Cities are living systems—constantly evolving, facing new challenges, and offering new opportunities. To better understand and shape these dynamics, the Department of Electrical Engineering will host the Workshop on Urban Science and Intelligence from 22 to 24 August 2025 at the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center. The three-day program will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore how data, AI, and emerging technologies can drive more sustainable and intelligent urban futures.
The opening day, 22 August, will begin with remarks from Prof. Yong Li, followed by keynote talks from global experts including Prof. Carlo Ratti on Senseable Cities, Prof. Luis Bettencourt on mapping data for sustainable development, and Prof. Michael Batty on digital twins for urban policy. Other highlights include Prof. Flora Salim’s session on cyber-physical-social systems, a panel discussion on urban intelligence, and paper and poster presentations from participants. The day will close with cultural activities such as an island tour and a turtle release.
On 23 August, the spotlight shifts to discussions on urban complexity and intelligence. Talks will be delivered by Prof. Pan Hui on reimagining urban intelligence, Prof. Yong Li on urban world studies, Prof. Marta Gonzales on accessibility, and Prof. Yang Yue on new approaches to urban data. With additional paper presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the second day emphasizes connecting theory with practical urban challenges.
The final day, 24 August, will delve into mobility, inequality, and urban data intelligence, featuring talks from Prof. Qi Ryan Wang and Prof. Ricardo Di Clemente on social disparities and urban movement patterns. The program also includes the Urban Cup Presentation, an award ceremony, and two tutorials focusing on large language models and the frontiers of urban science research. Concluding the workshop, participants will leave with new insights, collaborations, and strategies to advance the future of smart and sustainable cities.
