Professor Zhijie Xu is the Head of the Department of Computing at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and a distinguished scholar of Visual Computing with more than 30 years of experience spanning curriculum development, research publications, PhD supervision, and academic leadership. He holds prestigious honours including the National-level Talent Scheme (2025), SIP Leading Talents in Science and Education (2024), Sichuan Province “Thousand Talents Plan” (2018), and the Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (2017). A former Chair of the Chinese Automation and Computing Society in the UK (CACSUK), he has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, secured 11 international patents, and edited 6 books. He brings extensive leadership experience as former Director of the Centre for Visual and Immersive Computing (CVIC) and Director of Graduate Education at the University of Huddersfield, REF impact case leader, and Chartered Manager (CMgr Level-7). His research interests span computer vision, computational geometry, real-time graphics, virtual and augmented reality, vSLAM, interactive visualisation and game development, NLP, AIoT, and computational architecture and networks.

Visual Computing - Bridging Art, Technology, and the Future Visual computing stands at the crossroads of an expansive and interdisciplinary domain, engaging with the intricate processing, analysis, and manipulation of visual information through the pipelines of computing. This field is a testament to the rich history of human endeavor, weaving together our historical fascination with shapes and colors, and the cutting-edge science and technology focused on analyzing and utilizing light as a form of energy. Professor Xu patiently illustrates the dynamic interplay between the realms of visual art and the scientific and technological advancements that underpin our modern understanding of the world around us. With the recent surge in AI developments, we have witnessed remarkable progress in Natural Language Processing applications driven by Large Language Models, alongside significant strides in Large Visual Models and Artificial General Intelligence research. These advancements are revolutionizing the way we create, modify, and interpret visual content, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable beyond the limits of human vision. Visual computing finds its relevance in a myriad of sectors—ranging from entertainment and healthcare to automotive and education—highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping our interactions and interpretations of the world through technology. Spanning across engineering, computer science, human biology, and cognitive psychology, visual computing fuses diverse disciplines. This talk is designed for anyone with a curiosity about how we consume, generate, and interact with visual content. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic novice in the field, you’re invited to explore the fascinating world of visual computing with Professor Xu.