Through My Eyes - Professor Roger Falconer, engineer and friend of China

Professor Roger Falconer, a renowned British engineer, has made significant strides in hydraulic engineering through extensive collaboration with Chinese academics. 

His work has been recognized through his election to the Chinese Academy of Engineering and receiving the prestigious China Friendship Award, highlighting the impact of his contributions to the field.

In recent years, academic collaboration has evolved, particularly between Western and Chinese scholars. 

When asked about this increased openness, Falconer noted: "If you're talking about the academic fraternity, yes. Most of my colleagues across the UK and Europe admire Chinese academics, and vice versa. The respect is mutual."

This collaborative spirit has yielded promising developments in various areas, particularly in hydraulic engineering. Falconer points to the advancement of more efficient turbines as a notable outcome of joint research efforts. He explained: "We're now looking at improving the representation of things like fecal bacteria and tackling flooding issues."

One such project originated from his studies in the UK, which revealed that flooding could be exacerbated by objects, like cars, blocking bridges. 

This insight led to a significant partnership with Chinese scholars, resulting in innovative formulations to understand vehicle behavior in flood conditions. "I believe this has been hugely beneficial in China and is now starting to gain interest here," Falconer adds.

Falconer has collaborated with Hohai University and the Yangtze Institute, focusing on a pioneering project involving the construction of coastal reservoirs to support major megacities like Shanghai. 

He points to the Qingcaosha Reservoir as an example of how such approaches can address water shortages, especially during droughts. "I can see this strategy being adopted more in the West in the future," he remarked.

As millions celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of the People's Republic of China, Falconer expressed admiration for the Chinese people. "They have always treated me as a friend," he said, emphasizing their willingness to engage with the global community. 

He believes that by fostering these relationships, all parties stand to gain significantly.

Falconer also addressed the challenges China faces regarding climate change, noting: "No country is trying harder to address this issue. While there's a long way to go, they are genuinely making an effort."

Falconer's commitment to collaboration reflects a hopeful vision for future partnerships in tackling global engineering challenges. His work exemplifies the power of international cooperation in engineering, paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both China and the UK.

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