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Artificial intelligence
TechTech Trends

Chinese-origin researchers stand out in Apple’s 2024 AI scholarship programme, shining a light on mainland’s brain drain

  • This year’s Apple Scholars in AIML PhD fellowship shows that 11 of the 21 researchers admitted to the programme were of Chinese origin
  • While China has expanded its AI talent pool to meet growing domestic demand, the US remains the top destination for elite AI researchers to work

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The rising number of top-tier Chinese artificial intelligence researchers working in American institutions reflects the mainland’s continuing struggle with brain drain, compared with a brain gain for the US. Illustration: Shutterstock
Ben Jiangin Beijing
Researchers of Chinese origin comprised more than half of this year’s recipients of Apple’s annual fellowship programme on artificial intelligence (AI), shining a light on a brain drain that threatens the nation’s ambition to become a global powerhouse in that critical technology.
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The 2024 Apple Scholars in AIML PhD fellowship – focused on machine learning, a branch of AI concerned with developing algorithms and statistical models for computer systems – shows that 11 of the 21 admitted to the programme were of Chinese origin, based on their names and academic background that include bachelor’s level studies on the mainland, according to a list published on Tuesday by Apple on its website.

At least seven of the 11 fellowship recipients completed their undergraduate studies on the mainland and pursued further studies overseas, primarily in the United States.

Each scholar will receive funding under the programme, as they pursue their PhD, internship opportunities and mentorship with an Apple researcher in their chosen field.

The Apple Scholars in AIML PhD fellowship is focused on machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence concerned with developing algorithms and statistical models for computer systems to effectively perform specific tasks without using explicit instructions. Photo: Shutterstock
The Apple Scholars in AIML PhD fellowship is focused on machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence concerned with developing algorithms and statistical models for computer systems to effectively perform specific tasks without using explicit instructions. Photo: Shutterstock

“We are committed to supporting the academic research community by amplifying emerging leaders in their field and their cutting-edge machine learning research,” Apple said in its announcement of this year’s fellowship recipients.

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Apple Scholars in AIML are selected based on their innovative research, record as thought leaders and collaborators, and commitment to advancing their respective fields, according to the US tech giant.

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