J. (Junyao) He

Junyao He is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Economic Geography at the University of Groningen, working within the European Commission-funded MOBI-TWIN project coordinated by Prof. Dimitris Ballas. His current research focuses on spatial mobility and regional transformation under the pressures of twin transitions (digital and green), using Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) to simulate migration dynamics and regional inequality, in collaboration with Dr. Thanasis Ziogas and Dr. Jianhua Zhang.

With an interdisciplinary background spanning human geography, urban planning, and computational social science, Junyao’s PhD research (to be defended in October 2025) explores power dynamics in collaborative urban planning through social media platforms. His work integrates digital planning, urban design, complexity science, and network analysis to understand how digitally mediated participation shapes controversial urban regeneration and green space planning. He has published in Cities and Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, and presented at international conferences such as AESOP and CUPUM.

Junyao holds an MSc in Urban Design and International Planning from the University of Manchester, and a BSc in Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning from Southwest University, China. Prior to academia, he worked for over four years in urban analytics and consultancy, leading data-driven planning projects and contributing to initiatives by UN-Habitat and local NGOs. His early career includes experience at the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design. Outside of research, he is also an avid landscape and astrophotographer.

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