SJTU inks agreements with two French groups to cultivate global AI talent

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) announced the collaboration of its Paris Elite Institute of Technology with two prestigious French academic groups to launch the Class of Descartes aimed at cultivating top-tier global talent in artificial intelligence on Friday.

With a talent development system integrating mathematics, AI, and engineering, the class is scheduled to enroll its inaugural batch of about 20 undergraduate students this autumn.

Emphasizing a strong foundation in mathematics, a focus on AI fundamentals, and the enhancement of AI literacy and global governance capabilities, the program seeks to nurture AI innovators who embody a blend of technological prowess and humanistic understanding, equipped to lead on the international stage.

Courses will be delivered in Chinese, English, and French, emphasizing the enhancement of students' cross-linguistic expression and intercultural comprehension. The young people will be encouraged to contemplate issues, such as trustworthy AI and ethical technology, against a global backdrop, according to the institute.

The curriculum specifically incorporates content from humanities and social sciences, such as technology ethics, technology policy, and the philosophy of science, and offers a module on global AI governance to guide students in understanding the ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges brought about by AI development.

"Such a talent cultivation path of the class is unprecedented in institutions of higher education in the country," said Chen Cailian, Chinese director of the institute.