UGA's Institute for Artificial Intelligence Expands Under New Leadership
UGA appoints Prashant Doshi as head of its expanded Institute for Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing community and ethical education.
Key Points
- • Prashant Doshi appointed as inaugural director of UGA's Institute for AI.
- • UGA's faculty involved in AI research has surged from 35-40 to over 90.
- • The institute offers master's and PhD programs as well as certificates in AI.
- • Ethics and responsible AI use are key components of UGA's curriculum.
The University of Georgia (UGA) has taken significant strides in AI research and education, appointing Prashant Doshi as the inaugural executive director of its Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IAI). This transition underscores UGA’s commitment to enhancing its AI program, which began as a research initiative in 1984 and evolved into an institute format in 2008.
Under Doshi's leadership, the IAI aims to foster a robust AI community at UGA, significantly expanding the faculty involvement from approximately 35-40 to over 90 fellowship-structured researchers across various disciplines such as business, psychology, and marine sciences. "This growth reflects the increasing relevance of AI and its interdisciplinary nature," remarked Frederick Maier, associate director for academic programs, noting the rise of AI degree offerings in the past 10-15 years.
Currently, IAI offers various educational pathways, including master’s and PhD programs in AI and multiple certificates. Doshi is focused on further enhancing these offerings, including a Generative AI & Teaching Faculty Fellows program, and ensuring an ethical approach to AI through a curriculum that emphasizes responsible use and implications.
While stressing the need for critical engagement with AI technologies, Doshi stated, “AI should serve humanity,” highlighting the educators' role in ensuring AI's benefits are realized effectively. This new chapter for the IAI marks UGA’s bold commitment to leading in AI research and educational growth.