Research

National Engineering Research Center for Multimedia Software (NERCMS) Approved in February 1996 and officially accredited with top marks by the Ministry of Science and Technology in October 1999, NERCMS is the first national-level research institution in the field of multimedia software technology. Established under Wuhan University, the center is committed to becoming a hub for foundational research, engineering R&D, technology commercialization, and talent cultivation in multimedia. It co-founded the AVS (Audio Video coding Standard) National Working Group, served as a core drafting unit for public security standards by the Ministry of Public Security, and provided key technical support for China’s first pilot reform unit in video forensics systems—the Wuhan Public Security Bureau Video Investigation Division.

Team Composition

The center employs 94 technical staff, including 88 researchers and 6 engineering specialists. Among them, 93% hold doctoral degrees and 85% hold senior technical titles. The team includes:

• 2 recipients of the National Outstanding Youth Science Foundation;

• 16 recipients of the National Excellent Youth Science Foundation (including overseas and international scholars);

• 3 talents selected for the China Association for Science and Technology Youth Talent Support Program;

• 3 awardees of the National Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program.

  This robust talent pool lays a solid foundation for the center’s future development.

Research Structure

The center operates:

• 4 core technology laboratories:

• Audio-Video Coding & Analysis Technology Lab

• Multimedia Intelligent Security Technology Lab

• Multimedia Healthcare Big Data Analytics Lab

• Multimedia Aerospace Big Data Analytics Lab

• 1 Applied Technology and Engineering Testing Laboratory;

• Administrative Office and Social Services Department.

  Additionally, it oversees the Hubei Software Testing Center—the only government-authorized software quality inspection agency in Hubei Province—and hosts the Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Multimedia Network Communication Engineering. The center is also recognized as a National Medical Device Regulatory Science Research Base by the National Medical Products Administration.

Research Achievements

In recent years, the center has:

• Led or participated in over 100 national projects, including the National Key R&D Program, 863 Program, 973 Program, and NSFC grants;

• Executed 400+ industry collaboration projects and multiple international initiatives;

• Won 4 provincial/ministerial first-class awards, 7 second-class awards, 10+ excellence awards, 3 special prizes for scientific progress, and contributed to 20+ provincial/ministerial awards.

Talent Cultivation

The center prioritizes student development, producing industry leaders and elite professionals. Notable alumni include:

• 2 recipients of the "Xiaomi Future Star" award;

• 1 "Huawei Genius Youth" scholar;

• Multiple Google Scholarship winners (top 0.1% globally).

  Students have earned 200+ awards in international and national competitions. Graduates achieve 100% employment and receive widespread acclaim.

Collaboration Network

The center has built a global industry-academia-research collaboration system based in Hubei. Key initiatives include:

• Joint labs with leading tech giants like Huawei, Xiaomi, and JD.com to enhance interdisciplinary strengths in mathematics, computer science, and cybersecurity;

• Partnerships with platforms such as the Kunshan Digital Innovation Center, the National Medical Products Administration AI Medical Device Regulatory Science Base, and the Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for integrated development.

Visits & Recognition

The center has hosted distinguished visitors, including:

• The Secretary of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC);

• Turing Award laureate Prof. John Edward Hopcroft;

• Academicians Huai Jinpeng, Wang Yaonan, and Han Demin, among others.