On April 26, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKUSZ) officially launched the School of AI for Science (School of AI4S), marking a significant step toward advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and fundamental scientific research. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), along with leaders from the Shenzhen municipal government and Peking University.
Inauguration Ceremony Venue
The School of AI4S is a forward-looking initiative designed to address the scientific and industrial revolutions driven by the era of intelligent technology. It adopts an innovative dual-mentorship model, pairing AI and science advisors, to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with strong scientific intelligence, innovative capabilities, and a global perspective. Based in Shenzhen, the School will leverage PKU's research excellence and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's innovation resources to deepen strategic industry collaborations, nurture high-level talents, and contribute to national strategic goals and regional high-quality development.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Leung highlighted the crucial roles of Shenzhen and Hong Kong as twin engines of national growth and emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. He outlined four expectations for the School: to deepen Shenzhen-Hong Kong integration, foster an open innovation ecosystem, cultivate future leaders in "AI+Science", align academic efforts with industrial needs, and expand global engagement to address common challenges facing humanity.
Official Launch of the School of AI for Science
Zhang Jin, Executive Vice President of Peking University and Dean of the Shenzhen Graduate School, outlined the School's strategic directions, including leading the development of the AI4S field, transforming research and education paradigms, and integrating computational power, models, data, knowledge, and application scenarios to drive innovation.
During the ceremony, Mr. Leung, Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong, PKU Party Secretary He Guangcai, and other distinguished guests jointly officiated the launch. Zhang Jin presented appointment letters to honorary and advisory board members, including renowned scholars and academicians.
Following the inauguration, leading experts such as Professor Efim Zelmanov, Professor Guo Wanlin, and Professor E Weinan delivered keynote academic lectures. A development consultation meeting was also held, where scholars and industry leaders discussed core scientific challenges in AI4S and strategies for cultivating top-tier talent, offering insights to support China's ambitions to lead in the intelligent science disciplines globally.
