The Fifth National Forum of Sociology Deans was held at Wuhan University (WHU) from Sept 13 to 14. Hosted by the School of Sociology at WHU, the forum centered on the theme "Sociology Discipline Development and Student Training in the Age of AI".
The event gathered deans, department heads, and academic leaders from 39 universities and research institutions, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, and Nankai University. Representatives of WHU also participated, engaging in in-depth discussions on key issues related to the development of the sociology discipline.
Amid the rapid advancement of AI technology, the forum addressed both the opportunities and challenges facing sociology. Participants explored topics such as the integration of AI technology with social research practices, innovative training models for young sociologists in the context of new liberal arts, and the digital transformation of sociological research methods. These discussions aimed to provide practical strategies for the high-quality development of the discipline.
During the keynote sessions, leaders in the field of sociology from various universities shared insights on critical topics, including "Sociological Education in the Age of AI", "The Role of Social Practice Courses in Undergraduate Education", and "Theoretical Training and Academic Innovation in Graduate Education".
As an influential annual academic platform in China, the National Forum of Sociology Deans remains committed to fostering academic consensus and driving innovation within the discipline.