On March 28th, Fellows Kenneth Grattan and Tong Sun from University of London, accepted the invitation of XTIPC, to participate in an online academic exchange through the institute's "Silk Road" Frontier Interdisciplinary Academic Forum. Researchers and postgraduate students from the Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Trace Chemical Sensing attended the event. During the forum, Fellow Grattan delivered a presentation titled "Optical fiber sensors for better structural health monitoring: underpinning a sustainable future", while Fellow Tong Sun engaged in in-depth discussions with young researchers on key scientific issues in fluorescence-optical fiber sensing.

Grattan's Insights on Optical Fiber Sensing Technology

Fellow Grattan systematically introduced his team's latest research achievements in optical fiber sensors, emphasizing collaborative research directions under current international partnerships. Starting from urgent global demands in the sensor market, he elucidated the vital role of optical fiber technology in sensing applications and technical challenges in sensor development. Through practical case studies—including temperature/humidity sensors, concrete structural monitoring, underground pipeline inspection, and water pump station safety surveillance—he vividly demonstrated the technology's potential. Notably, he highlighted innovative research integrating optical fibers with chemical materials, exploring future breakthroughs in trace chemical sensing through combined fluorescence and optical fiber technologies. The presentation, rich in detail and logical clarity, greatly benefited attendees.

Sun's Guidance on Fluorescence-Optical Fiber Sensing Collaboration

Following Grattan's talk, Fellow Sun elaborated on research directions in fluorescence-optical fiber sensing and provided professional guidance for ongoing international collaborative projects, offering significant inspiration to participating researchers. Attendees actively posed questions based on their research experiences and the presented content, leading to lively discussions with Fellow Sun.

Anticipation for Future Collaboration

Both fellows expressed eagerness to visit XTIPC for in-person academic exchanges and international cooperation this summer. The online event not only enhanced mutual understanding but also laid a solid foundation for future collaboration.

About the "Silk Road" Frontier Interdisciplinary Academic Forum

The forum serves as XTIPC's normalized high-end academic exchange platform, leveraging Xinjiang's unique geographical advantages and the institute's research strengths. Through blended "online + offline" academic dialogue mechanisms, it promotes deep integration of basic science, technological breakthroughs, and industrial applications. The forum plays an active role in broadening researchers' academic horizons, stimulating innovative thinking, and fostering cooperation with domestic and international universities and research institutions.

Speaker Backgrounds

• Professor Kenneth Grattan, appointed FRAEng in 2014 and awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018, served as the inaugural President of City Graduate School and Chair of the International Federation of Surveyors. He has led over 100 EPSRC, EU, and industry-funded projects, published over 1,000 journal papers, holds multiple industrial instrumentation patents, and co-authored five books on optical fiber sensor technology. He is a recipient of the Callendar Medal, Applied Optics Award, and dual "Honeywell" Prizes.

• Professor Tong Sun, appointed FRAEng in 2020 and awarded OBE in 2018, currently directs the Centre for Sensing and Instrumentation at City, University of London. His research focuses on developing novel optical fiber sensors for engineering applications in transportation, built environments, and biomedicine.