To accelerate the cultivation of world-class scientific journals and promote the high-quality development of basic research, on May 8, the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology (ZAST), the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT), the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS), and Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP) jointly signed a cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, launching AI Horizons, a high-level English-language scientific journal in the field of artificial intelligence.
Signing Ceremony
Mr. Min Shen, Party Secretary and Vice Chair of the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology; Professor Shiyi Chen, President of the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Mr. Chunbo Gao, the Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the World Association of Young Scientists; and Mr. Tom Grinyer, CEO of the Institute of Physics, attended the signing ceremony and delivered remarks.
Professor Chunmiao Zheng, Vice President of EIT; Mr. Dominic Hurley, Head of International Relations at the Institute of Physics; Mr. Zhiqiang Liu, Editor-in-Chief of Bulletin of Science and Technology and Vice Chair of the Society of China University Journals; as well as representatives from the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee Talent Mangement Office, the Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province, the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province, Westlake University, and the Zhejiang Association for Artificial Intelligence, participated in the event. Mr. Weiwei Sun, Party Member and Vice Chair of ZAST, presided over the ceremony.
Aiming for Excellence, Jointly Setting a Benchmark at the Frontiers of AI Research
In his address, Mr. Min Shen noted that scientific journals serve as both the cradle of innovative ideas and a bridge for global academic exchange. As a pioneer in the digital economy, Zhejiang is making every effort to establish itself as a globally influential hub for AI innovation and development. The launch of AI Horizons is precisely intended to create a high-level academic platform that gathers the world's top minds and leads technological directions.
Address by Mr. Min Shen
Mr. Min Shen put forward three aspirations for the journal's future development: First, uphold first-class standards and jointly establish an academic benchmark at the forefront of the field, promoting deep collaboration between the journal and top universities, research institutes, and leading enterprises, so that theoretical innovation and practical needs resonate in tandem. Second, uphold openness and cooperation to build a global nexus for scientific exchange, leveraging the global network of IOP Publishing, the talent networks of the World Association of Young Scientists, and the academic strengths of EIT to attract outstanding manuscripts from around the world. Third, prioritize talent and jointly cultivate an optimal ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, organizing high-level academic conferences through the journal to nurture innovative forces for the global AI enterprise.
Address by President Shiyi Chen
President Shiyi Chen stated that artificial intelligence is reshaping the research paradigm. As a new-type research university, EIT focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuit, unmanned technologies, new energy and new materials, intelligent manufacturing, and life and health, and has already brought together 16 members of national academies and 68 national-level talents.
President Shiyi Chen stressed that the launch of AI Horizons is a key step in implementing the strategic cooperation among the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology, EIT, the World Association of Young Scientists, and IOP Publishing. The university will fully leverage its disciplinary strengths, focus on AI for Science and Engineering, uphold rigorous academic quality, and strive to build the journal into a globally recognizable academic flagship, contributing Chinese wisdom to global AI development.
Address by Mr. Chunbo Gao
Mr. Chunbo Gao noted that high-level scientific journals are vital vehicles for enhancing international discourse. The Association will harness the strengths of its international talent network to empower the journal in areas such as author engagement and special issue planning, helping more original research reach the international frontier.
Address by Mr. Tom Grinyer
Mr. Tom Grinyer remarked that this collaboration is founded on the shared values of supporting scientific excellence, openness, and trust. AI Horizons is not merely a publishing platform; it carries the mission of advancing interdisciplinary research and building a truly international academic community. It will place particular emphasis on supporting the growth of early-career researchers and promoting the development of AI that is responsible and human-centered.
Joining Hands to Sign the Agreement, Pooling Strengths for the Journal's Development
Signing Ceremony
At the signing ceremony, the four partners jointly signed the cooperation agreement for AI Horizons, while EIT and IOP Publishing signed the journal publishing agreement. This collaboration aims to integrate the strengths of top-tier domestic research capabilities with an authoritative international publishing platform, creating an English-language scientific journal that focuses on artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research, benchmarks itself against the highest international standards, and establishes an internationally influential academic platform serving cutting-edge innovation.
Keynote Sessions: Charting a Shared Blueprint for Journal Development
During the keynote session, participants exchanged views on three key themes: journal development, international cooperation, and regional empowerment. Professor Chunmiao Zheng presented the university's profile and the experience gained from running EIT's official journal Sustainable Horizons, outlining the mid- and long-term goals and phased tasks for AI Horizons. Ms. Pingping Yang, APAC Associate Publishing Director at Iop Publishing, shared IOP Publishing's global distribution network and experience in international operations. Ms. Qiao Tang, Party Secretary and Chair of the Yuhang District Association for Science and Technology, reported on the operational effectiveness of the IOP Publishing Zhejiang Service Station, along with achievements in academic exchanges and journal training.
Professor Chunmiao Zheng presenting on journal development
