News

Visiting four partner and collaborating universities in Mainland China

The Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully concluded a series of strategic visits to partner universities in Mainland China from April 7 to April 10, 2025. These visits were pivotal in enhancing collaborative efforts aimed at advancing research and development in climate-resilient infrastructure, a critical area in the face of escalating global climate challenges. Led by Professor LI Xiang-dong, Director of RICRI, the delegation engaged with prominent academic and administrative leaders from Beijing Normal University, Tsinghua University, Tongji University, and Nanjing University. The discussions were centered around establishing joint research centres, securing funding for collaborative projects, and promoting academic exchanges to foster innovation and resilience. A key opportunity arising from these visits is the potential to establish joint research centres with each partner university. These centres would focus on critical areas such as urban resilience, disaster reduction, and the impacts of extreme weather events. By leveraging the combined strengths and expertise of RICRI and its partners, these initiatives have the potential to develop innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. The visits also paved the way for increased academic exchange and collaboration. Plans were made to involve outstanding scholars from the partner universities in RICRI’s Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship (CRIF) and to support the International Symposium Series. These initiatives will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances the practical application of research findings. In addition to research collaborations, RICRI and the partner universities identified significant opportunities to secure matching funds to support these initiatives. This includes the potential to access national and university research funds, as well as to attract contributions from corporate and philanthropic sources. Such financial backing presents a crucial opportunity for the successful implementation of joint projects and the establishment of robust research platforms. Moreover, the discussions underscored the potential to develop future urban infrastructure that is resilient to climate change. The partners explored the possibility of conducting joint case studies in various regions of China, including northern mountainous areas, central crop regions, and southern urban-rural zones. These studies offer the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the diverse impacts of climate change and to inform the development of tailored infrastructure solutions. These strategic partnerships are set to significantly advance the field of climate-resilient infrastructure, driving impactful research and sustainable development. RICRI remains committed to building strong international collaborations that not only enhance academic and research capabilities but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Establishment of Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) with support from the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation. This institute aims to lead globally in developing resilient and sustainable solutions for urban and rural areas to address climate change challenges. The opening ceremony at Hotel ICON attracted nearly 300 participants, including academics and industry experts. RICRI collaborates with renowned experts from Mainland China and Hong Kong government departments to create an interdisciplinary research platform that integrates government, industry, academia, and research for sustainable development.Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, highlighted RICRI as a significant milestone in addressing climate change, made possible by Otto Poon's generous support. Dr. Otto Poon emphasized the need for societal collaboration to enhance infrastructure resilience through research and innovation. Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, discussed government strategies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and enhancing climate resilience.Led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li, RICRI focuses on climate change, urban infrastructure resilience, rural disaster mitigation, and climate-resilient policy. The accompanying forum covered topics like extreme climate event prediction, urban infrastructure resilience, and rural community adaptation. The Otto Poon Charitable Foundation has previously supported PolyU's smart city and energy research institutes, further strengthening its capabilities in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience. RICRI will provide research schemes and funding, including lecture series, fellowships, and research initiatives in climate-resilient infrastructure.For more information about the Research Institute, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ricri/​