The University of Maryland announced Tuesday the launch of a new institute dedicated to developing the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) education, technology and leadership.
The Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Institute of Maryland (AIM) will be a collaborative hub for AI, supporting academic research, providing innovative and experiential learning opportunities, and focusing on responsible and ethical AI technology for advancing the public good in industry, government and society.
“The creation of the Interdisciplinary AI Institute at Maryland is a pioneering step in AI research and education,” said Darryll J. Pines, president of the University of Maryland. “Artificial intelligence continues to grow exponentially, creating opportunities to solve the great challenges of our time. With this institute, our experts will work together to globally lead the responsible development of AI that drives economic growth and promotes human well-being. We are not just adapting to the AI era, but shaping its future.
The University of Maryland and the State of Maryland have long maintained a strong commitment to the responsible advancement of AI technology. The new institute builds on the university’s existing AI expertise, research and centers, including the Center for Machine Learning, the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS), funded by the National Science Foundation, the Value-Centered AI Initiative and Social Data. Science center. Centers like these will play an instrumental role in AIM, as will the campus faculty members who teach and study AI.
“From the beginning, interdisciplinary collaboration across all areas will drive the success of our AI Institute,” said Jennifer King Rice, senior vice president and director of UMD. “We are fortunate to have AI leaders in fields ranging from computer science and engineering to journalism, education, social sciences, business and the arts – unique expertise that the Maryland brings. By joining forces under one institute, we will become not only a magnet for ethical AI development and research, but also a global leader in preparing students and the workforce to an AI-infused world.
Through AIM, UMD students of all majors will learn the principles of AI and how they apply to their fields of study, preparing them for a technology-rich workforce. The institute will coordinate:
- Major and minor news in AI
- AI certificates, graduate degrees, and workforce development programs
- Expanded undergraduate courses in AI, including an AI4ALL course focused on developing AI knowledge and critical thinking skills
- Government and Industry AI Partnerships and Community Events
- A new high-performance computing cluster suited to complex AI computing challenges
- Financial support to promote interdisciplinary research in AI
- Chairs and postdoctoral fellowships
In addition to the more than 100 existing faculty who study and teach AI, the university plans to hire additional faculty in fundamental and interdisciplinary AI, as well as staff to work within the institute. Hal Daumé III, Volpi-Cupal Family Endowed Professor in the Department of Computer Science, will be the first director of AIM. The university also named Neda Atanasoski as associate director of education and Sheena Erete as associate director of research.
“AI-based systems have the potential to enhance human capabilities and creativity, mitigate complex societal challenges, and foster innovation. Achieving this requires a joint effort between those pushing the boundaries of new AI technologies, those innovating AI applications, and those studying human values and how individuals and society interact with AI,” Daume said. “The University of Maryland brings together experts, researchers and students from across campus to lead the responsible development and implementation of this world-changing technology.”
The AIM vision emerged from the efforts of a multidisciplinary working group and was refined through a collaborative process with the deans of the 12 colleges and schools. It aligns with Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s recent executive order catalyze responsible and productive use of artificial intelligence by state agencies, and Executive Order from President Joe Biden on safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence. He also supports the work of the Pines AI Commission, which is examining how AI can be operationally leveraged in teaching, learning, student recruitment, enrollment and more.
The institute will be funded by the university, research grants, philanthropic donations and industry partnerships.
