Strengthening Global Ties with the
University of Manchester Engineering School
The GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) recently welcomed Professor Sarah Cartmell, Vice Dean and Head of the School of Engineering at the prestigious University of Manchester. This successful visit marks a significant advancement in strengthening our international academic partnerships, our shared commitment to engineering innovation, and the development of sustainable smart cities.
Strategic Dialogue on Global Collaboration
During the visit, Professor Cartmell engaged in strategic discussions with our leadership team, including Dean and Associate Dean (PG) Professor Albert Chung, to explore synergistic opportunities for global collaboration and joint research initiatives.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge GSCI Smart City Research
The visit included a technical showcase at our Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab Hub (SSC Hub), demonstrating GSCI's cutting-edge research in sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation. Our researchers proudly presented several pioneering smart city projects:
Project Title |
Focus Area |
Presenter & Key Detail |
Impact |
| Turning construction and Ca-food wastes into new sustainable geological materials by CO2 sequestration | Eco-friendly construction, circular economy, waste utilization | Developed by Professor Zac So, these "UST" eco-bricks are crafted from construction and food waste. | Promoting the circular economy in construction with durable, eco-friendly building materials for sustainable infrastructure development. |
| Enabling a Smarter HKUST Campus by Integrating Digital Twin with Robotics and AI Technology | Digital Twin, autonomous systems, AI in construction | Post-doctoral Fellow Dr. Peter Kok-Yiu Wong under Professor Jack Cheng showcased a tailor-made autonomous robot. | Practical applications of Digital Twin technology integrated with Robotics and AI for advanced urban asset management and solving real-world engineering challenges. |
|
Smart Building Façade Inspection with Thermographic Images Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (UAV technology and infrastructure monitoring) |
UAV technology, infrastructure monitoring, smart sensing | Assistant Professor Zhang Shenghan presented his research on UAV-based façade inspection. | A working prototype for a cost-effective infrastructure monitoring system, redefining structural sensing and maintenance for smart city buildings. |
Future of GSCI-University of Manchester Partnership
We are enthusiastic about the ideas generated and the collaborative path forward. The GSCI looks forward to building upon this successful engagement with Professor Cartmell and the University of Manchester, as we continue our joint commitment to advancing sustainable engineering innovation and shaping the future of global smart cities.
For more information about GSCI’s research projects, please visit: https://gsc.hkust.edu.hk/research-projects.
To explore collaborative opportunities with the GREAT Smart Cities Institute, please contact us directly at gsc@ust.hk.
