Fudan Opens New College of Future Information Technology to Drive New Engineering Frontiers

Fudan University Inaugurates College of Future Information Technology and High-Quality Development Conference

On April 16, Fudan University held the Inauguration Ceremony and High-Quality Development Conference for the College of Future Information Technology. During the event, the University officially announced the establishment of the College and appointed Fudan Vice President Zhou Lei as its Dean.

Fudan University Party Secretary Qiu Xin presented the appointment letter to Dean Zhou Lei. President Jin Li, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a keynote speech. The event was chaired by Deputy Party Secretary Zhou Hu. Vice President Ma Yugang presented appointment letters to the heads of the College’s academic teams. Ai Zhu, Director of the Organization Department of the Party Committee, announced the leadership team.

A new hub for national priorities and economic development

Qiu Xin, Jin Li, Zhou Lei, Academician Chu Junhao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xu Yang, Party Secretary of the College, and Chi Nan, Executive Dean, jointly unveiled the College.

The College aims to further refine its disciplinary framework, strengthen cross-disciplinary integration, implement a talent-first strategy, tackle critical technological bottlenecks through organised research, and optimise talent development models. It seeks to establish an integrated system for industry-education collaboration and cultivate versatile innovators with strong interdisciplinary capabilities.

Building future leaders: the Photon Plan and beyond.

In 2023, the University launched the Photon Plan – Academician Class, in which academicians personally select, mentor, guide research projects for, and assess students, fostering future leaders in information technology.

The curriculum will include 12 core courses delivered by eight teaching teams, covering mathematical and physical foundations, electronic circuits, signal communications, intelligent information, optoelectronic fundamentals, optoelectronic information processing, optoelectronic device systems, and electronic information experimental teaching. The College will also offer frontier lectures and practical training, featuring industry leaders and summer boot camps.

A legacy of excellence, a future of innovation

Fudan University has a long and distinguished history in information-related disciplines. The former School of Information Science and Technology, established in 2000, developed dozens of national firsts in major information equipment and instruments, with four first-level disciplines all receiving A+ ratings in the Times Higher Education China Subject Ratings. The Institute of Optoelectronics has grown into a leading domestic and internationally recognised research base for optoelectronic science and technology. In just one year, the Institute of Space Internet established deep strategic partnerships with over ten leading global enterprises and academic institutions, launching joint research projects driving technological innovation and application.

President Jin Li: forging Fudan’s new engineering path

President Jin Li emphasised that advancing the College serves the nation’s rejuvenation, supports the development of a first-class Fudan, and addresses the urgent need for top-tier innovative talent.

To build this College, we must unite around a shared academic mission and a common vision for education and innovation, said President Jin Li. Reform is needed to systematically rebuild our teaching framework. Clear milestones must be set. The curriculum requires dedicated effort. Above all, we must cultivate a new engineering culture – one grounded in pragmatism, efficiency, teamwork, and a commitment to break inertia while pursuing long-term excellence.