On September 7, the Secretariat of the International Association of Jointless Bridges (IAJB), based at the Jointless Bridge Research Group of Fuzhou University, held a meeting with representatives of BRIDGE magazine. Participants included IAJB President Professor Bruno Briseghella; Secretary General and Research Professor Fuyun Huang; IAJB advisers Professor Baochun Chen and Yiyan Chen, a National Master of Engineering Survey and Design; and Ling Liao, Marketing Director of BRIDGE magazine, among others.

The two sides discussed plans to jointly organize a conference on jointless bridges, exploring how the event could connect research with industry needs and provide a platform for academic exchange, technical discussion and the sharing of engineering experience. They aim to bring together expertise from universities, research institutes and organizations involved in bridge design, construction and project management, encouraging researchers and engineering professionals from different fields to discuss key issues in the development and practical application of jointless bridge technology. They agreed to hold a special conference on "Jointless and Sustainable Bridges" during BRIDGE magazine's annual conference, scheduled for November 5–8.

Under the proposed collaboration, IAJB will draw on its research activities to provide academic support for the conference. BRIDGE magazine will contribute its industry network and professional communications platform to facilitate the exchange of research findings and engineering experience and connect them with industry needs. By combining their strengths, the two sides will expand opportunities for technical exchange on jointless bridges and help translate research findings into engineering practice.

Figure 1. Discussion between the two organizations

The planned conference will emphasize collaboration among industry, universities and research institutes, bringing academic research closer to engineering practice. Engineering needs will help shape research priorities, giving researchers a deeper understanding of practical challenges in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of jointless bridges. Meanwhile, the exchange of research findings and project case studies will support discussion of technology applications and feedback from practice, allowing research and engineering experience to inform and advance each other.

The meeting laid the groundwork for further cooperation in organizing the conference. Through this initiative, the two sides will strengthen links between universities and industry, encourage the sharing of academic and engineering resources, and create a platform for exchange and collaboration in jointless bridge innovation, the practical application of research findings and the development of skilled professionals, supporting high-quality development in bridge engineering.

Figure 2. Group photo of the meeting participants