On November 11, 2024, the Tongji University Civil Engineering Development Forum, held as part of the 110th-anniversary celebrations, conducted the launch of the “Artificial Intelligence Enabled Civil Engineering Discipline Innovation and Development Action Plan (2024–2027).” Prof. Zhou Ying, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering and Director of  the ILEE, announced the initiative, that focuses on advancing high-quality development in civil engineering through artificial intelligence under the AI4SEE (AI for Science-Engineering-Education) framework. The plan outlines a three-year strategy, four core tasks, and 20 implementation measures.

A key highlight of the event was the release of CivilGPT, an independently developed knowledge model by the School of Civil Engineering. CivilGPT, recently approved by the National Internet Information Office, has become the first generative artificial intelligence model in China’s education system to receive official filing. This model represents a significant intersection of knowledge engineering and civil engineering and is a testament to Tongji University’s innovative exploration of digital intelligence-driven transformation in traditional engineering disciplines.

During the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Tongji University’s School of Civil Engineering. Endorsed by Xu Haoliang, UN Under-Secretary-General and Deputy Administrator of UNDP, and Zheng Qinghua, President of Tongji University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the agreement establishes a strategic partnership to co-found the UNDP Urban Disaster Prevention and Resilience Innovation Laboratory (Tongji University). This collaboration will explore cutting-edge solutions to enhance urban resilience in disaster mitigation and climate adaptation and encourage global knowledge exchange through the UNDP network.

In recent years, the Civil Engineering Department at Tongji University has actively addressed the demands of the new era by advancing initiatives focused on "digital intelligence, sustainability, and integration."  Initiatives include the establishment of a New Energy Systems Infrastructure Research Institute, focusing on power grids, wind power, and solar energy; a China Smart Infrastructure Collaborative Innovation Platform to integrate academia and industry; and a High-Speed Railway and Station-City Fusion Research Institute to empower productivity in railway systems.

With infrastructure development transitioning from new construction to renewal, the department now emphasizes “low carbon, intelligence, and resilience” in research. It is pursuing breakthroughs in areas such as transportation infrastructure, intelligent transportation, vehicle systems, high-speed maglev, and low-altitude economy, aiming to lead advancements in integrated transportation systems.

Zheng Qinghua, President of Tongji University, praised the department’s innovative practices, noting that its work serves as a valuable model for other disciplines undergoing transformation.

Fang Shou’en, Party Secretary of Tongji University, mentioned the department’s legacy and its potential to further China’s civil engineering education: “At the 110-year milestone, we hope the department will continue to innovate and lead world-class disciplines with Chinese characteristics, forging a brighter future and achieving greater global influence.”

Source of the Airticle : https://www.shkjb.com/content.html?id=236218
By Shanghai Science And Technology
Authors: Yiting Wu, Aijiao Huang