A strategic move in the 6G arena: The research journey of PhD student CHEN Zirui

At Zhejiang University's College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, doctoral student CHEN Zirui is navigating an incredibly complex "chessboard", the deep integration of 6G communications and Artificial Intelligence (AI). From his childhood passion for Chinese chess to his current work in cutting-edge 6G+AI laboratories, CHEN Zirui has translated the deduction, composure, and strategy of the game into research tools for solving challenges in integrated sensing and communication.

CHEN Zirui's research style is deeply influenced by chess. To him, information engineering is not just a combination of hardware and software, but a rigorous system akin to a chess match. Although he once felt uncertain about his research direction during his undergraduate years, the mentorship system in the Honors College guided him toward a clear academic path. He eventually focused on 6G+AI, a core direction for the world's next generation of communications, and has continued his in-depth exploration throughout his graduate studies.

During his doctoral period, CHEN Zirui achieved significant academic milestones. He was awarded a project under the National Natural Science Foundation of China for doctoral students and was selected for the Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by the China Association for Science and Technology. As the first author, he has published nine high-level papers with a cumulative journal impact factor of 69.7. His research has also led to 10 invention patents and technical standardization proposals, providing systematic "Chinese solutions" for channel feedback and high-precision positioning in 6G networks.

CHEN Zirui compares overcoming technical bottlenecks to "untying a ball of yarn", clarifying every tiny thread through frequent, in-depth discussions with his supervisor and team. During a deadlock regarding mainstream methods for integrated communications, he had a flash of inspiration: proposing a new approach where neural networks autonomously learn to integrate data. This breakthrough was no accident, but the result of countless "chess-like" deductions and long-term accumulation. He believes that research has no standard answer; the emphasis lies in long-term persistence, identifying problems independently, and continuous trial and error. Major breakthroughs may seem sudden, but they rely on extensive foundational work and a steady rhythm.

Looking to the future, CHEN Zirui remains steadfast in his goals. Whether in academia or industry, he intends to continue exploring high-value communication issues. He firmly believes that every leap in communication systems is inseparable from the steady accumulation of researchers' efforts. In the global game of 6G development, he will continue to move forward steadily, ensuring every step on the "chessboard" carries weight and value.
Adapted and translated from the article written by JU Xincheng & WANG Yuxuan
Translator: WU Jingying ('27,Communication)
Photo: the interviewees
Editor: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering), HAN Xiao