J. (Junyao) He, Dr

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 future (equality and sustainablity) 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, spatial planning, and computational social science, Junyao’s PhD research explores power dynamics in collaborative urban planning through social media platforms. His work integrates digitalization of planning, urban design, complexity science, and network analysis to understand how digitally mediated participation shapes controversial spatial planning and urban regeneration. He has published in Cities and Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, and presented at international conferences such as AESOP and CUPUM.

Junyao holds a PhD in Spatial Planning from Utrecht University, a MSc in Urban Design and International Planning from the University of Manchester (UK), and a BSc in Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning from Southwest University (CN). Before joining in academia, he worked for over four years in urban planning, analytics and consultancy, leading data-driven spatial planning and design projects, as well as contributing to initiatives by UN-Habitat with in NGOs. He has strong expertise in integrating spatial design, evidence-based data, and institutional contexts to address practical challenges in spatial planning and design projects, while also focusing on the role of planners, public participation, and power dynamics within the planning process. His early career includes experience at the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, a national planning institution in China.