From November 1 to 3, the main conference for CHINA ROCK 2024, the 21st China Rock Mechanics and Engineering Annual Academic Conference, was held at NEU in Shenyang. Hosted by the Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, the event was co-organized by NEU, Liaoning University, the Cold Region Geo-technical Mechanics and Engineering Committee, the Rock Engineering Design Methods Committee, the Rock Burst Technical Committee, the International Exchange Committee, and editorial boards of Deep Resources Engineering and Geo-hazard Mechanics journals. With the theme "Rock Mechanics Boosting Disaster Prevention and Serving New Productive Forces", the conference aimed to promote academic exchange and technological innovation in the field of cold region Geo-technical mechanics and engineering.
Feng Xiating, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Northeastern University; Pan Yishan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Party Secretary of Liaoning University; Wang Xiao, Deputy Director of the Service Center for Overseas-educated Scholars and Experts at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the State Council(Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China); Zang Jun, Second Inspector of the Liaoning Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security; and Professor Wang Dong, Vice President of Liaoning Technical University, attended and delivered speeches. Over 200 representatives from universities and research institutions across China participated in person, while 18 satellite venues were set up at institutions including Shenyang University of Technology and Liaoning Technical University, attracting a total online audience of more than 28,000.
Feng Xiating extended warm congratulations on the conference and noted that NEU's mining engineering, rock mechanics and related disciplines have consistently focused on addressing the national demands for deep metal mining and deep engineering construction. Through theoretical research, technological development, and scientific services, these disciplines have cultivated top-tier talents, promoted interdisciplinary studies, led the development of mining sciences at the university, and established a strong and capable research team which serves as a core of NEU's innovation efforts. Looking ahead, NEU's mining engineering discipline is actively aligning with the framework for building a world-class university, focusing on theoretical breakthroughs and cutting-edge technologies in deep-earth resource development, and fostering new growth points in interdisciplinary fields. The university has organized the "Mining+" interdisciplinary forum to explore the possibilities of integrating mining engineering with modern information technology and other multidisciplinary strengths. This will enable smart transformations in engineering practices, bringing new vitality into traditional engineering disciplines, and positioning itself within the university's broader strategic development with inclusivity and confidence. Feng hopes that experts and scholars will fully showcase their achievements, strengthen academic collaboration, inspire young scholars to tackle scientific challenges, and take on the responsibilities of the era.
During the conference, Academician Pan Yishan delivered a keynote speech titled "Coal Mine Rock Burst in China: Theory, Practice, and Management", emphasizing the significance and complexity of rock burst issues in coal mine production in China. He outlined key research directions and urged scholars to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to drive the transformation and application of research findings, providing more effective solutions to rock burst issues.
Invited speakers included Professors Zhu Wancheng, Li Yuanhui, Zhang Fengpeng, Liu Zaobao, and Li Lianchong from Northeastern University; Professor Wang Dong from Liaoning Technical University; Professor Sun Wei from Central South University; Professor Tang Jupeng from Liaoning Technical University; Professor Ma Liqiang from Xinjiang Institute of Engineering; Professor Ma Ke from Dalian University of Technology; and Professor Zhang Yanjun from Jilin University. Their presentations covered various research areas such as coal mining engineering, rock mechanics, and resource exploration, sharing cutting-edge technologies and their applications, which provide an essential platform for academic exchange and research advancement.
Shenyang Center Venue of the CHINA ROCK 2024 conference also hosted the 2024 Postdoctoral Seminar on Green and Intelligent Development of Deep Mineral Resources, as well as the 3rd "Mining+" Interdisciplinary Forum. Experts, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students from all over the country engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme "Green and Intelligent Interdisciplinary Integration of Deep Energy and Mineral Resources". The event featured nearly 40 keynote, invited, specialized, and oral academic presentations, as well as academic poster sessions discussing key topics in the field, which also accelerates academic development and cutting-edge exchanges in rock mechanics and engineering.
