On May 6, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) held the Artificial Intelligence Development Conference and unveiled the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, aiming to advance interdisciplinary integration and talent cultivation in artificial intelligence.

The Artificial Intelligence Development Conference

Prof. Song Gao, president of Sun Yat-sen University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said, "Artificial intelligence, as a strategic technology driving a new round of scientific and industrial revolution, has become a key factor shaping global competition and a strategic focal point in major-power rivalry."

Dr. Kongjun Zhu, chairman of Sun Yat-sen University, stated that as a leading university of higher education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, SYSU must uphold self-reliance and self-strengthening, enhance basic research and breakthroughs in core technologies.

Unveiling Ceremony of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Sun Yat-sen University

In December 2024, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Sun Yat-sen University expanded its research scope and began operating as a full-fledged entity. Originally established in June 2020, the Institute now oversees 17 research centers spanning interdisciplinary fields across the humanities, sciences, medicine, and engineering, with research areas including the mathematical foundations of AI, intelligent computing chips and systems, neuromorphic sensing devices, and intelligent software.

Prof. Hongbo Chen, executive vice dean of the Artificial Intelligence Institute at Sun Yat-sen University, stated that the institute will integrate the university’s research strengths across relevant schools to build a comprehensive application ecosystem that connects industry, academia, research, and practical use, focusing on areas such as multimodal foundation models, low-power neuromorphic chips, unmanned systems, and low-altitude economy.

Looking ahead, Prof. Song Gao stated, "On one hand, SYSU will intensify research on fundamental theories, methods, and tools, focusing on breakthroughs in key technologies such as advanced chips and foundational software, and building an autonomous, integrated AI infrastructure of software and hardware. On the other hand, we aim to leverage artificial intelligence to drive a paradigm shift in scientific research and empower technological innovation across various fields."

Photographer: Zhang Yan, Xiao Yao, Zhang Chuyi