Organized by Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), the 16th International Conference on Hydrodynamics (ICHD 2026) successfully concluded in Macao from April 14 to 18, 2026. As a top level conference on cutting edge technologies and sciences in hydrodynamics, ICHD attracted scholars, experts, industry representatives and government officials from around the world. Under the theme “Hydrodynamics for Climate Resilience: Global Challenges and Emerging Technologies”, the conference featured 8 keynote speeches, 12 parallel sessions (including a Hengqin sub venue) and 2 poster sessions. It was another important academic event for MUST to promote international exchanges in hydrodynamics and serve Macao’s and the nation’s marine development strategies.

Distinguished guests attending the conference included: Ms. Wong Sui Man, Director of the Maritime and Water Bureau of Macao; Mr. Ip Kuai Lam, Member of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of Macao; Professor Harindra Joseph Fernando from the University of Notre Dame (USA); Academician He Guowei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dr. Sai Ravela from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA); Professor Marilena Greco from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Professor Frederic Dias from École Normale Supérieure Paris Saclay; Professor Michele Mossa from Polytechnic University of Bari (Italy); Professor Mohamed Salah Ghiduaoi from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Professor Liu Hua from Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Mr. Siu Hon Pan, Director of Macao Science Center; and Mr. Chen Xi, Level 4 investigator of the 5th Division, Department of Education and Youth of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Representatives from MUST included Chair Professor Zhu Jiankang, President of MUST; Chair Professor Joseph Hun-Wei Lee, Chairman of the Advisory committee; Professor Xu Ao’ao, Emeritus President; Chair Professor Jiang Zhihong, Vice President; Mr. Zhang Mingxing, Member of the University Council; and Professor Ma Yibing, Director of the Macao Field Station. Also present were representatives from the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Drainage Services Department and Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong, the Environmental Protection Bureau, Education and Youth Development Bureau and Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau of Macao, as well as delegates from enterprises, government bodies and academic institutions. More than 300 participants, including faculty and students of MUST, attended the conference.

Group photo in the opening

In the opening address, President Zhu Jiankang stated that MUST, base in Macao and facing the world, has long been committed to cutting edge scientific research and interdisciplinary international cooperation. The convening of ICHD 2026 has built a high level academic exchange platform for the global hydrodynamics community and injected new vitality into the development of relevant disciplines at the university. Mr. Ip Kuai Lam from FDCT extended congratulations on the conference and emphasized the vital supporting role of hydrodynamics research in Macao’s coastal disaster prevention, ecological conservation and sustainable development. He encouraged the translation of academic achievements into practical solutions for social development. On behalf of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Hydrodynamics, Professor Liu Hua reviewed the development history of the International Conference on Hydrodynamics, thanked MUST for its meticulous preparation, and recognized the conference’s positive role in promoting interdisciplinary integration and technological innovation. As the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the conference, Chair Professor Joseph Hun-Wei Lee introduced the theme and agenda in detail. He pointed out that “hydrodynamics for climate resilience” is a common challenge facing the globe today. Through keynote speeches and thematic seminars, the conference would provide in depth exchange opportunities for global scholars to help address hydrodynamics related issues brought by climate change.

President Zhu Jiankang in the address

Mr. Ip Kuai Lam in the address

Prof. Liu Hua in the address

Prof. Lee in the address

During the conference, a number of renowned scholars from world leading universities and research institutions delivered high level keynote speeches and shared cutting edge research findings in hydrodynamics. They included Professor Harindra Joseph Fernando (University of Notre Dame, USA), Academician He Guowei (Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Dr. Sai Czander Ravela (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA), Professor Marilena Greco (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Professor Frederic Dias (École Normale Supérieure Paris Saclay, France), Professor Michele Mossa (Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy), Professor Mohamed Salah Ghiduaoi (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), and Professor Adrian Wing Keung Law (National University of Singapore).

Keynote speakers in the session

The keynote presentations aroused enthusiastic responses and in depth discussions among participants, offering important insights for the advancement of hydrodynamics. The conference also hosted a rich array of parallel sessions and thematic workshops covering frontier directions in hydrodynamics, including: A symposium commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Professor Wu Yaozu, a leading figure in hydrodynamics, Ship hydrodynamics, Ecological hydrodynamics, Hydrodynamics of autonomous systems, Water wave hydrodynamics, Renewable energy, Cavitation/multiphase flow, Industrial flows, Applications of artificial intelligence in fluid mechanics, Interdisciplinary issues.

Conference photos

To promote the integration of theory and practice, two technical and cultural trips were arranged on the afternoon of April 17. Participants visited the Macao Field Station, the Key Laboratory of Digital Twin River Basins of the Ministry of Water Resources, Hac Sa Beach, the Coloane Flood Protection Project, the Inner Harbour Flood Control Facilities and the Historic Centre of Macao. They gained an on site understanding of Macao’s coastal zone ecological protection, water conservancy engineering practices, flood control project construction and urban development history. The visits provided scholars with a firsthand insight into Macao’s marine engineering and urban resilience construction, and facilitated future exchanges and cooperation between the university and relevant research institutions.

Technical and cultural trips

The 16th International Conference on Hydrodynamics was sponsored by MGM Macau and other enterprises. It is an important measure for MUST to boost international academic exchanges and enhance the level of disciplinary development. Over the four days, the conference featured a rich and cutting edge agenda, building a high level exchange platform for scholars in the global hydrodynamics community and injecting new impetus into the development of relevant disciplines at MUST. Going forward, Macau University of Science and Technology will continue to base itself in Macao and serve the nation. Taking high level scientific research and international academic exchanges as the starting point, MUST will further strengthen research and cooperation in hydrodynamics and related fields, contributing its capabilities to building a strong marine country, advancing Macao’s economic and social development, and enhancing global climate resilience.