On the afternoon of 26th December, at the invitation of the Civil Engineering Faculty of the School of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering, Dr. Sakdirat Kaewunruen (Sak) from the University of Birmingham gave an academic lecture titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation innovation for railway infrastructure systems towards climate adaptation, circularity and net zero’. Prof. Wensheng Ding, the dean of the school of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering, attended and hosted the seminar. Nearly a hundred faculty and students from the School of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering and Railway Transportation attended the seminar.

Dr. Sak initially introduced the advanced research field of ‘Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology’ and then demonstrated novel digital twin and artificial intelligence technologies to comprehensively ensure the normal operation of railway systems. The seminar emphasised the key strategies and challenges of implementing new technologies sustainably and explored insights into system circularity and the challenges in risk-averse international standards.

During the seminar, Dr. Sak also provided a general introduction to the University of Birmingham in the UK, and hot topics related to faculty and students, such as study abroad policies have been discussed. Dr. Sak's humorous character, profound knowledge, and innovative thinking left a deep impression on the faculty and students.

Before the lecture, Dr. Sak and Prof. Wensheng Ding had in-depth discussions on the feasibility of academic exchanges, visits, and collaborations between the School of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering and the University of Birmingham.

Through this seminar, a communication bridge was established between the University of Birmingham and the School of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering in academic research, exchange projects， and joint educational partnerships. The seminar improved students' understanding of the application of artificial intelligence in civil engineering and further enhanced their understanding of interdisciplinary studies.

(Written/Photographed by: School of Urban Construction and Safety Engineering)