Dr Ahmad Taha he/him

Photo of Dr Ahmad Taha
Applied research that drives societal impact

Lecturer in Cyber-Physical Systems

James Watt School of Engineering
Research interests:
Cyber-physical systems, Digital twins, Decarbonisation, Energy nexus, Digital healthcare
Research fields:
Cyber-physical systems for intelligent infrastructure, Digital twins for the built environment and urban planning, Socio-technical approaches to decarbonisation and sustainability transitions
Why do you want to join the DiveIn community?
I want to join the DiveIn CDT because it offers a unique opportunity to work on complex, real-world challenges, such as decarbonisation, within a deliberately diverse and interdisciplinary environment. Rather than starting with a fixed theme, DiveIn builds research around people, perspectives, and place-based needs, creating a dynamic space for innovation and inclusive collaboration. What sets DiveIn apart is its commitment to community co-creation, systems integration, and skills development across disciplines, key ingredients for delivering sustainable, scalable impact. I see immense potential in collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to co-supervise PhD projects that span technical, social, and policy domains, particularly those focused on decarbonisation and the energy nexus. The CDT’s mission complements both my academic vision and national priorities for net-zero innovation. By contributing to DiveIn, I aim to help shape a new generation of researchers capable of navigating the complexities of decarbonisation through integrated and socially embedded approaches.
Personal profile:

My research passion lies in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) that can sense, model, and act on complex environments to improve both energy performance and human well-being. I am particularly driven by real-world impact! My work connects theory with practical applications in energy management, digital healthcare, and increasingly, smart housing and retrofit ecosystems.

At the James Watt School of Engineering, my group explores CPS and Digital Twin technologies to support data-driven decision-making in energy-resilient communities, with a growing focus on the interplay between humans, infrastructure, and AI-driven systems. I would like to form collaborations that bring together researchers across engineering, social sciences, and policy to co-develop cyber-physical and Digital Twin systems for energy-resilient, health-aware, and socially responsive environments.

I am keen to supervise interdisciplinary PhD projects that explore the design and deployment of cyber-physical-social-energy systems, with a focus on decarbonisation, across sectors including but not limited to transport, housing, social/healthcare. I envision projects that integrate technical innovation, such as Digital Twins, with social and behavioural dimensions, enabling scalable, community-led solutions. As a supervisor, I see the PhD journey as a collaborative partnership and I strive to create a supportive, open, and friendly environment where researchers are empowered to take ownership of their work, explore their interests, and develop as independent thinkers. I take pride in mentoring early career researchers, some of whom have gone on to pursue successful academic careers. DiveIn’s mission aligns strongly with my belief that impactful research emerges from inclusive, cross-disciplinary collaboration grounded in real-world relevance.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to how I work and I deeply value DiveIn’s commitment to co-creation, belonging, and inclusive innovation. As someone who has worked across global institutions, I understand the importance of creating environments where diverse researchers feel seen, empowered, and able to thrive. My own journey, navigating the challenges of being an international student and someone who often felt different from the people and systems around me in the UK, has shaped my deep commitment to inclusion and belonging. I know first-hand the value of being supported and the impact of inclusive academic spaces on personal and professional growth.

On a personal note, I enjoy bridging disciplines and perspectives whether in the lab, the classroom, or on advisory boards and I find energy in helping others shape research that matters. DiveIn’s ethos resonates deeply with me, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to a community where difference is a strength, and innovation is driven by the people it is meant to serve.

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