International Research Association on Large Landslides (iRALL)

The State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection enhances its internationalization by utilizing international innovative resources and opening up diversified cooperation channels. In 2019, the laboratory successfully applied for and was approved by the Ministry of Education's Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities, becoming a significant talent training base and international exchange and cooperation base. By 2021, the laboratory had established cooperation with more than 60 universities and research institutions in more than 20 countries and regions, employing more than 20 internationally renowned visiting professors. In response to China 's major needs in the fields of disaster prevention and mitigation, major engineering, and ecological and geological environmental protection, the laboratory has trained innovative high-level talents with strong innovative capabilities and international perspectives through various forms of joint training, exchange visits, seminars and hosting international conferences. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to disaster prevention and mitigation in Sichuan Province, Professor Niek Rengers received the China International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award, Professor Theo van Asch received the Sichuan Science and Technology Progress International Science and Technology Cooperation Award and the Sichuan Tianfu Friendship Award, and Professor Mauri McSavenry received the Jinsha Friendship Award.

Founded on 11 November 2015, iRALL is an international non-governmental, non-political, not-for-profit, independent institution. Aiming at improving the knowledge of large landslides, its scientific committee brings together internationally renowned experts in the field of large landslides, with a secretariat located at the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, CDUT. Offering free courses for Ph.D. and master's students in landslide hazards, risk, and other related fields, iRALL is dedicated to enhancing cooperation and exchange between scholars of large landslide research and engineers in the field, promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge on large landslides and the prevention and control of large landslides and subsequent hazards. Since 2016, the laboratory has successfully held six international Ph.D. courses with more than 5,000 participants from more than 20 countries.