On April 8, 2025, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Shanghai Innovation Institute (SII) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaborative opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) for climate and sustainability science. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in cross-border research collaboration, aiming to address global challenges posed by climate change through interdisciplinary research.

The collaboration aims to establish the Hong Kong-Shanghai AI for Climate and Sustainability Science Institute (the “Institute”), which will focus on advancing cutting-edge research in AI-driven climate science and sustainability solutions. Key research areas include AI-powered Earth system modeling, AI for sustainability science, digital energy systems and resilient infrastructure, climate-resilient and smart urban systems, climate modeling and geospatial analytics, AI for ecology and biodiversity monitoring, and AI-driven scientific innovation. The Institute will also serve as a bridge between the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area, driving regional and global climate action and SDGs.

The Institute will be jointly funded by HKU and SII to attract top global talent with interdisciplinary backgrounds. A Joint Steering Committee (JSC) will oversee strategic priorities, comprising representatives from both parties and external advisors. The Institute will consist of core research divisions, including the AI-Driven Digital Earth Group, Sustainable Energy Systems Group, Urban Climate Resilience Group, AI for Ecology and Biodiversity Group, and AI-Driven Scientific Innovation Group. This collaboration between HKU and SII represents a significant step forward in leveraging AI to address climate change challenges and sustainable development goals. Both parties are committed to working together to drive innovation and make a positive impact on the global community.
 

Representatives from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Shanghai Innovation Institute (SII) convened to discuss the collaboration.
 

Deputy Dean, Prof Wu Libo, on behalf of Shanghai Innovation Institute (SII), who will act as the Co-Director of the "Institute", provided an overview of SII to HKU.
  Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Prof Max Shen, on behalf of The University of Hong Kong, signed an MOU with the Deputy Dean, Prof Wu Libo, representing Shanghai Innovation Institute (SII), to jointly establish the Hong Kong-Shanghai AI for Climate and Sustainability Science Institute, thereby formalizing the partnership.

Director of Sustainability X-Lab, Prof Zhang Xiaoling (middle), who will act as the Co-Director of the Hong Kong-Shanghai AI for Climate and Sustainability Science Institute, Associate Dean of Shanghai Innovation Institute (SII), Prof Qi Yuan (left hand), Prof. Zhao Heng Shuang from the Department of Computer Science at The University of Hong Kong also attended the MOU ceremony as a witness. All participants from both institutions gathered for a group photo to commemorate the event.