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Yunhao DONG

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DONG Yunhao

 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3159-3526
20192026

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

Dr. Yun-Hao Dong is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Construction and Quality Management, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU). He received his PhD (awarded outstanding thesis) and BEng degrees in Civil Engineering from Tongji University, both with highest distinction. Before joining HKMU, Dr. Dong was a Hong Kong Scholar Postdoctoral Fellow at City University of Hong Kong. He previously completed postdoctoral research in the College of Civil Engineering at Tongji University.

His research focuses on data-informed planning and management of urban underground space, with particular interests in metro-led underground development, urban morphology, spatial analytics, digital twins and resilient infrastructure. His work integrates geotechnical engineering, urban planning, urban informatics and artificial intelligence to support evidence-based planning and infrastructure decision-making.

Dr. Dong has published 35 peer-reviewed journal papers and 12 conference papers. His research has appeared in leading journals including Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Underground Space, Applied Geography, Sustainable Cities and Society, Energy and Buildings and Automation in Construction. Two of his publications have been recognised as ESI Highly Cited Papers. 

Moreover, he has served as Principal Investigator for projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the Hong Kong Scholars Program, and the Yangpu District Government of Shanghai. His research has also contributed to national and regional planning guidelines, including consultancy work for China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the development of planning guidelines for metro-led underground space in Jinan.

Research interests

  • Urban underground space planning and utilisation
  • Data-informed decision support for urban planning
  • Digital twins for smart construction, operation, and maintenance
  • Sustainable and resilient urban infrastructures
  • Urban ageing and inclusive cities

Qualifications

  • PhD in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, China, 2022, with highest distinction. (ranked 1st worldwide in the 2025 ARWU by Subject, and 13th worldwide in the 2026 QS Rankings by Subject)
  • BEng in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, China, 2017, with highest distinction.

Memberships

  • Member, Associated Research Centers for the Urban Underground Space (ACUUS), 2019–present.
  • Member, International Society for Urban Informatics, 2022–present.
  • Member, Working Group 15-Sustainability and Resilience, International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, 2024–present.
  • Member, Sino-Singapore Underground Space and Urban Sustainable Innovation Industry Alliance, 2024–present.
  • Member, Underground Space Committee, Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2024–present.
  • Committee Member, Underground Space Committee, Chinese Civil Engineering Society, 2024–present.
  • Committee Member, Underground Space Committee, Chinese Society for Urban Studies, 2023–present.
  • Committee Member, Jiangsu Underground Space Society, 2024–present.
  • Member, Hong Kong Association of Overseas-Returned Scholars Limited, 2026–present.
  • Member, Hong Kong Scholars Think Tank, 2026–present.

Appointments

Selected Research Grants

  • PI, “Multi-dimensional Evolution Mechanisms and Intelligent Layout Planning for Metro-led Underground Space Based on Multisource Data”, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant No. 42301289, RMB 300,000, 2024–2026.
  • PI, “Smart Construction and Maintenance Based on Digital Twin”, Hong Kong Scholars Program, Grant No. XJ2023059, RMB 360,000, 2024–2026.
  • PI, “Intelligent Planning and Performance Evaluation for Underground Space Based on Multisource Spatiotemporal Data”, Yangpu District Government, Shanghai, RMB 100,000, 2023–2024.
  • Co-I, “Performance Evaluation and Planning Optimisation of Urban Underground Space in the Context of Existing-Land Redevelopment: A Case Study of Shanghai”, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant No. 42071251, RMB 500,000, 2021–2024.
  • Co-I, “Research on the Development Model and Integration of Underground Space in Inter-city High-speed Railway Station Areas”, supported by China Railway 10th Engineering Group Co., Ltd., RMB 700,000, 2022–2024.
  • Co-I, “Comprehensive Utilisation Models and Planning Guidelines for Metro-led Underground Space in Jinan”, supported by Jinan Rail Transit Group Co., Ltd., RMB 3,200,000, 2020–2023.

Honours and Awards

  • Best Paper Award, 19th Conference of the Associated Research Centers for the Urban Underground Space, Belgrade, 2025.
  • Best Presentation Award, Hong Kong Scholars Annual Symposium, 2025.
  • Hong Kong Scholars Award, 2024; one of 60 awardees selected from the Chinese mainland.
  • Special (1st) Prize, Jiangsu Underground Space Society Science and Technology Award, 2024.
  • Best Presentation Award, 18th Conference of the Associated Research Centers for the Urban Underground Space, Singapore, 2023.
  • Outstanding Doctoral Thesis, Tongji University, 2023.
  • National Scholarship for PhD Candidates, 2021.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  2. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  3. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action

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  • 21 Article
  • 4 Conference article
  • 3 Conference contribution
  • 3 Review article
View all 31 research outputs