• Teaching and learning in human anatomy and histology
• Pedagogy and curriculum development in medical education  

Dr. Jian Yang graduated from Peking University Health Science Centre and went on to pursue a PhD in neuroscience at University of Bristol. He joined the Department of Anatomy at the University of Hong Kong after graduating in 2007 and has devoted his passion to anatomy and histology education since 2012. He is now the Principal Lecturer of the School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, leader in anatomy education, the coordinator of HKU Body Donation Programme, the Deputy Director of Education Technology of HKUMed, member of the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) Human Body Donation Committee, founding member of the Chinese Association for Anatomical Sciences (CSAS) Committee for Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau Young Anatomist Collaboration, and editorial board member of BMC journal of medical education. He is the awardee of the 2022 LKS Faculty of Medicine Teaching Medal and the HKU Teaching Innovation Award (TIA) 2023. He was also representing HKU as a Finalist for the U21 Teaching Excellence Award 2024.

His teaching expertise includes gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, and problem-based learning. He dedicates his effort to converting instructional anatomy and histology classes into indispensable active-learning experiences. His research focuses on integrating digital /AI/VR technology to enhance active learning in medical education. He is leading the development of the VR anatomy lab and TechMezz learning facility.

• Hong Kong Health Bureau the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (教學用經絡腧穴定位圖研究與繪製), Co-Investigator, 2024 till now
• The University of Hong Kong Teaching Development Grants (Integration of virtual reality in a large cohort teaching), Co-Investigator, 2023 till now
• The University of Hong Kong Teaching Development Grants (Development of a multi-dimensional participatory interactive suite for enhancing the teaching and learning of paediatric health workers), Co-Investigator, 2023 till now
• T&L Initiative under UGC Special Grant for Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL) (VR-enriched integrative online task-oriented practicals for preclinical education of health professionals), Principle-Investigator, 2021 till now
• The University of Hong Kong Teaching Development Grants (Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Vertical Integration of Basic and Clinical Anatomical Knowledge), Principle-Investigator, 2021–2023
• The University of Hong Kong Teaching Development Grants (Mobile Electronic Platform and Electronic Resources for Histology Education, the Histology E Classroom), Principle-Investigator, 2019–2021
• UGC Teaching & Learning Related Projects (Pedagogic & Active Learning Mobile Solutions Project), Co-Investigator, 2017–2021

