Meet the Chinese AI Scientists Leading the Global Top 100
A study of nearly 200,000 researchers found 65 of the top 100 AI experts are connected to China by heritage or workplace. This highlights China’s strong presence in global AI research.
Chinese AI Scientists Lead Global Rankings of Top 100 Experts
A comprehensive study analyzing nearly 200,000 researchers and 100,000 high-impact papers has identified that a significant portion of the top 100 artificial intelligence (AI) experts worldwide are of Chinese origin. This analysis was conducted by ITPO China, part of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with Shenzhen-based Dongbi Data.
The findings were shared last week at a conference held in Beijing, highlighting the prominence of Chinese talent in the global AI research landscape.
Key Findings from the Study
- 50 of the top 100 AI experts work at research institutes or companies located in China and are of Chinese descent.
- Another 20 experts work in the United States, with half of these researchers also being of Chinese origin.
- In total, 65 out of 100 leading AI scientists worldwide are connected to China by heritage or workplace.
One notable figure is Jun-Yan Zhu, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, recognized as one of the field’s leading AI experts.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The study covered research papers from 2015 to 2024, focusing on influential publications such as the Journal of Machine Learning Research and IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. It also included top conferences in AI.
Researchers measured impact by analyzing the volume of published papers and the number of citations each scientist received during this period. This approach provides an objective view of influence and contribution in AI research.
Implications for AI Science and Research
This data underscores China’s growing influence in AI research and development, reflecting both the strength of its domestic institutions and the global presence of its diaspora in leading academic and corporate roles.
For professionals in science and research, this insight highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration and the critical role of talent mobility in advancing AI innovation.
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