From November 23 to 27, a delegation led by Prof. Peng HU from ZJU Ocean College, consisting of 24 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, visited the University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, and the University of Hong Kong for a five-day academic exchange program.

At the University of Macau, the delegation visited the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City and listened to presentations by Prof. Huabin SHI on the laboratory’s development, as well as talks by Prof. Joel Oliveira REIS and Prof. Hang YIN on the latest research progress in autonomous underwater vehicles and early diagnosis of cable bacteria impacts on sediments. Three doctoral students from ZJU Ocean College presented their research on sand reinforcement, storm surge flooding, and sediment-laden turbidity currents. Guided by student volunteers, the delegation also toured the university library, exhibition hall, and residential colleges, and exchanged academic and campus life experiences with local students.

At the Macau University of Science and Technology, Prof. Mingbao CHEN introduced the university’s development and his research directions, highlighting its interdisciplinary strengths in marine resources and the marine economy. Prof. Peng HU introduced the academic programs, research advantages, and talent recruitment policies of ZJU Ocean College. Students from both universities engaged in lively discussions on academic research and talent cultivation. The delegation also visited teaching buildings and the university history museum to gain further insight into the institution’s educational philosophy and campus culture.

At the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Mingfu GUAN from the Department of Civil Engineering chaired an academic seminar on “Hydrological Hazards and Urban Flood Resilience.” Scholars from both sides shared research findings and technical experience on reservoir sediment management, dam-break simulation, urban flood modeling, extreme rainfall response, and the resilience of metro systems. Prof. Peng HU introduced the development, research achievements, and disciplinary strengths of ZJU Ocean College. The delegation later visited the Inno Wing Innovation Center at the Faculty of Engineering and experienced the university’s academic atmosphere and innovation culture.

Through in-depth exchanges with the three universities, the visit enabled faculty and students to gain firsthand knowledge of the disciplinary strengths and research characteristics of leading universities in Hong Kong and Macao. The program also supported ZJU Ocean College’s efforts in international talent recruitment in China's Greater Bay Area, strengthened cooperation in marine-related fields, and laid a solid foundation for future academic visits, joint research, and collaborative talent cultivation.

(Bingfeng YE, Hengyu LIU)