URA Kick-Off Workshop and Conference in Huangyan-Taizhou

Sino-German collaboration in the joint research project Urban-Rural Assembly (URA) officially commenced with a "kick-off" workshop week in the Huangyan-Taizhou region (Zhejiang Province), from May 27 to 31, 2019.

Throughout the workshop, 30 Sino-German researchers were involved in several working sessions and networking events aiming to further develop a shared research agenda. This involved reflecting on challenges of inter- and trans-disciplinary cooperation and conducting several field visits to urbanising villages, technology parks, social welfare institutions, and eco-agricultural projects.

In addition, the main focus of the workshop was to develop a productive relationship with representatives of the local government of Huangyan-Taizhou. The "kick-off" event closed with an international conference at the Tongji-Huangyan Rural Revitalisation Academy in Shatan Village, Huangyan District. These events were co-organised with Prof. Dr Yang Guiqing, head of the Urban Planning Department at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University, Shanghai.