A $2 million investment by the Office of the Provost, with support from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, is creating AI@AU, an artificial intelligence initiative at Auburn University.
The multi-pronged project will assemble a faculty team, build computing infrastructure and develop specific research and educational programs, serving as the focal point for Auburn’s participation in AI efforts on campus, statewide and beyond.
“This initiative puts Auburn in a leadership position in the field of artificial intelligence, and that leadership can benefit the university and the state in multiple ways,” said Hari Narayanan, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering chair and administrative lead for the initiative. “It positions Auburn to compete successfully for all sorts of research opportunities, funding, and collaborations with industry. This will also allow us to hire more faculty with experience and expertise in AI.”
Auburn is part of a newly created Southeastern Conference consortium on AI, designed to advance the discipline’s role within teaching and research. The consortium will hold its first mini conference Friday, April 8, from noon to 3 CDT, hosted by the University of Florida.