The Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Western Disaster and Environment of the Ministry of Education of China studies natural disasters in western China by investigating their physical mechanisms and by contributing to preventive engineering projects. Its research areas include the mechanics of windblown sand and the desertification process, the prevention of western natural disasters, the protection of western ancient sites, and the simulation of complex environmental systems.

   The laboratory advocates the advancement of science through an open community that efficiently shares scientific resources by strengthening both domestic and international academic communications and by establishing stable channels of scientific cooperation. The laboratory presently employs 45 full-time faculty, including nine doctorate tutors, two recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (one of whom is also a Yangtze River Scholar of the Ministry of Education), 15 professors and 14 associate professors. It also has 25 adjunct professors (including two academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering), one recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and five international scholars.

   The Key Laboratory is widening the scope of scientific research and training talents in western China by undertaking projects such as the "973" and "863" Projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation, etc. Moreover, it is strengthening the western economy by welcoming global academic collaboration, and is bringing the region to the international forefront of science.