A delegation of 13 students from Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Zhejiang University and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), accompanied by four SUSTech faculty members including including two affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Control and Safety, concluded a 12-day summer school at Flinders University in August, 2026, hosted by the University’s National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT).

A highlight of the visit was a series of field trips showcasing South Australia’s unique natural environments. These included an overnight excursion to a global showcase of integrated surface and groundwater management exemplified by the Murray-Darling Basin. Visits to the St Kilda Mangroves highlighted ecohydrological approaches to coastal mangrove conservation. While Hallett Cove featured the most famous glacial striation on pre-Cambrian rocks. Happy Valley Reservoir, Oaklands Wetland, and Port Willunga Beach, with their wildlife, water management and well-exposed sedimentary rock formations, left strong impressions on our students. Students also attended research seminars and explored Flinders University’s teaching and research facilities.

During the visit, Chair Professor Yan ZHENG from SUSTech delivered a research seminar on arsenic detection in the developed and developing world. Flinders University noted that its academic community was privileged to learn from her expertise.

SUSTech expresses its gratitude for the incredible partnership with Flinders University at the conclusion of the program.