Dr Laibing Jia
Senior Lecturer
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Personal statement
I am a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics at the University of Strathclyde. I specialise in Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), bio-inspired propulsion systems, experimental and computational fluid dynamics (EFD and CFD), and data-driven engineering. My doctoral research on flexible structures interacting with fluid flows was published by Springer in the series "Springer Theses: Recognizing Outstanding Ph.D. Research."
After completing my BSc, BEng, and PhD at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), I gained international research experience through postdoctoral appointments in China, the US, and the UK, including a Royal Society K.C. Wong Postdoctoral Fellowship hosted at Strathclyde. In 2019, I returned to Strathclyde as a Lecturer and Chancellor’s Fellow, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2025.
My research integrates experimental and computational approaches with analytical and data-driven methods, addressing interdisciplinary challenges in marine engineering, renewable energy, and bio-inspired systems. By investigating complex interactions among fluid flows, structural responses, and natural phenomena, I aim to enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability in diverse engineering applications.
Research Interests
Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI): My research combines experimental techniques, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulations to comprehensively understand interactions between flexible structures and fluid flows. Studies focus on performance optimisation and structural resilience, with practical applications across marine, offshore, and civil infrastructure sectors.
Bio-inspired Propulsion Systems: Inspired by natural locomotion mechanisms such as fish swimming and bird flight, my team investigates fundamental fluid mechanics phenomena to develop innovative propulsion technologies. Potential applications include underwater robotics, autonomous marine vehicles, and sustainable renewable-energy generation methods.
Machine Learning-enabled Digital Twins: By integrating numerical simulations, sensor fusion, and machine learning techniques, my research develops predictive and adaptive digital twin platforms. These real-time simulation environments enhance operational safety, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability in marine operations, offshore engineering, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure asset management.
Human-centred AI, Inclusive Technologies: Extending digital twin technology beyond traditional engineering contexts, my work leverages advanced image processing and machine learning techniques to digitally represent human physical and emotional states. This research supports innovations in inclusive education, maritime training, and athletic performance enhancement.
Going forward, my vision is to advance technological innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, and translate research into practical outcomes that support sustainability, inclusion, and societal well-being. To realise this vision, I have co-founded two Strathclyde Centres for Doctoral Training: one dedicated to ocean forecasting through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and another focused on inclusive education using human-centred AI technologies. Through these initiatives, I am actively working towards building collaborative communities, mentoring the next generation of research leaders, and delivering meaningful societal impact.
Prize And Awards
- First Place for Poster Presentation Award
- Recipient
- 28/6/2023
- Research Interns @ Strathclyde – Use of Additional Technology Award
- Recipient
- 17/10/2022
- Ig Nobel Prize
- Recipient
- 9/2022
- IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (IEEE OES) Student Project Competition Award
- Recipient
- 2021
- Winner of IEEE OES SBC NAOME Poster Competition
- Recipient
- 2020
Qualifications
PhD in Fluid Mechanics, published as Springer Thesis, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
BSc & BEng, Mechanics and Computer Science, USTC.
PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Strathclyde.
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK.
Royal Society K.C. Wong Research Fellow.
Co-founder of two Strathclyde Centres for Doctoral Training (SCDTs): AI-based Ocean Forecasting, Human-centred AI Technologies for Educational Inclusion.
