Event Highlight

HKU IDS’ Inaugural Interdisciplinary Workshop:

Cross-departmental Efforts in Exploring the Foundations of AI and Machine Learning Studies and Beyond

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The HKU IDS Interdisciplinary Workshop: Exploring the Foundations: Fundamental AI and Theoretical Machine Learning, held on May 28–29, 2025, at The University of Hong Kong, convened scholars to examine AI’s core principles. Organized by the HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science (IDS), with the Department of Statistics & Actuarial Science (SAAS) and the Department of Mathematics as the collaborating units, this 2-day event promoted rigorous discourse on advancing the foundational studies of artificial intelligence.

The event opened with remarks from Professor Yi Ma, Director of the Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science. Professor Ma expressed his appreciation for the leadership of the Organizing Committee in initiating such an interesting workshop. He emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for students and researchers seeking to understand AI’s foundations. According to him, a solid grasp of statistics, mathematical theory, and machine learning is essential for comprehending intelligence and data science. Recognizing the scientific pursuit of understanding intelligence, he highlighted the significant contributions made by leading universities and researchers worldwide, and underscored HKU’s role in this global effort.

The workshop attracted an audience of over 80 participants, including students and faculty members from HKU, sister institutions, and several overseas countries. Attendees eagerly engaged with presentations that bridged theoretical vigor with practical impact, inspiring advancements in this promising research area. The workshop’s speakers shared with the audience a series of outstanding lectures on foundational AI and machine learning research. Esteemed faculty from HKU’s Department of Maths and SAAS, along with keynote speakers Professor Anru Zhang and Professor Yiqiao Zhong, delivered engaging talks throughout the two days. On May 29, 2025, the event culminated in a lively panel discussion focused on exploring ideas to push the frontiers of AI theory, featuring enthusiastic questions from the audience and insightful exchanges among academics from HKU and beyond.

This workshop aligned greatly with IDS’ vision to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations, hopefully empowering greater innovation and impact in data science research. Let’s anticipate further pioneering initiatives with our HKU IDS community!