The two-day session of Shanghai Jiao Tong University “Future Information Technology International Forum for Young Scholars (2nd SIFYS-2017)” was held from 13th-14th, April. Keynote speakers include Prof. John Hopcroft, honorary professor of SJTU, academician of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, and Turing Award winner; and Prof. Anders Lindquist, chair professor of SJTU, academician of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering, foreign academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Outstanding young scholars from all over the world in the field of information technology gathered around to exchange their thoughts on topics such as “future information technology”, “development of international teachers and personnel” and so on. Hotspot issues, opportunities and challenges of information technology as a discipline under current situation have also been discussed.

Professor Mao Junfa, Dean of School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering (SEIEE), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, gave a presentation on the current development in the field and also welcomed the scholars who have come to the forum at home and abroad. Vice dean Prof. Wang Xinbing spoke from the view of faculty and personnel training to fully demonstrate the achievements of SEIEE has made in recent years. He noted that among all the similar schools in domestic colleges and universities, SEIEE of SJTU is one of the largest in its scale and number of majors. SEIEE features favorable scientific research environment and strong atmosphere of innovation so that young scholars could devote themselves to studies. More importantly, with rich scientific research resources of SJTU and SEIEE, scholars could carry out international and interdisciplinary research to bring their capabilities into full play.

Prof. John Hopcroft and Prof. Anders Lindquist both delivered keynote speeches. Prof. Hopcroft introduced the core philosophy of the “Shanghai Jiao Tong University John Hopcroft” Computer Science Center that named after him. He also explained several interesting and important computer science research he conducted at SJTU, including hidden community mining, deep learning, large scale graph algorithm and zero-knowledge proof. Professor Lindquist talked about the connection between the simulation language and modern mathematics in a witty manner, and explored how to apply this relationship to engineering applications.

During the panel discussion, two foreign professors and two young teachers of SEIEE, Dr. Li Jinjin and Dr. Song Jie, discussed about the development of young scholars in China. Song Jie especially mentioned that young scholars must be brave enough to try after which they will understand how broad the horizons will be.

In the afternoon, sessions that cover 10 fields including computer, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, automation, microelectronics, instrument science and technology, etc. were held in different venues in SEIEE.

On the 14th, Wang Yanfeng, vice dean of SEIEE showed young scholars around neoBay, the cluster zone of global innovation and entrepreneurship adjacent to the Minhang campus of SJTU. NeoBay is a training platform for innovation and entrepreneurship jointly established by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, People's Government of Shanghai Minhang District and Shanghai Land (Group) Co., Ltd.

Scholars also visited the faculty apartment and the Center for Advanced Sensing Technology of SJTU. The interior of the faculty apartment is well equipped and functional, providing a comfortable living environment for young teachers. Besides cozy living conditions, SJTU also provides scholars with world's leading scientific research laboratories. The Center for Advanced Sensing Technology of SJTU is the leading domestic and world renowned base for the basic research of radar detection and microwave remote sensing, technology R&D and personnel training. The Center is equipped with cutting-edge experimental conditions in the field, and has a favorable research environment and academic atmosphere.

Building on the success of the previous Forum for Young Scholars, this forum provides a platform for outstanding young scholars around the world to have face-to-face and in-depth communication. The forum plays an active role in promoting future international academic exchanges and advanced scientific research for SJTU.