Recently, the results of the 2023 “Tell HUST’s Stories” Creative Communication Contest were announced. The videoHelping Heartbroken Parents with AI, submitted by the School of Software Engineering, won the grand prize, and the school was honored as an “Outstanding Organization.”
List of Award-Winning Video Entries
The video is adapted from real-life experiences related to the AI Finding Missing Children public welfare project led by Sheng Jianzhong, a doctoral student atSSE. In the story, Sheng’s team encounters a parent who has been searching for their missing child for years. To enhance the efficiency of the search, the team uses AI technology to restore old photographs. Under the care and mentorship of the school’s faculty, the team embarks on an innovative journey that combines public welfare and software technology to create social value. The story reflects the mission and vision of SSE’s faculty and students to use technology to serve society, address governance challenges, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
In March 2020, Sheng Jianzhong initiated the AI Finding Missing Children Volunteer Service Team, which pioneered the use of image restoration technology in family reunification efforts. The team developed the “AI Finding Missing Children: High-Resolution Image System for Family Reunification,” effectively solving the core issue of unclear facial features in missing persons’ photographs. To date, the team has restored photos for over 1,000 missing children, enabling the successful reunion of 16 children with their families.
Team Members Visit Sun Haiyang Again
Beyond using technology for family reunification, the team’s dedication and actions have garnered widespread social acclaim. They have won numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 8th China International College Students“Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, a silver medal in the Social Enterprise category of the 9th China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Competition, and a gold medal at the 6th China Youth Volunteer Service Public Welfare Entrepreneurship Competition—achieving a breakthrough for HUST in public welfare entrepreneurship competitions. The team has also been recognized as a model site for Lei Feng activities in Hubei Province. Their story has been widely covered by over 200 media outlets, including CCTV andPeople’s Daily, becoming a shining example of positive energy and youth responsibility.
SSE’s Students WonGold Medalat the 6th China Youth Volunteer Service Public Welfare Entrepreneurship Competition
Team’s Achievements Garner Media Attention
The School of Software Engineering places a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, striving to nurture well-rounded software talents for the new era. By integrating the cultivation of creativity with fostering a sense of social responsibility, the school encourages faculty and students to not only hone their professional skills but also apply software and AI technologies to empower societal development.
The “Tell HUST’s Stories” Creative Communication Contest, initiated in 2018, has become an annual cultural highlight of the university. This year’s contest recognized 53 award-winning works in the video category (including three grand prizes), 49 in the graphic and text category, and nine in the audio category. These works showcase the achievements of HUST faculty, students, and alumni and reflect the university’s cultural depth and spirit, contributing to the broader mission of “telling China’s stories.”
