The award certificate of the "Permafrost Region Major Infrastructure Freeze-Thaw Disaster Prevention Technology" project. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva awarded a gold medal to the "Permafrost Region Major Infrastructure Freeze-Thaw Disaster Prevention Technology" project led by Li Guoyu and Ma Wei from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is based in Lanzhou, Gansu province.

The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, established in 1972, is a premier global event for inventions and intellectual property. The 2026 edition, held from March 11 to 15, featured over 1,040 inventions from 40 countries and regions. The Chinese delegation won 90 gold, 95 silver, and 52 bronze medals.

The awarded project focuses on addressing engineering diseases in permafrost regions, such as pile foundation frost heave and pipeline thaw settlement. The team developed innovative solutions, including flexible anti-uplift devices and W-shaped ventilation pipes, creating a green and cost-effective disaster prevention system.

These technologies have been implemented in regions like Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Northeast China, achieving significant economic and social benefits and providing a Chinese solution to the global problem of engineering diseases in permafrost areas.

The research team highlighted that the gold medal reflects the originality and practical value of their work, underscoring China's competitiveness in engineering disaster prevention in cold areas. They plan to continue advancing key technologies in cold regions to support sustainable development worldwide.