On November 6, the first "Intelligence Science or Mathematics Award" was presented at the first Association of the World's Leading Scientists Award. The winner of this award, American computer science and statistics expert Michael M. I. Jordan made a special trip to Shanghai, shared the stage with several top scientists, and was interviewed by this reporter.
【Interdisciplinary "Mixed Race"】
"My educational background may be a little 'outlier' in the academic world." Winner of the first "Intelligent Science or Mathematics Award" of the first Association of the World's Leading Scientists Award - Michael M. I. Jordan is now working in computer science and statistics, but before that, his research was very diverse. "My bachelor's degree was in psychology, my master's degree was in mathematics, my Ph.D. field of study was cognitive science, and my first faculty position was related to neuroscience. In my current research in intelligence science and statistics, I have also worked on projects in molecular biology, statistical physics, economics, control theory, linguistics, and operations research. ”
"These experiences in a wide range of professional fields happened after I turned 30." Michael S. I. Jordan said that for young people, before finding a direction they want to work in, they should have the courage to explore different fields. Thanks to the academic freedom unique to the university system, Michael M. I. Jordan eventually chose and rooted in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. "In the process, I came to understand that machine learning (also known as "AI") is not an emerging science, but an emerging engineering discipline. ”
"The development of this discipline stems from the principles of intelligence science, statistics and economics." Michael S. The goal, I. Jordan said, is to build a new data-based real-world system that relies on global-scale networks and data streams to create commercial, medical, transportation and entertainment facilities that underpin its system. "It's a systems engineering that focuses on human preferences, values, and decision-making."
[AI development is not to surpass humans]
In the future, in which areas will AI have more applications? Will AI replace humans?
Michael S. I. Jordan believes that in the next two decades, the evolution and development of AI may further focus on the integration with people. The integration of humans and AI will assist doctors in diagnostic decision-making and treatment through intelligent data analysis in the field of medicine, and this attempt has made progress in cancer treatment.
In the business sector, AI can help consumers find goods and services more easily, and it can also make it easier for merchants to find more accurate needs and consumers. AI can create a long-tail effect and meet everyone's individual needs more equally.
In the field of transportation, AI can help improve management efficiency. For example, Shanghai's smart port construction can make model adjustments through the analysis of port data and external data such as weather, so as to predict the supply chain more efficiently.
"AI isn't magic, but it can help people achieve better outcomes." Michael S. I. Jordan believes that the development of AI is not to surpass human intelligence and ability, but to make our lives more connected, safer, more equal, and better.
【Looking forward to more cooperation with China】
"AI is not just a technology, it's a way of thinking." In Michael S. I. Jordan saw that different countries have their own strengths, and it is impossible for one country to solve all problems, so it is better to work together than alone.
"The interaction of disciplines has also become more timely." Michael S. I. Jordan said, "Maybe I published a paper on the Internet, and after 24 hours someone asked or discussed, and I was happy to have this interaction." "In fact, due to the interdisciplinary integration of science, science is becoming more and more complex, and it is not enough to rely on only one laboratory to do research, so more resources and more groups are needed to collaborate; At the same time, through the division of labor, many things can be made more efficient.
"I have a lot of connections with China." Michael S. I. Jordan said, for example, that he recently collaborated with professors and colleagues at Tsinghua University to publish a paper in the journal Nature; It is also related to Peking University, and has close ties with statisticians and mathematicians. For AI, economics can also be incorporated to predict the future. In fact, in addition to interdisciplinarity, there is also a lot of cooperation in scientific research human resources. Michael S. I. Jordan admits that at UC Berkeley, 20% of the researchers he brings with him are from China, which is a lot more than five years ago.
"I look forward to more collaboration with scientists in China in the future, expanding the application of mathematics to new fields, and working to make computer science useful for continuous improvement of human welfare."
Column editor-in-chief: Huang Haihua Title image source: Dingke Forum profile photo
文中图片：顶科论坛资料照片 Source: Author: Li Lei