Xiaolei Yuan (Damon) is an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at LUT University, Finland. His research focuses on building performance simulation, HVAC systems, and low-carbon, energy-flexible buildings and communities, with a particular emphasis on cold climate conditions.

His research covers building- and district-level energy system modeling, waste heat recovery, demand response, thermal energy storage, and data-driven methods for improving energy efficiency and operational flexibility. He also works on energy-efficient thermal management and safe operation of data centers.

Dr. Yuan has published 85 peer-reviewed papers, including 64 SCI/EI-indexed journal articles, with 23 as first or corresponding author. His work has received over 2,006 citations (h-index: 24). He is also an inventor of 46 Chinese patents.

He has taken leading roles in major international academic activities. He served as Scientific Committee Chair of BuildSim Nordic 2024 and contributed to securing the hosting of Building Simulation 2023 for IBPSA-China. He has been invited to serve as Vice Chair of the SCANVAC Cold Climate HVAC Conference 2027 and the REHVA HVAC World Congress CLIMA 2028.

Dr. Yuan was featured in Talotekniikka-lehti, a leading Finnish HVAC and building services magazine, for his research on energy-efficient and safe operation of data centers. As a core member or project leader, he has participated in national, industrial, and EU-funded research projects with a total funding volume of approximately €2.4 million.

He actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer, editorial board member, and guest editor for multiple international journals.