Leading the Charge in AI Innovation
September 5, 2024
Dear Stony Brook Community,
Rarely a day goes by without AI making headlines, propelled by advancements in generative
AI tools like ChatGPT in recent years. The applications for AI are numerous and growing
rapidly, with potential to affect all corners of our personal, learning and working
lives. At the same time, in recognition of these developments, the state and SUNY
are making significant investments with initiatives like Empire AI, SUNY STRIVE for
AI, and the SUNY IBM Alliance.
At Stony Brook, we are well-positioned to take a leadership role in these developments.
We are home to faculty and research centers and institutes that are renowned nationally
and internationally for their work in AI. As such, I am pleased to share updates on
efforts to enhance Stony Brook’s capabilities as a leader in AI research and application.
Launching a University-Wide AI Innovation Institute
Last spring, the Office of the Provost led a group of over 30 faculty, staff, and
administrators to consider how we can expand and leverage our strengths in AI research
and discovery. The resulting recommendation was to launch a university-wide AI Innovation
Institute (AI3), which would expand the Institute for AI-driven Discovery and Innovation
established in 2018 from a department-level institute within the College of Engineering
and Applied Science (CEAS) to the university-wide AI Innovation Institute reporting
to the provost.
As a university-wide enterprise, the AI Innovation Institute (AI3) is intended to
accelerate, coordinate and organize AI innovation and education across Stony Brook.
The institute will serve to empower the entire university community and beyond, catalyzing
core AI research, curriculum innovation, and societal change in the ever-evolving
landscape of knowledge work.
Interim Director Named, National Search Launched
As a first step toward establishing the AI Innovation Institute, we are launching
a national search to identify the inaugural director. The search will be co-chaired
by Steve Skiena (a distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Science and
director of the Institute for AI-driven Discovery and Innovation), and Robert Harrison
(professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics and Director of
the Institute for Advanced Computational Science; IACS). The broader search committee
membership draws from diverse departments and disciplines across our institution,
as well as a representative from Brookhaven National Laboratory. These experts bring
a wealth of knowledge and dedication to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive search
process for our visionary AI leader. The full search committee membership can be viewed
on the Provost’s Office website. National search firm Opus Partners will support the committee in this search.
While we conduct the search, Dr. Skiena has agreed to serve as the interim director
of the university-wide institute. As interim director, Dr. Skiena will focus on efforts
that will establish a basic framework for the institute’s operations so the inaugural
director will be able to begin immediately with implementing vision and strategy to
elevate the institute. Interim Director Skiena will begin hiring staff support for
the institute, as well as oversee internal funding to support projects developed by
teams of faculty/staff.
AI Seed Grant Opportunity
In line with our commitment to advancing AI, AI3 Interim Director Skiena will soon
announce an AI Seed Grant opportunity designed to support collaborative AI projects
across three tracks: Collaboratory Research in AI, Technical Support for Discipline-Centric
Research, and Seed Grants for AI Education and Service. The grant will provide funding
to facilitate innovative projects and further integrate AI into research and education.
Please stay tuned for the official announcement and detailed guidelines regarding
the seed grant application process.
AI Town Hall
We are also excited to announce and invite you to an AI Town Hall, led by AI3 Interim
Director Skiena. This open house will provide an overview of the major AI initiatives
on campus, including the new AI Seed Grant program and Stony Brook’s role in New York
State's Empire AI program. The session will include time for questions and discussion
about the future of AI at Stony Brook.
AI Town Hall
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
1 to 2 p.m.
New Computer Science, Room 120 or Zoom
Click here to add the event to your calendar
I look forward to your participation and engaging discussions as we work together
to shape the future of AI at Stony Brook.
Sincerely,
Carl
Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President