SustainAI Group at the AI and Chemical Engineering Forum, GCCES 2026
Dr. Tianlong Liu, representing the Sustain AI Group, was invited to the AI and Chemical Engineering Forum at GCCES 2026, hosted at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, where he presented the SustainAI Group’s recent research on embedding physical structure into machine learning for industrial hydroprocessing.
The presentation highlighted the group’s work on physics-informed and process-informed machine learning, exploring how process topology, conservation laws, industrial data, and operational constraints can be integrated into AI models to support more reliable process modeling, optimization, and engineering decision-making.
Dr. Liu also joined a panel discussion with researchers and industry experts on the evolving role of AI in chemical engineering, including how AI is reshaping engineering workflows, which tasks may be increasingly automated, and what capabilities will remain essential for future engineers.
A key message from the discussion was that AI should not replace chemical engineering knowledge, but rather help encode, extend, and apply that knowledge more effectively. Strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, physical understanding, and engineering judgment will remain essential as AI becomes increasingly integrated into engineering practice.
We thank the organizers and participants for the invitation and the stimulating discussions—and for the excellent refreshments that helped fuel both the conversations and the ideas!
