Siyuan Ji holds a PhD in theoretical quantum physics from the University of Nottingham and is a Reader in Model-based Systems Engineering at Loughborough University, where he pioneers MBSE principles and methodologies for mission-critical systems.
In 2024, he re-established the Quantum Systems Engineering Research Group at Loughborough and serves as its director. He also co-directs the Doctoral Training Centre in Model-based Systems Engineering, which currently supports fifteen doctoral students working across a range of fields, and is co-author of the postgraduate textbook Essential Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering.
Before rejoining Loughborough in 2022 as a Senior Lecturer, he was a Lecturer at the University of York and programme director of the MSc in Safety-Critical Systems Engineering.
Ji's research advances model-based systems engineering (MBSE) as a foundation for the broader vision of digital engineering. His work is organised around three interconnected themes.
Theme 1: Quantum Systems Engineering
Ji re-established the Quantum Systems Engineering Research Group at Loughborough University in 2024. Since then, he has led the development of model-based methods for quantum systems engineering and assurance, including the Quantum System Models Management (QSysMM) framework, the Quantum Systems Modelling Language (QSysML), and assurance methods for quantum communication networks. His research is undertaken in partnership with British Telecommunications, including through QAssure, a £3 million Innovate UK project to accelerate assurance for quantum-secure communications.
Theme 2: Digital Assurance Cases
This theme addresses the challenge of developing digital safety and security assurance cases that remain live throughout the system lifecycle. Working with partners including Lancaster University, British Telecommunications, the National Physical Laboratory, Nuclear Waste Services, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce, he develops methods and tools that enable live digital threads for assurance. These approaches support the dynamic assurance of critical systems during both design and operation.
Theme 3: MBSE Co-Pilot.
This theme explores how AI can augment and streamline MBSE activities, including model development and management. In collaboration with industry, Ji led the definition of autonomy levels for AI-assisted MBSE and a challenge-oriented research roadmap for the community in 2026. His current research addresses how engineering models can be made AI-ready, enabling more effective use of large language models in systems engineering.
Candidate enquiries
Ji welcomes enquiries from prospective doctoral and fellowship candidates. His group regularly secures fully funded studentships through UKRI and industry.
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 Systems Architecture
- WSP067/WSP767 Systems Design
- WSP067/WSP766 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