Dr Siyuan Ji

MSc, PhD

Pronouns: He/him
  • Reader in MBSE (Model-based Systems Engineering)
  • Deputy Head of the Manufacturing, Systems & Management Academic Community
  • Deputy Director of Doctoral Training Centre in Model-Based Systems Engineering
Publications

Background

Dr Siyuan Ji rejoined Loughborough University in November 2022 as a Senior Lecturer in Systems Engineering. Previously he worked at the Department of Computer Science, University of York as a Lecturer in Safety-Critical Systems Engineering from November 2018. He was also the programme leader for the MSc Programme in Safety-Critical Systems Engineering in the 2021-22 academic year. Prior to this position, he was a Research Associate at Loughborough University from early 2015, where he started his journey in model-based systems engineering. Prior to becoming a systems engineer and researcher, he studied and obtained an MSc and PhD in Physics, both at the University of Nottingham.

Qualifications and Awards

  • Ph.D., the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.  
  • MSc in Physics, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK 
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 

 

Main research interests

Ji’s research can be summarised as advancing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) as a stepping stone toward the broader vision of digital engineering. His research is structured around three key themes:

Theme 1: Model-based Safety Assessment and Assurance. This theme addresses critical challenges in system safety engineering, particularly the identification and management of emergent behaviours—one of the most complex issues in the field. Collaborating with industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Nuclear Waste Services, and Lancaster University, Ji is developing innovative model-based approaches to enhance safety assessment and assurance in safety-critical systems

Theme 2: Quantum Systems Engineering. A pioneering and multidisciplinary field, Quantum Systems Engineering has emerged to bridge the gap between quantum technologies and their seamless integration into classical systems for real-world applications. We have started exploiting research results from Theme 1, like Digital Assurance and Model Credibility Assurance support the development of security cases for quantum communication, in partnership with BT. We are expanding our research group, with funded PhD/EngDoc studentships working in quantum communication and quantum-enabled PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing). 

Theme 3: MBSE Co-Pilot. This ambitious theme explores the application of AI technologies to augment and streamline MBSE activities, such as model development and management. In partnership with Synoptix Ltd., Ji has undertaken a feasibility study, funded by Innovate UK, to investigate the potential of data analytics for model management. Future research in this area will focus on developing NLP (Natural Language Processing)-based tools to support MBSE tasks, ultimately paving the way toward realising the vision of an intelligent MBSE Co-Pilot. 

 

Grants and contracts

 

Current teaching responsibilities

Ji plays a significant role in the delivery of the Systems Engineering Level 7 Apprenticeship and the MSc Programme in Systems Engineering. Specifically, he leads the following core modules:

  • WSP072/WSP772/WSD572 Systems Architecture 
  • WSP067/WSP767/WSD567 Systems Design 
  • WSP067/WSP766/WSD567 Validation & Verification 

He also supports the following module:

  • WSP085/785 Group Systems Project

 

Recent publications

  • Cutajar, M., & Ji, S. (2023). Bsafeml: a model-based hazard management technique for safety-critical systems development. IEEE Open Journal of Systems Engineering.
  • Ji, S., Dickerson, C. E., & Wilkinson, M. (2023). Requirements Rationalization and Synthesis Enabled by Model Synchronization. IEEE Open Journal of Systems Engineering, 1, 26-37.

Selected publications

  • Dickerson, C. E., Wilkinson, M., Hunsicker, E., Ji, S., Li, M., Bernard, Y., ... & Denno, P. (2020). Architecture definition in complex system design using model theory. IEEE Systems Journal, 15(2), 1847-1860.
  • Dickerson, C. E., Roslan, R., & Ji, S. (2018). A formal transformation method for automated fault tree generation from a UML activity model. IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 67(3), 1219-1236.

External Collaborators

We work with a range of organisations from different sectors. Currently, our partners (non-exhaustive list in alphabetical order) are:

  • BAE Systems, Submarine
  • BT, London
  • Computer Science, Lancaster University
  • Frazer-Nash
  • National Physical Laboratory
  • Nuclear Waste Services
  • Rolls-Royce, Derby
  • Synoptix