Author: Su Qianyi, Zhou Huiqian 

Publisher: Publicity Office of the CPC Jinan University Committee  

Date: December 14, 2024

On the afternoon of December 11th, Jinan University hosted an expert review meeting for the reconstruction plan of the Key Laboratory of Marine Civil Engineering Materials and Structures. The meeting took place in Conference Room 1111 of the Administrative Office Building and was attended by a distinguished group of academicians and experts in the field.

(At the meeting)

The event commenced with a welcome speech by Xing Feng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and President of Jinan University. He expressed gratitude to the attending experts and highlighted the importance of advancing China’s maritime power as part of the country's modernization strategy. The university has transitioned from its previous Key Laboratory focused on major engineering disasters to establish this new laboratory, which aims to address critical issues related to the durability and safety of marine engineering structures in complex environments.

(President Xing delivers a speech.)

The expert panel included prominent figures such as Nie Jianguo, director of the Department of Water Resources and Building Engineering at Tsinghua University; Zhang Si, former director of the South China Sea Institute of Oceanography; and other esteemed academicians from various universities and research institutions. The meeting was presided over by Weng Jian, Vice President of Jinan University.

(The expert panel facilitates in-depth discussions)

During the meeting, Academician Nie Jianguo was elected as the leader of the expert group, with Academician Zhang Si serving as the deputy leader. Both emphasized the significance of marine civil engineering research in addressing the challenges posed by complex marine environments, ensuring the safety of marine structures, and promoting sustainable development of the marine economy.

Nie Zhenhua, Dean of the School of Mechanics and Architecture Engineering at Jinan University, presented the construction plan for the key laboratory. His report outlined five key aspects: the background of the laboratory construction, key tasks, expected research contributions, innovation characteristics, and team development and support conditions.

Following the presentation, the expert panel engaged in a thorough discussion, raising questions and offering constructive feedback on refining research directions, enhancing interdisciplinary integration, and improving the laboratory’s overall impact. The expert group ultimately concluded that the laboratory possesses the necessary conditions for reconstruction as a key laboratory under the Ministry of Education.

The approval of this laboratory's construction is expected to foster advancements in marine civil engineering research and contribute significantly to China’s maritime development strategy.