Ji Li was awarded a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2020 from University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Prior to being appointed to this position in 2024, he spent two years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and one year as a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at the University of Birmingham.

He has been instrumental in the successful delivery of several government and industry research projects (e.g., EP/J00930X/1, EP/N021746/1, Innovate UK 102253) and established expertise in dedicated AI systems for automotive engineering. He has received major grants from the government, OEMs, and research institutes e.g., Innovate UK, Royal Society, BYD Auto Ltd, Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute.

He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed international publications and two book chapters in the field of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles with aspects of multi-objective control, human-machine interaction, and cyber-physical systems. He received four Best Paper Awards at international conferences, e.g., IEEE and SAE.

His research focus covers three key domains: multi-objective control, human-machine interaction, and cyber-physical systems, all oriented toward achieving net-zero and trustworthy engineering solutions. The overarching goal is to contribute to developing future vehicles that are not only zero-emission but also trustworthy and adeptly leverage digitalisation at various operational levels. The research seeks to address challenges and pave the way for innovative solutions in the dynamic landscape of automotive technology at four observation scales:

Lv.1 Component: engine/battery/fuel cell

• Physics/data-enhanced robust modelling
• Transient calibration and autonomous calibration

Lv.2 Powertrain: series/parallel/power-split hybrid

• Many-objective modular design
• Learning-based energy management

Lv.3 Human-Vehicle: driver/vehicle/interaction

• Driving behaviour classification and recognition
• Human-machine interaction and shared control

Lv.4 Fleet: platoon/road/traffic

• Car-following behaviour characterisation
• Driving scene reconstruction

Research Grants Secured:

• Decarbonising Marine Propulsion Systems For Vessels And Ports Services. Innovate UK, GBP 427,866. 2025-2026.
• Battery-aware Multi-Agent Learning-Based Control Framework for Electric Vehicular Platoon. Royal Society, GBP 11,863. 2025-2027.
• Education Enhancement Funding: Early Career Fund, 2024, University of Birmingham, GBP 1,000. 2024-2025.
• Development of Dual-mode Engine AI Emission Prediction and Knock Detection, 2023, BYD Auto Company, GBP 220,000. 2023 – 2025.
• Research on Real-time Optimisation System for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle based on Artificial Intelligence Digital Twin Technology, 2022-2024, Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute, CNY 4,200,00.
• AI Strategy for Hybrid Engine Development, 2020-2024, BYD Auto Company, GBP 180,000.

Industrial Partnership:

• BYD Auto Company, Mahler, Changan UK, London Electric Vehicle Company, Joint Research Centre, Lotus Cars Limited, IPG Carmaker, National Instrument, AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies, etc.