On October 12, Professor Michael Beer of Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, visited the College of Civil Engineering at Hefei University of Technology (HFUT) for academic exchange and discussions on potential research collaboration. The visit focused on cutting-edge research in infrastructure resilience and risk assessment and featured an academic lecture and a thematic seminar.

On the morning of October 12, Professor Beer delivered a lecture entitled “Resilience of Civil Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions.” He shared recent research advances and academic insights into the challenges facing civil infrastructure resilience and potential solutions, highlighting key issues and future directions in the field. The lecture provided faculty members and students with valuable insights into international research developments and new perspectives for their own research, while fostering the exchange and integration of diverse academic viewpoints.

In the afternoon, the College hosted a thematic seminar attended by Professor Gao Peng, Vice Dean of the College, Professor Kong Fan, and other faculty members. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on research areas, emerging developments, and opportunities for future collaboration in civil engineering. They also exchanged views on research cooperation, talent development, and faculty and student exchanges. The discussions strengthened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for practical, multifaceted international academic collaboration.

The visit represents another important step in the College’s ongoing efforts to promote international academic exchange and expand high-level research partnerships. Moving forward, the College will continue to strengthen ties with German universities and research institutions, build international platforms for academic collaboration, advance international talent development, and enhance its academic influence globally.

Text: Wang Yongwei

Photos: Liu Yuanyuan

Reviewed by: Wang Jingfeng and Gao Peng