Interview with Dr. Zhao Huayong:
A Research Journey Driven by Curiosity, from UM Laboratories to a British Lectern

Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at the University of Macau (UM) is about to undergo a historic restructuring—starting from AY2026/2027, it will officially split into three independent faculties—the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. At this pivotal moment of transition and renewal, we are honored to interview Dr. Zhao Huayong. A 2008 graduate of UM’s Electromechanical Engineering program, Dr. Zhao earned his PhD from the University of Oxford in 2012 and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics at Loughborough University in the UK. From Macao to Britain, from the laboratory to the lecture hall, he shares with young students a research journey fueled by curiosity.

Why Choose UM

In 2004, Zhao Huayong faced a pivotal decision in his life. Beyond academic considerations, he placed great importance on the language environment and cultivating a global perspective. Given that UM offers instruction entirely in English, this provided a solid foundation for his future applications to top overseas institutions. Furthermore, he specifically reviewed the faculty of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering and discovered that most professors had overseas study experience. Coupled with Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, these factors were highly attractive to students from the mainland. “All these factors combined led me to ultimately choose the University of Macau. Looking back now, I am very glad I made that decision.”

The Laboratory that changed his life

Choosing UM became a new starting point for Zhao, but stepping into Prof. Tam Lap Mou’s laboratory truly opened the door to his academic career. “Before joining the lab, I knew nothing about scientific research,” he recalls. What remains most memorable to this day is his first conversation with Professor Tam: “Professor Tam told me that research is about exploring the frontiers, discovering unsolved problems, and having the courage to try and learn new things.” These words deeply moved him. It was also during this period, after reading Professor Tien Chang-Lin’s book Microscale Energy Transport available in the lab, that he realized: “Undergraduate studies are based on highly simplified theories built on many assumptions, which may not hold true in reality. Only through research can we continuously explore the deepest layers of knowledge.” This experience sparked his initial desire to pursue an academic career and altered his future professional trajectory.

From UM to Oxford

His work in Prof. Tam Lap Mou’s laboratory not only ignited his passion for research but also became the key to unlocking the doors of Oxford. Thanks to UM’s ample resources and Professor Tam’s support and encouragement, Zhao was able to build an experimental setup from scratch and conduct original research. “I applied for a Master’s by Research. During the interview, my supervisor didn’t ask about grand future plans; instead, they focused on my understanding of the problems encountered in my research and the technical details. Most of the questions asked in the interview were topics I had already discussed in project meetings with Prof. Tam. Without my work in Prof. Tam’s lab, I likely would not have secured my place at Oxford.”

After completing his doctorate, Zhao joined Loughborough University in the UK, successively serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer. Reflecting on this journey, he admits, “Without curiosity, research is incredibly dull and full of pressure.” In the UK engineering sector, the vast majority of graduates eventually enter the industry, with only a minority pursuing research careers. “Therefore, for me, the most important thing is having a genuine interest and curiosity in this field.”

Opportunity for Development

Discussing the upcoming split of the Faculty of Science and Technology into three separate entities, Dr. Zhao views it as a very natural and timely structural adjustment. “Since I graduated, UM has developed extremely rapidly—both in terms of student enrollment and research directions. As resources and manpower in each direction become increasingly abundant, a clearer division of disciplines will facilitate deeper development within each field. The split also provides new opportunities to construct organizational models that are more conducive to interdisciplinary integration.”

Advice for Junior Students

Facing an era where artificial intelligence is sweeping the globe, he offers four sincere pieces of advice to the next generation: “The future will change very rapidly. Five or ten years from now, the overall job market will be completely different from today. First, build a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and truly understand the principles behind the tools you use. Second, cultivate critical thinking and maintain independent judgment regarding answers generated by AI. Third, embrace change and be ready to pivot your professional direction at any time. Fourth, strengthen soft skills such as communication and collaboration.”

He further encourages students: “The undergraduate stage is the best time to cultivate foundational capabilities. Therefore, excessively chasing hot tools and expecting to rely on a specific tool for your future career is a very risky mindset. What truly matters is understanding the principles behind the tools and possessing the ability to quickly adapt to new ones.”

From the labs of UM to the halls of Oxford, and finally to the lecture stages of the UK, Dr. Zhao Huayong’s academic journey has always revolved around one core: maintaining curiosity about science. As the UM Faculty of Science and Technology undergoes this historic restructuring, Zhao’s story offers inspiration to both faculty and students. In a world that changes in the blink of an eye and where knowledge constantly advances, only by maintaining passion and curiosity can one navigate a volatile environment with stability, ultimately realizing personal ideals.