The University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) held the preparation meeting for the UM-SJTU Joint Research Center for Smart Connected Systems on May 24. The invited guests from renowned universities and enterprises, including the University of Michigan, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CIMC, Bosch, GE Healthcare, Freetech, DFJ Dragon Fund China, JMCG, gathered at the Long Bin Building for in-depth discussions to map out blueprint and pathway of the research center. SJTU Vice President Lisa Xu, UM Vice President Jack Hu, UM Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Interdisciplinary Academic Affairs James Holloway, UM Assistant Vice Provost for Global and Engaged Education Amy Conger, UM College of Engineering Professor Greg Hulbert, JI Honorary Dean Jun Ni, JI Party Secretary Xinwan Li, JI Dean Peisen Huang, JI Associate Deans Chien-Pin Chen and David Hung attended the meeting.
JI Professor Xudong Wang briefed the attendees on the purpose, brand positioning and status quo of the research center, and raised questions on the content and ways of cooperation among enterprises, universities, and other research institutes. His introduction was followed by speeches delivered by UM Vice President Jack Hu, SJTU Vice President Lisa Xu, and CIMC Vice President David Li.
Jack Hu said he is fully confident about the future development of the center, as the research on the smart connected systems reflects scientific values as well as broad aspects of application. The University of Michigan will actively support the construction and development of the center as always.
Lisa Xu pointed out that the establishment of the joint research center for smart connected systems will further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two universities. Shanghai Jiao Tong University will actively provide support to the construction and development of the center, which is expected to be a new carrier of bilateral exchanges and cooperation and an influential international joint laboratory.
While stressing the importance of smart connected systems for industrial production, David Li said he believes that the establishment of a research center of such kind has great significance and prospects. CIMC will strongly support the development and construction of the center and propel a new mode of cooperation with universities.
In the discussion session, Jack Hu, Jun Ni, and UM Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Mingyan Liu shared some cases, models, and experiences of industrial-academic-research cooperation in the United States and provided insightful ideas for the development of the center. The guests from enterprises shared their respective needs for innovation and views of cooperating with the center.
According to the new round of cooperation agreement signed between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Michigan, the two universities will plan to jointly establish a research center for smart connected systems to conduct high-impact interdisciplinary research in areas related to smart connected systems, such as smart sensing, wireless communication and networks, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). The research results of the center are expected to advance IoT applications in smart transportation, smart health, smart city, smart vehicles, smart grid, etc. The center will strive to bridge fundamental research and engineering innovations, and also promote technology transfer and commercialization.
