Dr Jorge Ochoa Paniagua
Co-Director, Building and Urban Informatics Lab | Research Degree Coordinator | Senior Lecturer in Digital Construction and Sustainability
I am a researcher, educator, and academic leader passionate about transforming the way we design, build, and manage our cities. My work lies at the intersection of design, construction, digital innovation, and sustainability, and is deeply informed by collaboration with industry, government, and global academic networks.
I currently serve as Co-Director of the Building and Urban Informatics Lab within UniSA’s Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE), where I lead a diverse and interdisciplinary research team focused on shaping smarter and more sustainable built environments. Our research agenda explores how emerging technologies—such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and the Internet of Things—can be integrated into design, construction and urban systems to enhance performance, sustainability, and social value. We are especially focused on real-world applications, working closely with partners from industry and government to ensure our work drives meaningful impact.
My research is strongly aligned with national and global priorities in the built environment, particularly in areas such as digital transformation in construction, circular economy and smart and resilient cities. I have attracted funding from a range of sources across categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 and have contributed to policy development at state, national and international levels across Oceania, North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. My work has been cited in major government and UN reports and featured in forums such as the World Urban Forum. These contributions reflect my commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice.
At UniSA, I also serve as the Research Degree Coordinator for Construction and Project Management and co-lead the university’s Research Degree Coordinators Network. I am deeply invested in the mentoring and development of higher degree by research (HDR) candidates and early-career researchers. I have supervised 15 PhD students to completion and currently support another 10, with many of my past students now holding academic or leadership roles in industry. Supporting the next generation of researchers and creating an inclusive and supportive research culture are central to my academic mission.
As an educator, I design and deliver courses that integrate real-world challenges, digital tools, and interactive learning. I have developed immersive environments to enhance experiential learning and actively mentor colleagues in the adoption of new teaching strategies. My teaching has been recognised with multiple awards and consistently receives excellent student feedback.
My professional engagement spans academic and industry spheres. I serve on editorial boards of leading journals, contribute to national and international scientific committees, and participate in working groups focused on emerging academic and policy issues. These roles allow me to remain actively engaged in the future directions of research, education and practice in the built environment.
Trained originally as a civil engineer in Mexico and with a PhD from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, my journey has taken me across countries and disciplines—but always with a focus on creating knowledge that matters and building strong, lasting collaborations.
If you are a prospective PhD student, an academic peer, an industry leader, or a policymaker with an interest in sustainable construction, digital innovation, or research partnerships, I’d be delighted to connect.