On October 14, 2025, Tongji University and the Administrative Office of the Potala Palace in Xizang Autonomous Region officially signed a scientific research cooperation framework agreement at the Potala Palace, marking a new stage in their cooperation in the field of architectural heritage protection.

The signing ceremony was hosted by Pu Zhi, deputy director of the Administrative Office of the Potala Palace. Gongga Zhaxi, another deputy director, and Wang Zhendong, Chair of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University, signed the agreement on behalf of both parties. Leaders from various departments of the Potala Palace and Tongji University's research team witnessed this significant moment.

The Potala Palace, listed in the World Heritage List in 1994, is the largest, most comprehensive, and best-preserved castle-style architectural complex in Xizang. However, increased rainfall due to climate change has posed challenges to the durability of its traditional exterior wall materials.

Since 2024, Tongji University's College of Architecture and Urban Planning has collaborated with the Potala Palace on exterior wall protection research. The newly signed agreement aims to further integrate resources, focusing on scientific research, conservation practices, talent cultivation, and academic exchanges to promote the sustainable protection and inheritance of ancient architectural heritage.

After the signing ceremony, Professor Dai Shibing from Tongji University presented an interim report on the Scientific Cognition of Traditional Materials for the Exterior Walls of the Potala Palace, showcasing initial research achievements. This cooperation sets an example for the scientific protection and living inheritance of world heritage.