AI + human intelligence = the future of education

What new opportunities is the AI era creating for Shanghai Jiao Tong University?

Ding Kuiling
President, Shanghai Jiaotong University

We believe that embracing AI means embracing the future. The key is how well we can combine AI with human intelligence. The universities that can do this best – and also deeply understand, develop, and apply AI effectively – will lead the next wave of higher education and talent development.

At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, we’re changing how we operate in key areas like research, talent cultivation, and university management. We’re moving from an “AI-only” approach to an “AI + human intelligence” dual-driven model. Our aim is to combine technological strength with human creativity. On one hand, we focus on goal-oriented, interdisciplinary collaboration. On the other hand, we work hard to develop top talent and create cutting-edge research.

As we near our 130th anniversary, our commitment is clear: we will keep innovating, lead the way, and direct our energy and strengths toward global development.

How does Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s collaboration with Huawei for the AI and intelligent computing platform reflect the institution’s history, values and ambitions?

It’s a truly exciting partnership. We believe that transforming scientific research into real-world applications is key to driving new productivity. When you look at our long-term collaboration with Huawei, a leading global company, it’s clear that we have formed a high-level partnership built on openness and shared vision.

Together, we’re building a world-class, sustainable AI ecosystem that supports education, research, and management. Our joint innovation platform is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. It will also help create the next generation of talent: people who are innovative, adaptable, and highly competitive on the global stage.

This partnership is based on four key areas: shared goals, shared people, shared tasks, and shared outcomes. It breaks down the traditional walls between academia and industry. We hope it can serve as a global model and drive progress in both science and industry.

How does Shanghai Jiao Tong University fulfil its mission as a world-leading research university to shape humanity’s shared future?

Innovation is at the heart of every leading university’s mission. At SJTU, we attract and educate top researchers and teams to push forward both fundamental research and breakthroughs in core technologies.

A key part of this is building world-class research platforms and an open and collaborative environment. For example, we’ve created what we call a “Super Research Platform, which connects our smart library, AI for Science Computing Center, and testing facilities. We also work together with major enterprises like CATL and COMAC to drive joint research.

At SJTU, we focus on key interdisciplinary areas, mainly the ocean, health, information technology, energy, and materials. We have also set up special research hubs to encourage original innovation.

Innovation is driven by people. By building strong platforms and attracting global talent, we create an ecosystem where great minds and great ideas inspire each other.

How is Shanghai Jiao Tong University driving AI-powered reform in teaching and learning?

Think of AI in two ways: it’s revolutionizing what tools can do, and it’s also driving broader transformation. But at its core, it’s still about people. As AI shapes how we educate, we’re seeing that the more powerful AI becomes, the more we need human intelligence to guide it.

Our “AI + Education” approach runs through every stage of learning. We’re building a four-way interactive system among teachers, students, machines, and the learning environment. This means we train our teachers to work side-by-side with AI, and we help students develop their AI skills through a model that combines courses, competitions, and hands-on research.

As AI transforms the world, we’re educating the people who will shape the future of AI. With the AI + human intelligence model, SJTU is building an ecosystem that combines disciplines, programs, and environments to cultivate truly outstanding, innovative minds.

How does Shanghai Jiao Tong University engage globally and act on this vision?

In the AI era, global engagement is not optional; it’s a must for excellence. For SJTU, it’s also an important way to help shape a smarter and better future for all.

We’re using AI to build a more open and inclusive global academic community. We are partnering with leading universities to try to solve major global challenges like climate change and public health with the help of AI.

AI demands new kinds of global competence. We encourage our students to use AI to solve real-world global problems, and prepare them to be the next leaders and innovators who are both tech-savvy and cross-culturally aware.

By embracing the AI era, SJTU will continue to be a key hub for global ideas. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and strengths to help build a shared future for all.