An internationally recognized scholar in civil engineering, sustainable architecture, and energy-efficient urban design, Professor Li brings a wealth of expertise and a strong vision for academic collaboration, and the future of international education.
A Strong Engineering Foundation
Reflecting on the potential of collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering in Debrecen and Chongqing University, Professor Li highlighted the solid ground already in place, pointing to the shared strengths of the two institutions:
“Both of our universities are highly ranked internationally, and we share a strong profile in engineering education. At Chongqing University, we are ranked number one in China overall, and in civil engineering we are ranked fourth in the country out of more than 1,000 universities in this subject area. Globally, we are among the top 10%. The University of Debrecen also has a solid engineering reputation, making our institutions natural partners.”
While Chongqing University, founded in 1929, will soon celebrate its centenary, the University of Debrecen’s more than 500-year-old academic tradition provides an inspiring background for long-term collaboration.
Internationalization and Student Mobility
Professor Li emphasized the opportunities for joint research, student mobility, and curriculum development in engineering:
“We see excellent opportunities to work together in sustainable civil engineering, low-carbon construction, and energy-efficient technologies. Our universities are strategically positioned to connect Europe and Asia, which provides a strong basis for cooperation.”
He also noted that while Debrecen has a significant international student body, Chongqing University currently welcomes international students mostly for short-term programs or postgraduate research. Learning from Debrecen’s success in internationalization, he hopes to expand the flow of students and scholars between China and Hungary, enabling them to experience not only academic life but also industrial partnerships.
A Global Academic Network
In addition to his role at Chongqing University, Professor Li also serves as Guest Professor at the University of Reading (UK) and the University of Melbourne (Australia). He sees this international network as a platform for extending cooperation:
“International collaboration is not only about exchange between two universities. Through our networks, we could extend cooperation even further, opening up joint research projects, conferences, and student opportunities across three continents.”
Research Focus: Sustainable Engineering
With more than 50 major research projects to his name—many with significant social and economic impact—Professor Li’s main passion is sustainable engineering:
“My favorite research has always been on low-carbon buildings and sustainable built environments. This is a challenge not only for China but for the entire world. We have only one planet, so sustainability must be our shared priority. Technology, economics, and social awareness all need to work together to achieve this.”
He emphasized that universities play a vital role in preparing future engineers for this mission by embedding sustainability into engineering education and raising awareness among students.
The Role of Universities and Industry
Professor Li also stressed the importance of aligning academic work with industrial needs:
“As a university, we not only educate students but also need to connect with industry, because our graduates eventually serve the needs of industry. In some cases, universities should lead innovation, in others, they should follow the needs of industry and provide support.”
This perspective, he added, is particularly important for the partnership between Debrecen and Chongqing. With strong engineering faculties and established industrial connections, the two universities are well-positioned to build joint research platforms with partners in Europe and Asia. Such initiatives would not only drive innovation in civil engineering, sustainable construction, and energy technologies but also ensure that students acquire industry-relevant skills and that research is swiftly translated into practice.
Looking Ahead
Accepting the honorary title, Professor Li expressed both gratitude and determination:
“This recognition is a great honor. It also gives me the responsibility to deepen our cooperation. I believe our faculties can work together to advance engineering education and research, not only for our two universities but also for the wider global academic community.”
He extended an open invitation to students and staff from Debrecen to visit Chongqing University—whether for short-term exchanges, research stays, or full postgraduate programs—stressing that closer ties with industry partners on both sides will be key to success.
A strong advocate of international academic exchange, Professor Li concluded with encouragement for students and researchers:
“Every time students return from abroad, they bring new experiences and perspectives that change their lives. International exchange is essential for generating new ideas and developing solutions to global challenges.”