Famous computer scientist and professor at Xiangtan University Liu Haolin, died at the age of 37 after a sudden illness. An obituary published online said Liu died in a hospital in Changsha on Saturday, with a memorial ceremony held the following day in his hometown of Ningxiang.
Liu’s research focused on edge intelligence, a technology enabling devices to process and analyse data in real time, reducing dependence on cloud computing.
His other areas of expertise included computing power networks, smart networks, privacy, and resource allocation, the latter playing a key role in AI training and execution. These fields are increasingly significant as AI becomes more deeply integrated into technology and society.
Over his career, Liu led seven research projects including some funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the country’s main provider of basic research funding.
Recognised as an “excellent” faculty member in last year’s performance review, he had also been selected for several provincial talent programmes.
As reported by South China Morning Post, peers described Liu as “an exceptionally excellent and hardworking individual.” One fellow academic said his death came “too suddenly,” adding that Liu was believed to have suffered from myocarditis, a heart condition. He reportedly became ill at home on Friday evening after finishing his classes and died in hospital the following morning.
Who was Liu Haolin?
Born in Ningxiang, Liu began his undergraduate studies at Sichuan University in Chengdu in 2006, remaining there until 2015 to complete his doctorate.
After graduation, he joined the School of Information Engineering which was later renamed the School of Computer Science at Xiangtan University, where he was promoted to professor within the last year.
A social media post by a woman identifying herself as Liu’s cousin said he had hoped to work in Changsha, the provincial capital, to ensure a better education for his two children.
“From a young age, my cousin was an exceptionally outstanding person, the pride and honour of our family,” she wrote, adding that the entire family was deeply saddened by his death.
