We are excited to announce that two distinguished members of the International Joint Research Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering (ILEE) at Tongji University, Professor Xilin Lu and Professor Billie F. Spencer Jr., have been honored at the 2024 Shanghai Science and Technology Awards. The awards ceremony, held on August 26, recognized 206 outstanding individuals and achievements in science and technology. 

A huge congratulations to Professor Xilin Lu, Chairman of the Scientific Committee for ILEE, who received Shanghai Science and Technology Hero Award. As a renowned expert in seismic engineering for buildings in China, Professor Lu developed performance-based seismic design theories and methods for high-rise structures. His work has been applied to over 50 high-rise buildings in more than 20 cities. He also led the development of various damping and vibration control technologies, which were used in major projects like the Shanghai Tower. His contributions have significantly advanced seismic technology in China and elevated its standing on the international stage.

We also extend our congratulations to Professor Billie F. Spencer Jr., Director of ILEE, for receiving Shanghai International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. Professor Spencer, a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a leading global expert in structural engineering and mechanics, has dedicated his career to pioneering research in intelligent control, wireless sensing, and stochastic computational mechanics. Over the past three decades, Professor Spencer has mentored more than 120 scholars and students from over 20 universities in China. His research has enhanced China's civil engineering capabilities in smart disaster prevention and mitigation, and his efforts have been instrumental in promoting scientific and technological exchange between the U.S. and China.

We are incredibly proud of Professors Lu and Spencer for their dedication and groundbreaking contributions.