07 May 2025
On 23 April 2025, the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Science at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, in collaboration with the NORTS Nature Society, hosted an Earth Week event titled “Reduce Bird Collisions: A Talk and Exhibit”?in the ES Building, South Campus. The event aimed at raising awareness of bird conservation and promoting urban ecological balance, which attracted a large number of staff and students.
The event began with a keynote address by Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science. “The School of Science is committed to advancing sustainability education,” he said. “We will soon introduce additional environment-focused modules through our exciting Environment, Social Sustainability and Governance pathway in our BSc in Environmental Sciences programme to cultivate students’ interest and global citizenship. Education, Advocacy and especially Interdisciplinary collaboration are key—students should become champions and practitioners of sustainability and environmental protection for China and our planet.”
Following this, Dr Lingyun Xiao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, emphasised the significance of Earth Day. “Bird collisions are a major ecological issue often overlooked in urban settings,” she said. “We need to leverage scientific research and public engagement to reduce their impact on avian species.” Dr Xiao also shared the achievements of the XJTLU Campus Bird-Collision Prevention Team and encouraged wider participation in conservation efforts.
Invited guest speaker, Associate Professor Binbin Li from Duke Kunshan University, presented her research on bird collisions. Using data visualisations, she highlighted the severity of bird strikes in cities across the Chinese mainland, identifying glass fa?ades and nighttime lighting as primary causes. She shared success stories from the citizen-science “National Bird-Collision Action Network” that she has led, where interventions such as window decals and glass modifications significantly reduced collision risks. “Respecting life is a hallmark of civilisation, and as our cities grow, we need to rethink our relationship with nature,” she said.
“Student representatives from the XJTLU Campus Bird-Collision Prevention Team then shared their survey findings. As of April 2025, the team had recorded 90 on-campus bird-collision incidents and mapped hotspots, including the FB and ES buildings, both of which feature extensive glass exteriors. They showcased measures such as specimen preparation and the installation of anti-collision decals, and outlined plans to expand these initiatives to additional high-risk structures. Their survey engaged 78 volunteers, demonstrating the significant impact of community-based environmental action.
（Outstanding team members were recognised with certificates for their contributions）
Following the formal sessions, participants gathered outside the ES Building for the “HES Earth Week Sustainable Treasure Hunt”. Guided by maps and clues, they explored the campus for items related to sustainability, and participated in a flower bracelet-making activity, fostering a closer connection with nature.
Taking place during the Earth Week activities at XJTLU, this event helped increase awareness of ecological conservation and inspired faculty and students’ enthusiasm for environmental protection through a variety of event formats. Professor Eben Goodale coordinated the Earth Day activities, with Dr. Xueqing He and Dr. Yuehan Dou organizing a treasure hunt.
Building from the success of this event, the School of Science will continue to promote campus sustainability and contribute to building wildlife-friendly cities in Suzhou and beyond.
By Ting Li and Luyao Wang
Review by Professor John Moraros, Professor Eben Goodale and Dr Lingyun Xiao
07 May 2025