SEE Delegation Explores Innovation and Research Excellence During CityUHK (Dongguan) Day Trip

On 21 August 2026, the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) organized a successful day trip to Dongguan, offering participants a valuable opportunity to explore world-class research facilities, strengthen academic connections, and gain insights into the rapidly evolving innovation landscape of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Led by Professor Benjamin Horton, Dean of SEE, the delegation brought together a diverse group of faculty members, administrative staff, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, MSc students, undergraduate students, and alumni, reflecting the School’s vibrant and inclusive community.

Exploring Opportunities at CityUHK (Dongguan)

The visit commenced with an engaging tour of the City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) campus. The SEE delegation was warmly received by Professor Julie Li, Vice President (Academic) of CityUHK (Dongguan), Professor Xingyi Shi, Assistant Professor and Programme Coordinator, together with Ms Haley Li, and Ms Lincy Lin.

SEE would like to express its sincere appreciation to Professor Julie Li and her team for their warm hospitality and insightful presentations. Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the University’s strategic vision, academic development, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, and its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary education and research in the Greater Bay Area.

Dean Prof. Benjamin Horton (right) presented a souvenir to Prof. Julie Li, Vice President (Academic), CityUHK (Dongguan) (left), in gratitude for her gracious hosting and insightful campus introduction.

Visiting Leading National Research Facilities

The delegation also visited two renowed national research facilities located in Songshan Lake Science City, gaining firsthand exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation.

• Chinese Academy of Sciences Dongguan Institute of Materials Science: The delegation visited the institute and extended sincere gratitude to Prof. Liu Lifeng for his warm hospitality and valuable sharing on advanced materials development.

Prof. Benjamin Horton (right) presented a token of appreciation to Prof. Liu Lifeng (left).

• China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS): The delegation then visited the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), one of China's major national scientific infrastructure facilities. Delegates were introduced to the facility's cutting-edge capabilities and its important role in supporting scientific discoveries across multiple disciplines. SEE sincerely thanks Mr Guo for conducting an informative guided tour and sharing insights into the operation and research applications of the CSNS.

Prof. Benjamin Horton (left) presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Guo (right).

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

The visit concluded on a highly positive note, with participants expressing admiration for the remarkable development and promising future of the CityUHK (Dongguan) campus, as well as the dynamic innovation ecosystem of the Greater Bay Area.

SEE extends its heartfelt gratitude to all hosts, organizers, and participants whose support contributed to the success of the trip. Looking ahead, the School remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing impactful research collaborations, and creating transformative educational opportunities across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Through initiatives such as this, SEE continues to foster meaningful exchanges that connect academia, research, and innovation, while preparing future leaders to address global challenges in energy, environment, and sustainability.