On November 13-14, 2024, the 2024 Engineering Investigation Academic Conference was grandly held in Nanjing. The conference was jointly hosted by the National Construction Engineering Investigation Science and Technology Information Network and the Engineering Investigation Branch of the Architectural Society of China, and jointly organized by China Institute of Geotechnical Investigation and Surveying Co., Ltd., Southeast University, the Jiangsu Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, and other units. It was co-organized by member units of the society, including China Chemical Civil Engineering Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Transportation Research Institute Group Co., Ltd., China Design Group Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Jianyuan Geotechnical Engineering Survey Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Nanjing Geological Engineering Investigation Institute, Jiangsu Provincial Geological Engineering Investigation Institute, CNBM Geotechnical Engineering Jiangsu Co., Ltd., Nanjing Surveying and Mapping Investigation Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing Dongda Geotechnical Engineering Investigation and Design Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing Nanda Geotechnical Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., and Jiangsu Provincial Second Geological Engineering Investigation Institute.

The opening ceremony of the conference was presided over by Wang Jian, Secretary-General of the Engineering Investigation Branch of the Architectural Society of China. Zhou Zhenhong, General Manager of China Institute of Geotechnical Investigation and Surveying Co., Ltd., and Liu Songyu, Chairman of the Jiangsu Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering and Chief Professor of Southeast University, delivered enthusiastic speeches respectively, expressing warm congratulations on the smooth convening of the conference and sincere welcome to the attending guests.

The conference brought together top experts and scholars from the field of engineering investigation and design across the country, including eight National Engineering Investigation and Design Masters—Jiang Jianliang, Chief General Engineer of Zhejiang Engineering Investigation and Design Institute Group Co., Ltd.; Li Qingbo, Deputy General Manager of Yellow River Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.; Liu Wenlian, Chief Engineer of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Kunming Survey and Design Research Institute Co., Ltd.; Xu Zhangjian, Chief Engineer of Northwest Comprehensive Investigation and Design Research Institute; Wang Duli, Chief Professional Engineer of Shanghai Investigation, Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.; Wu Wei, Chief Engineer of China Institute of Geotechnical Investigation and Surveying Co., Ltd.; Meng Xianglian, Deputy Chief Engineer of China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group Co., Ltd.; and Zhou Honglei, Chief Engineer of Beijing Institute of Survey and Design Co., Ltd.—as well as nearly 200 industry colleagues, including Liu Songyu, Chief Professor of Southeast University, and Zhou Zhenhong, General Manager of China Institute of Geotechnical Investigation and Surveying Co., Ltd.

The conference lasted two days, with the theme of "Engineering Investigation and Geotechnical Engineering Technology under New Circumstances: Exploring a Green, High-Quality Innovative Development Path." More than 40 high-level academic reports were carefully planned. The reports extensively covered the latest developments in the field of engineering investigation, industry hotspots, engineering practice, and cutting-edge technological trends. Delegates responded enthusiastically, considering the conference a valuable platform for intellectual exchange and collaborative cooperation within the industry, and also a positive boost for promoting engineering investigation and geotechnical engineering technology toward green, high-quality innovative development.

The Engineering Investigation Academic Conference is hosted by the Engineering Investigation Branch of the Architectural Society of China and is held every two to three years. It has become a highly anticipated academic event in the field of engineering investigation. The conference is not only a high ground for academic exchange but also a bridge for industry cooperation, playing an irreplaceable role in stimulating innovative thinking, promoting knowledge sharing, and advancing industry progress. With the successful holding of the 2024 Engineering Investigation Academic Conference, we have not only witnessed the latest developments and exchange and cooperation within the industry but also laid a solid foundation for future innovation and progress. We look forward to the engineering investigation industry continuing to embrace a green, high-quality development path, leading technological innovation, and contributing to the sustainable development of society. May our industry colleagues join hands to meet challenges together and usher in a new era of engineering investigation and geotechnical engineering technology.