Zhang Lin, an associate professor at HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College (HAITC), has been awarded funding from the youth science fund program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Her achievement marks the first-ever approval of an NSFC project since the establishment of the college.

Zhang, who holds a PhD degree, joined HAITC in 2022. She teaches park and recreation management and has made remarkable strides in her academic career. Her research focuses on such areas as the renovation of old residential areas, urban governance, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and modern urbanization.

Zhang’s project, themed "Spatial Governance Mechanisms and Models of the Redevelopment of Old Urban Communities in China from a Collaborative Planning Perspective", seeks to shed light on the negotiations and collaborations that take place among various stakeholders involved in the renovation process, including government departments, third-party organizations, residents, property management companies and homeowners' associations.

The research endeavor is poised to have a profound impact on the smooth implementation of such projects and provide valuable insights that can be applied to enhance urban governance strategies and policies.