Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Neurocognitive Image Laboratory, marking a significant stride in bridging the gap between science and humanities in the era of artificial intelligence. The launch event, held in Shanghai on Tuesday, highlighted the laboratory’s mission to integrate liberal arts with scientific and engineering disciplines, addressing national strategic needs and fostering interdisciplinary research. The facility will delve into pivotal areas such as cognitive neuroscience, image perception, intelligence, and neuroaesthetics, employing advanced methodologies to explore behavior, cognition, and neuroscience across multiple dimensions. Leveraging the synergy between languages, images, and cognitive sciences, the lab aims to propel both fundamental and applied research in human factors engineering and AI. It will also cultivate a global collaboration network, connecting institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America, and establishing an open, shared research platform. Supported by various European organizations, the initiative is led by a consortium of Chinese and international scholars. SISU President Li Yansong emphasized the laboratory’s role in harnessing the university’s international network and humanities expertise to tackle pressing global challenges. ‘This endeavor embodies our commitment to interdisciplinary, international, and integrative research, reflecting the future trajectory of our institution,’ he stated.