On June 18, Researcher Caio Graco-Roza from the University of Helsinki, Finland, was invited to deliver an academic lecture titled “On the Application of Causal Relationships and Statistical Methods in Environmental Research” for faculty and students at our university. The seminar was chaired by Xu Zhonghua, Vice Dean of the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, with participation from faculty and student representatives of related schools.

Leveraging the professional strengths and disciplinary features of the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Caio began with data-driven decision support and elaborated on the rationale and methodologies of scientific research through three dimensions: correlation analysis, intervention simulation, and counterfactual inference. Using the water remediation project at the Funil Hydropower Station in Brazil as a case study, he systematically demonstrated how Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) can be applied to quantify the causal relationships between engineering activities and changes in the aquatic environment. This provides a valuable reference for our university’s quantitative research on the impact of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project on watershed ecosystems. Subsequently, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on the applicability of statistical methods in engineering practice and the validation mechanisms of causal inference, followed by a visit to some laboratories of the Green Construction and BIM Engineering Technology Research Center.

The successful hosting of this seminar not only introduced a new analytical paradigm for engineering environmental impact assessment but also innovatively integrated mathematical statistical methods with engineering systems analysis, providing a theoretical foundation and technical support for engineering-ecological synergy optimization in the era of intelligent construction. Moving forward, the university will continue to build high-level academic exchange platforms, promote interdisciplinary integration, and contribute wisdom and expertise to supporting national major engineering projects and ecological civilization development.

Written & Photo by: Li Jingming, Lu Jing & Zhang Jun

Source: NYNU Academic Activities (Chinese)

https://www.nynu.edu.cn/info/1048/30070.htm