On the morning of April 22, 2025, Professor Tamon Ueda, member of the Japanese Academy of Engineering, visited the School of Civil Engineering at Chongqing University and delivered an academic lecture titled “Civil Engineering for Sustainability – Life Cycle Management and International Collaboration.” The event also included a thematic symposium. Attendees included Professor Yang Yongbin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Honorary Dean of the School of Civil Engineering; Professor Yukio Tamura, Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Professor Yang Qingshan, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering; Professor Xu Fei, Director of the Structural Engineering Research Institute; Professor Luo Shaoxiang and over 20 faculty and student representatives from related research fields. The session was chaired by Professor Zhang Xiaoming.

At the meeting, Professor Yang Qingshan extended warm welcome to Professor Tamon Ueda and introduced the college’s development history, disciplinary strengths, faculty team, and scientific research achievements. He expressed hope that Professor Ueda’s visit would bring new vitality to the college’s teaching, research, and international collaboration efforts.

During the lecture, Professor Tamon Ueda systematically elaborated on the critical role of civil engineering in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality. He emphasized that infrastructure serves as the cornerstone of sustainable development, profoundly impacting the three pillars of economy, environment, and society. To address these challenges, Professor Ueda proposed key carbon-neutral technologies in areas such as innovative construction materials, transformation of the steel industry, high-durability design, and new reinforcement techniques. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and standardization.

In the interactive session, faculty and students engaged in lively discussions on topics such as the application of green building materials, strategies for extending infrastructure lifespan, and practical pathways for international collaboration in civil engineering.

Academician Yang Yongbin concluded the symposium by stating that Professor Ueda’s lecture and discussions provided significant theoretical guidance and practical insights for the School of Civil Engineering in the fields of sustainable development and life cycle management. He firmly believed that the college will continue to strengthen international cooperation and exchanges, explore new pathways for sustainable development in civil engineering, and contribute to achieving the SDGs and carbon neutrality goals.

In the afternoon, Professor Tamon Ueda attended an academic exchange session, where Professor Zhang Xiaoming, Researcher Kang Shaobo, Pouria Ayough, and other faculty and students presented their respective research work. The session was chaired by Professor Zhang Xiaoming, with over 20 faculty and students from related research directions participating. Professor Ueda engaged in in-depth discussions with the presenters, fostering a rich academic dialogue.