Forum Chair: Prof. Li LI / The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Biography:
Biography: Prof. Li LI is a Professor in the Division of Integrative Systems and Design & Devision of Art and Machine Creativity of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Director of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (ab. HKRITA of HKARG), Director of Research Center of SMART FiberTech, Chief Editor of Journal of Design Intelligence, Technical Expert under the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme (NITTP), and the Fellow of Royal Society of Arts.
Prior to joining HKUST, Prof. Li Li was the Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Chinese Culture and Creative Design in the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, she also serves as Director in PolyU Technology and Consultancy Co. Limited (ab. PTeC), Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (ab. PAIR,twenty independent research institutes under its umbrella ), Founding Director of China Resources-PolyU Joint Research Institute for Carbon Neutral New Materials (ab.RICnnM), Affiliate Faculty Member of Department of Biomedical Engineering of HKPolyU. Before entering academia, Professor Li worked in the fashion industry for seven years and won the championship of the Art of Fashion International Competition. Her research interests include design thinking, functional fiber design, and advanced manufacturing. She has strong collaboration with various local and international brands and companies. She has successfully secured 73 projects and the developed technologies and products are used for various commercial purposes with a total knowledge transfer value of more than HK$ 350 million. Her research outcome is highly recognized by industry, generating a great impact on business.
Title: Unleashing the Creative Potential:
Textiles as Catalysts for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Commercialization
Traditionally associated with creativity, craftsmanship, and functional aesthetics, the field of textiles is now poised for reinvention. In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving application demands, it is essential to reimagine the potential of textiles, soft materials that extend far beyond conventional uses. This talk, drawing on the research of Prof. Li Li, explores how textiles can serve as catalysts for transforming the creative industry, driving commercial success, and unlocking new opportunities across diverse sectors.
Textiles offer a versatile and powerful medium for creative design, presenting a broad range of possibilities for designers and researchers across disciplines. Their tactile qualities can evoke emotions and convey narratives, enabling immersive and interactive experiences. Moreover, textiles provide fertile ground for experimentation and innovation, where advances in smart technology, material science, and sustainable design are pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques and applications, spanning design, healthcare, agriculture, archaeology, and electronics. Textiles also play a key role in fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and creative professionals, stimulating innovative thinking and encouraging cross-disciplinary exchange. By cultivating a supportive ecosystem, the commercialization of textile innovations can be accelerated, leading to a thriving creative industry.
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