Curtin University researchers will work with colleagues in China to lead a new urban sustainability initiative.
Curtin recently signed the Memorandum of Understanding, Development of Research Collaboration in the Field of Sustainable and Smart Cities of the Future – Next Generation Cities, with Chongqing University (CQU).
In addition, a joint research laboratory in the field of new generation construction technologies has also been established.
The collaboration will bring together cross-disciplinary expertise from the universities, focusing on five themes of sustainability, mega-projects, industrialisation, policy, and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Curtin Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Majella Franzmann signed the MoU in Chongqing with CQU Executive Vice President Professor Zhang Siping on 14 April.
Professor Franzmann said Curtin was delighted to be collaborating with one of China’s top universities.
“The Australasian Joint Research Centre for Building Information Modelling, which was established and is directed by Professor Xiangyu Wang, is one of the leading centers in Australia,” Professor Franzmann said.
“This collaboration will not only benefit both universities’ research innovation, but also the wider community.”
Professor Zhang said the partnership will deliver benefits for CQU’s research and would be a great contribution to the development of China’s urbanisation.
“As a key university in China, the collaboration with Curtin will contribute to the enhancement of scientific research, technical innovation and sustainable development of both universities,” Professor Zhang said.
“It could be helpful to the transformation from a pattern of urbanisation to sustainable and smart cities in China.”
Two delegation teams from CQU will visit Curtin in June and July to further strengthen the relationship as well as fine-tune each collaboration program.
