Nature's new AI journal from HKUST(GZ) gains rapid global recognition
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) is celebrating a remarkable achievement with the launch of Nature's new sub-journal, npj Artificial Intelligence.
Just a few months after its inception, the journal has already become a significant platform in the global AI research community, boasting a rigorous acceptance rate of less than 10 percent and a star-studded lineup of contributors.
Professor Hui XIONG, founding editor-in-chief and the University's Associate Vice-President for Knowledge Transfer, was excited when noting the feedback from the editorial team of Nature, a leading science journal, that npj Artificial Intelligence has the potential to become one of the fastest-growing sub-journals of Nature.
Explaining the motivation behind the journal's creation, XIONG said that despite AI being a hot topic, there was a lack of a dedicated publication focusing on the interdisciplinary impact of AI.
Unlike traditional journals that primarily focus on algorithms, npj Artificial Intelligence has a broader scope, exploring AI's transformative effects across various disciplines, industries and society as a whole, he said. The journal welcomes a wide range of papers, from groundbreaking AI research to interdisciplinary applications and the integration of theory and practice, he added.
In July of last year, XIONG's proposal to launch the journal was officially endorsed by Nature. Initially, there were concerns about securing enough high-quality papers for a monthly publication. However, as XIONG humorously noted, "We have not only succeeded in publishing monthly, but have also maintained both a low acceptance rate and high-quality standards."
Having a Chinese scholar as the founding editor-in-chief of a Nature's sub-journal is a significant international academic recognition, reflecting XIONG's outstanding academic contributions in the field of AI and big data.
XIONG has been selected as an Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow, and a Fellow of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, he has been recognized as an ACM Distinguished Scientist and has received numerous prestigious honors, including selection for national talent programs.
Utilizing the brand of Nature and the journal's unique "AI+" focus, npj Artificial Intelligence quickly attracted high-quality papers. The inaugural issue featured an impressive lineup of authors, including Markus J. BUEHLER, McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT and member of the US National Academy of Engineering; Qionghai DAI, president of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; and Dacheng TAO, director of JD Explore Academy and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
"The authors are either from top universities or are highly influential scholars in the industry. It's rare to gain their recognition without extensive promotion," XIONG said.
The journal's appeal to prominent scholars is due in part to the editorial team's commitment to publication efficiency and professional services. To ensure a swift publication process, the papers undergo an initial screening by the editor-in-chief and professional editors before entering formal peer review, quickly filtering out the majority of submissions.
"We strive to process submissions for publication within a few months, much faster than the traditional year-long cycle of AI journals," XIONG said, noting that he often handles submissions while on business trips.
XIONG sees a strong alignment between the journal and HKUST(GZ)'s interdisciplinary focus. "Our University is breaking down disciplinary barriers, and the journal focuses on the intersection of AI with various fields," he said, adding he hopes the journal will enhance the University's international influence in AI.
Notably, China ranks second only to the United States in terms of the origins of the submissions. Despite the lack of extensive promotion in China, submissions from Chinese scholars are highly competitive both in volume and caliber, showcasing the country's deep talent pool in AI, particularly among young researchers, XIONG said.
For young students and educators engaging in the AI sector, XIONG offers four pieces of advice: "First, choose an area you are truly passionate about; second, leverage your personal strengths; third, cultivate perseverance in research; and fourth, maintain a habit of lifelong learning."
He emphasized the importance of resilience and learning ability. "AI evolves rapidly. Today's hot topics may be obsolete tomorrow. Only by continuously learning can you stay at the forefront."
The roles of editor-in-chief of a journal and a scholar engaging in AI researches converges upon XIONG. Through npj Artificial Intelligence, he is not only curating the world's cutting-edge AI insights but also opening a gateway for HKUST(GZ) and China's AI community to the global stage.
