New York State invests in future of responsible AI with establishment of interdisciplinary centers at SUNY campuses focusing on community impact and societal applications

New York – In a significant move towards advancing artificial intelligence (AI) within the academic realm, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a $5 million initiative that will see the establishment of various AI departments and centers across eight SUNY campuses. This initiative is designed to integrate AI with societal applications, ensuring that the next generation of students is not only prepared to use AI but to shape its influence on society positively.

The funding is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that will drive inclusive AI research and address ethical and responsible data use. The move aligns with New York State’s broader goals of becoming a leader in AI development that prioritizes public benefit.

Among the institutions benefiting from this initiative are the University at Albany and Binghamton University, which will respectively launch a new AI & Society College & Research Center and create the Institute for AI and Society. The University at Buffalo is set to establish a Department of AI and Society, reflecting a statewide commitment to integrating AI education deeply within university curriculums.

Other projects include the Global Center for AI, Society, and Mental Health at SUNY Downstate and the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Society, and the Environment (AISE) at SUNY ESF, each with a unique focus on how AI can intersect with various societal challenges. SUNY Poly and Upstate Medical are also participating, with initiatives aimed at blending AI with community health needs and environmental issues.

“The progression of AI research in New York State is going to inspire other states to follow our path,” Governor Hochul said. “Investing in AI within the SUNY system is an investment in our students to expand their knowledge about what the future will bring. We are not just preparing students for AI – we’re shaping how AI serves society, ensuring it strengthens communities and our economy.”

The funding will also enhance the Empire AI computing center, an ambitious project that brings together researchers from across the SUNY system and beyond to pioneer new AI solutions. Early projects at the Empire AI center include Binghamton University’s research on detecting antisemitism on social media and the University at Buffalo’s comprehensive approach to disease treatment through AI.

Furthermore, Stony Brook University is making strides in medical technology by developing an AI-driven platform for vaccine antigen design, showcasing the potential of AI in accelerating medical advancements.

This initiative not only highlights SUNY’s role in New York’s educational and research landscape but also sets a precedent for how higher education can lead in the responsible development of technology that serves the public good. The SUNY system, known for its vast reach and impact in New York, is once again at the forefront of major educational innovations, preparing a workforce that is as technologically adept as it is conscientious about the societal roles they will play.