Wei Yang | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Dean at Tianjin University | China

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang is an eminent academic leader and visionary researcher in the field of sustainable architecture and building science. Serving as Vice Dean at the School of Architecture, Tianjin University, and Deputy Director of the Tianjin Municipality Key Laboratory on Building Environment and Energy, she has consistently advanced knowledge in life cycle assessment, carbon-neutral building design, and sustainable urban evolution. With a Doctor of Engineering from Tianjin University and international research experiences at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich, she blends global perspectives with local solutions. Prof. Yang has directed national-level projects, collaborated in IEA EBC Annex72 and Annex89, and published influential works in Building and Environment, Applied Energy, and Sustainability. Her leadership in winning the Solar Decathlon China, Championship underscores her commitment to practical innovation. A respected educator, mentor, and member of international committees, she exemplifies dedication to advancing sustainable futures through research, teaching, and community service.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang built her academic foundation at Tianjin University, where she completed her Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Doctor of Engineering. Her doctoral studies emphasized building life cycle design and environmental performance optimization, laying the groundwork for her research career in sustainability and architecture. She studied at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, as a DAAD-sponsored visiting Ph.D. scholar, where she deepened her expertise in life cycle modeling for sustainable construction. She further expanded her international perspective as a guest researcher at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, where she explored advanced concepts of resource efficiency and urban building renewal. This blend of rigorous domestic training and global exposure shaped her multidisciplinary approach, combining architectural design, environmental science, and engineering principles. Her educational journey reflects both academic excellence and international engagement, driving her commitment to advancing sustainable building practices worldwide.

Experience

With over two decades of academic service, Prof. Dr. Wei Yang has held progressive positions at Tianjin University’s School of Architecture. Beginning as a lecturer, she advanced to associate professor, and was promoted to full professor. Currently serving as Vice Dean, she also leads as Deputy Director of the Tianjin Municipality Key Laboratory on Building Environment and Energy, where she guides cutting-edge research in carbon-neutral building strategies and sustainable urban transformation. Her international collaborations include key roles in IEA EBC Annex72 and Annex89, strengthening her reputation as a global expert in life cycle sustainability assessment. She has also engaged in visiting scholar positions at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich, further enriching her global experience. Alongside research, she teaches advanced courses in sustainable architectural design and resource-efficient construction, blending theory with practice. Her leadership extends to design competitions and interdisciplinary projects, showcasing her visionary expertise.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang’s research focuses on the sustainable evolution of the built environment, with a particular emphasis on building life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon-neutral design, and resource-efficient construction methods. Her studies integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and advanced environmental assessment tools, offering holistic solutions to sustainability challenges in urban and rural contexts. She investigates how architectural strategies can minimize environmental footprints while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant well-being. As the principal investigator of several China National Natural Science Foundation projects, she has developed parametric design methods that align ecological impacts with cost efficiency. Her contributions to international collaborations under IEA Annex frameworks highlight her global engagement in shaping carbon-reduction strategies for buildings. Beyond theoretical modeling, her applied research includes prototypes like the RCELLS zero-carbon solar house, demonstrating practical pathways toward climate-responsive architecture. Her research vision combines scientific rigor, innovation, and real-world impact.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang has received wide recognition for her contributions to sustainable architecture and research. She was the leader of TEAM Tianjin U+, whose project RCELLS Zero-Carbon Solar House achieved the championship at Solar Decathlon China, winning eight first prizes across ten categories—a remarkable demonstration of her ability to translate research into innovation. Alongside her colleagues, she earned the Second Prize in China’s National Award for Higher Educational Achievement and received an Honorable Mention in the UIA Innovation in Architectural Education Award, affirming her excellence in both teaching and research. Her projects and teaching studios have been showcased at national exhibitions and global platforms, highlighting her integration of design, research, and sustainability practices. Beyond formal awards, her leadership in international research committees and professional associations, including UIA and the China Architect Association, reinforces her standing as a pioneer in sustainable built environment innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Probabilistic life cycle assessment in buildings: A systematic literature review
Authors: Bi XJ, Li J, Li XY, Jin WD, Iannaccone G, Yang W*
Year: 2025

Title: Evaluating new construction-led vs. renovation-led building energy codes for life cycle carbon reduction potential under urban development transition
Authors: Zhang JR, Mu YF*, Li J, Tong YH, Yang W*
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Wei Yang exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished academic and a forward-looking researcher dedicated to sustainability. With a strong educational foundation, extensive teaching and leadership experience, and an active portfolio of international collaborations, she has advanced the global dialogue on carbon neutrality, life cycle design, and sustainable building evolution. Her impactful research has shaped not only scholarly literature but also real-world architectural innovations, such as the RCELLS solar house, which embodies the fusion of theory and practice. Through mentoring, committee service, and her role as Vice Dean, she continues to inspire the next generation of architects and researchers. Her awards and global engagements underscore her contribution to both academia and society. Prof. Yang’s career trajectory demonstrates intellectual excellence, visionary leadership, and practical innovation, making her an outstanding figure deserving recognition as a global leader in sustainable architectural research and education.

 

Yuchuan Du | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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

Scopus 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.