Brief Bio

Brief Bio

I am a Professor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational biology. I received my M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Northeast Normal University in 2012 and 2015, respectively.

  • 2015 – 2016: Academic Visitor, University of Surrey, UK
  • 2017 – 2019: Senior Research Associate, City University of Hong Kong
  • 2020 – Present: Professor & Principal Investigator, Jilin University

Research Highlights

Our group, grounded in computational methodologies, focuses on employing advanced deep-learning techniques to decode complex biological and biomedical datasets. Our contributions include: (1). Single-cell RNA-seq, Multi-omics, and Spatial transcriptomics: By harnessing state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms, our group has pioneered methods to analyze single-cell RNA sequencing data. Venturing further into multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics, we strive to uncover the intricate molecular layers within cells, shedding light on the spatial intricacies of transcriptional processes. (2). Protein-RNA Binding Predictions: An integral part of our research involves predicting Protein-RNA interactions. Utilizing deep learning methodologies, we have developed precise models that accurately predict these molecular dialogues, opening avenues for the discovery of innovative diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic strategies.

AreaRepresentative Methods & Journals
Single-cell Epigenetic Regulation & Hi-CscAGDE, DeepNanoHi-C — Nature Communications, Advanced Science, Nucleic Acids Research
Protein–RNA InteractionHDRNet, 3UTRBERT — Nature Communications, Advanced Science
Single-cell & Spatial OmicsscMGCA, stDCL — Nature Communications, Advanced Science
  • >160 peer-reviewed papers
  • 12 papers in Nature Communications, Advanced Science, and Nucleic Acids Research
  • >4,500 Google Scholar citations, h-index 36 (July 2025)

Honors & Awards

  • World’s Top 2 % Scientists list (2020-2024)
  • MIT Technology Review Innovators in Intelligent Computing: Selected as one of the “China Innovators in Intelligent Computing” by MIT Technology Review
  • National High-Level Young Talent Program: Awarded through China’s national young talent initiative.
  • Jilin Provincial Innovative Talent: Recognized as an Innovative and Top-notch Talent of Jilin Province

Research Interests

  • Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
  • Protein–RNA and 3D genome architecture
  • Interpretable deep learning & graph neural networks

Recruitment:

Prof. Li is always looking for highly motivated Master’s and Ph.D. students to join his group and conduct cutting-edge research in bioinformatics and applied deep learning. Each year, approximately 2 Ph.D. studentships and 3 Master’s studentships are available. Outstanding undergraduates with exemption qualifications are also welcome. If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies under his supervision, please send your CV via email for consideration (Email: lixt314@jlu.edu.cn).