Key Takeaways
- AI scientist Ling Haibin has left his position in the United States to join Westlake University in Hangzhou, eastern China
- Ling is a pioneer in computer vision and AI, and is widely recognized for his work on the mobile plant identification app LeafSnap
- He will serve as chair professor in Westlake’s Department of Artificial Intelligence, leading its Intelligent Computing and Application Lab
- Ling’s move is part of a larger trend of Chinese scientists leaving the US amid budget cuts and seeking greater freedom for research
- Westlake University offers substantial support and a sense of inclusivity, allowing Ling to explore novel research avenues
Introduction to Ling Haibin’s Career Move
Ling Haibin, a renowned computer scientist, has made a significant career move by leaving his position in the United States to join Westlake University in Hangzhou, eastern China. As the creator of the world’s first mobile plant identification app, LeafSnap, Ling has been a pioneer in the field of computer vision and AI. His research has focused on areas such as computer vision, augmented reality, medical image analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for science. With his new role at Westlake University, Ling will serve as chair professor in the Department of Artificial Intelligence, leading the Intelligent Computing and Application Lab.
Background and Research Experience
Ling’s PhD research project, which involved using computers to recognize leaves of different shapes, led to the creation of the identification app LeafSnap. The app has been widely used to teach users about plant diversity, how to care for houseplants, diagnose disease, and track their own plant collections. As a former Empire Innovation Professor at Stony Brook University in New York and IEEE Fellow, Ling has been widely recognized for his contributions to the field of computer science. His experience and expertise have made him a sought-after researcher, and his move to Westlake University is seen as a significant gain for the institution.
Motivation for the Career Move
According to Ling, his decision to leave the United States and join Westlake University was motivated by the desire for greater freedom to explore novel research avenues. As he stated, "Traditional AI fields have become highly mature, and genuine breakthroughs require fresh exploration." Ling felt that Westlake University offered him the freedom and inclusivity he needed to pursue his research interests, as well as substantial support for his work. This move follows a trend of Chinese scientists leaving the US amid budget cuts under the administration of President Donald Trump, seeking better opportunities and resources for their research.
New Role and Research Directions
In his new role as chair professor at Westlake University, Ling will lead the Intelligent Computing and Application Lab, which is part of the Department of Artificial Intelligence. His research will continue to focus on areas such as computer vision, augmented reality, and machine learning, with a emphasis on exploring novel applications and approaches. With the support of Westlake University, Ling is expected to make significant contributions to the field of AI and computer science, and his move is seen as a major gain for the institution. As Ling stated, he is excited about the opportunity to work in a more inclusive and supportive environment, and to explore new research directions that can lead to genuine breakthroughs.
Broader Implications and Trends
Ling’s move to Westlake University is part of a larger trend of Chinese scientists leaving the US and other Western countries to return to China or join institutions in other parts of the world. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including budget cuts, limited opportunities, and a desire for greater freedom and resources to pursue research interests. The move is also seen as a reflection of the growing importance of China as a hub for scientific research and innovation, with institutions such as Westlake University offering attractive opportunities and resources for researchers. As the field of AI and computer science continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more researchers following in Ling’s footsteps, seeking out new opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3338607/ai-scientist-ling-haibin-father-worlds-first-plant-id-app-leaves-us-china