Geotechnical engineering plays a vital role in protecting societies from natural hazards and infrastructure failures. Professor ZHANG Limin, Wilson H. Tang Professor of Engineering and Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, is a globally recognized leader in geotechnical risk management. His research focuses on landslide and dam safety, geohazard risk assessment, and reliability-based design, tackling some of the most urgent challenges brought by climate change and natural disasters. 

Professor Zhang has earned numerous prestigious honors for his contributions to the field. In 2023, he received the Ralph B. Peck Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, one of the highest distinctions in geotechnical engineering worldwide. In 2024, he was awarded the inaugural National Engineer Award in Beijing, the most esteemed engineering accolade in China. Notably, he is the only scholar in Hong Kong to receive this distinguished honor. 

Professor Zhang’s research has greatly advanced the understanding and management of geotechnical risks. A major turning point came after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, which shifted his focus from bridge foundations and dams to multi-hazard analysis and risk management. Since then, he has contributed to several significant engineering projects, including post-earthquake reconstruction in Sichuan and the Sichuan–Tibet Railway. He has also led pioneering initiatives such as Digital Twin–based landslide emergency systems, storm surge and landslide protection for Hong Kong, and safety monitoring of underwater tunnels. Given Hong Kong’s hilly terrain and vulnerability to landslides, slope safety remains a central theme of his work. Beyond technical innovation, Professor Zhang has developed risk-informed decision-making frameworks to ensure that large-scale infrastructure is both resilient and sustainable. These efforts have established him as a global authority in geotechnical risk management, influencing academic research and engineering practice worldwide. 

Beyond his research, Professor Zhang plays a leading role in shaping the engineering profession globally. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Georisk, a leading international journal on risk assessment for engineered systems and geohazards. In addition to his leadership roles at HKUST, he has chaired the ASCE Risk Assessment and Management Committee and the ISSMGE Technical Committee on Embankment Dams (TC210). His active involvement in numerous professional and technical bodies keeps him at the forefront of developments in this rapidly evolving field. Professor Zhang also contributes to the advancement of knowledge through other roles, including Co-Editor of Geodata and AI, Associate Editor of the Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering and Associate Director of State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities. 

Professor Zhang firmly believes that civil engineers must anticipate potential risks and take proactive measures to reduce their impact. Well-prepared emergency plans can save lives and protect communities. In an era of escalating climate-related challenges, this conviction drives his continued dedication to research that not only advances knowledge but also delivers practical solutions. His work has been successfully applied to national infrastructure projects and landslide risk management systems in Hong Kong, underscoring his commitment to building safer, more resilient societies.