On the morning of 8 December 2025, Professor Fang Dongping, Chair of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Architecture and Construction (CIB), and Secretary-General Professor Don Ward visited our institute for a symposium and exchange. Academician Chen Xiangsheng, Dean of our institute; Professor Long Wujian, Executive Dean; Professor Ding Zhikun, Vice Dean; Professor Mo Jinhang, Distinguished Professor; and heads of various departments met with the guests to jointly explore global trends in the construction industry, research value, and future collaboration.

The symposium, themed "Global Architectural Innovation and Sustainable Development", provided a vital platform for fostering integration between academic research and professional practice in the field of architecture through keynote presentations and open discussions. The proceedings commenced with an opening address by Executive Dean Long Wujian, followed by self-introductions from participating faculty members.

Subsequently, Secretary-General Professor Don Ward outlined the CIB's organisational structure, key research priorities and global impact. Professor Ward highlighted that the construction sector accounts for 13% of global GDP, representing a value of US$14 trillion, yet simultaneously faces challenges including stagnant productivity and high carbon emissions. Through the World Congress of Building, student organisations, and networks for early-career researchers, CIB is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice. He highlighted CIB's key research themes, such as the intelligent sustainable built environment, building safety and health, and digital construction, emphasising their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Ward also shared CIB's award programmes, including the Sebestyen Future Leaders Award and the Keith Hampson Industry Collaboration Award, designed to inspire young scholars.

Academician Chen Xiangsheng extended a warm welcome to the visiting CIB delegation and expressed heartfelt delight at the School's membership of this international organisation. He noted that as a global non-governmental body with 83 organisational members and 22 student chapters, CIB's research network focuses on themes including planning, design, operations and social value. In recent years, the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering at Shenzhen University has achieved significant accomplishments in fields such as intelligent transportation and green building. This symposium represents a crucial step in its internationalisation strategy.

Professor Dongping Fang concluded that Shenzhen University's accession to the CIB would herald a new chapter in Chinese higher education institutions' participation in international architectural research collaboration. He stated that this exchange not only deepened the strategic partnership between the two parties but also injected fresh impetus into advancing the transformation of the construction industry towards greater safety, intelligence and environmental sustainability.

Following the meeting, both parties posed for a commemorative photograph.

First Review: Lu Qiuyue

Second Review: Long Wujian, Ding Zhikun

Third Review: Zuo Yingzi