On May 16, Nanjing University Forum on Digital and AI Empowerment of Research on Chinese Civilization took place on Xianlin Campus of Nanjing University. Chen Yunsong, Vice Chair of NJU CPC council attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

In his speech, Chen Yunsong emphasized that the Nanjing University Chinese Civilization Digital Innovation Laboratory is committed to the mission of "digitally empowering civilization research," consistently adhering to the "three integrations": integration of interdisciplinary studies with civilization research, integration of technological innovation with cultural heritage, and integration of academic research with national strategy. Today's presentation of achievements showcases the laboratory's persistent efforts over the years.

Yao Yuan, Director of the Institute of Modern Chinese Civilization at Nanjing University, noted in his speech that the humanities at NJU utilize digital technology as a vessel and follows the orientation of civilization heritage, forming a digital matrix for Chinese civilization research. The institute will continue to be guided by national needs, perpetuating cultural heritage, flourishing academia, and inspiring thought, dedicating efforts to accelerate the construction of an independent philosophical and social sciences knowledge system in China.

At the forum, Nanjing University officially launched the Ancient City Protection Student Volunteer Service Project. The project is based on the "Ancient City Digital Atlas" research, encouraging and supporting NJU students to use their vacation time to explore and investigate their hometown ancient cities, contributing youthful energy to the digital protection of ancient cities in China.

The forum focused on five major directions of Chinese civilization research: Distant Reading, Exploration, Heritage, Fusion and Mutual Learning, comprehensively presenting the fruitful results of Nanjing University's digital and AI empowerment of Chinese civilization research. 15 scholars showcased their current research achievements. The results fully demonstrate the unique advantages of NJU's humanities in the digital age, encouraging interdisciplinary integration and innovation in research methods, contributing wisdom and strength to the creative transformation and innovative development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture.

In 2024, the Nanjing University Chinese Civilization Digital Innovation Laboratory was selected as one of the first key philosophy and social sciences laboratories in Jiangsu Province universities. This laboratory integrates the distinctive features and high-quality resources of NJU's humanities, focusing on digital empowerment and cross-disciplinary innovation, dedicated to constructing a knowledge system and innovative application system for independent civilization research in the digital age in China.

The forum was hosted by the Institute of Modern Chinese Civilization and the Chinese Civilization Digital Innovation Laboratory at NJU. Gao Fang, Director of NJU's Office of Humanities and Social Sciences, presided over the meeting. Representatives from related departments and over 100 young scholars and students attended the forum.