship, and resources needed to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses and secure crucial funding.

One important piece of advice I remember today from a guest speaker was, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Really amazing words! It made me think that when you have something you truly want to do, you should absolutely go for it and try your best. You are the best person to pursue your own goals, and waiting for others can definitely slow you down. However, when you’re working on something bigger, you need a supportive environment and should consider collaborating with and helping others. Both approaches are equally important.

Also, with enterprise funding events like today’s, it’s not easy to build connections. Really not easy. What I initially perceived as straightforward – simply engaging in conversation – has proven surprisingly difficult. I’ve found it hard to discern genuine interest from polite exchanges, particularly with cultural differences potentially at play. It’s a disheartening experience to have positive in-person interactions that don’t translate into follow-up email responses. This has left me feeling a bit self-conscious and questioning my approach to networking.

Despite these social hurdles, the event itself was beneficial, and I’m determined to learn from these experiences and continue pushing forward. I believe in my abilities!

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2025 EUT+ SAML Workshop

jinlabs_admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 19:30:49 +0000

Today, I had the honor of chairing a session on Human-Centred AI at the EUT+ SAML Workshop. This marked my first time organizing an academic event, and it’s a significant milestone for me.

EUT+, the European University of Technology, is an alliance of nine technological universities, including TU Dublin, focused on creating inclusive, human-centered technology. The workshop I chaired was part of the Statistical and Machine Learning (SAML) group’s third annual event, “Statistical and Machine Learning: Methods and Applications (SAML-25),” hosted at TU Dublin, Ireland, on June 5th and 6th, 2025. This event was designed to strengthen research collaborations and discussions within the EUt+ data science community.

I was genuinely happy when Tania invited me to chair this session. Even though it was a relatively small event, it was meaningful and felt like a step in my academic journey. Facilitating discussions on Human-Centred AI, a topic I’m deeply passionate about, was a fantastic experience. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue contributing to the field.

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From Ethnography to Generative AI

jinlabs_admin — Thu, 22 May 2025 21:50:18 +0000

A day of exploring research through Ethnography and AI-powered productivity tools.

The morning session, Ethnography and Health Services Research, was led by Dr. Miriam Galvin and Ms. Lesley Doyle. We discussed the history and practical application of ethnographic methods in health research and digital healthcare technologies. The session mapped different levels of health services research—sub-individual, individual, and population level—using real-world examples from the Academic Unit of Neurology at TCD. It highlighted the importance of ethics, governance, and data privacy in health systems research.

In the afternoon, we dove into Enhancing Research Productivity through Generative AI with Prof. Tomás Ward. This highly interactive session explored how researchers can use cutting-edge AI tools to streamline their workflows—from writing and analysis to app development and dissemination.

We were encouraged to set up free accounts on several leading platforms:

OpenAI (for ChatGPT),
Claude by Anthropic, and
Mistral for open-weight language models.

Additionally, we were advised to use a Google account to access Google Colab—a cloud-based notebook environment that enables you to write and execute Python code, including using Gemini, Google’s own large language model for code generation and data analysis.

We also explored how AI can assist in app development using platforms like Replit, where you can prototype applications quickly. One creative workflow example was using ChatGPT to generate prompts or backend logic, then applying it within Replit to build functional prototypes.

A key highlight was Prompt Engineering, where we learned detailed methods and classifications of how to craft effective prompts. This included:

Zero-shot prompting,
Role-based prompting,
Chain-of-thought prompting, and more.

We were introduced to learnprompting.org—a fantastic open-source resource that teaches prompt engineering from beginner to advanced levels, offering structured lessons and hands-on examples.

It was a fantastic and practical training session. I was especially happy to finally meet Prof. Tomás Ward in person—whom I first came to know over three years ago during my time as an occasional lecturer at Maynooth University. His guidance today not only improved my understanding of AI tools but also inspired new directions in my research and career planning.

Many thanks to all the speakers today!

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Governance of Healthcare Data

jinlabs_admin — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:51:28 +0000

A full day of learning about data governance, privacy, and ethical use of healthcare data.

Today’s workshop was held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Mercer Building, focusing on the governance and safe use of healthcare data. It brought together researchers and experts to explore how to handle sensitive medical data responsibly and effectively.

We explored how healthcare data can be used responsibly in research while following legal and ethical standards.

Overview of major regulations: GDPR, EU AI Act, EU Data Governance Act, and the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
Introduction to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) for managing health data
Key challenges: data standardization, cybersecurity, privacy, and legal concerns
Methods to ensure data quality: accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, integrity, and relevance
Strategies for data protection: encryption, secure storage, anonymization, and controlled access
Responsible use of AI and medical chatbots, with a focus on trust, regulation, and patient safety
Ethical considerations in publishing and sharing sensitive or identifiable data

The session gave us a strong foundation in navigating health data governance and using data ethically in real-world research.

Big thanks to Clare Harney and Mike Kelliher for their insights. The session was packed with valuable content, practical guidance, and thoughtful discussions.

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Welcome to My Website!

jinlabs_admin — Mon, 12 May 2025 22:27:13 +0000

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