Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Tongji University | China
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du, Deputy Dean at the Institute of Science and Technology, Tongji University, is a distinguished scholar and innovator in intelligent transportation systems. With a Ph.D. from Tongji University and international academic experiences at the University of Cambridge and the University of Hong Kong, he has built a global perspective in advancing digital road traffic technologies. His pioneering research focuses on intelligent sensing, vehicle-road information fusion, and smart transportation networks, which have been successfully applied to major projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Shanghai World Expo, and Xiong’an New Area. He has earned prestigious honors, including the Shanghai Leading Talent title, multiple national awards, and recognition for high-value patents. As Chief Scientist of a National Key R&D Program, he combines academic excellence with real-world applications, driving innovation in transport engineering. His leadership, patents, and publications position him as a transformative figure shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du built a strong academic foundation in the field of transportation engineering, completing his advanced studies with a Ph.D. degree from Tongji University, one of China’s leading institutions for science and technology. His scholarly journey was enriched through extensive international exposure, having served as a visiting scholar at the University of Hong Kong and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. These experiences allowed him to broaden his research horizons, exchange knowledge with leading global experts, and gain deeper insights into innovative approaches in transportation systems. The combination of a rigorous doctoral education and international academic training equipped him with the expertise to pursue cutting-edge research in intelligent transportation and digital road traffic technologies. His academic journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning, intellectual growth, and excellence in both theoretical and applied research that continues to guide his professional endeavors.
Experience
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du currently serves as the Deputy Dean at the Institute of Science and Technology, Tongji University, where he also holds a tenured professorship. With decades of academic service, he has established himself as a leading researcher and educator in intelligent transportation systems and digital infrastructure. His career includes leadership as Chief Scientist of a National Key Research and Development Program, where he spearheaded projects of national significance. He has directed innovative applications of intelligent sensing, vehicle-road collaboration, and digital traffic management in landmark projects, including the Shanghai World Expo, Hongqiao Hub, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and Xiong’an New Area. His service extends beyond academia through active participation in multiple professional committees and editorial boards, reflecting his dual role as a researcher and policy influencer. Through these positions, Prof. Du has nurtured young scholars, guided national research priorities, and contributed to the modernization of China’s transportation systems.
Research Interest
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du’s research interests focus on the integration of advanced technologies into transportation systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He has made pioneering contributions in the field of intelligent sensing for infrastructure performance and vehicle-road information fusion. His work seeks to bridge theoretical innovation with practical engineering applications, particularly in the areas of digital traffic systems, smart highways, and trusted communication networks between vehicles and roadways. By advancing computational models, sensing algorithms, and intelligent monitoring platforms, his research contributes to the global pursuit of intelligent transportation solutions. Beyond technical aspects, he emphasizes the social value of transportation innovation by applying findings in urban development projects and large-scale international infrastructure. His interdisciplinary approach connects artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering to redefine how modern cities manage traffic, reduce congestion, and ensure safety, making his work highly relevant for future mobility systems.
Award and Honor
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du has earned widespread recognition for his groundbreaking research and leadership. He has been selected as a Shanghai Leading Talent, Outstanding Academic Leader, and New Century Excellent Talent supported by the Ministry of Education. His honors include the Youth Science and Technology Elite Award of the Ministry of Transport, the China Highway Youth Science and Technology Award, the Shanghai Yucai Award, and the Baosteel Education Fund Excellent Teacher Award. Under his leadership, projects have twice won the prestigious First Prize of Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award. His achievements also include over 12 international PCT patents, multiple U.S. and UK patents, and more than 30 Chinese invention patents. He was recognized with the China Patent Excellence Award and listed among Shanghai’s Top 100 High-Value Patents. These accolades highlight his exceptional role in advancing intelligent transportation, driving innovation, and making lasting societal contributions.
Publication Top Notes
Title: The impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on bus transit demand: A 30-month Naturalistic Observation in Jiading, Shanghai, China
year: 2025
citation: 2
Title: Integrating spatial and channel attention mechanisms with domain knowledge in convolutional neural networks for friction coefficient prediction
year: 2025
citation: 5
Title: Comprehensive review on greenhouse gas emission assessment over the full life-cycle of pavement
year: 2025
citation: 2
Title: A Large-Scale Image Repository for Automated Pavement Distress Analysis and Degradation Trend Prediction
year: 2025
Title: A comprehensive review of ground support equipment scheduling for aircraft ground handling services
year: 2025
Title: Aggregate-level 3D analysis of asphalt pavement deterioration using laser scanning and vision transformer
year: 2025
Title: Tire abrasion induced patterns of pavement reflectivity characteristics from lab to field
year: 2025
Title: Skill-abstracting continual reinforcement learning for safe, efficient, and comfortable autonomous driving through vehicle–cloud collaboration
year: 2025
Title: Unsupervised pavement rutting detection using structured light and area-based deep learning
year: 2025
Title: STA-CDTM: A Cross-Domain Trajectory-Matching Framework of Roadside Sensors Based on Spatiotemporal Propagation Characteristics
year: 2025
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Yuchuan Du stands as a distinguished leader in the field of intelligent transportation, seamlessly combining academic excellence, pioneering research, and real-world applications. His strong educational background, complemented by international academic exchanges, has equipped him with a global outlook on modern mobility challenges. Through his role as Deputy Dean and Chief Scientist, he has guided large-scale projects that have transformed urban traffic systems and enhanced smart infrastructure. His research on intelligent sensing and vehicle–road information fusion has not only produced groundbreaking results but also contributed to practical implementations in landmark projects such as the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge and Xiong’an New Area. With numerous national and international awards, patents, and leadership roles in professional societies, Prof. Du exemplifies both innovation and impact. His commitment to advancing intelligent transportation ensures that his work will continue to influence sustainable urban mobility and inspire future generations of researchers and engineers worldwide.