AI Ignite

Using artificial intelligence to fuel a creative community

The AI Ignite flagship harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to transform scientific discovery. Through its many initiatives, this flagship fosters collaboration and mentorship, and equips researchers and students with cutting-edge AI tools to tackle today’s most complex challenges.

Driving AI-based research

  • A transformational gift from Harvey and Ellen Knell in 2024 established the Knell Family Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
  • This Institute includes the Center for Core AI Research, the AI Hub for Scientific Discovery, and the AI Ignite Challenge Grants.

AI Hub updates

  • Opening of physical space and continued building of collaborative community to integrate AI into all areas of research on campus.
  • One of the first AI Fellows now serves as the AI Hub Manager and oversees the graduate internship program.

Fellowship and internship programs

  • Inaugural cohort of AI Fellows: 8 engineers, programmers, and R&D professionals with deep AI expertise, embedded in labs across many areas of research (including chemistry, neuroscience, immunology, molecular cell biology, and environmental science).
  • Launch of AI Hub internship program for junior graduate students to receive personalized tutoring from senior PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows with expertise in AI and data science.