On December 16, the inauguration ceremony of Wuhan University's School of Artificial Intelligence was held in the library's second-floor lecture hall. The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Executive Vice Governor of Hubei Province Shao Xinyu, Wuhan Municipal Deputy Mayor Zhang Zhongjun, Wuhan University Party Secretary Huang Taiyan, and President Academician Zhang Pingwen. Notable guests included Academicians Zhang Yaoxue (Tsinghua University), Hu Shimin (Tsinghua University), and Tao Dacheng (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore), alongside government representatives, academicians, university peers, and industry partners. The meeting was chaired by Executive Vice Secretary of Wuhan University Party Committee Shen Zhuanghai.
Vice Governor Shao Xinyu of Hubei Provincial Government Delivered a Speech
Shao Xinyu stated that artificial intelligence is a strategic technology leading a new round of scientific, technological, and industrial transformation, possessing a strong "leading goose effect" (spillover-driven impacts). Hubei Province will foollow the developmental approach of "Chip-led, Model-driven, Scenario-based Demonstration, Enterprise Strengthening, and Fund Nurturing," while coordinating the "four-pronged integrated approach" of technological innovation, industrial cultivation, foundational support, and integrated applications to accelerate the cultivation and development of new quality productive forces. He expressed hopes that the School of Artificial Intelligence at Wuhan University will: Lead in talent cultivation and disciplinary development, thoroughly implement the "Strengthening the Foundation Initiative" and "Top Talent Program ," and vigorously advance the construction of a "first-class" AI discipline; Lead in foundational research and technological innovation, align with national strategies and Hubei's needs, focus on cutting-edge AI technologies, and strive to produce more original, disruptive, and landmark achievements; Lead in industry-academia integration and school-enterprise collaboration, establish platforms for integrated innovation, strengthen cooperation in practical education, joint research on key technologies, and achievement commercialization, and achieve new milestones for AI development in China and Hubei.
Speech by Huang Taiyan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Wuhan University
Huang Taiyan emphasized that the School of Artificial Intelligence was established by Wuhan University to respond to national strategic demands for AI development, align with global AI frontiers, and integrate institutional strengths across disciplines including computer science, mathematics, information management, geomatics, and related fields. As a dedicated platform for talent cultivation, technological innovation, and empowering high-quality development in AI, this initiative marks a solid step forward in the university's exploration of the field. He expressed expectations that the School will: Uphold academic integrity, optimize disciplinary structures, innovate talent development models, and focus on strategic needs; Venture into uncharted territories and tackle formidable challenges; Demonstrate courage in leadership to build Hubei into an AI innovation hub and shoulder national responsibilities for advancing China's AI industry; Collaborate with domestic and international universities, research institutions, and industries to jointly drive breakthroughs and sustainable growth in AI technologies.
Vice Governor Shao Xinyu of Hubei Provincial Government, Vice Mayor Zhang Zhongjun of Wuhan City, Secretary of the Party Committee Huang Taiyan, President Zhang Pingwen (Academician), Hu Shimin (Academician) of Tsinghua University, and Professor Ma Feicheng of Wuhan University jointly unveiled the School of Artificial Intelligence.
Shao Xinyu, Zhang Zhongjun, Huang Taiyan, Zhang Pingwen, Hu Shimin, and Ma Feicheng jointly unveiled the School of Artificial Intelligence of Wuhan University.
President Zhang Pingwen (Academician) Delivered a Development Report
Zhang Pingwen presented the development report for the School of Artificial Intelligence, providing a detailed elaboration on its founding background, disciplinary foundation, positioning advantages, and development strategies. He stated that the School will: Advance AI fundamental theories and interdisciplinary application-oriented talent cultivation and scientific research, grounded in Wuhan University's digital-intelligence education system; Construct a disciplinary framework holding significant international influence and leading cutting-edge developments in AI interdisciplinary fields; Contribute to China's vibrant AI development through institutional strengths, while riding the waves of the AI era to achieve remarkable accomplishments.
Speech by Hu Shimin (Academician) of Tsinghua University
Hu Shimin emphasized that in the face of the AI revolution and the national demand for high-level scientific and technological talents, the establishment of Wuhan University's School of Artificial Intelligence is both timely and strategically aligned. He pointed out that AI development is a complex and systematic undertaking requiring the integration of computing power, algorithms, data, and frameworks. This demands breakthroughs in mathematical foundations, innovations in core AI technologies, and deep integration with real-world applications. Key priorities include: Cultivating high-quality top-tier talent, Strengthening high-level research platforms, Advancing industry-academia-research collaboration, Continuously expanding the institution's international development path, and Enhancing Wuhan University's global influence in AI.
Speech by Lv Tingyan, Deputy General Manager of China Three Gorges Corporation
Lv Tingyan highlighted the profound foundation of school-enterprise collaboration between China Three Gorges Corporation and Wuhan University, emphasizing remarkable achievements in joint talent cultivation. In today's context of intensifying global technological competition, he expressed hopes to further strengthen collaboration with the School of Artificial Intelligence at Wuhan University through: Deepening joint technology R&D, leveraging the university's strengths in scientific innovation and the corporation's practical platforms; Exploring innovative applications of AI technologies in clean energy and ecological/environmental protection fields; Achieving greater breakthroughs in key technologies and expanding industrial applications to deliver substantial outcomes. These efforts aim to contribute to building a green, low-carbon, and sustainable future.
Speech by Dong Bin, Executive Vice President of Beijing Zhongguancun University
Dong Bin delivered a speech on behalf of university representatives. Drawing from Zhongguancun University's experience and achievements in AI development, he shared insights and recommendations for the strategic planning of Wuhan University's School of Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized that Wuhan University's AI initiatives will exert profound influence on China's national science and technology innovation system. Beijing Zhongguancun University stands ready to collaborate closely with the School of Artificial Intelligence through: Sharing resources and building joint platforms, Conducting collaborative R&D, Promoting academic research and technological breakthroughs in AI; Jointly painting a shared vision for AI education and technological innovation.
Speech by Wang Fei, General Manager of Xiaomi Group Wuhan Region
Wang Fei extended congratulations on the establishment of the School of Artificial Intelligence at Wuhan University. He highlighted that Xiaomi Group has prioritized AI technology research and application as one of its core strategic priorities for future development. Xiaomi Group looks forward to: Strengthening collaboration with the School of Artificial Intelligence, advancing industry-academia integration for resource sharing and complementary advantages; Jointly advancing AI technology R&D and application to create shared value; Forging a brighter future through strategic partnership and technological innovation.
On the same day, the School of Artificial Intelligence leveraged its founding ceremony to host a series of events including the "Artificial Intelligence Deans Forum" and "AI Youth Development Forum", where experts and scholars actively contributed insights and strategies for the School's development, generating an enthusiastic atmosphere onsite.
According to reports, Wuhan University began planning its AI discipline construction strategy in July 2024. By September 2024, relevant experts were organized to evaluate and validate the proposal for establishing an independent AI School. The official founding was announced in December 2024 through an official decree, with President Zhang Pingwen (Academician) serving as Dean. Guided by the founding principles of "Adhering to disciplinary leadership, pursuing first-class objectives, and balancing development with stability", the School aims to catalyze integrated progress in education, technology, and talent development. It strengthens institutional frameworks to advance disciplinary construction, talent cultivation, and technological innovation, thereby better supporting the university's strategic goal of "building a world-class university with Chinese characteristics within 5 to 10 years".
