Dr Xijin Hua

Dr Xijin Hua is a Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering (Biomechanics) (E&R) in Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at University of Exeter. His research interests and expertise lie in the fields of Computational Modelling and Simulation, Musculoskeletal and Tissue Biomechanics, Optimization, 3D printing of metamaterials, and their application on Medical Devices.

Prior to joining the University of Exeter, he worked as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Individual Fellow first in the Institute for Biomechanics (IfB) at ETH Zurich in Switzerland and then in the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), Department of Engineering at University of Cambridge. He obtained his PhD in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) at Univesity of Leeds, and his MSc at Chongqing University, China.

Research Interests

Dr Hua’s research interests encompass musculoskeletal and tissue biomechanics, human movement analysis, metamaterials, additive manufacturing, and medical devices (including human joint replacements, orthoses, and exoskeletons). Specifically, his research focuses on developing advanced computational models and simulation, integrating these simulations with human movement analysis and artificial intelligence to investigate the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, soft tissue, muscle function and dysfunction, and joint loading. By incorporating 3D printing techniques, his research also supports the development of metamaterials by exploring their mechanics and properties, and their applications in medical device innovation. Through these initiatives, Dr Hua’s research has enhanced our understanding of musculoskeletal functions and uncovered the mechanical mechanisms underlying neuromusculoskeletal disorders, such as joint osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and cerebral palsy. It has also contributed to advancements in predictive models and diagnostic tools, facilitating early detection and personalized treatment strategies for neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, his research has revolutionized the design, optimization, manufacturing, and preclinical testing of novel medical devices by leveraging advancements in biomaterials and metamaterials. These innovations aim to prevent and rehabilitate neuromusculoskeletal disorders, significantly contributing to the advancement of healthcare and medical technology.

Grants and Awards

• 2025-2027 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, European Commission Horizon 2020  € 276,188
  "NextTremor: New-generation wrist exoskeleton with variable stiffness and optimized biomechanics for tremor suppression"

• 2025-2027 The Royal Society Research Grant  £ 29,940
  "SKIM: Smart Biomechanical System for Real-time Knee Mobility Monitoring in Residential Settings"
• 2025-2027 The Royal Society International Exchancge  £ 12,000
  "Advancing human mobility: development of novel neuromusculoskeletal model for next-generation rehabilitation devices"
• 2025-2026  University of Exeter-IIT Delhi Collaborative Project  £ 5,000
  "A Wearable Multimodal Sensing System for Biomechanical Modelling and Classification of Muscle Contraction States for Sports Injury Prevention"
• 2024-2026 The Royal Society International Exchancge  £ 12,000
  "Enhanced Human Movement Analysis with 3D printed Strain Sensors for Next-generation Wearable Technology"
• 2023-2025  IIT Delhi – Exeter Partnership Development Fund  £ 5,000
  "Development of innovative ultrasound sensor technology for intricate human movement analysis"

• 2021-2023 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, European Commission Horizon 2020  € 224,934
  "Simulation-based design and development of a novel ankle-foot orthosis (SPRINTAFO)"
• 2017-2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, European Commission Horizon 2020  € 187,419
  “Multiscale computational modelling for natural hip biomechanics and tribology (MSCHIPBIO)”
• 2017 Image-based Biomedical Modeling (IBBM) Fellowship, University of Utah
• 2016 White Rose Collaboration Fund, White Rose University Consortium, £ 10,795

Position Opening

Both home and Oversea students are welcome to apply for PhD/MSc study with Dr Xijin Hua, and available funding opportunities can be found through the Funding and Scholarships for students.