The University of South Florida (USF) is set to establish a new college dedicated to expanding the AI and cybersecurity workforce in Tampa Bay. With a vision to position the region as a leading hub for technology and defense, USF aims to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in these booming industries.
Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Director of the USF Health Voice Center, emphasized the immediate need for AI experts both in research and industry. She stated, “There is a huge demand right now for everything related to AI.” Dr. Bensoussan’s center employs AI technology to analyze voices for diagnostic purposes, highlighting the increasing integration of technology in the medical field.
According to non-profit organization ISC2, approximately 44% of organizations face difficulties finding individuals with the necessary cybersecurity skills. ISC2 estimates that the global security workforce reached around 5.5 million in 2023, but to meet demand, the industry needs to double its qualified workforce. As of last year, around four million cybersecurity professionals were required worldwide.
In response to the talent shortage, USF has decided to launch a pioneering college that focuses on narrowing this gap. The university already boasts over 200 faculty members working in AI and cybersecurity-related fields, making it an ideal foundation for the new college’s creation.
Provost Prasant Mohapatra, USF’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming college and its potential to address industry needs. He stated, “We realize there’s enough intellectual capital and expertise on our campuses in these areas, and this will create an umbrella to bring them all together to work for the common goal of addressing those needs.” The university intends to begin with an initial enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, anticipating substantial growth in the coming years.
The establishment of this new college distinguishes USF as a trailblazer in Florida and one of the primary AI and cybersecurity hubs nationwide. With the official launch scheduled for the fall of 2025, interested individuals can find more information on the college here.
FAQ
1. Why is there a shortage of qualified professionals in AI and cybersecurity?
The demand for expertise in AI and cybersecurity has rapidly expanded, but there is a lack of qualified individuals to fill the positions.
2. How many cybersecurity professionals are needed globally?
According to ISC2, around four million cybersecurity professionals were needed worldwide as of last year. To meet demand, the industry needs to double its current workforce.
3. How is the University of South Florida addressing this talent shortage?
USF is launching a new college focused on AI and cybersecurity to bridge the gap. With over 200 faculty members already working in these fields, the university aims to become a leading hub for technology and defense.
4. When will the new college be launched?
The new college is planned to launch in the fall of 2025.
The establishment of the new college at the University of South Florida (USF) reflects the growing demand for qualified professionals in the AI and cybersecurity industries. The integration of technology into various fields, including healthcare, has contributed to the need for AI experts. Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Director of the USF Health Voice Center, recognizes the urgent demand for AI professionals in both research and industry. The use of AI technology in her center to analyze voices for diagnostic purposes showcases the expanding role of technology in the medical field.
In the cybersecurity industry, organizations are facing difficulties in finding individuals with the necessary skills. According to ISC2, around 44% of organizations encounter challenges in recruiting cybersecurity professionals. In 2023, the global security workforce was estimated to be around 5.5 million, but the industry needs to double its qualified workforce to meet demand. This means that approximately four million cybersecurity professionals were needed worldwide as of last year.
To address this talent shortage, USF has taken the initiative to establish a pioneering college focused on AI and cybersecurity. The university already has a strong foundation, with over 200 faculty members working in related fields. Provost Prasant Mohapatra, USF’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, acknowledges the intellectual capital and expertise available within the university and highlights the college’s potential to address industry needs. The initial enrollment for the college is projected to be around 5,000 students, with expectations of substantial growth in the future.
With the introduction of this new college, USF aims to position Tampa Bay as a leading hub for technology and defense, distinguishing itself as a trailblazer in Florida and one of the primary AI and cybersecurity hubs nationwide. The official launch of the college is scheduled for the fall of 2025. For more information, interested individuals can visit the USF website.
Related Links:
– University of South Florida
– ISC2 (non-profit organization)
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es