The “Austrian-China Research Centre on Tunnel and Underground Engineering” co-established by Eurasia-Pacific Uninet and Tonji University was inaugurated on Oct. 9th. Prof. Sigurd Hoellinger, former Minister of the Ministry of Education, Science & Culture, Vienna, Ms Elisabeth Gehrer, Honorary President of the Eurasia-Pacific Uninet, Prof. Brigitte Winklehner, President Eurasia-Pacific Uninet, Prof. Li Yongsheng, the Deputy Vice-President of the University, Prof. Yang Dongyuan, the Vice-President of the University attended the ceremony. Ms. Gehrer and Prof. Li Yongsheng unveil the Center; Prof. Winklehner and Vice-President Yang Dongyuan signed the agreement on behalf of two parties.
The Research Center will concentrate on the joint research on tunnel and underground engineering, the establishment of educational, training or popular science programs.
It is reported that achievements have been made by both parties in seminars, international conferences and exchange postgraduates programs since 2003. The inauguration of the Center is an expansion and reinforcement of cooperation between two parties, which will undoubtedly enhance the exchange and cooperation in this specific fields.
The first international conference on geotechnical safety and risk will be held in Tongji University on October10th.
