Internal News

Successful Defense of Postdoctoral Thesis Proposal by Dr. Rens Elia Burghardt at CUHK SZRI

On the afternoon of July 9, 2025, the postdoctoral thesis proposal defense for Dr. Rens Elia Burghardt, was successfully conducted. Dr. Burghardt got his Ph.D degree from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the CUHK Faculty of Medicine in 2024 and started his postdoctoral training at Shenzhen Research Institute since 2025.

The defense was held in a hybrid mode, at the Shenzhen Virtual University Park. The examiner panel was chaired by Associate Professor Meng Qinglin from South China University of Technology, members including Professor Huang Pingbo from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Wei Chaogang from Shenzhen Longgang ENT Hospital, Professor Yu Xiongjie from Zhejiang University, and Professor Jan Schnupp, the co-supervisor from CUHK.

Dr. Burghardt's research proposal was titled "Towards Near-Normal Spatial Hearing: Identifying Neural Markers of Interaural Time Differences via Fast Cochlear Implant-Compatible Optical and Electroencephalographic Imaging”, during the defense, he elaborated on how the research project aims to improve spatial hearing and tone perception abilities in cochlear implant (CI) users and develop methods to objectively measure these improvements using CI-compatible neuroimaging devices. By investigating temporal processing—a fundamental limitation in current CI technology—this study systematically investigates its effects on spatial hearing and tone perception through three phases: baseline assessment, cross-sectional study, and intervention study. The project aims to enhance the quality of life and improve speech comprehension among CI users, bringing significant breakthroughs to the field of hearing rehabilitation.

After in-depth discussion, the panel members agreed that the research direction is of great theoretical and practical significance, expressed highly positive recognition of the preliminary research work, and provided valuable suggestions as well. Finally, after having the key points summarized by the Professor Jan Schnupp, the supervisor, the panel unanimously approved Dr. Burghardt's postdoctoral thesis proposal.

The main research areas of the CUHK-Shenzhen Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Institute include tumors of the head and neck, hearing, and other otorhinolaryngology-related diseases. The team led by Professor Tong Chi Fai Michael, is committed to making the institute an important platform for scientific research and exchange, medical and biological research and development, and health cooperation in the field of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.