Recently, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the funding results for the 2024 National Major Scientific Research Instrument Development Projects. The project titled “Development of a Distributed Millimeter-Wave Intelligent Precision Screening and Monitoring System for High-risk Cardiovascular Populations,” led by Professor Cui Qinghua from the School of Sports Medicine at the Wuhan Sports University (WHSU), was successfully approved. This marks the first time WHSU has received national funding for a major research instrument development project, representing a groundbreaking achievement for all sports institutes in this field.
The National Major Scientific Research Instrument Development Project is the largest single funding initiative under the NSFC. Professor Cui’s team was directly granted 7.1 million RMB in funding for a five-year research period. The project, spearheaded by WHSU, is a joint effort involving key collaborators such as Beijing Racobit Electronic Information Technology Co., Ltd., Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking University.
The project leverages millimeter-wave radar technology to achieve non-contact, long-term, continuous, and precise measurement of extremely subtle vibrations on the human body’s surface. It aims to develop a distributed cascaded millimeter-wave radar system, combined with data from the ChinaHeart cohort, to address core scientific challenges related to cardiovascular diseases, such as low awareness rates, low control rates, and high mortality rates. By integrating advanced artificial intelligence models, the project intends to enable precise and continuous monitoring of human electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure signals, ultimately establishing a system for the early warning, monitoring, and detection of major cardiovascular events.
This project aligns with China’s strategic transition from a “treatment-centered” to a “prevention-centered” healthcare model. It represents not only a significant achievement for Professor Cui’s team after years of dedicated research but also holds tremendous scientific significance and practical applications. The project is expected to enhance the awareness and control rates of cardiovascular diseases in China, significantly reduce related mortality, and provide technological support and theoretical foundations for advancing cardiovascular health in the nation. Its approval marks a major milestone in WHSU’s research capabilities and innovation, as well as a key achievement in the university’s efforts to build “Double First-Class” disciplines.
In recent years, WHSU has focused on fostering and attracting high-level research teams while strengthening interdisciplinary research under the “Sports+” and “+Sports” initiatives. This has created fertile ground for the incubation of innovative research projects. Looking ahead, WHSU will continue to build on this project to deepen the integration of scientific innovation and talent cultivation, establish research excellence, and contribute to the implementation of national health strategies. WHSU remains committed to serving social and economic development and improving public health, further amplifying the university’s contribution to the field of sports and health.
