Contact
Welcome to Urban Morphology Studio! If you are interested in collaboration, consultation, or joining our team, we encourage you to reach out to any of our members.
Join us
UMS Urban Morphology Studio warmly welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who are passionate about urban issues. We value interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge co-creation, and a mentorship model grounded in mutual learning. Our aim is to foster a healthy, equitable, and open research environment built on respectful and supportive relationships between faculty and students.
Supported by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)’s advanced research infrastructure and international academic ecosystem, we offer robust resources—including high-performance computing facilities, well-equipped workspaces, and a quality living environment. We sincerely invite aspiring scholars committed to urban spatial research and innovation to join us and help shape the future of our lab.
Prospective Doctoral Candidates
We are currently recruiting 1 PhD student for Fall 2026. Outstanding candidates are encouraged to apply if they are interested in the following research areas:
- River Basin Human Settlements and Urban Form 流域人居与城市形态
- Human Perception of Urban Space 城市空间的人类感知
- AI for Urban Evaluation & Redevelopment AI驱动城市评估与更新
We are looking for candidates who meet the following qualifications:
- Strong academic background with a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in geographic information science, computer science, urban planning, urban science, remote sensing, or other related fields, with solid theoretical knowledge and research capabilities;
- Proficiency in programming (Python or R preferred) and familiarity with machine learning techniques;
- Experience with one or more relevant tools/software is preferred, including ArcGIS / QGIS, Python (PyTorch / TensorFlow), SketchUp / Rhino / BIM / Unity;
- Prior experience in artificial intelligence is a plus, especially in areas such as Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLMs);
- Excellent English communication, reading, and academic writing skills, meeting the HKUST PhD program admission requirements;
- Prior research experience and publications in reputable international or domestic academic journals will be considered a significant advantage.
Scholarships
All PhD candidates admitted to HKUST(GZ) are fully funded with competitive scholarships of monthly stipends of 15,000 RMB. For detailed information about scholarships, funding, and program specifics, please refer to the UGOD PhD program webpage.
Mphil Student
We actively welcome applications from students interested in pursuing an MPhil degree. UMS is proud to be part of the Red Bird MPhil Program at HKUST (Guangzhou), which offers outstanding research training and academic support. We encourage MPhil students who are already enrolled at HKUST(GZ) and interested in urban morphology, urban data science, or related topics to join our team. Students will have access to excellent resources, hands-on project opportunities, and close mentorship to advance their research skills and careers.
Scholarships
The Red Bird MPhil Program provides all admitted MPhil students with a comprehensive scholarship package with a monthly stipend of 10,000 RMB. Additional funding and travel support may be available for research and conference participation. For further information about scholarships, application process, program structure, and funding, please visit the Red Bird MPhil Program website.
Research assistants and Visiting Students
UMS Urban Morphology Studio welcomes applications year-round from research assistants (RAs) and visiting students who are passionate about our research themes. We encourage students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and explore innovative topics related to urban form and the built environment.
We are looking for candidates who meet the following basic criteria:
- Strong interest in the studio’s research directions and a willingness to participate in projects related to urban morphology, urban perception, or AI-driven urban evaluation;
- Availability to work or study with us for a minimum of six months, with a high level of responsibility and self-motivation;
- Relevant academic background and foundational skills; applicants with experience in data processing or spatial analysis will be given priority.
We offer research assistants and visiting students competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive academic guidance and support to foster growth and development in their research careers.
How to Apply
If you are interested in Dr. Cai Wu’s research areas and would like to apply to join the team as a PhD student, Research Assistant (RA), or Visiting Student, please send your application materials via email to: caiwu{at}hkust-gz.edu.cn
Please use the subject line:
PhD/RA/Visiting Student Application – [Your Name]
Required application materials include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter outlining your academic interests and reasons for applying (optional)
- Transcripts from your undergraduate and/or master’s studies (optional)
- Preliminary Research Proposal or Portfolio (optional)
We look forward to hearing from you and exploring new opportunities together!