On July 2nd, the joint field expedition on Earth Science and Urban Environment between Nanjing University (NJU) and Hong Kong successfully concluded. Initiated by the Undergraduate School of NJU and led by the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, the expedition collaborated with renowned universities in Hong Kong including the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Lingnan University. Leveraging internationally leading research resources, the project established an interdisciplinary and interregional platform for collaborative innovation, aimed at cultivating top-tier interdisciplinary talents with global perspectives and innovative capabilities.

The joint field expedition was guided by Associate Professor Tan Daoyuan, Professor Jiang Baoyu, and Associate Professor Zhang Xia from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering of NJU. Participants included outstanding undergraduates and graduates from various departments such as Earth Sciences and Engineering, Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Sociology, Business, and Literature. High school student representatives selected through the "Feiyue Plan" also participated.

The nine-day expedition featured diverse activities including academic exchanges, geological fieldwork, and urban environmental research. The team visited Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Hong Kong, and Lingnan University, conducting in-depth discussions on frontier topics such as deep space exploration, architectural environmental engineering, and planetary sciences, facilitated consensus-building on talent cultivation and research cooperation. During the geological fieldwork, the team examined key sites such as Port Island, Lai Chi Chong, and Tung Ping Chau, collecting valuable firsthand data on geological evolution through observations of typical geological phenomena like Cretaceous red beds and volcanic rock structures, significantly enhancing understanding of geological history in South China. In urban environment research, the team concentrated on geological disaster prevention and sustainable development, investigating innovative engineering technologies and engaging in thorough discussions on urban geological hazard management. Students presented their research findings in groups, showcasing solid academic capabilities and innovative thinking.

On July 1, to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a flag-raising ceremony was held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The expedition team was invited to the event. NJU team members, alongside faculty and students from Hong Kong universities, witnessed this solemn event, further strengthening the friendship between students from Jiangsu and Hong Kong.

The expedition not only achieved substantial academic results but also established a platform for cross-regional exchange and cooperation. In the context of deepening Jiangsu-Hong Kong cooperation, this project effectively promoted academic interaction between universities in the two regions and stimulated students' innovative enthusiasm. Through this practical experience, students enhanced their professional capabilities, broadened their global outlook, and strengthened their abilities in cross-cultural communication and collaboration, laying a solid foundation for future learning and growth.

Photo: Liu Jiuyu

Text: Du Qianxue, Tang Zhenyu, and Tan Daoyuan