Publications
- Rapid and continuous regulating adhesion strength by mechanical micro-vibration
- Shui Langquan, Jia Laibing, Li Hangbo, Guo Jiaojiao, Guo Ziyu, Liu Yilun, Liu Ze, Chen Xi
- Nature Communications Vol 11 (2020)
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15447-x
- Significant and stable drag reduction with air rings confined by alternated superhydrophobic and hydrophilic strips
- Hu Haibao, Wen Jun, Bao Luyao, Jia Laibing, Song Dong, Song Baowei, Pan Guang, Scaraggi Michele, Dini Daniele, Xue Qunji, Zhou Feng
- Science Advances Vol 3 (2017)
- https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1603288
- TranscribeSight : redefining ASR evaluation for Industry 4.0 knowledge capture
- Alsayegh Ali, Ul Ain Noor, Abel Andrew, Jia Laibing, Masood Tariq
- Procedia Computer Science Vol 277, pp. 2709-2722 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2026.02.308
- Aerodynamics of autorotating samaras in Ventilago leiocarpa
- Li Huimin, Cai Chujiang, Jia Laibing, Liu Yanpeng
- Physics of Fluids Vol 38 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0314284
- Affective state recognition in online learning : A deep learning approach with data augmentation
- Devasya Ashwitha, Abel Andrew, Wang Yuchen, Jia Laibing
- 2025 20th International Workshop on Semantic and Social Media Adaptation and Personalization (SMAP) 20th International Workshop on Semantic and Social Media Adaptation & Personalization, pp. 108-113 (2025)
- https://doi.org/10.1109/SMAP66932.2025.00027
- Dynamic docking strategies for a bioinspired AUV
- Xu Yunxin, Shi Weichao, Song Yang, Jia Laibing
- Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics Vol 19 (2025)
- https://doi.org/10.1080/19942060.2025.2557022
Professional Activities
- 44th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering
- Participant
- 25/6/2025
- Wave Measurement and Wave-Driven Vehicle
- Speaker
- 26/8/2024
- PhD Viva Convener
- Examiner
- 13/8/2024
- PhD Internal Examiner
- Examiner
- 14/5/2024
- Wave Motion (Journal)
- Peer reviewer
- 2024
- Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics (Journal)
- Peer reviewer
- 2024
Projects
- Visit to Okinawa institute for tour and discussion of collaborative applications in relation to offshore wind
- Jia, Laibing (Principal Investigator)
- 03-Jan-2026 - 14-Jan-2026
- Modelling tricuspid valve dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension through blood--tissue interaction analysis
- Jia, Laibing (Principal Investigator) Tian, Lian (Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2026 - 31-Jan-2027
- Developing teaching professionals’ knowledge and skills in AI technologies for inclusive and equitable education
- Wang, Yuchen (Principal Investigator) Abel, Andrew (Co-investigator) Jia, Laibing (Co-investigator) Noor Ul Ain, N (Researcher) Mevawalla, Zinnia (Co-investigator) Catlin, Jane (Co-investigator) Devasya, Ashwitha (Researcher) Tripathy, Aditi (Researcher) Nikou, Stavros (Co-investigator) Roxburgh, David (Co-investigator) Robinson, Deborah (Co-investigator)
- This project is to co-design a professional learning programme on AI and inclusive education with teachers and student teachers, funded by EPSRC (£9,961).
- 01-Jan-2025 - 31-Jan-2026
- Hybrid Ocean Renewables in A Changing Climate
- Kamranzad, Bahareh (Principal Investigator) Suryasentana, Stephen (Co-investigator) Jia, Laibing (Co-investigator) Arredondo Galeana, Abel (Co-investigator)
- EPSRC Research Excellence Award Studentship
The project includes extensive research activities such as feasibility analysis, suitability assessments for energy production, and stakeholder engagement. The expected outcomes include comprehensive feasibility reports, redefined suitable locations for hybrid energy systems, policy recommendations, and pathways for local community involvement.
Funding: £89,955 - 01-Jan-2024 - 01-Jan-2028
- Underwater Radiation noise
- Dai, David (Principal Investigator) Black, Steven (Co-investigator) Jia, Laibing (Co-investigator)
- 15-Jan-2024 - 01-Jan-2024
- Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Ocean Forecasts for Marine Operations
- Kamranzad, Bahareh (Principal Investigator) Tant, Katherine Margaret Mary (Principal Investigator) Jia, Laibing (Principal Investigator) Banas, Neil (Principal Investigator)
- Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT)
The SCDT will advance research in three key areas: AI, ocean forecasting, and marine operations, and will deliver reliable and robust data on ocean climate, marine renewable energies, and coastal hazards to various stakeholders. Our primary objective is to establish a multi-disciplinary CDT, conducting world-leading research that explores the feasibility of integrating AI into ocean forecasting models for marine operations as a novel approach. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with three departments at the University of Strathclyde, i.e., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering, and Mathematics and Statistics, as well as external partners including the industry, and national and international research institutions and will be supported to build new partnerships with industry and external stakeholders.
Funding: £264,000 - 01-Jan-2023 - 31-Jan-2027
Contact
Dr
Laibing
Jia
Senior Lecturer
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Email: l.jia@strath.ac.uk
Tel: 548 3740