Faculty members from the University of Georgia recently came together to discuss the far-reaching influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on higher education and society. The symposium, organized by the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and supported by various departments at the university, aimed to connect AI and data science faculty, share research insights, and explore the future of these fields.
One of the symposium’s highlights was the showcase of the university’s significant investments in AI and data science. Through a presidential interdisciplinary faculty hiring initiative, UGA plans to recruit 70 faculty members with expertise in applying data science and AI to pressing societal challenges. These faculty members will be situated across various departments, focusing on cross-cutting areas that include infectious diseases, precision agriculture, ethics, cybersecurity, and sustainable communities.
Jeanette Taylor, the vice provost for academic affairs at UGA, emphasized how the university’s diverse range of disciplines positions them uniquely in advancing AI and data science scholarship. The integration of perspectives from various fields allows not only for the exploration of potential AI applications but also for the examination of ethical and social implications.
A keynote address by Ian Bogost, a distinguished professor at Washington University, shed light on the importance of imagination in the context of generative AI. Rather than simply viewing AI as a tool for process optimization, Bogost encouraged attendees to leverage it to extend their imaginations and broaden their creative horizons.
The symposium also featured lightning rounds of talks, allowing faculty members to share their research involving AI and data science in diverse areas such as crop modeling, infectious disease forecasting, advanced manufacturing, and societal integration of AI.
To continue the momentum generated by the symposium, UGA’s Office of Research will host an AI Team Acceleration Event. This event will provide an opportunity for research teams funded by Presidential Interdisciplinary Seed Grants to present their work and explore possible collaborations. The Office of Research will utilize AI to identify affinity groups based on faculty input, facilitating interdisciplinary research discussions and collaborations.
The University of Georgia’s commitment to leveraging the potential of AI and data science reflects a broader trend across academia. As AI continues to advance and influence various industries and aspects of society, it is essential for institutions to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and explore the ethical implications of this rapidly evolving technology.