Intelligence science studies the essence and realization technology of intelligence, which is a frontier interdisciplinary subject created by brain science, cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Brain science studies the mechanism of natural intelligence from the molecular level, cell level and behavior level, establishes brain model, and reveals the essence of human brain. Cognitive science is the science that studies human perception, learning, memory, thinking, consciousness and other brain mental activity process. Artificial intelligence research uses artificial methods and technology to imitate, extend and expand human intelligence, and realize machine intelligence. Intelligence science should not only carry out functional simulation, but also study and explore new concepts, theories and methods of intelligence from the mechanism. Intelligence research should not only use reasoning, top-down, but also through learning, from the bottom to the top. Intelligence science studies the intelligent properties and behaviors of open systems by using the method of comprehensive integration.

Intelligence science is the quintessence of life science and the core of information science and technology. The forefront and commanding point of modern science and technology involve the deep mystery of natural science and touch on the basic proposition of philosophy. Therefore, once a breakthrough is made in intelligence science, it will have a profound and huge impact on the national economy, social progress and national security. At present, intelligence science is in the transformation period of methodology, the climax of theoretical innovation and the pioneering period of large-scale application, full of original opportunities.

The rise and development of intelligence science indicates that the research on human centered cognition and intelligent activities has entered a new stage. The research of intelligence science will make human self-understanding and self-control, and improve human's knowledge and intelligence to an unprecedented height. The phenomenon of life is complex, many problems have not been well explained, and the content that can be learned from it is also a large number of aspects. How to extract the most important and key problems and corresponding technologies from them is a long-term goal pursued by many scientists. In order to solve many difficulties faced by human beings in the 21st century, such as the great demand for energy, the pollution of environment, the exhaustion of resources and the expansion of population, it is not enough to rely on the existing scientific achievements alone. We must learn from biology and find a new way to develop science and technology. The research of intelligence science will establish the theoretical basis for the intelligent revolution, knowledge revolution and information revolution, and provide new concepts, new ideas and new ways for the development of intelligent systems.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, great attention has been paid to intelligence science and its related disciplines, such as brain science, neuroscience, cognitive science and artificial intelligence. On January 28, 2013, the European Union launched its flagship human brain project. On April 2, 2013, the United States launched the brain program. In September 2014, Japanese scientists announced the Brain/MINDS (Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies) program. On July 8, 2017, China State Council officially released the development plan for the new generation of artificial intelligence. On March 22, 2018, China established Beijing brain science and brain like research center. On August 7, 2018, Shanghai brain science and brain like research center was established. Countries all over the world are fighting for the commanding heights of high technology, trying to hold the leading position in the new round of international scientific and technological competition.