Dr Zhiqiang (Jason) Niu obtained both his BEng and PhD degrees from Tianjin University, where he began his research career in sustainable energy technologies. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research under the supervision of Professor Kui Jiao (Tianjin University) and Professor Yun Wang (University of California, Irvine), developing multi-scale, multi-physics models to advance next-generation high-current-density proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In recognition of his academic achievements, he received the China Baosteel Outstanding Student Special Award and the Tianjin University Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award.
In 2020, Dr Niu joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong as a Postdoctoral Fellow, where he worked with Professor Dennis K.C. Leung on clean energy technologies. Later that year, he moved to the Department of Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University as a Royal Society Newton International Fellow. Working with Professors Jin Xuan, Wen-Feng Lin, and Valerie Pinfield, he developed a performance-informed generative AI framework coupled with multi-physics modelling for the design of solid oxide fuel cell electrode microstructures.
Following his fellowship, Dr Niu was appointed Lecturer in Sustainable Transport Technologies in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, marking the beginning of his independent academic career. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he leads research on AI-enabled clean energy technologies, with particular interests in hydrogen production, fuel cells, batteries, advanced manufacturing, and data-driven engineering design.
Dr Niu has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, which have attracted more than 2,600 citations. His work has been featured on the covers of leading journals, including Energy & Environmental Science, Advanced Energy Materials, and ACS Nano. He serves on the organising committee of World Fuel Cell 2026 and has served as Guest Editor for the special issue “AI for Predictive Analysis” in Elsevier Journal Energy and AI. In recognition of his research achievements and leadership potential, he was awarded the Royal Society Kan Tong Po Fellowship in 2024.