Provable methods for structured inference and optimization
What's new
Three core areas
From mathematical structure to scalable computation.
Structured graphical-model reasoning
Message passing, Bethe methods, and graph covers for inference and counting.
Provable optimization and decision-making
Permanent bounds and algorithmic guarantees for hard combinatorial problems.
High-dimensional quantum computation
Tensor networks and distributed quantum systems for scalable computation.
Structure becomes computation
Information theory & statistical physics
Structure, correlation, and entropy motivate the underlying questions.
Inference, counting, optimization
Bethe methods, graph covers, and structure-aware optimization.
Distributed quantum systems
Quantum networks extending the computational regime.
ML & efficient computation
Learning theory, analytics, and large-scale decision making.
Representative papers
Graphical models and Bethe methods
Graph covers, message passing, and Bethe approximation for inference and counting on structured graphical models — our longest-running research thread.
Tensor networks and quantum-enabled inference
Tensor-network methods for high-dimensional computation.
Optimization and combinatorial structure
Permanent bounds and guarantees for hard problems.
Distributed quantum systems
Distributed quantum optimization and inference.
Join the group
Recruiting RAs, MPhil/PhD students, and one Postdoc for May 2026 at the DSA Thrust, Information Hub, HKUST (Guangzhou).
RA
Research training for graduate study or industry.
MPhil
Independent research with publication-focused training.
PhD
Deep problems, broad collaboration, long-term support.
Postdoc
Shape an agenda, co-mentor, prepare for faculty searches.