Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Jing Dong’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Tianjin University, a prestigious institution in China. Her early research centered on understanding the role of ecological systems in urban environments, with a focus on mitigating the effects of climate change through sustainable planning. These formative years set the foundation for her later work, where she would delve deeper into the integration of nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban planning strategies. Her academic excellence and curiosity led her to explore innovative ways of addressing the ecological and social challenges that cities face today.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 🌍

As an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Dalian University of Technology, Jing Dong has established herself as a leader in ecological urban planning. Her professional work primarily focuses on climate adaptation strategies that utilize nature-based solutions, such as green roofs and urban greening initiatives. Through her innovative approach to quantifying the multiple benefits of green roofs—ranging from cooling effects and runoff reduction to biodiversity enhancement—she has developed assessment methods that are both practical and scientifically sound.

Jing has also established a set of multi-objective optimization planning methods that enhance the integration of these solutions with spatial planning, ensuring a balance between ecological benefits and costs. This work not only advances urban planning methodologies but also demonstrates the importance of harmonizing environmental and economic considerations in sustainable development.

Her role as a consultant in nine industry projects, coupled with her academic output, highlights her deep engagement with both the theoretical and practical dimensions of urban planning. The completion of the 13th Five-Year Key R&D Program sub-themes, in collaboration with the Institute of Urban Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Xiamen Planning Institute, further underscores her significant contributions to national and regional urban planning efforts.

Research Focus and Innovations 🔬

Jing Dong’s research agenda is dedicated to finding practical, scalable solutions to climate-related challenges in urban areas. Her work is grounded in the exploration of nature-based solutions (NBS), which leverage natural systems to address urban challenges such as heat, flooding, and air pollution. Her innovative methods for assessing the ecological benefits of green roofs—such as their cooling effects and contribution to biodiversity—have made significant strides in promoting greener, more sustainable cities.

One of her major achievements is the development of multi-objective optimization tools that help city planners assess and prioritize ecological interventions. This enables more effective climate adaptation strategies that balance environmental gains with financial and logistical constraints. Her work is particularly relevant in the context of China’s rapid urbanization, where the need for climate-resilient infrastructure is more pressing than ever.

Jing Dong has led five national and provincial research projects, demonstrating her capacity to manage complex, interdisciplinary projects. Her research output includes over 30 academic papers published in top-tier journals, with 19 as the first or corresponding author. Her work has been featured in seven CAS TOP journals, a testament to the high-impact nature of her research. In addition to her publications, Jing authored a monograph and filed two patents, further solidifying her contributions to the field.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Jing Dong’s work has been widely recognized with several prestigious awards. Among her notable accolades is the second prize for the National Outstanding Urban and Rural Planning and Design Award, which is a significant honor in her field. She has also been awarded the third prize for the Outstanding Achievement Award in Social Sciences, as well as the third prize for Excellent Urban and Rural Planning Design at the provincial and ministerial levels.

These awards highlight her contribution to both academic research and practical planning solutions. Her work has had a direct impact on urban policy and design, improving the sustainability and livability of cities through the integration of ecological principles into planning frameworks.

Impact and Influence 🌱

Jing Dong’s influence extends beyond the academic sphere. Her work on nature-based solutions has shaped policy discussions around urban climate adaptation, particularly in China’s fast-growing urban regions. The tools and methodologies she has developed have been adopted by urban planners and policymakers, guiding the implementation of green infrastructure projects in cities facing environmental degradation and climate-related risks.

Her leadership in consulting projects has enabled her to bring cutting-edge research into practical application, benefiting communities by improving urban resilience. This translation of academic research into real-world solutions is one of the hallmarks of her career, making her a sought-after expert in urban planning and climate adaptation.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Looking ahead, Jing Dong is poised to continue making significant contributions to urban sustainability. Her ongoing projects on climate adaptation planning for nature-based solutions are expected to push the boundaries of current knowledge in this field. With two patents currently under process, she is set to further expand the technological and methodological toolkit available to urban planners.

Her commitment to fostering sustainable cities and communities ensures that her legacy will endure through the improved livability and resilience of the urban environments she helps design. Future generations of researchers and planners are likely to build upon her work, using her innovative approaches to address the challenges of climate change and urbanization.

In sum, Jing Dong’s career is marked by a profound commitment to ecological urban planning, climate adaptation, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions. Through her research, teaching, and consultancy work, she has had a lasting impact on both academic thought and urban policy, with the promise of even greater achievements in the future.

Notable Publications