Jie Zhang

Professor Jie Zhang holds the Chair in Wireless Systems at the University of Sheffield's Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering since 2011. He previously held roles at Imperial College London, Oxford University, and the University of Bedfordshire, becoming a Professor in 2006. With a PhD and MEng in Industrial Automation from East China University of Science and Technology, his research focuses on 5G/6G radio access, AI-driven network optimization, millimeter-wave communications, and smart environments. He pioneered femtocell/small cell and HetNet research, authoring influential papers and books like Femtocells: Technologies and Deployment. As a co-founder of RANPLAN (NASDAQ-listed) and Cambridge AI+ Ltd, he commercializes network design tools used globally. Since 2005, he secured over £10M in grants from EPSRC, Innovate UK, and EU programs, advancing femtocell/HetNet technologies. His work includes groundbreaking studies on interference coordination, spatial modulation, and IRS-based systems. Current research emphasizes AI in virtualized 5G RAN, proactive network optimization, and terahertz communications.

Education:

• PhD in Industrial Automation, East China University of Science and Technology (1995)
• MEng in Industrial Automation, East China University of Science and Technology (1992)

Research Interests: Dr. Zhang explores cutting-edge topics such as AI-enhanced 5G RAN, millimeter-wave small cells in built environments, and modeling smart environments. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges like heterogeneous network optimization and OAM-based multiplexing. Recent efforts include IRS-enabled integrated sensing/communication systems and blockchain-fog computing optimizations.

Grants & Awards: Over £10M in grants from EPSRC, EU FP6/FP7/H2020, and Innovate UK. Notable projects include early femtocell/HetNet research and AI-driven network planning models. His Google Scholar citations exceed 5700 (H-index 30).

Advising & Labs: Leads a team advancing 6G and AI-driven wireless innovations. Collaborates with industry partners like RANPLAN to deploy tools like Ranplan Professional. His work impacts telecom operators and manufacturers globally.