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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.
