Universal Value of Science and Technology

Imagine teaching a computer to see the world as we do — recognizing faces and interpreting landscapes. For Sergey V. Ablameyko, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and a visiting professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xi'an, China, this isn't science fiction, it's been his life's work for over 45 years. He has witnessed computer vision evolve from analyzing simple binary images to building multi-modal AI systems that integrate text, voice, images and video.

Career start

Ablameyko's career began in an era when computers were starting to "see." He recalled that in the 1970s, his supervisor suggested analyzing images, which involved working with binary images — simple black-and-white patterns. Although rudimentary, this work marked the beginning of everything in computer vision.

Fast forward to today, and computer vision has become central to AI development. Ablameyko explained that the goal now is not just to teach machines to see and recognize, as humans do, but to go further by integrating images and video into large language models. "We're teaching machines to see and recognize like humans," he said. "But now, we're going further. Large language models are impressive, but they're limited to text and voice. The next frontier is adding images and video to create truly multimodal AI systems." This shift, he believes, is transformative, as it aims to make machines more human-like in their understanding of the world.

Collaboration with China

Ablameyko's work in computer vision has advanced the field and fostered international collaboration, especially in China. His first trip to China was in January 2005, and since then, he has visited the country many times.

This collaboration has been incredibly fruitful. His teams have worked with Chinese universities and companies on projects ranging from geographic information systems to AI algorithms. Together, they have published hundreds of papers and developed practical solutions in medicine, agriculture, and security. One of his most significant partnerships has been with NPU. "When I became President of Belarusian State University in 2008, we deepened our ties with NPU," he said. "It's been a rewarding relationship, both scientifically and personally."

Ablameyko values his role as a scientist and a mentor to younger researchers. For aspiring scientists, his advice is simple: love what you do. "Honours and titles will come, but they're not the goal," he said. "The goal is to solve problems, to innovate, and to make a difference." He also praised the younger generation of scientists in China, noting their hard work, passion, and impressive achievements. "They're passionate, driven, and achieving incredible results. The future of science is in good hands."

He expressed a deep appreciation for China's culture, people, and scientific spirit, noting the strong family ties that resonate with his own Belarusian values. "I like China very much in general," he said. "Its culture, its people, and its scientific spirit are impressive. In China, family ties are solid, just like in Belarus. It's something I admire and connect with."

The bigger picture

Acknowledging China's advancements in AI, he emphasized that China's progress is an opportunity rather than a threat. "Chinese scientists are open and collaborative," he said. "They share their research and help other countries develop their capabilities. This is how science should work."

While competition in the AI field is evident, Ablameyko believes collaboration is essential. "Technically, we're competitors for excellence. But legally and ethically, we must work together," he said. "AI is too powerful to be left unregulated." He stressed the need for international rules under the United Nations to ensure AI benefits humanity and is not misused by one country against another.

According to Ablameyko, the world needs global standards to ensure it benefits humanity. He reflected on the universal nature of science, emphasizing its role in bridging divides and improving lives. "Science and technology are universal," he said, adding that, "It is about solving problems and improving lives. That's why collaboration is so important."

Source: Science and Technology Daily