UH Faculty Converge on the Future of AI
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The Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute at the University of Houston recently hosted the "AI Faculty Symposium: Research and Teaming" on Friday, June 7. This event marked a significant step in UH's commitment to supporting high-quality, interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence.
The symposium featured presentations by faculty members on open challenges and funding opportunities in key sectors of AI research: healthcare, security, energy, manufacturing and robotics. These presentations were followed by breakout team activities, which fostered innovative brainstorming from attendees representing the social sciences, natural sciences and engineering disciplines.
In a move to encourage practical outcomes and partnerships from the symposium, seed funding was made available to support the most promising team proposals.
This symposium built on the success of the AI Industry Symposium and Career Mixer held earlier in the spring. While that event focused on connecting students with industry opportunities, the faculty symposium aimed to strengthen the university's internal research capabilities and collaborations.
“This was our first event gauging the interest of faculty in establishing AI research as a focus at UH” said HPE DSI director Claudia Neuhauser. “I’m encouraged to see so many faculty representing almost every college on campus taking part in this event.”
As artificial intelligence continues to shape various aspects of research and industry, events like the AI Faculty Symposium play a crucial role in positioning UH at the forefront of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.