Prof. Ya-Ling He is the principle investigator for many research projects, which include National Fundamental R&D Projects of China (973 Chief Scientist), National Key R&D Program of China, Key Project and Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Key Project of the Ministry of Education and several international joint research programs.

Major projects in recent years include:

• Investigations on fundamental and common problems in high-efficiency and comprehensive utilization of industrial waste heat –Chief Scientist for the National Basic Research Program (973 Project) of China

• Fundamental researches on key thermo-fluid problems in high-efficiency energy utilization –Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China

• Energy saving and advanced manufacturing techniques in industries of high energy consumption –the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China

• Investigations on mechanisms of solar concentration & conversion and novel power cycles in solar power tower –the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China

• Dynamic Characteristics of Thermal Engineering System – National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars
• Utilization of renewable and alternative energy – National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars

• Innovation and overseas expertise introduction center for thermos-fluid sciences in new energy and non-conventional energy utilization –Overseas Expertise Introduction Project for Discipline Innovation (111 Project)

• Basic thermophysical problems in Frequency-based application of solar energy –the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China

• Energy saving theory and techniques in industries of high energy consumption –the National Basic Research Program (973 Project) of China