Established in September 2025, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science at Tsinghua University (abbreviated as "IIDS" or "THU IIDS") is a university-level virtual research institution affiliated with the Department of Statistics and Data Science. Aligned with China's national big data and artificial intelligence strategies, and precisely addressing major initiatives such as the Overall Layout Plan for Building Digital China, the Institute focuses on critical common scientific and engineering challenges in interdisciplinary data science research. It is committed to driving deep integration and innovative development of data science across multiple domains.

In foundational data science theory, the Institute concentrates on cutting-edge fundamental problems including high-dimensional complex data modeling, integration of big data with mechanistic model inference, and causal discovery in large-scale systems—aiming to produce internationally influential theoretical breakthroughs and enhance China's original innovation capacity in fundamental data science research.

In interdisciplinary research paradigm innovation, the Institute strategically prioritizes signature directions including "AI + Data Science," "Earth System Science + Data Science," "Health Science + Data Science," "Digital Humanities + Data Science," and "Smart Governance + Data Science." Through methodological innovation, it seeks to resolve major data analysis bottlenecks in macro-level decision-making, precision governance, and frontier exploration across these fields, establishing new high grounds for interdisciplinary research with distinctive Tsinghua characteristics.

In research infrastructure and tools, the Institute is dedicated to constructing a statistical and data science knowledge graph and developing AI agents for data analysis and statistical consulting—providing advanced public algorithmic platforms and intelligent methodological support for interdisciplinary research across the university and beyond, significantly enhancing research productivity.

Mission and Vision

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science at Tsinghua University will lead major national science and technology initiatives; publish landmark papers in top-tier journals; develop and open-source core algorithms and software tools with independent intellectual property rights; produce influential policy think-tank reports in environmental governance, smart healthcare, and cultural heritage protection that are adopted by national ministries; and provide indispensable data science methodological support for major research projects across multiple university disciplines through initiatives such as statistical consulting AI agents—demonstrating its core value and unique contribution as a university-level institution. Forging new quality productive forces for national strategic technology through frontier data science research!

General Administration:  Li  Nan

Phone: 62785027

Email: nli@tsinghua.edu.cn

Partner Units: Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Technology, Department of Automation, Department of Earth System Science, School of Humanities, School of Medicine