Dr Wei Zhang
Lecturer in Production and Manufacturing Systems
Location: Harrison 183
Wei joined Exeter as a Lecturer in the Department of Engineering. Before moving to Exeter, he held several research posts at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities, including Oxford, Bath, and Queen’s Belfast. He previously worked as a Computational Mechanics Engineer and a Chancellor’s Fellow in respective aerospace and subsea sectors. Wei obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. His thesis was on understanding computational inverse problems in engineering systems under uncertainty. Wei’s research vision is to investigate and deliver advanced computational technologies to address challenges in the field of Design for Sustainability and to provide innovative solutions that benefit our industry, society, and environment in a net-zero emissions future. With a solid background in engineering design, computational mechanics, and digital twinning, Wei strives to optimize complex engineering systems through computational inverse technologies and bio-inspired intelligence strategies within uncertain environments. His research contributions aim to advance scientific knowledge in human-centered digital technologies for sustainability and hold promising practical applications across various industries. Wei's works were supported by the NERC Programme Grant, the EPSRC Programme Grant, the Brain Korea 21 Scholarship Program, and China's National Key R&D Programme Grants, etc. He is the recipient of several awards, including the key scientific article award from REGI, the ICMR best paper award, and the outstanding contribution award as an associate editor of the JMST, etc. Wei is willing to supervise PhD students in these areas:
- Engineering design
- Computational mechanics
- Industrial ecology