In July 2017, the State Council of China issued the “Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan”, which laid out a three-step plan to help China become a world leader in AI by 2030. The Artificial Intelligence Thrust area under the Information Hub at HKUST (GZ) is established to grow HKUST’s strength in AI and contribute to the nation’s drive to become a world leader in AI. PhD programs in AI will be offered as an integral part of the endeavor to establish the AI Thrust as a world-renowned AI research center with the mission to advance applied research in AI as well as fundamental research relevant to the application areas.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program aims to train students in original research in AI, and to cultivate independent, interdisciplinary, and innovative thinking that is essential for a successful AI-related career in the industry or academia. A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making original and substantial scientific contributions to the discipline.