The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the creation of eleven new National Institutes for Artificial Intelligence Research. With this nearly $220 million initiative, NSF now has dedicated AI centers in 40 states across the United States. Seven research areas around AI will be covered by these new institutes, including cyber infrastructure and augmented learning.
Eleven new research institutes dedicated to artificial intelligence
These new institutes, as well as those already operational, focus on AI-based technologies and innovations around several applications: helping the elderly lead more independent lives, improving the quality of their care, transforming AI into a more accessible “plug-and-play” technology, creating solutions to improve agriculture and food supply chains, improving online learning by introducing AI as a foundational component, and supporting underrepresented students in science education from elementary to post-doctoral levels to improve equity and representation in AI research.
Speaking around the establishment of this initiative, National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said:
“I am delighted to announce the creation of new NSF National AI Research Institutes as we seek to expand into all 50 states. These institutes are hubs for academia, industry and government to accelerate discovery and innovation in AI. Inspiring talent and ideas everywhere in this important field will lead to new capabilities that improve our lives, from medicine and entertainment to transportation and cybersecurity, and position us at the forefront of competitiveness and prosperity.”
AI research institutes funded in part by Google, Amazon, Intel and Accenture
These national AI research institutes will be led by NSF, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Google, Amazon, Intel and Accenture. Each new structure will be awarded nearly $20 million over five years, for a total of $220 million. Seven areas of research will be emphasized:
- Human-IA interaction and collaboration
- AI for Optimization Advances
- AI and Advanced Cyber Infrastructure
- AI in Computer and Network Systems
- AI in dynamic systems
- AI-enhanced learning
- AI-driven innovation in agriculture and the food system
USDA-NIFA Director Carrie Castille spoke about the final research area around agribusiness innovation:
“In the tradition of USDA-NIFA investments, these new institutes leverage the scientific power of America’s land-grant universities through close partnership with farmers, growers, educators, and innovators to provide sustainable agricultural production solutions and address these pressing societal challenges. These innovation centers will accelerate our ability to meet the critical needs of the future agricultural workforce, providing equitable and fair market access, increasing nutritional security, and providing tools for climate smart agriculture.”
Currently, 40 states have an institute or research lab related to artificial intelligence. NSF’s goal is to have AI reach all 50 states in the country.
Translated from États-Unis : la National Science Foundation annonce la création de 11 instituts dédiés à la recherche en intelligence artificielle
