The 6th International Symposium of Smart Underground Space and Infrastructure kicked off in Jinan, Shandong, from Nov 14 to 16.

In a video speech, Shandong University (SDU) President Li Shucai emphasized the university's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of industry and education. He highlighted SDU's efforts to advance infrastructure intelligent construction through a new paradigm that integrates data-driven methods, artificial intelligence, high-end equipment, and proprietary software. This focus has led to major advances. Li said the university's dedication to cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary fusion to cultivate top talent and tackle critical technologies in smart underground space, helping with sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening.

The opening ceremony had two notable events: the launch ceremony of the China Energy Society New Energy Equipment and Storage Technology Committee and the debut of the academic journal Smart Underground Engineering.

The symposium showed off global expertise, with 16 top experts delivering speeches in four specialized sub-forums. Scholars engaged in extensive discussions on cutting-edge topics within the smart underground space domain.

Additionally, a special exhibit area showed SDU's latest tech in intelligent underground engineering, including smart equipment and robotics.

The launch ceremony of the China Energy Society New Energy Equipment and Storage Technology Committee. [Photo/Shandong University]

The debut ceremony of the journal Smart Underground Engineering. [Photo/Shandong University]