Professor Ming Cai of the Laurentian University, Canada, and a member of the International Committee on Mine Safety Science and Engineering, was invited to the University of Science and Technology Beijing to promote academic exchange and co-operation between the two universities.

On June 9, 2025, Professor of the University of Laurentian University, Canada, and a member of the International Committee on Mine Safety Science and Engineering, visited the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) at the invitation of Professor Xueqiu He, Chair of the Committee and a professor at USTB. During his visit, Professor Cai delivered a lecture titled “Are There Class II Rocks? Rethinking the Long-Standing Concept in Rock Mechanics” addressing a fundamental scientific question in the field. The event was chaired by Professor Qifeng Guo, Vice Dean of the School of Resources and Safety Engineering at USTB, and was well attended by faculty and students from related disciplines who actively engaged in the academic exchange.

During the academic exchange, Professor Ming Cai delivered a comprehensive overview of the historical development of servo-controlled rock testing systems, emphasizing the advancement of stiff testing technologies. He acknowledged the seminal contributions of leading researchers in the field and critically analyzed persistent misconceptions surrounding the Class I/Class II rock behavior framework. Key factors such as machine stiffness, loading control mode, confinement, rock type, and specimen geometry were examined in relation to their influence on post-peak stress-strain responses. Additionally, he addressed how misinterpretations of the Class II behavior have contributed to persistent misunderstandings in the rock mechanics community. Professor Ming Cai's lecture triggered the in-depth thinking among the audience, leading to active participation and meaningful dialogue between faculty and students.

Professor Xueqiu He, Chair of the International Committee on Mine Safety Science and Engineering, summarized the key points of the lecture and extended a warm invitation to Professor Ming Cai to serve as a visiting professor at the USTB. This initiative aims to further strengthen academic exchange and collaboration between faculty and students of USTB and Laurentian University.

This academic exchange activity has strengthened the collaboration between Laurentian University and the USTB, fostering new ideas and directions for the academic development of both universities. It also provided a valuable exchange opportunity for teachers and students of both universities. The teachers and students of the USTB extended a warm welcome and sincere appreciation to Professor Ming Cai, expressing strong interest in expanding future cooperation with Laurentian University in academic research and talent development initiatives.