1. Jonhson L, Yang J et al. Anatomists’ experience and perspectives on the international transfer of human remains for the purpose of education. Anat Sci Educ. 2026, in production.
2. Hortsch M, Girão-Carmona VCC, Leite ACRM, Nikas IP, Gatumu MK, Koney NK, Arko-Boham B, Yohannan DG, Oommen AM, Li Y, Yang J, Trollope AF, Meyer AJ, Van Nuland SE. A global overview of anatomical science education and its present and future role in biomedical curricula. Anat Sci Educ. 2026 Jan;19(1):5-45. doi: 10.1002/ase.70137. Epub 2025 Oct 21. PMID: 41121642; PMCID: PMC12748053.
3. Zeng J, Shi L, Liu Y, Yang J, Zhang L, Song H, Zhao Y, Yang J, Cheng X, Lu L. (2025). Enhancing Neuroanatomy Teaching with DSI Studio's Fiber Reconstruction Technology. Adv Med Educ Pract. 2025 May 22;16:875-889. doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S522454. PMID: 40432977; PMCID: PMC12107389.
4. Cheung RCC, Yang J, et al. (2023) Show them what they can’t see! An evaluation of the use of customized 3D printed models in head and neck anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. Accepted, in press.
5. Yang, J. (2023). Technology-Enhanced Preclinical Medical Education (Anatomy, Histology and Occasionally, Biochemistry): A Practical Guide. In: Cui, D., Meyer, E.R., Rea, P.M. (eds) Biomedical Visualisation . Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1431. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36727-4_4
6. Cheung RCC, Chen B, Ho CCJ, Tipoe GL, Yang J. "Where is the spleen? Where are the lungs?"-An investigation of the level of anatomical knowledge of the Hong Kong public. Anat Sci Educ. 2023 Jul 6. doi: 10.1002/ase.2318. Epub ahead of print.
7. Fonseca GRBC, Yang J, Cecot TS. Group-based virtual reality dissections of the head in preclinical dental education. J Dent Educ. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13357. Epub ahead of print.
8. Organ JM, et al. (2023) Personal autonomy and self-determination are crucial for professionalism in healthcare. Anat Sci Educ. 16(4):571-573. doi: 10.1002/ase.2278. Epub 2023 May 9.
9. Cheung CC, Yang J, Tipoe GL, Multifactorial learning challenges in anatomy: What is the niche in current research?, Anat Sci Educ, 27 July 2021, doi: 10.1002/ase.2125
10. Yang J, Machado MD, Tsao GSW and Chung SK. (2017) The reform of medical histology education with a hybrid method of using the traditional microscope and computer-assisted interactive teaching and learning, Developing Excellence in Medical Education Conference, Manchester, UK.
11. Yang J, Machado MD, Tsao GSW and Chung SK. (2017) A hybrid between classic and innovation: histology education in MBBS Curriculum of HKU LKS Faculty, The XXV International Symposium on Morphological Sciences, Xi an.
12. Yang J. (2015) Truly practical, a book review for Teaching Anatomy: A Practical Guide. Korean J Med Educ. 27(2): 141-142.
13. Chan LK, Yang J (co-first author), Irby DM. (2015) Application of one-minute preceptor technique by novice teachers in the gross anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. 8: 539–546.
14. Liang Y, Yang J (co-first author), Yuan T, So KF. (2015) Uptake of Retrograde Tracers by Intact Optic Nerve Axons: A New Way to Label Retinal Ganglion Cells. PLoS ONE. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0128718.
15. Luan L, Ren C, Lau B, Huang X, Yang J, Yuan Z, Wu X, Gao J, Pickard G, So KF and Pu M. (2013) Direct retino-raphe projection alters serotonergic tone and affective behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology. 38: 1163-1175.
16. Yuan Q, Su H, Guo J, Tsang KY, Cheah KS, Chiu K, Yang J, Wong WM, So KF, Huang JD, Wu W, Lin ZX. (2012) Decreased c-Jun expression correlates with impaired spinal motoneuron regeneration in aged mice following sciatic nerve crush. Exp Gerontol. 47: 329-336.
17. Luan L, Ren C, Lau B, Yang J, Pickard G, So KF and Pu M. (2011) Y-Like retinal ganglion cells innervate the dorsal raphe nucleus in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). PLoS ONE. 6: 4, e13938.
18. Lau B, Ren C, Yang J, Yan S, Chang R, Pu M and So KF (2011) Light deprivation induces depression-like behavior and suppresses neurogenesis in diurnal Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Cell Transplant. 20: 871-881.
19. Yang, J., Chamberlain, S.E.L., Woodhall, G.L. and Jones R.S.G. (2008) Mobility of NMDA autoreceptors but not postsynaptic receptors in the rat entorhinal cortex. J. Physiol. 586: 4905-4924.
    (See also: Perspectives article, Scimemi, A. (2008) Anchors aweigh: NMDA receptors set sail from their presynaptic port. J Physiol 586: 4787; 
    Faculty 1000 recommendation, Collingridge, G.C., Faculty of 1000 Biology, 12 Dec 2008 http://www.f1000biology.com/article/id/ 1133845/evaluation.)
20. Chamberlain, S.E.L. Yang, J. and Jones, R.S.G. (2008) The role of NMDA receptor subtypes in short term plasticity in the rat entorhinal cortex. Neural Plasticity. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2008/872456.html
21. Yang, J., Wetterstrand, C. and Jones, R.S.G. (2007) Felbamate but not phenytoin or gabapentin reduces glutamate release by blocking presynaptic NMDA receptors in the entorhinal cortex. Epilepsy Research. 77: 157-164.
22. Yang, J., Woodhall, G.L. and Jones R.S.G. (2006) Tonic facilitation of glutamate release by presynaptic NR2B-containing NMDA receptors is increased in the entorhinal cortex of chronically epileptic rats. J. Neurosci. 26: 406-410.
23. Tian DR, Li XD, Wang F, Niu DB, He QH, Li YS, Chang JK, Yang J, Han JS CA. (2005). Up-regulation of the expression of cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide by electroacupuncture in the arcuate nucleus of diet-induced obese rats. Neuroscience Letters. 383: 17-21.

• Deputy Director of Education Technology (AR/VR), LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU (since 2023)
• Coordinator, HKU Body Donation Programme (since 2022)
• Member (Research and Scholarship) (2019), Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, HKU
• Member (since 2016), Timetable Committee, The school of Biomedical Sciences, HKU
• Member (since 2015), BDSI Assessment Group, The Faculty of Dentistry, HKU

• Teaching Innovation Award (TIA), the University of Hong Kong (2023)
• LKS Faculty of Medicine Teaching Medal , the University of Hong Kong (2022)