Computing experts at the University of Birmingham and Southern University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTech) are working together to push forward research into Artificial Intelligence.

Researchers from the British institution and their counterparts at the university in Shenzhen, China, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore setting up a joint Artificial Intelligence research centre.

The China-UK Joint Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (CUJAIRI) will enable academic research and training collaborations in areas such as computational intelligence, autonomous and cognitive systems, and intelligent ‘internet of things’ (IOT) systems.

Professor Jon Frampton, Director of the China Institute, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (China) and Professor of Stem Cell Biology, said “We are delighted to work with our colleagues at SUSTech in progressing our partnership in research and teaching – a testament to the University of Birmingham’s growing reputation in China

“SUSTech is an ambitious and forward-thinking institution that shares our pioneering attitudes towards research into artificial intelligence.  This represents another exciting opportunity for our researchers to collaborate with peers from across the globe.”

Professor Frampton and Professor Tao TANG, Vice President for Research at SUSTech, signed the MoU in a recent ceremony in Shenzhen.  This followed a visit to Birmingham by senior academics from SUSTech to discuss partnership working in Artificial Intelligence.

SUSTech is a new university founded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and led by the Guangdong Provincial Government.  In 2012, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of SUSTech as an innovative pilot for higher education reform in China.