Foreword

BioMedical Photonics (BMP) is a relatively new cross-discipline, which may be defined as science and technology that harnesses the entire range of electromagnetic radiation whose quantum unit is the photon to solve problems arising in medicine and biology. The gestation, growth and development of BMP have been shaped by the convergence of three scientific and technological revolutions (quantum theory revolution, technology revolution in laser, microchip and nanotechnology, and genomics revolution) in the 20th century. Genomics and proteomics open up an entirely new approach to biomedical research. BMP can undoubtedly bring a bright future to biomedical research because of their abilities to yield the critical information bridging molecular structure and corresponding physiological function, which is the most important process to understand, treat, and prevent disease.

Attracted by the wonderful future, Qingming Luo, Shaoqun Zeng and Hui Gong founded the B.Chance Lab for Biomedical Photonics in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in March 1997. It is the first lab named for biomedical photonics in P. R. China.

For over half a dozen years, our work has been enriched by collaborating with many faculties in colleges and universities at home and abroad. There are many people to thank after years of effort. We especially thank Dr. Britton Chance, whose support and help directly led to the establishment of the Key Laboratory of Biomedical Photonics of Ministry of Education. Former President of HUST, Prof. Ji Zhou (academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering) and the Chairman of HUST Committee, Prof. Yuquan Zhu helped create a supportive and harmonious working environment. Former Vice-Minister of Education, Prof. Yu Wei (academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering) showed great concern and care to the emerging cross-discipline, which gave impetus to our efforts. We benefited a lot from a whole community of internationally eminent experts in the field including Valery V. Tuchin, Steven L. Jacques, Lihong V. Wang, Hong Liu, and Min Gu, etc. We would like to take this opportunity to show our sincere thanks to these people for their concern and support. We should also appreciate the support and guarantee from Administrative Offices of HUST, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Ministry of Education (MOE), the Science and Technology Department of Hubei province and Wuhan city.

Joining Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics is a fresh point of departure for new development. We are confident to see an internationally influential Center for BMP Science and Technology after years of hard work.