2026 Scientific Intelligence Conference Successfully Held in Beijing, Providing "China Solution" for Global Cooperation

The 2026 Scientific Intelligence Conference, held in Beijing's Zhongguancun, served as China's highest-level academic gathering for Artificial Intelligence for Science (AI4S). The event was meticulously structured around 14 parallel sessions, categorized under three pivotal themes: "Basic Research," "Integration of Scientific and Technological Innovation with Industrial Innovation," and "International Scientific and Technological Cooperation." These sessions collectively highlighted the profound and extensive breakthroughs that scientific intelligence is achieving across a multitude of disciplines and diverse application scenarios, signaling a significant advancement in China's scientific and technological landscape.

AI4S Breakthroughs

The "Basic Research" theme of the conference delved into the foundational aspects of scientific intelligence, addressing what was termed the "root of scientific intelligence." Discussions encompassed critical areas such as the fundamental theories underpinning scientific intelligence, the management and utilization of scientific data, the development of scientific foundation models, and the creation of advanced scientific intelligent agents and autonomous research systems. Furthermore, the sessions explored the emergence of autonomous laboratories and novel paradigms for scientific representation, indicating a comprehensive approach to strengthening the theoretical and infrastructural pillars of AI4S.

This focus on basic research is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and innovative capacity of China's scientific intelligence initiatives. By addressing these core components, the conference aimed to lay a robust groundwork for future advancements, enabling more sophisticated and reliable AI applications in scientific discovery.

Industrial Integration

Another central theme, "Integration of Scientific and Technological Innovation with Industrial Innovation," directly tackled the practical application of scientific intelligence, described as the "application of scientific intelligence." This segment focused on facilitating the critical transition of AI4S from laboratory research into tangible industrial applications. The discussions revolved around five key industrial sectors: biomedicine, energy and chemical engineering, material development, scientific instruments, and industrial intelligence.

Specific topics covered included target discovery in drug development, intelligent drug research and development processes, the establishment of chemical intelligent laboratories, the intelligent creation of advanced battery materials, the integration of AI into scientific instruments, and the development of intelligent manufacturing and unmanned factories. These discussions showcased the profound role of scientific intelligence as a "source of living water" in supporting and modernizing China's industrial system, driving efficiency and innovation across various sectors.

Global Collaboration

The "International Scientific and Technological Cooperation" theme was particularly significant, as it aimed to provide a "China solution" for global scientific intelligence collaboration. This initiative was anchored by four major international scientific programs: "Panoramic Digital Life," "Digital Sustainable Development," "Plant Planet," and "Deep Time Digital Earth." The conference systematically reviewed the latest progress in these programs, which were initiated and led by Chinese scientists and significantly empowered by scientific intelligence.

Through these discussions, the conference sought to foster a global consensus on the transformative power of AI. Experts and scholars emphasized that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the fourth core engine driving scientific discovery, following traditional experimentation, theoretical analysis, and computational methods. They issued a call to action for Chinese scientists to maintain their leading position in this paradigm shift, thereby supporting the development of new quality productive forces through high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement. The "Scientific Intelligence Talent Night" event further underscored this commitment by fostering deep discussions among experts on speculative topics like AI discovering "non-human logic" and data immortality, aiming to cultivate innovative talent for China's AI4S future.