New Artificial Intelligence Center opens at University of Alabama

The University of Alabama wants to be at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence (AI) research. That’s why the Board of Trustees recently approved the new Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

Keep reading for details on the research center and collaboration efforts with other research centers on campus.

Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence

Dubbed the ALA-AI Center by University officials, the Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence is housed in the College of Engineering. It was made possible, partially, by a $2M donation in honor of the former chair of the computer science department, Dr. Marvin A. Griffin.

University officials decided on five pillars of research to pour resources into:

• Improving how AI learns from machines and humans
• Utilizing AI to better society
• Ethics of using AI
• Empowering the workforce to understand and utilize AI
• Multi-disciplinary research on AI

A collaborative effort

Since AI is worming its way into every facet of life (have you tried Googling anything lately? AI answers galore!), the University of Alabama wants its students to be on the cutting edge of AI integration, instead of playing catch-up.

That’s why ALA-AI is making its mark on every college within the University—the Culverhouse School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education—just to name a few.

 “Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative initiatives, we aim to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in AI, shaping a brighter future for Alabama and beyond through its responsible development and application.”

Dr. Jiaqi Gong, Inagural Director of ALA-AI

What do you want to know about AI? Let us know on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.