A 12-person delegation from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) visited IWHR on October 30, 2014 and signed an MOU with the institute to establish long-term research collaboration in water resources, geotechnical engineering, energy and environment.

The delegation was headed by the university’s Executive Vice-President and Provost of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Prof. Wei Shyy and Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof. Joseph H. W. Lee, and was greeted by IWHR’s President Dr. Kuang Shangfu.

Dr. Kuang reviewed the close cooperation between IWHR and the water resources sector of Hong Kong, and thanked the university for its support to IWHR in international water-related events. He was positive of the cooperation between HKUST, world-renowned for its technological and research strength, and IWHR that has rich research and engineering practice. Dr. Kuang emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary development and believed both sides could well complement each other. He hoped the MOU would serve as a starting point for substantial cooperation in collaborative research, mutual visits, exchange of students and joint educational programs.

Prof. Shyy thanked IWHR for its hospitality. He said HKUST had in recent years been enhancing exchange and cooperation with research institutes and universities in Chinese mainland. He hoped, with the signing of MOU, a guiding framework could be established for extensive and profound cooperation, and that advantages of both sides could be brought into full play in inter-disciplinary research, water-related engineering practice and the sustainable development of China’s water cause.

From left to right: 1) Prof. Guo Jun, deputy chief engineer of IWHR; 2) Prof. Wei Shyy, executive vice-president and provost of HKUST; 3) Prof. Mohamed Ghidaoui, chair professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of HKUST

The meeting was followed by three technical reports. Prof. Guo Jun, deputy chief engineer of IWHR, reported on the recent research of IWHR in fields of water resources, flood control and disaster reduction, water environment and geotechnical engineering. Prof. Shyy gave an introduction of the HKUST, in particular in the history, disciplinary structure, overall strength, strategic goals and international cooperation. Prof. Mohamed Ghidaoui, chair professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of HKUST, made a presentation on smart urban water supply system of Hong Kong, focusing on the technologies and methods on safety monitoring and management.

In the ensuing discussion, opinions were exchanged on joint training of postgraduates, application of 1000g ton centrifuge in offshore wind plant projects, and the development of national smart water network.

After the meeting, the delegates paid a visit to IWHR’s labs.

Lab tour