With the new “fischer Endowed Chair Professor for Wise Civil Infrastructure”, the fischer Group of Companies is further expanding its commitment to research. This globally unique endowed professorship is headed by Professor Jiao-Long Zhang, an internationally recognised expert in the field of tunnel construction. fischer intends to work with Tongji University to further develop this specialist expertise in a targeted manner.

A key focus of the professorship is on the retrofitting and extension of the service life of underground structures – a field that is becoming increasingly important worldwide in view of ageing infrastructure. The fischer Group of Companies and Tongji University are linked by a long-standing, trusting partnership. With the new endowed professorship, both parties are jointly strengthening research in the field of tunnel construction and establishing a strategic centre for the infrastructure of the future in Asia.

Cooperation in research and teaching
The professorship envisages close collaboration in research and teaching, as well as a joint, funded doctoral programme with European partner universities. The aim is to integrate academic research and engineering practice more closely and to support the next generation of scientists.

Strategic commitment in Asia
With this endowed professorship, fischer is further expanding its global commitment to education and research. Following the equally unique professorial posts in Stuttgart and Vienna, a strategic research focus is now being established in Asia – a clear sign of the company’s commitment to promoting future-oriented research and innovative solutions for the key challenges of modern construction. The choice of partner is no coincidence: founded in 1907 by German doctors, Tongji University is now one of China’s leading universities with over 35,000 students and has always maintained close ties with Germany. Company owner Prof. Klaus Fischer is also an honorary professor at Tongji University.

About the person: Professor Jiao-Long Zhang
Professor Jiao-Long Zhang studied civil engineering at Zhejiang University and Tongji University, subsequently obtaining his PhD from the Vienna University of Technology. Since 2018, he has been conducting research at Tongji University in the Department of Geotechnical Engineering; in 2024, he was appointed Associate Professor. Since 2023, he has also been responsible for international relations at the College of Civil Engineering in his role as Assistant Dean of International Affairs.

As an internationally recognised expert in the field of tunnel construction, Professor Zhang is also a member of several international professional organisations and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including ‘Periodica Polytechnica Civil Engineering’, ‘Engineering Structures’ and ‘Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering’. His research has been recognised with numerous national and international awards.