Dr Yuan Ye he/him

My research passion lies in developing intelligent, physics-informed models that enable autonomous aerospace systems to operate safely and efficiently in uncertain environments. I work at the intersection of flight dynamics, probabilistic modelling, and real-time simulation, integrating fast vortex methods with Bayesian inference to build self-certifying frameworks for UAVs and rotorcraft.

As an active member of Autonomous Systems and Connectivity research division, I focus on building digital twins for complex systems, using uncertainty quantification, automatic differentiation, and scalable aerodynamic modelling to enable decision-making under uncertainty. Applications span from wind turbine inspection using UAVs to intelligent flight systems for sustainable transport. We are currently collaborating with industry partners like Dyson Farming and ORE Catapult, and are engaging with government stakeholders through the Transport Research Innovation Grant to embed evaluation tools in national missions.

We are keen to form collaborations with researchers in behavioural science, computer vision, synthetic environments, and policy evaluation. CDT projects I envision include: autonomous systems for precision agriculture and infrastructure monitoring, Bayesian learning in digital twin ecosystems, or scalable inference for certification in future air traffic systems, and digital-twin-based wind farm location selection and design optimisation.

I particularly welcome interdisciplinary proposals that explore how physical modelling and machine learning can co-exist to create trustworthy autonomous systems. I aim to supervise projects that challenge conventional boundaries and train students to operate confidently across domains.

As a supervisor, I am hands-on in the early phases and encourage independence over time. I aim to create an inclusive, supportive research culture that fosters curiosity and collaboration. My past students have gone on to pursue PhDs, join startups, or lead research within industry R&D teams.

I am committed to ensuring that our group is a welcoming space for all. I have mentored underrepresented students through outreach activities and am working with university EDI leads to improve equitable access to research placements. I value diversity as a strength that enriches both science and collaboration.

Outside of research, I enjoy hiking across Scotland’s rugged coastlines and experimenting with slow-cooked recipes as well as hitting the gym on a daily basis. I find that nature, cooking, and exercise all offer space for reflection, and that is something I try to bring into my supervision and research ethos alike.