A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research Seminar Series – Sharing by Prof Bradley R. Barnes and Prof Chen Xi
Prof Bradley R. Barnes leads the first session of the A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research seminar series, and shares his experiences in research.
The first session of the A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research seminar series for the 2025/26 academic year, organised by the School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University, was held on 3 October 2025. The event featured an inspiring talk titled Rags to Riches and Riches to Rags: Use Your Mind and Think of Your Mam (and Dad) by Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Special Advisor to President on Internationalization, and Director of Global Education as well as Professor in the Department of Marketing & International Business.
As a leading scholar in international markets and business, Prof Barnes has held senior academic roles in Hong Kong and the UK, and has collaborated closely with enterprises and trade associations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. Drawing on this practical experience, he frames his research as a sustained effort to understand how interpersonal and cultural dimensions shape business outcomes in cross-cultural contexts.
Prof Barnes opened with reflections on his journey “from rags to riches and riches to rags”, recounting his upbringing in Sheffield, the UK, his decision to leave school at 16, his return to higher education, and his subsequent international career across various sectors and regions. Juxtaposing the life stories of acquaintances who once followed professional paths, he encouraged young scholars to remain self-driven, resilient, and focused on long-term development.
PhD student Chai Yaping was inspired by Prof Barnes's insights into non-linear paths, which have provided her with valuable new perspectives.
Prof Chen Xi leads the second seminar in the Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research series to encourage young scholars.
The second session of the A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research Seminar Series for the 2025/26 academic year was held on 28 October. It featured an interesting talk titled Engineering Science as the Building Block for the Future by Prof Chen Xi, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Chair Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
A leading scholar in engineering science and sustainability, and recognised as one of the international pioneers in distributed carbon dioxide capture and utilisation, Prof Chen’s research addresses real-world challenges in energy, environment, nanotechnology, and biology. He has been very involved in scientific research and development related to carbon neutrality for over ten years.
Prof Chen gave a fascinating account of his journey from gifted child to leading researcher in mechanics and engineering sciences. He underscored the importance of motivation and seeking guidance from inspiring mentors. Throughout his presentation, the professor reiterated that engineering science is a vital foundation for future scientific and technological advancements, highlighting his contributions to fruit morphology applied to mechanical solutions and carbon dioxide capture and utilisation, as well as other notable industrial developments. He also pointed out the “next hot areas” in research, highlighting trends he has observed in water desalination, purification, and collection, and the challenges of exploring and using the deep ocean.
To conclude, Prof Chen emphasised that motivation is the cornerstone of all success, and encouraged students to harness their creativity. “Find things that others may overlook. Open up new areas and make your studies impact other fields. Think differently.” He also stressed the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise, and actively creating one’s own opportunities.
Mr Zhang Ruifeng, a PhD student from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, comments that the seminar is not only inspiring, but also equips him with a clearer roadmap to success in academia.