Introduction to the National Engineering Research Center for  Educational Big Data

The National Engineering Research Center for Educational Big Data (hereinafter referred to as the Center) was established in 2017 with the approval of the National Development and Reform Commission, evolving from the former National Engineering Laboratory for Educational Big Data. As the only national-level research platform in China exclusively focused on educational big data, the Center is committed to pioneering research, technological innovation, and practical application in this emerging field. It plays a leading role in promoting data-driven educational transformation nationwide. In 2021, the Center was officially incorporated into the national system of engineering research centers and renamed accordingly, marking a significant step in contributing to China’s strategic advancement in science, technology, and education.

Aligned with China’s national strategy for the digital transformation of education, the Center conducts cutting-edge research in intelligent education to address the evolving needs of the education sector and related industries. Our work focuses on six main areas: setting standards for Educational Big Data; building systems to understand learning environments and track student progress; enabling better data integration and sharing; improving modeling and data analysis in education; supporting smart decision-making and management in education; and creating intelligent educational services using data visualization.

We run nine master’s and doctoral programs across subjects such as Pedagogy, Educational Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and AI in Education. Thousands of graduates have earned degrees in science, education, and engineering through these programs. Our distinctive talent development model integrates academic research with industry demands and classroom practice. This innovative approach earned us the Grand Prize of the National Teaching Achievement Award in 2018—the highest honor in Chinese education—for our pioneering work in Educational Big Data. It also contributed to Central China Normal University’s designation as a national First-Class Discipline in education. Over the past two years, the Center helped CCNU's Education and Education Research rank No.4 globally.

Our team is our greatest asset. Comprising over 300 researchers and engineers, we have cultivated a dynamic, multi-generational group that brings together experienced scientists, leading experts, and promising young talent. This diversity drives innovation and sustained progress. Among our team members are five recipients of prestigious national talent awards and fifteen who have been recognized at the provincial or ministerial level.

Our impact is evident in a strong record of achievement: we have led several major national science and technology projects, published over 800 high-impact research papers, secured more than 200 patents (including nine international ones), developed 18 national and international standards, and produced 100 academic books. In addition, we have received more than 20 provincial and ministerial-level awards for scientific and technological innovation. In 2021, the Center was honored as an “Outstanding Collective in National Professional Talent” at the Sixth National Commendation Conference—one of the most prestigious recognitions in China.

The Center is located in the South Lake Comprehensive Building on the South Lake Campus of Central China Normal University (CCNU). It has 24,000 square meters of space for research and engineering work and is equipped with more than 4,000 instruments and devices.We have created several environments for collecting educational data, including smart classrooms and the Wuhan Educational Big Data System. These support the development of advanced platforms, such as systems for managing data, providing AI-powered services, conducting research, and testing new educational products.Together, these platforms create a strong foundation for innovation and industry development in the education sector. The Center has also built a framework that supports smart education projects at both the national and regional levels, and has developed a world-class platform for innovation in Educational Big Data.