UGA Institute for Artificial Intelligence Scores Major Victory with Launch of $1M Seed Grant Program

ATHENS, GA - The University of Georgia's Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IAI) has secured a significant investment with the launch of its inaugural $1 million seed grant program, aiming to advance interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence. Funded by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, these grants target groundbreaking projects that can attract further external funding.

According to Khaled Rasheed, interim executive director of IAI, the institute's objective is not just to develop smarter machines but to harness technology to unlock human potential and tackle pressing societal challenges. "This seed grant program represents a vital investment in interdisciplinary collaboration," said Rasheed. "It empowers researchers to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and address the very real issues we face today."

Four university-wide research projects have been awarded seed grants as part of IAI's ambitious initiative. These include:

1. Assessing AI Cybersecurity Threats: Researchers from UGA's School of Public and International Affairs, Terry College of Business, and School of Computing will explore preparedness and vulnerabilities in Georgia county governments.
2. Multimodality Large Language Models for Telemedicine: A multidisciplinary team led by Tianming Liu from the School of Computing will develop innovative AI tools to improve telemedicine services.
3. Fostering Science Learning through Biofeedback: Anna Abraham and Xiaoming Zhai from Mary Frances Early College of Education, along with other researchers, will investigate how AI can enhance science learning through biofeedback techniques.
4. Advances in Multimodal and Explainable ML Methods: A group of researchers led by Fei Dou from the School of Computing will analyze predictive capabilities for post-translational modifications.

UGA's Institute for Artificial Intelligence has been a driving force in research and scholarship for AI and data science, with roots dating back to 1984 - the same year Apple introduced the Macintosh computer. The institute's new dual reporting structure, taking effect July 1, 2024, further solidifies its commitment to innovation.

"We're on the cusp of something remarkable," said S. Jack Hu, university senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, reflecting on 40 years of IAI's trailblazing efforts in AI research.

These strategic investments highlight UGA's ambition to expand AI-driven research collaborations across campus, fostering applications in teaching, research, and service that can amplify the institute's legacy. "We're poised to innovate, creating new partnerships and driving breakthroughs," said Anna Stenport, dean of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.