From 20 to 24 November, Francis L Martin, professor of Environmental Research Centre, Lancaster University, UK, visited the Institute of Urban Environment (IUE) at the invitation of the Exposure Science and Health Effects Research Group and the Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health at Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professor Martin gave a report entitled "Novel sensor technologies towards environmental health monitoring in urban environments" to scientific researchers and graduate students and answered questions from teachers and students enthusiastically. There was a strong atmosphere of academic exchanges. During the visit, Professor Martin also discussed the application of spectral detection technology in environmental research with relevant research groups.