MMOVE Lab · HKU
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THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · DASE

MOVE LabMobility Optimization for Value and Efficiency

Portrait of Dr. Fangni Zhang
Principal Investigator

Dr. Fangni Zhang

Associate Professor
Department of Data and Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong

Deputy Director
Institute of Transport Studies, The University of Hong Kong

Introduction

MOVE Lab — Mobility Optimization for Value and Efficiency is a research group led by Dr. Fangni Zhang at The University of Hong Kong. We conduct research to advance the theory and practice of transportation and logistics systems through optimization, network modeling, and data-driven methods. We study how people, vehicles, and infrastructure interact across different modes and scales, and we develop models and algorithms for planning, operating, and controlling transportation and logistics systems efficiently, reliably, and sustainably. Our work addresses key challenges in designing emerging logistics networks, understanding traveler and operator decisions, managing autonomous fleets, and learning from large-scale mobility data. The goal of our research is to bridge rigorous quantitative methods with real-world operational challenges, and to create mobility systems that deliver greater value to society.

Research interests

  • Low-altitude logistics systems optimization

  • Mobility and logistics network modeling

  • Autonomous vehicle/UAV systems operations

  • AI for transportation

PhD, Postdoc & Research Assistant positions

  • We are looking for 1-2 self-motivated Ph.D. students to join the research group. Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in Transportation Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Automation, and Applied Mathematics, or related fields. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required. Candidates with research experience in network modeling, optimization and game theory are preferred.

  • Successful applicants will be considered eligible to receive a Postgraduate Scholarship (the 2025 rate: HK$19,135/month in probation and HK$19,655/month after probation) during the normative study period. Outstanding applicants for the Ph.D. programme are strongly encouraged to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPF) scheme, which offers an annual stipend of HK$28,400/month plus a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400/year. HKU will provide HKPF awardees additional living allowance (HK$20-40k/year) and accommodation support. To learn more about the HKU Ph.D. programme and scholarships, visit HKU Graduate School website.

  • Postdoc, Research Assistant, and visiting research positions are also available. If your research background fits our research interests, please send your CV including your education qualifications and list of publications.

  • Please contact Dr. Fangni Zhang directly at fnzhang.at.hku.hk

Selected Publications

  • Li, Q., Zhang, F. (2026) Auction mechanism design for order allocation and payment in a crowdshipping system. Transportation Science, 60(5), 765-783.

  • Sun, W., Wu, L., Zhang, F. (2026) An Exact Algorithm to Solve Vehicle Routing Problem with Drones for Delivery and Surveillance Tasks After Disasters. Transportation Science, 60(1), 132-154.

  • Sun, W., Wu, L., Zhang, F. (2026) Robust optimization for truck-and-drone collaboration with travel time uncertainties. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 204, 103378.

  • Lin, J., Zhang, F., Yin, Y. (2026) Parking-and-Charging-as-a-Service: Online admission and allocation policies for an integrated parking and charging reservation system. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 204, 103375.

  • Zhang, Z., Zhang, F., Liu, W. (2025) To park or to share your autonomous vehicle?. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 200, 103305.

  • Zhang, Z., Zhang, F., Liu, W. (2025) Economic analysis of parking, vehicle charging and vehicle-to-grid service in the era of electric vehicles. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 191, 103133.

  • Zhang, Z., Zhang, F. (2024) Optimal operation strategies of an urban crowdshipping platform in asset-light, asset-medium, or asset-heavy business format. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 102992.

  • Gong, Z., Zhang, F., Liu, W., Graham, D. (2023) On the effects of airport capacity expansion under responsive airlines and elastic passenger demand. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 170, 48-76.

  • Zhang, F., Lindsey, R., Yang, H., Shao, C., Liu, W. (2022) Two-sided pricing strategies for a parking sharing platform: reselling or commissioning? Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 163, 40-63.

  • Liu, W., Zhang, F., Wang, X., Shao, C., Yang, H. (2022) Unlock the sharing economy: the case of the parking sector for recurrent commuting trips. Transportation Science, 56(2), 265-564.

  • Ma, M., Zhang, F., Liu, W., Dixit, V. (2022) A game theoretical analysis of metro-integrated city logistics systems. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 156, 14-27.

  • Liu, W., Zhang, F., Yang, H. (2017) Modeling and managing morning commute with both household and individual travels. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 103, 227-247.

  • Zhang, F., Lindsey, R. and Yang, H. (2016) The Downs–Thomson paradox with imperfect mode substitutes and alternative transit administration regimes. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 86, 104-127.