In this keynote speech delivered at the CEIBS 2025 Annual Forum in Shanghai, Michael Levitt—2013 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and member of the US National Academy of Sciences— explores how humanity can thrive in a world transformed by artificial intelligence.

Drawing on decades of pioneering work in computational biology, Levitt outlines four interconnected forms of intelligence that shape human development and our collective future:

• Biological Intelligence (BI) — why diversity, evolution, and randomness are nature’s strategy for survival
• Cultural Intelligence (CI) — how knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and youth creativity drive innovation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) — the rise of predictive models, machine learning, and the role of humans in guiding powerful technologies
• Personal Intelligence (PI) — the importance of physical well-being, sleep, mindfulness, and self-management in an age of constant digital acceleration

Levitt challenges viewers to approach AI as a tool for empowerment, embrace curiosity, support young talent, and uphold what he calls the Golden Rule of Science: nothing is true without evidence. His message underscores the need for resilience, creativity, and discernment as we enter what he calls the “Era of Great Intelligence.”

What this talk covers

• The four intelligences shaping modern life: Biological, Cultural, Artificial, Personal
• Why “survival of the most diverse” is more accurate than “survival of the fittest”
• The role of creativity in youth and its impact on scientific discovery
• How AI learns, why it surprises us, and what it still cannot do
• Why rest, physical health, and self-discipline fuel high performance
• How leaders, educators, and institutions can cultivate innovation
• A framework for navigating uncertainty in the AI age

Learn more about China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) here