Trained in medicine, public health, and management science, she has more than twenty years of experience in academic research and teaching, as well as healthcare management and international collaboration. She has worked across China, France, and Switzerland, contributing to the development of research and institutional partnerships between European and Chinese organizations. 

Her academic background combines behavioural science, health services research, and data-driven approaches to healthcare management and policy. Her current work focuses on the application of data science and machine learning in healthcare, including patient pathway modelling, clinical decision support, and health system innovation. 

Her research interests include health policy and healthcare reform, hospital management, public health data science, healthcare data governance, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and behavioural approaches to healthcare utilization and service delivery. 

Dr. Lei has authored and co-authored academic publications and books in the fields of health systems, hospital management, digital health, and healthcare innovation.