Ying Jin's research interest is focused on understanding how technology, policy and human behaviour affect the development of cities and their infrastructure, and in using this knowledge to create new design solutions.

His main research interests are computer models of cities, and urban history. He has extensive industry experience and directed large multi-disciplinary teams in building and using computer models as experimental platforms to appraise policy scenarios that involve investment, regulation, pricing and promotional campaigns. Key projects include strategic planning of London and surrounding regions, transport and energy scenarios for the European Union, long term city region and transport plans in China and in South America, mapping urban poverty in emerging economies, and assessing development and transport options for Cambridge and surrounding regions. His interests in urban history lie mainly with the European Renaissance cities and the Chinese cities since the Tang Dynasty in the 7th Century. He was until recently Director of the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies at University of Cambridge. He is a Commissioner of the UK Independent Transport Commission, and of the UK2070 Commission.